We are planning a 3-week trip in September. The first week we will spend in Florence, but then we would like to get a car and spend some time in the countryside. I would appreciate any recommendations of agritourismos, b&b's, etc. that you have enjoyed. I would especially like places that offer dining on site or very near by, since we like to eat and drink and don't want to do too much driving after dark.

Also, what are your favorite Tuscan towns to visit. History and dining are our priorities.

Any help you can give us as we start planning will be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Hi! How many people are you travelling with?

Gloria's question and also, would you be open to staying in an apartment in a town, so you could walk to restaurants for dinner? Also you might want to check out some of these previous discussions, Where to Base in Tuscany

There will be three of us.

Thanks, and yes we would be willing to stay in town in an apartment.

Well, my first suggestion would be to take a look at our vacation rental reviews, specifically for Tuscany South. If you page down toward the bottom of that list, you'll find apartments within towns. Personally, I've stayed in Castelmuzio, which is quite small (two restaurants), and Montalcino which is a metropolis in comparison (but not really - population maybe 5000 including surrounding areas) but has plenty of different restaurants (reminds me I need to do some reviews).

If hills bother you, then I would suggest looking at Pienza which is quite flat.

A larger town than both Pienza and Montalcino would be Montepulciano - so those will give you a start.

There are also plenty of agritourismo in the area, and I know of some that do a weekly dinner but the only one I recall hearing about, in that area, that has a restaurant on the premises is La Crocina, which I have no personal experience with but you'll find plenty of reviews on the above page from our contributor Henry (aka Pat and Henry).

That should get you started and I feel comfortable saying others will chime in shortly with more suggestions.

MJohnson,
I think you have to pick an area where you want to stay then pick an apartment. I like the Val d'Orcia. If you click under my name you will get some ideas of places to visit.

P.S. Kim,
The agriturismo is La Crociona. The restaurant in the village (La Croce) is La Crocina.


Henry

Thanks Henry!

Thank you all for the helpful comments. You have given us much useful information to focus our choices and get started on our plans. Best wishes to everyone from snowy Wisconsin where dreams of sunny Italy cheer us up.

Marilyn

you could stay in Lucca for a few days, then visit Pisa, Montecatini Terme, the beach in Viareggio or Marina di Vecchiano...

I also recommend the Val d'Orcia area, absolutely stunning. As Kim mentioned, Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza are not to be missed. She also mentioned Castelmuzio and there is another little town nearby named Montisi, where many on this board have stayed. In the past we rented a house in between both of these lovely towns and would still return there today if the house had not been sold. I have saved this B&B recommendation and thought I would pass it along. It is in the town of Montisi. http://www.lalocandadimontisi.it/eng/hotel-siena.htm

Sharon J

My sister & I enjoyed Montorio.....with gorgeous views of Montepulciano and San Basio.
http://www.montorio.com/

I'd vote for Val d'Orcia as well or even a small visit in Northern Lazio (e.g. Bolsena lake). Lots of countryside and hundreds of white roads to discover by car.