natc143

Thank you everyone,

After combining your advice, I'm considering the following 10 day itinerary: Venice & Lake Garda, rent a car for 5 nights in Tuscany region. Since I'm heading south: here are my must see cities:
1) Chianti Region
2) San Gimignano & Volterra
3) Sienna
4) Montepulciano, Pienza, Val d'Orcia & Montalcino
5) Hopefully Orvieto last before my departure in Rome.

I would like to see Pisa FIRST/quickly, if possible and I thought I'd see Florence again but not mandatory (was there in 2006 briefly).

Should I consider Assisi or Cortona? Bagno Vignoni, St. Antimo? Am I missing any other must sees for my first visit? I dont want to jam in too much either.

HOTEL QUESTION: Both Locanda della Amorosa and La Saracina are relatively close to one another, which hotel is better? I know Stududley prefers La Saracina. Any feedback?

HOTEL STAY: Should I split my 5 nights in the Northern and Southern regions?
-> If so, what hotel (500e+/-) would you recommend?

Thanks in advance,
Natalie

luvtotravel

I suggest you stay two nights in or near Siena. It will be a push to see all that you want to see in that area in such a limited time, though. Then drive south and base yourself in or near Pienza for two nights. Depending on when your flight departs from Rome you could spend the last night along the route (we chose the Locanda Rosati in Orvieto) or add a third night in Southern Tuscany.

You can read my trip report at
http://www.travelswithdiane.homestea...13Tuscany.html

We stayed in Siena, Pienza, and Orvieto.
Diane

natc143

Thanks Diane,

I'll review your trip report now. I may base myself a bit north or near Siena as you recommended.

All the best,
Natalie

TuckH

>Should I consider Assisi or Cortona?< NO. (No time - too far.)
>Bagno Vignoni, St. Antimo?< YES.
>Am I missing any other must sees for my first visit?< Monteriggioni (near San Gimignano); Monticchiello and S. Quirico (near Pienza).
>Should I split my 5 nights in the Northern and Southern regions?< YES.

natc143

Thank you Tuck, perhaps you might have a hotel recommendations in the N. area?

What about Castello di Spaltenna? West of Castellina in Chianti?

TuckH

>perhaps you might have a hotel recommendations in the N. area?<

Sorry, I don't. We stay for one-week periods and we prefer agriturismos.

natc143

Thanks Tuck =)

CaptCanuck

Why don't you look at Villa Vignamaggio near Greve? It's an agristurismo that allows less than one week stays.
cheers,
CC

natc143

Capt, I've looked at the property and its magnificent. I've emailed them now to see if they have availability.

Thanks,
Natalie

natc143

ttt

RSTravelers

Here's another vote for Villa Vignamaggio. - what a beautiful property and great winery tour! Try to get a room in the Main Villa. Our room was lovely and big. Also, highly recommend the dinner they do for guests - very special. Have a wonderful trip.

bobthenavigator

They are not that close, Natalie !
Stu likes the Val d'Orcia as do I, but the Locanda location is better for Siena and Cortona. You really need a good map of Tuscany---driving times can be deceptive.