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Where to stay in Tuscany?
  • I'm traveling to Tuscany this July. After a few nights in Florence, I'm interested in staying somewhere in the countryside. Any suggestions? I looked at L'Andara, which seems great, but probably a bit far away.
  • Take a look at the Hotel Certosa di Maggiano in Siena. I've heard very good things about it.
  • Hotel Certosa di Maggiano is very good but overpriced, in my opinion. "Il Canto," the restaurant at Certosa di Magiano is worth a trip, however Relais La Suvera, which was the former Summer residence of Pope Julius II, is in many ways a superior hotel as far as the accommodations and the property is concerned. And the rates at Relais La Suerva are more affordable.

    I would also look at Locanda dell'Amorosa, which I'm told is absolutely breathtaking.
  • We recently enjoyed 5 nights at Relais La Suvera - a phenomenal experience!!! We have stayed at many of the finest hotels in the world, and I would put Relais La Suvera at top of our list of our favorite hotels. Beautifully maintained with an ambiance of refined elegance without pretension.
  • I have discovered this amazing property at the gateway of Chianti called Borgo di Fontebussi. The rooms are magnificent, the place is a jewel, and it is off the beaten path enough for you to enjoy the real Tuscany!
    I also stayed twice at Hotel Villa San Paolo. in San Gimignano, is you want to be closer to "mainstream" Tuscany. I loved this property!
  • You can rent some lovely 2 bedroom apartments very close to Sienna in the countryside. The website is www.vicodarbia.com
    I believe the minumum rental time to be is one week. This is on a wonderful farm, olives, vines, corn. We have been going to this location for about 10 years.
  • If you are considering going a bit further south, I would recommend Castello Banfi il Borgo, in Montalcino. The vineyard to the great Brunello wine, the setting is magnificent, the rooms/suites sprawling and comfortable, great food and, of course, that wine.

    Montalcino is a charming town, with very good restaurants (casual) when you are looking for a respite from fine dining.
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