Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill > This follows the fourth notice in four months to the > HOTEL ARCOBALENO, Siena, Italy > to credit my account the US$101.99 stolen from us by mis-representing > what we would be charged for our stay. They were told that failure to > return the improper charge would result in the world being told what > they did to us via the Internet and the World Wide Web. > We were paying too much for a hotel. I sent my girlfriend into the > Arcobaleno to ask about its price. She was told 130,000 lira, 20,000 > lira less than we were paying. While registering, I confirmed the > 130,000 lira price (current charge is 140,000-250,000 lira for a double). >       We stayed there two nights. >       Upon checking out, I was handed a bill for 460,000 lira, 200,000 lira > (US$101.99) more than we had been told we’d have to, and agreed to, > pay. This was rather disturbing as the Arcobaleno was lesser in every > way, including breakfast, than where we had been staying.

Condolences on your problems. I wonder if this is just a crooked hotel courting bankruptcy or is it that US international thuggery is coming back to haunt us?  Gore Vidal in his book, "Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace, why we are so hated"  lists about 240 "terrorist strikes" by the US on overseas countries since WW2. We’re getting less popular overseas it seems and the Iraqi war will not improve things. >       Of course we complained in English and ersatz Italian to no avail. I > asked to speak to the owner. The young man claimed he was. >       He then called the clerk (presumably at home) who registered us. >       Although her English is imperfect, it’s quite good. She became > extremely abusive calling me "a liar" and the both of us "bullshitters". >       On the receipt I wrote "PROTEST" and notified the credit card > company on our return. It was a long, involved, and frustrating process > that resulted in having to pay the mis-represented amount.

Did you ever get satisfaction from a credit card company when you had a claim? I had an AT&T card for many years and had no problems until Citicorp took it over. Then over several years I had two claims that had me running around in circles for weeks. Their claims department was nothing but a rug to sweep claims under. Eventually, I ordered them to close down my account but they didn’t for months. During that time an illegal charge was made by someone in a Baltic state. I had to pay $20 to a notary public and send a document back to them stating that I had not made that charge. At last I am done with these crooks. Do you have them too?  If so I know where your claim is now. Rua > I believe the owner and clerk at the Hotel Arcobaleno in Siena to be > dishonest, mis-representative crooks and urge you to not patronize them. > In a lifetime of travel, spending thousands of nights in hotels, this is the > first time anything like this has ever happened to me. I hope it’s the last > and that it never happens to you.

I guess that’s an argument for getting the price in writing, before moving in. > The Arcobaleno provided us with two (count ‘em, 2) hangers, too little > light to read, and a far less comprehensive breakfast than our first night’s > 150,000 lira hotel. When I asked for an additional bar of tiny soap, I was > reluctantly given one that had been crushed and crumbled into > uselessness.

Cheapskate outfit! Wish you luck in your claim. There is probably a lesson here. Use reliable guide books and stay at the hotels they have chosen. The author or publisher would have been able to get your refund. Rua – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > credited. They have had four notices, over four months, that this would > be posted.

Response:

I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? Thanks Bill

Response:

> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill

We stayed in Pienza for a few days. Close to Montepulciano and Montalcino and smaller towns as well. The Il Chiostro de Pienza is a lovely hotel in a former monastry. Great views and fine restaurant. See my travellogue on www.couvreur.demon.nl/travel — ——- Eddy www.couvreur.demon.nl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill > We stayed in Pienza for a few days. Close to Montepulciano and Montalcino > and smaller towns as well. The Il Chiostro de Pienza is a lovely hotel in a > former monastry. Great views and fine restaurant. > See my travellogue on www.couvreur.demon.nl/travel

we have rented a place in the country near Siena or small towns when we have done this in the past — but if I were doing it again, I would not rent a base but rather make a wide meandering loop getting a hotel for a couple of days as I drove along — we found it pretty tiring sometimes to make long winding excursions  on two lane roads in the country — and then to have to retrace our steps to drive back to our base town.  It would have been better to be able to explore some of these out of the way spots [e.g. the towns near Etruscan ruins north of Rome] and then just crash in a small town.

Response:

I am fairly familiar with the area and prepared a reply but find your e-mail is invalid.  If you wish to contact me by e-mail, I’ll send the information (and to anyone else who asks). Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter 6 at a o l dot c o m)(no spaces in address)

Response:

> I am fairly familiar with the area and prepared a reply but find your e-mail > is > invalid.  If you wish to contact me by e-mail, I’ll send the information (and > to anyone else who asks). > Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter 6 at a o l dot c o m)(no spaces in > address)

it is a newsgroup — what is wrong with sharing your expertise on the newsgroup?

Response:

> we have rented a place in the country near Siena or small towns when > we > have done this in the past — but if I were doing it again, I would > not > rent a base but rather make a wide meandering loop getting a hotel > for a couple of days as I drove along — we found it pretty tiring > sometimes > to make long winding excursions  on two lane roads in the country — > and then to have to retrace our steps to drive back to our base

town. I’m with you. That’s my preference too. It’s especially hard if you are returning in the evening after a long big meal. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

Tuscany is pretty big and a lot of the roads pretty slow.  If you are young enough and strong enough, move every 2-3 days to another section of Tuscany. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend >a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I >plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my >last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up >the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I >will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay >at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? >Thanks >Bill

Response:

> > I am fairly familiar with the area and prepared a reply but find your e-mail > is > invalid.  If you wish to contact me by e-mail, I’ll send the information (and > to anyone else who asks). > Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter 6 at a o l dot c o m)(no spaces in > address) > it is a newsgroup — what is wrong with sharing your expertise on the > newsgroup?

He’s incorrigible, and I’ve had enough of him. Even though he occasionally has something useful to say, I won’t see any of his postings anymore. Barbara

Response:

> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill

This follows the fourth notice in four months to the         HOTEL ARCOBALENO, Siena, Italy to credit my account the US$101.99 stolen from us by mis-representing what we would be charged for our stay. They were told that failure to return the improper charge would result in the world being told what they did to us via the Internet and the World Wide Web. We were paying too much for a hotel. I sent my girlfriend into the Arcobaleno to ask about its price. She was told 130,000 lira, 20,000 lira less than we were paying. While registering, I confirmed the 130,000 lira price (current charge is 140,000-250,000 lira for a double).       We stayed there two nights.       Upon checking out, I was handed a bill for 460,000 lira, 200,000 lira (US$101.99) more than we had been told we’d have to, and agreed to, pay. This was rather disturbing as the Arcobaleno was lesser in every way, including breakfast, than where we had been staying.       Of course we complained in English and ersatz Italian to no avail. I asked to speak to the owner. The young man claimed he was.       He then called the clerk (presumably at home) who registered us.       Although her English is imperfect, it’s quite good. She became extremely abusive calling me "a liar" and the both of us "bullshitters".       On the receipt I wrote "PROTEST" and notified the credit card company on our return. It was a long, involved, and frustrating process that resulted in having to pay the mis-represented amount. I believe the owner and clerk at the Hotel Arcobaleno in Siena to be dishonest, mis-representative crooks and urge you to not patronize them. In a lifetime of travel, spending thousands of nights in hotels, this is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me. I hope it’s the last and that it never happens to you. — The Arcobaleno provided us with two (count ‘em, 2) hangers, too little light to read, and a far less comprehensive breakfast than our first night’s 150,000 lira hotel. When I asked for an additional bar of tiny soap, I was reluctantly given one that had been crushed and crumbled into uselessness. credited. They have had four notices, over four months, that this would be posted.

Response:

I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? Thanks Bill

Response:

> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill

We stayed in Pienza for a few days. Close to Montepulciano and Montalcino and smaller towns as well. The Il Chiostro de Pienza is a lovely hotel in a former monastry. Great views and fine restaurant. See my travellogue on www.couvreur.demon.nl/travel — ——- Eddy www.couvreur.demon.nl

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill > We stayed in Pienza for a few days. Close to Montepulciano and Montalcino > and smaller towns as well. The Il Chiostro de Pienza is a lovely hotel in a > former monastry. Great views and fine restaurant. > See my travellogue on www.couvreur.demon.nl/travel

we have rented a place in the country near Siena or small towns when we have done this in the past — but if I were doing it again, I would not rent a base but rather make a wide meandering loop getting a hotel for a couple of days as I drove along — we found it pretty tiring sometimes to make long winding excursions  on two lane roads in the country — and then to have to retrace our steps to drive back to our base town.  It would have been better to be able to explore some of these out of the way spots [e.g. the towns near Etruscan ruins north of Rome] and then just crash in a small town.

Response:

I am fairly familiar with the area and prepared a reply but find your e-mail is invalid.  If you wish to contact me by e-mail, I’ll send the information (and to anyone else who asks). Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter 6 at a o l dot c o m)(no spaces in address)

Response:

> I am fairly familiar with the area and prepared a reply but find your e-mail > is > invalid.  If you wish to contact me by e-mail, I’ll send the information (and > to anyone else who asks). > Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter 6 at a o l dot c o m)(no spaces in > address)

it is a newsgroup — what is wrong with sharing your expertise on the newsgroup?

Response:

> we have rented a place in the country near Siena or small towns when > we > have done this in the past — but if I were doing it again, I would > not > rent a base but rather make a wide meandering loop getting a hotel > for a couple of days as I drove along — we found it pretty tiring > sometimes > to make long winding excursions  on two lane roads in the country — > and then to have to retrace our steps to drive back to our base

town. I’m with you. That’s my preference too. It’s especially hard if you are returning in the evening after a long big meal. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

Tuscany is pretty big and a lot of the roads pretty slow.  If you are young enough and strong enough, move every 2-3 days to another section of Tuscany. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend >a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I >plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my >last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up >the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I >will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay >at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? >Thanks >Bill

Response:

> > I am fairly familiar with the area and prepared a reply but find your e-mail > is > invalid.  If you wish to contact me by e-mail, I’ll send the information (and > to anyone else who asks). > Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter 6 at a o l dot c o m)(no spaces in > address) > it is a newsgroup — what is wrong with sharing your expertise on the > newsgroup?

He’s incorrigible, and I’ve had enough of him. Even though he occasionally has something useful to say, I won’t see any of his postings anymore. Barbara

Response:

> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill

This follows the fourth notice in four months to the         HOTEL ARCOBALENO, Siena, Italy to credit my account the US$101.99 stolen from us by mis-representing what we would be charged for our stay. They were told that failure to return the improper charge would result in the world being told what they did to us via the Internet and the World Wide Web. We were paying too much for a hotel. I sent my girlfriend into the Arcobaleno to ask about its price. She was told 130,000 lira, 20,000 lira less than we were paying. While registering, I confirmed the 130,000 lira price (current charge is 140,000-250,000 lira for a double).       We stayed there two nights.       Upon checking out, I was handed a bill for 460,000 lira, 200,000 lira (US$101.99) more than we had been told we’d have to, and agreed to, pay. This was rather disturbing as the Arcobaleno was lesser in every way, including breakfast, than where we had been staying.       Of course we complained in English and ersatz Italian to no avail. I asked to speak to the owner. The young man claimed he was.       He then called the clerk (presumably at home) who registered us.       Although her English is imperfect, it’s quite good. She became extremely abusive calling me "a liar" and the both of us "bullshitters".       On the receipt I wrote "PROTEST" and notified the credit card company on our return. It was a long, involved, and frustrating process that resulted in having to pay the mis-represented amount. I believe the owner and clerk at the Hotel Arcobaleno in Siena to be dishonest, mis-representative crooks and urge you to not patronize them. In a lifetime of travel, spending thousands of nights in hotels, this is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me. I hope it’s the last and that it never happens to you. — The Arcobaleno provided us with two (count ‘em, 2) hangers, too little light to read, and a far less comprehensive breakfast than our first night’s 150,000 lira hotel. When I asked for an additional bar of tiny soap, I was reluctantly given one that had been crushed and crumbled into uselessness. credited. They have had four notices, over four months, that this would be posted.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am visiting Italy again in May of this year. I am planning to spend > a 10 days in Tuscany and going to rent a car to see the countryside. I > plan to start in Siena for two days. I only spend one day there my > last visit and I want to see more of Siena. From Siena I will pick up > the rental car and move to place in the Tuscany countryside that I > will use as a base for daytrips. Can anyone recommend places to stay > at that would be a good base for daytrips in Tuscany? > Thanks > Bill > This follows the fourth notice in four months to the > HOTEL ARCOBALENO, Siena, Italy > to credit my account the US$101.99 stolen from us by mis-representing > what we would be charged for our stay. They were told that failure to > return the improper charge would result in the world being told what > they did to us via the Internet and the World Wide Web. > We were paying too much for a hotel. I sent my girlfriend into the > Arcobaleno to ask about its price. She was told 130,000 lira, 20,000 > lira less than we were paying. While registering, I confirmed the > 130,000 lira price (current charge is 140,000-250,000 lira for a double). >       We stayed there two nights. >       Upon checking out, I was handed a bill for 460,000 lira, 200,000 lira > (US$101.99) more than we had been told we’d have to, and agreed to, > pay. This was rather disturbing as the Arcobaleno was lesser in every > way, including breakfast, than where we had been staying.

Condolences on your problems. I wonder if this is just a crooked hotel courting bankruptcy or is it that US international thuggery is coming back to haunt us?  Gore Vidal in his book, "Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace, why we are so hated"  lists about 240 "terrorist strikes" by the US on overseas countries since WW2. We’re getting less popular overseas it seems and the Iraqi war will not improve things. >       Of course we complained in English and ersatz Italian to no avail. I > asked to speak to the owner. The young man claimed he was. >       He then called the clerk (presumably at home) who registered us. >       Although her English is imperfect, it’s quite good. She became > extremely abusive calling me "a liar" and the both of us "bullshitters". >       On the receipt I wrote "PROTEST" and notified the credit card > company on our return. It was a long, involved, and frustrating process > that resulted in having to pay the mis-represented amount.

Did you ever get satisfaction from a credit card company when you had a claim? I had an AT&T card for many years and had no problems until Citicorp took it over. Then over several years I had two claims that had me running around in circles for weeks. Their claims department was nothing but a rug to sweep claims under. Eventually, I ordered them to close down my account but they didn’t for months. During that time an illegal charge was made by someone in a Baltic state. I had to pay $20 to a notary public and send a document back to them stating that I had not made that charge. At last I am done with these crooks. Do you have them too?  If so I know where your claim is now. Rua > I believe the owner and clerk at the Hotel Arcobaleno in Siena to be > dishonest, mis-representative crooks and urge you to not patronize them. > In a lifetime of travel, spending thousands of nights in hotels, this is the > first time anything like this has ever happened to me. I hope it’s the last > and that it never happens to you.

I guess that’s an argument for getting the price in writing, before moving in. > The Arcobaleno provided us with two (count ‘em, 2) hangers, too little > light to read, and a far less comprehensive breakfast than our first night’s > 150,000 lira hotel. When I asked for an additional bar of tiny soap, I was > reluctantly given one that had been crushed and crumbled into > uselessness.

Cheapskate outfit! Wish you luck in your claim. There is probably a lesson here. Use reliable guide books and stay at the hotels they have chosen. The author or publisher would have been able to get your refund. Rua – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > credited. They have had four notices, over four months, that this would > be posted.

Response:

Question:

"PJ O’Donovan" wrote | The waiter then did a little dance, screwed his face a bit and finally | got out "datsa porka chopa" which was understandable and much better | than my Italian. Yes, but is that what was actually on the plate? Owain

Response:

Try this: Mi dispiace, ma non so parlare italiano. (I’m sorry, but I can’t speak Italian.) C’

Question:

There will be about 9 million tourists doing the same thing in mid October in Tuscany. Get a copy of "The Wines of Tuscany" by Daniel Thomases.  It lists about 300 wineries with phone numbers and activities.  There are enotecas (enotecae?) in every major wine producing town that pour wine by the glass. You can just randomly find open vinyards by driving through Chianti country. Montalcino is less mobbed, and few vineyards open, but the enotecas in town will have a vast array of Brunellos open. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We > will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with > access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or > two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to > go on our own and not a formal tour (planned by some agency).  Do you > have any suggestions for finding a good winery and booking time to > sample their products? > Any other suggestions on what to do in the area would be appreciated. > Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Response:

Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to go on our own and not a formal tour (planned by some agency).  Do you have any suggestions for finding a good winery and booking time to sample their products? Any other suggestions on what to do in the area would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Response:

In downtown Greve there is a cantina (north of the square and next to the river) which has about 120 wines you can taste.  You pay per taste, but they have all the great wines I’ve always wanted to try but couldn’t afford an entire bottle.  It’s a great way to experience some great wines, and to compare wines. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We > will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with > access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or > two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to > go on our own and not a formal tour (planned by some agency).  Do you > have any suggestions for finding a good winery and booking time to > sample their products? > Any other suggestions on what to do in the area would be appreciated. > Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Response:

Suggestion: find the little village Machiavelli was exiled to, about 30 mins outside Firenze. Can’t remember its name but someonve here should be able to help. It has one, very plain family run restaurant where you’ll eat at bench tables with total strangers, not much food choice but very cheap. A superb eating and convivial experience! And in beautiful countryside too. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Melana Soroka schrieb: > Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We > will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with > access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or > two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to > go on our own

What about your car? Regards, ULF

Response:

Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to go on our own and not a formal tour (planned by some agency).  Do you have any suggestions for finding a good winery and booking time to sample their products? Any other suggestions on what to do in the area would be appreciated. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Response:

In downtown Greve there is a cantina (north of the square and next to the river) which has about 120 wines you can taste.  You pay per taste, but they have all the great wines I’ve always wanted to try but couldn’t afford an entire bottle.  It’s a great way to experience some great wines, and to compare wines. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We > will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with > access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or > two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to > go on our own and not a formal tour (planned by some agency).  Do you > have any suggestions for finding a good winery and booking time to > sample their products? > Any other suggestions on what to do in the area would be appreciated. > Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Response:

Suggestion: find the little village Machiavelli was exiled to, about 30 mins outside Firenze. Can’t remember its name but someonve here should be able to help. It has one, very plain family run restaurant where you’ll eat at bench tables with total strangers, not much food choice but very cheap. A superb eating and convivial experience! And in beautiful countryside too. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Melana Soroka schrieb: > Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We > will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with > access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or > two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to > go on our own

What about your car? Regards, ULF

Response:

There will be about 9 million tourists doing the same thing in mid October in Tuscany. Get a copy of "The Wines of Tuscany" by Daniel Thomases.  It lists about 300 wineries with phone numbers and activities.  There are enotecas (enotecae?) in every major wine producing town that pour wine by the glass. You can just randomly find open vinyards by driving through Chianti country. Montalcino is less mobbed, and few vineyards open, but the enotecas in town will have a vast array of Brunellos open. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello.  Friends and I will be travelling to Italy in mid-October.  We > will be situated in Il Montespertoli (just outside of Florence) with > access to a car.  We are interested in taking a tour of a vineyard or > two and participating in some wine-tasting although we would prefer to > go on our own and not a formal tour (planned by some agency).  Do you > have any suggestions for finding a good winery and booking time to > sample their products? > Any other suggestions on what to do in the area would be appreciated. > Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Response:

Question:

We are looking at staying in agriturismo accommodation near Arezzo/San Sepolchro for 4 nights next May & are considering 5 farms.  Does anyone on the newsgroup have any experience with the following accommodations Torre del Guado Villa la Castellaccia Podere la Casella Ca Faggio La Conca Or any others you have experience with in the area- we are happy to stay as far south as Cortona. We intend also staying a further 4 nights near Pisa/Lucca, so any suggestions there would be appreciated.  The option of staying 1 week in a central location was considered, but I feel that splitting into Eastern tuscany/Umbria & Western Tuscany reduces travelling time around the central bases .  Florence is a stop on its own. We need to "finish" Tuscany in Pisa, to catch a flight to Palermo Thanks in advance for all assistance Sandra (lurking in Adelaide)

Response:

hy check www.vacanze.net there are few web site address of your area. regards chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are looking at staying in agriturismo accommodation near Arezzo/San > Sepolchro for 4 nights next May & are considering 5 farms.  Does anyone on > the newsgroup have any experience with the following accommodations > Torre del Guado > Villa la Castellaccia > Podere la Casella > Ca Faggio > La Conca > Or any others you have experience with in the area- we are happy to stay as > far south as Cortona. > We intend also staying a further 4 nights near Pisa/Lucca, so any > suggestions there would be appreciated.  The option of staying 1 week in a > central location was considered, but I feel that splitting into Eastern > tuscany/Umbria & Western Tuscany reduces travelling time around the central > bases .  Florence is a stop on its own. We need to "finish" Tuscany in Pisa, > to catch a flight to Palermo > Thanks in advance for all assistance > Sandra (lurking in Adelaide)

Response:

Avete fatto una scelta eccellente. Inoltre consideri Il Clombaio. Salut, Caro "Italy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hy check www.vacanze.net there are few web site address of your area. > regards > chris > We are looking at staying in agriturismo accommodation near Arezzo/San > Sepolchro for 4 nights next May & are considering 5 farms.  Does anyone on > the newsgroup have any experience with the following accommodations > Torre del Guado > Villa la Castellaccia > Podere la Casella > Ca Faggio > La Conca > Or any others you have experience with in the area- we are happy to stay >  as > far south as Cortona. > We intend also staying a further 4 nights near Pisa/Lucca, so any > suggestions there would be appreciated.  The option of staying 1 week in a > central location was considered, but I feel that splitting into Eastern > tuscany/Umbria & Western Tuscany reduces travelling time around the >  central > bases .  Florence is a stop on its own. We need to "finish" Tuscany in >  Pisa, > to catch a flight to Palermo > Thanks in advance for all assistance > Sandra (lurking in Adelaide)

Response:

We are looking at staying in agriturismo accommodation near Arezzo/San Sepolchro for 4 nights next May & are considering 5 farms.  Does anyone on the newsgroup have any experience with the following accommodations Torre del Guado Villa la Castellaccia Podere la Casella Ca Faggio La Conca Or any others you have experience with in the area- we are happy to stay as far south as Cortona. We intend also staying a further 4 nights near Pisa/Lucca, so any suggestions there would be appreciated.  The option of staying 1 week in a central location was considered, but I feel that splitting into Eastern tuscany/Umbria & Western Tuscany reduces travelling time around the central bases .  Florence is a stop on its own. We need to "finish" Tuscany in Pisa, to catch a flight to Palermo Thanks in advance for all assistance Sandra (lurking in Adelaide)

Response:

hy check www.vacanze.net there are few web site address of your area. regards chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are looking at staying in agriturismo accommodation near Arezzo/San > Sepolchro for 4 nights next May & are considering 5 farms.  Does anyone on > the newsgroup have any experience with the following accommodations > Torre del Guado > Villa la Castellaccia > Podere la Casella > Ca Faggio > La Conca > Or any others you have experience with in the area- we are happy to stay as > far south as Cortona. > We intend also staying a further 4 nights near Pisa/Lucca, so any > suggestions there would be appreciated.  The option of staying 1 week in a > central location was considered, but I feel that splitting into Eastern > tuscany/Umbria & Western Tuscany reduces travelling time around the central > bases .  Florence is a stop on its own. We need to "finish" Tuscany in Pisa, > to catch a flight to Palermo > Thanks in advance for all assistance > Sandra (lurking in Adelaide)

Response:

Avete fatto una scelta eccellente. Inoltre consideri Il Clombaio. Salut, Caro "Italy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hy check www.vacanze.net there are few web site address of your area. > regards > chris > We are looking at staying in agriturismo accommodation near Arezzo/San > Sepolchro for 4 nights next May & are considering 5 farms.  Does anyone on > the newsgroup have any experience with the following accommodations > Torre del Guado > Villa la Castellaccia > Podere la Casella > Ca Faggio > La Conca > Or any others you have experience with in the area- we are happy to stay >  as > far south as Cortona. > We intend also staying a further 4 nights near Pisa/Lucca, so any > suggestions there would be appreciated.  The option of staying 1 week in a > central location was considered, but I feel that splitting into Eastern > tuscany/Umbria & Western Tuscany reduces travelling time around the >  central > bases .  Florence is a stop on its own. We need to "finish" Tuscany in >  Pisa, > to catch a flight to Palermo > Thanks in advance for all assistance > Sandra (lurking in Adelaide)

Response:

Question:

To the once who want to travel by train in Italy: Don

Question:

>One of the difficulties is that there are many many companies offering bus >service from almost any city of any size and they are not publishing >connection information. >Another difficulty is that intercity autobus in Italy is usually referred to >as ‘pullman’ service.

I actually searched under "pullman." Dopo tre estati in Italia, io ormai parlo italiano sufficamente per questa genera di ricerca. >  This can be confusing for a traveler from a place >where that pretty much indicates train service.

I wonder how many Americans think of Pullman as anything at all. It’s been a long time since we had Pullman cars in the U.S. From what I remember, Siena was served by Lazzi and, I think, Cap. But that could have changed because the last time I took a bus to or from Siena was almost 8 years ago! Michael To reply by email, please take out the TRASH (so to speak). Personal messages only, please!

Response:

message > I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena? > Certainly, a visit to Florence would be worthwhile. Hell, several > days in Florence could easily be spent seeing the sites there.

Thanks, but I should have mentioned that we will also be staying in Florence for several days. I meant to ask about smaller nearby towns. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >>suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >>connections from Siena? > It’s not too difficult. If it’s still the same as it was several years > ago, one had to change busses in Poggibonsi. > You’re best advised to check the schedule at the San Domenico station > when you get to Siena, or look at this web site: > http://www.italybus.it/ > Hmmm…I did more research and now question the usefulness of this > site for you. I was able to select Siena as the city of departure > (citta’ di partenza), but the cities of arrival (le citta’ di arrivo) > are highly limited. Not only do they not include relatively nearby > towns like Arezzo and San Gimignano which may both require changes of > bus, but they also don’t include Poggibonsi or Monteriggioni > (spelling?), nearby towns which have direct service from Siena. So I > deduce that Italybus is a long-distance bus company only and does not > do medium runs between smaller cities. > I’m sure that more detailed schedules are available online, but I > didn’t find any in my search of Yahoo! Italia. I guess Google would be > the thing, but you could always wait until you get to Siena and check > the schedules as I mentioned before. > Anyway, you could also visit the Abbazzia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore > (the bus left me off about 1 km from the entrance to the grounds), > Arezzo, Pienza, and various other places. There are so many places to > visit in Tuscany. > Michael

One of the difficulties is that there are many many companies offering bus service from almost any city of any size and they are not publishing connection information. Another difficulty is that intercity autobus in Italy is usually referred to as ‘pullman’ service.  This can be confusing for a traveler from a place where that pretty much indicates train service. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Have a look at www.tuscanytraveller.com before you go – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena?

Response:

There is also a very good restaurant in Certaldo Alto which is worth a try. It is called "Osteria del Vicario". Very good food, nice encironment, beautiful scenery. Regards Elio

.  I also like little Certaldo Alto (Certaldo is > on the main train line and is of no interest, but Certaldo Alto, home of > Boccacio, is an easy walk+funicular from the center of Certaldo.  For a really > special lunch, see if you can get a bus that stops near Monteriggioni and eat > at Il Piccolo Castelo (Il Piccolo Castello:

http://www.sienanet.it/ilcastello). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Monteriggioni itself is of interest, having been mentioned by Dante. > Larry at Morro Bay, California

Response:

>> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena? > I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be > well worth some effort to go to San Gimignano.

IIRC, if you don’t want to book a day trip by one of the commercial companies you have to take a train (or bus) to Poggibonsi and change there for the bus to San Gimignano . Incidentally, San Gimignano is a very nice place for an overnight stay:   after about 5 or 6 p.m., all the day visitors leave and the town becomes very pleasant. — Cheers, Harvey

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >> suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >> connections from Siena? > I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be > well worth some effort to go to San Gimignano. > IIRC, if you don’t want to book a day trip by one of the commercial > companies you have to take a train (or bus) to Poggibonsi and change > there for the bus to San Gimignano . > Incidentally, San Gimignano is a very nice place for an overnight stay:   > after about 5 or 6 p.m., all the day visitors leave and the town > becomes very pleasant.

absolutely true.  They put away all the incredible tourist kitch [the streets are lined with goofy little stalls selliing such genuine Italian delights as small stuffed dancing pig figurines and the outskirts offer tents with video games] and suddenly a tacky tourist trap becomes a delightful place.

Response:

> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena?

The Hotel Arcobaleno in Siena screwed us. Don’t stay there: http://makeashorterlink.com/?C1CF61F6

Response:

>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena? >– >Ken Blake >Please reply to the newsgroup

You can get some ideas from our portal. We have just added a page dedicated to Siena. http://www.italiaplease.com/eng/category/travel/places/townandcities/… Other people have suggested to visit San Geminiano, and it is a good suggestion, but I will suggest you to visit San Galgano, a fantastic church with his one sword in the stone. About San Galgano http://web.infinito.it/utenti/e/enigmagalgano/english.html Ciao Giovanni Sonego RANDOMITALY – Where next? Lucky links for tentative tourists          English: http://www.randomitaly.com/eng/      by ITALIAPLEASE – The italian tourism connection            English: http://www.italiaplease.com/eng/            Italian: http://www.italiaplease.com/ita/ Per rispondere elimina le SCOAZZE dall’indirizzo e.mail If you wish answer, you must remove SCOAZZE from e.mail

Response:

I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus connections from Siena? — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena?

I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth some effort to go to San Gimignano.  I also like little Certaldo Alto (Certaldo is on the main train line and is of no interest, but Certaldo Alto, home of Boccacio, is an easy walk+funicular from the center of Certaldo.  For a really special lunch, see if you can get a bus that stops near Monteriggioni and eat at Il Piccolo Castelo (Il Piccolo Castello: http://www.sienanet.it/ilcastello).  Monteriggioni itself is of interest, having been mentioned by Dante. Larry at Morro Bay, California

Response:

Try to visit certaldo alto is nice and the country arround  greating from www.villagiulia.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena? > I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth some > effort to go to San Gimignano.  I also like little Certaldo Alto (Certaldo is > on the main train line and is of no interest, but Certaldo Alto, home of > Boccacio, is an easy walk+funicular from the center of Certaldo.  For a really > special lunch, see if you can get a bus that stops near Monteriggioni and eat > at Il Piccolo Castelo (Il Piccolo Castello:

http://www.sienanet.it/ilcastello). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Monteriggioni itself is of interest, having been mentioned by Dante. > Larry at Morro Bay, California

Response:

> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena?

Certainly, a visit to Florence would be worthwhile. Hell, several days in Florence could easily be spent seeing the sites there.

Response:

>>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena? >I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth some >effort to go to San Gimignano.

[snip] It’s not too difficult. If it’s still the same as it was several years ago, one had to change busses in Poggibonsi. I disagree with the idea of Florence as a day trip, but would agree with Florence as a week trip. That said, some people do like it as a day trip. I would just feel frustrated to go back and forth to a city with such an overwhelming abundance of things to see. You’re best advised to check the schedule at the San Domenico station when you get to Siena, or look at this web site: http://www.italybus.it/ Hmmm…I did more research and now question the usefulness of this site for you. I was able to select Siena as the city of departure (citta’ di partenza), but the cities of arrival (le citta’ di arrivo) are highly limited. Not only do they not include relatively nearby towns like Arezzo and San Gimignano which may both require changes of bus, but they also don’t include Poggibonsi or Monteriggioni (spelling?), nearby towns which have direct service from Siena. So I deduce that Italybus is a long-distance bus company only and does not do medium runs between smaller cities. I’m sure that more detailed schedules are available online, but I didn’t find any in my search of Yahoo! Italia. I guess Google would be the thing, but you could always wait until you get to Siena and check the schedules as I mentioned before. Anyway, you could also visit the Abbazzia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore (the bus left me off about 1 km from the entrance to the grounds), Arezzo, Pienza, and various other places. There are so many places to visit in Tuscany. Michael To reply by email, please take out the TRASH (so to speak). Personal messages only, please!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >>suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >>connections from Siena? >I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth >some >effort to go to San Gimignano. > [snip] > It’s not too difficult. If it’s still the same as it was several years > ago, one had to change busses in Poggibonsi.

You could get a rental car for about 30.00.  Driving in Tuscany… I most recently had a convertible… is one of the worlds great driving experiences…. just watch out for those blue buses. jay Tue, Mar 19, 2002 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I disagree with the idea of Florence as a day trip, but would agree > with Florence as a week trip. That said, some people do like it as a > day trip. I would just feel frustrated to go back and forth to a city > with such an overwhelming abundance of things to see. > You’re best advised to check the schedule at the San Domenico station > when you get to Siena, or look at this web site: > http://www.italybus.it/ > Hmmm…I did more research and now question the usefulness of this > site for you. I was able to select Siena as the city of departure > (citta’ di partenza), but the cities of arrival (le citta’ di arrivo) > are highly limited. Not only do they not include relatively nearby > towns like Arezzo and San Gimignano which may both require changes of > bus, but they also don’t include Poggibonsi or Monteriggioni > (spelling?), nearby towns which have direct service from Siena. So I > deduce that Italybus is a long-distance bus company only and does not > do medium runs between smaller cities. > I’m sure that more detailed schedules are available online, but I > didn’t find any in my search of Yahoo! Italia. I guess Google would be > the thing, but you could always wait until you get to Siena and check > the schedules as I mentioned before. > Anyway, you could also visit the Abbazzia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore > (the bus left me off about 1 km from the entrance to the grounds), > Arezzo, Pienza, and various other places. There are so many places to > visit in Tuscany. > Michael > To reply by email, please take out the TRASH (so to speak). Personal messages > only, please!

– Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus connections from Siena? — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena?

I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth some effort to go to San Gimignano.  I also like little Certaldo Alto (Certaldo is on the main train line and is of no interest, but Certaldo Alto, home of Boccacio, is an easy walk+funicular from the center of Certaldo.  For a really special lunch, see if you can get a bus that stops near Monteriggioni and eat at Il Piccolo Castelo (Il Piccolo Castello: http://www.sienanet.it/ilcastello).  Monteriggioni itself is of interest, having been mentioned by Dante. Larry at Morro Bay, California

Response:

Try to visit certaldo alto is nice and the country arround  greating from www.villagiulia.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena? > I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth some > effort to go to San Gimignano.  I also like little Certaldo Alto (Certaldo is > on the main train line and is of no interest, but Certaldo Alto, home of > Boccacio, is an easy walk+funicular from the center of Certaldo.  For a really > special lunch, see if you can get a bus that stops near Monteriggioni and eat > at Il Piccolo Castelo (Il Piccolo Castello:

http://www.sienanet.it/ilcastello). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Monteriggioni itself is of interest, having been mentioned by Dante. > Larry at Morro Bay, California

Response:

> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena?

Certainly, a visit to Florence would be worthwhile. Hell, several days in Florence could easily be spent seeing the sites there.

Response:

>>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena? >I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth some >effort to go to San Gimignano.

[snip] It’s not too difficult. If it’s still the same as it was several years ago, one had to change busses in Poggibonsi. I disagree with the idea of Florence as a day trip, but would agree with Florence as a week trip. That said, some people do like it as a day trip. I would just feel frustrated to go back and forth to a city with such an overwhelming abundance of things to see. You’re best advised to check the schedule at the San Domenico station when you get to Siena, or look at this web site: http://www.italybus.it/ Hmmm…I did more research and now question the usefulness of this site for you. I was able to select Siena as the city of departure (citta’ di partenza), but the cities of arrival (le citta’ di arrivo) are highly limited. Not only do they not include relatively nearby towns like Arezzo and San Gimignano which may both require changes of bus, but they also don’t include Poggibonsi or Monteriggioni (spelling?), nearby towns which have direct service from Siena. So I deduce that Italybus is a long-distance bus company only and does not do medium runs between smaller cities. I’m sure that more detailed schedules are available online, but I didn’t find any in my search of Yahoo! Italia. I guess Google would be the thing, but you could always wait until you get to Siena and check the schedules as I mentioned before. Anyway, you could also visit the Abbazzia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore (the bus left me off about 1 km from the entrance to the grounds), Arezzo, Pienza, and various other places. There are so many places to visit in Tuscany. Michael To reply by email, please take out the TRASH (so to speak). Personal messages only, please!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >>suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >>connections from Siena? >I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be well worth >some >effort to go to San Gimignano. > [snip] > It’s not too difficult. If it’s still the same as it was several years > ago, one had to change busses in Poggibonsi.

You could get a rental car for about 30.00.  Driving in Tuscany… I most recently had a convertible… is one of the worlds great driving experiences…. just watch out for those blue buses. jay Tue, Mar 19, 2002 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I disagree with the idea of Florence as a day trip, but would agree > with Florence as a week trip. That said, some people do like it as a > day trip. I would just feel frustrated to go back and forth to a city > with such an overwhelming abundance of things to see. > You’re best advised to check the schedule at the San Domenico station > when you get to Siena, or look at this web site: > http://www.italybus.it/ > Hmmm…I did more research and now question the usefulness of this > site for you. I was able to select Siena as the city of departure > (citta’ di partenza), but the cities of arrival (le citta’ di arrivo) > are highly limited. Not only do they not include relatively nearby > towns like Arezzo and San Gimignano which may both require changes of > bus, but they also don’t include Poggibonsi or Monteriggioni > (spelling?), nearby towns which have direct service from Siena. So I > deduce that Italybus is a long-distance bus company only and does not > do medium runs between smaller cities. > I’m sure that more detailed schedules are available online, but I > didn’t find any in my search of Yahoo! Italia. I guess Google would be > the thing, but you could always wait until you get to Siena and check > the schedules as I mentioned before. > Anyway, you could also visit the Abbazzia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore > (the bus left me off about 1 km from the entrance to the grounds), > Arezzo, Pienza, and various other places. There are so many places to > visit in Tuscany. > Michael > To reply by email, please take out the TRASH (so to speak). Personal messages > only, please!

– Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >>suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >>connections from Siena? > It’s not too difficult. If it’s still the same as it was several years > ago, one had to change busses in Poggibonsi. > You’re best advised to check the schedule at the San Domenico station > when you get to Siena, or look at this web site: > http://www.italybus.it/ > Hmmm…I did more research and now question the usefulness of this > site for you. I was able to select Siena as the city of departure > (citta’ di partenza), but the cities of arrival (le citta’ di arrivo) > are highly limited. Not only do they not include relatively nearby > towns like Arezzo and San Gimignano which may both require changes of > bus, but they also don’t include Poggibonsi or Monteriggioni > (spelling?), nearby towns which have direct service from Siena. So I > deduce that Italybus is a long-distance bus company only and does not > do medium runs between smaller cities. > I’m sure that more detailed schedules are available online, but I > didn’t find any in my search of Yahoo! Italia. I guess Google would be > the thing, but you could always wait until you get to Siena and check > the schedules as I mentioned before. > Anyway, you could also visit the Abbazzia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore > (the bus left me off about 1 km from the entrance to the grounds), > Arezzo, Pienza, and various other places. There are so many places to > visit in Tuscany. > Michael

One of the difficulties is that there are many many companies offering bus service from almost any city of any size and they are not publishing connection information. Another difficulty is that intercity autobus in Italy is usually referred to as ‘pullman’ service.  This can be confusing for a traveler from a place where that pretty much indicates train service. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

>One of the difficulties is that there are many many companies offering bus >service from almost any city of any size and they are not publishing >connection information. >Another difficulty is that intercity autobus in Italy is usually referred to >as ‘pullman’ service.

I actually searched under "pullman." Dopo tre estati in Italia, io ormai parlo italiano sufficamente per questa genera di ricerca. >  This can be confusing for a traveler from a place >where that pretty much indicates train service.

I wonder how many Americans think of Pullman as anything at all. It’s been a long time since we had Pullman cars in the U.S. From what I remember, Siena was served by Lazzi and, I think, Cap. But that could have changed because the last time I took a bus to or from Siena was almost 8 years ago! Michael To reply by email, please take out the TRASH (so to speak). Personal messages only, please!

Response:

message > I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena? > Certainly, a visit to Florence would be worthwhile. Hell, several > days in Florence could easily be spent seeing the sites there.

Thanks, but I should have mentioned that we will also be staying in Florence for several days. I meant to ask about smaller nearby towns. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

Have a look at www.tuscanytraveller.com before you go – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena?

Response:

There is also a very good restaurant in Certaldo Alto which is worth a try. It is called "Osteria del Vicario". Very good food, nice encironment, beautiful scenery. Regards Elio

.  I also like little Certaldo Alto (Certaldo is > on the main train line and is of no interest, but Certaldo Alto, home of > Boccacio, is an easy walk+funicular from the center of Certaldo.  For a really > special lunch, see if you can get a bus that stops near Monteriggioni and eat > at Il Piccolo Castelo (Il Piccolo Castello:

http://www.sienanet.it/ilcastello). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Monteriggioni itself is of interest, having been mentioned by Dante. > Larry at Morro Bay, California

Response:

>> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena? > I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be > well worth some effort to go to San Gimignano.

IIRC, if you don’t want to book a day trip by one of the commercial companies you have to take a train (or bus) to Poggibonsi and change there for the bus to San Gimignano . Incidentally, San Gimignano is a very nice place for an overnight stay:   after about 5 or 6 p.m., all the day visitors leave and the town becomes very pleasant. — Cheers, Harvey

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >> suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >> connections from Siena? > I am not sure how easy the bus connections are, but it would be > well worth some effort to go to San Gimignano. > IIRC, if you don’t want to book a day trip by one of the commercial > companies you have to take a train (or bus) to Poggibonsi and change > there for the bus to San Gimignano . > Incidentally, San Gimignano is a very nice place for an overnight stay:   > after about 5 or 6 p.m., all the day visitors leave and the town > becomes very pleasant.

absolutely true.  They put away all the incredible tourist kitch [the streets are lined with goofy little stalls selliing such genuine Italian delights as small stuffed dancing pig figurines and the outskirts offer tents with video games] and suddenly a tacky tourist trap becomes a delightful place.

Response:

> I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone > suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus > connections from Siena?

The Hotel Arcobaleno in Siena screwed us. Don’t stay there: http://makeashorterlink.com/?C1CF61F6

Response:

>I’ll be staying in Siena for several days this May. Can anyone >suggest any interesting nearby towns for a day trip with easy bus >connections from Siena? >– >Ken Blake >Please reply to the newsgroup

You can get some ideas from our portal. We have just added a page dedicated to Siena. http://www.italiaplease.com/eng/category/travel/places/townandcities/… Other people have suggested to visit San Geminiano, and it is a good suggestion, but I will suggest you to visit San Galgano, a fantastic church with his one sword in the stone. About San Galgano http://web.infinito.it/utenti/e/enigmagalgano/english.html Ciao Giovanni Sonego RANDOMITALY – Where next? Lucky links for tentative tourists          English: http://www.randomitaly.com/eng/      by ITALIAPLEASE – The italian tourism connection            English: http://www.italiaplease.com/eng/            Italian: http://www.italiaplease.com/ita/ Per rispondere elimina le SCOAZZE dall’indirizzo e.mail If you wish answer, you must remove SCOAZZE from e.mail

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > > routes. > Have you considered to visit the little island Elba too? > Luigi > Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular > order: > (I drove from Switzerland) > Modena > Parma

These are not in Tuscany, but Emilia Romagna. Barbara

Response:

> Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular > order: > (I drove from Switzerland) > Modena > Parma > These are not in Tuscany, but Emilia Romagna. > Barbara

And a very fine region to explore, too.  If you read "A Traveler in Italy" by H.V. Morton, you’ll be inspired. That is my all-time favorite travel book, not a guide, but the tale of the travels in the 1960s of a highly cultured and well-educated fellow.  I frequently use it as a reference for deeper reading in Italian history.

Response:

Barbara is perfectly right! Please don t place Advertisment Here. NGs are the place to exchange ideas or opinions not for advertisment! Don to that again please Gianni

Response:

> > Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular > order: > (I drove from Switzerland) > Modena > Parma > These are not in Tuscany, but Emilia Romagna. > Barbara

Yeah you’re right, just a couple of places we stopped at en route. If landing at Pisa or Florence, I wouldn’t venture this far out. Dave (Whats the verb to undertake an excursion ? Is there one ? )

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). > I don’t know whether you need the hassle of shifting self, wife, kids > and luggage every couple of days, since either region is compact enough > for you to travel daily from a central point. Some ten years ago, I > stayed for  a fortnight in Arcevia (province of Ancona) from where I > could travel easily to places in Le Marche – e.g. Jesi, Loreto, > Tolentino, Urbino, Pesaro, Senigallia, Fabiano, Corinaldo, the caves at > Genga – and over the border to Umbria (Assisi, source of the Clitumnus, > Spoleto). > I stayed in the Hotel alle Terrazze, Arcevia, which was quite a pleasant > place at the time, set up in the hills above the town. Driving in the > area was generally pleasant, with little heavy traffic. I’m afraid that > I don’t know what its quality or price is like these days.

I don’t know the hotel as I live so near that I can see Arcevia from my terrace, but I will second Arcevia as a good base. It’s in the foothills of the Appennines, and high enough so that it is usually cool even on hot days. Barbara

Response:

> Please consider for your trip San Gimignano, between Siena, Florence, Pisa, > Volterra and the sea. [advertisement snipped].

You respond with this identical posting every time someone asks any question at all about central Italy. I thought San Gimignano was already overrun with tourists, can’t you give it a break? If you inist on advertising multiple times a week, at least try to answer the questions being asked. Barbara

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > routes. > Have you considered to visit the little island Elba too? > Luigi

Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular order: (I drove from Switzerland) Modena Parma Pisa Vereggio Siena * Lucca * Chianti region (ie drive through it! Siena-Florence) * Florence * (outside Aug) Isle of Elba * * = My key destinations All were well worth the trip. Surprisingly Florence was the most disappointing being overrun with backpackers and (other!) tourists. I haven’t got the space here to wax lyrical, but of those listed Siena & Lucca or those that I would consider unmissable. Florence is a great city, but not in August. Vereggio is a huge beach resort and it was nigh on impossible to find accomm there. Pisa is nice enough, but the tower is pretty much the highlight. Its incredibly hot there at that time of year, so make sure if you’re hiring, you get air-con 34-35C. I got car-sick for the first time ever. You’ll have a great time and take it easy-n-slow Dave

Response:

> I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > routes.

Have you considered to visit the little island Elba too? Luigi

Response:

> Ancona is a lovely and very ancient city, some of the older buildings show > the effects of earthquakes over the centuries but it’s well worth seeing. A > nice trip is to Macerata, try and go to a concert there in what looks like a > copy of the Roman Coliseum. There are many little hill towns in this area > and best of all is in the principality of San Marino, now sadly a major > tourist destination and very close to Rimini one of the biggest beach > resorts on the Adriatic. There are also many beach resorts in the area but > in the summer they get very crowded, it’s very hot and the motorways are > very busy. As you drive along the main motorway you will see many WW2 > military cemeteries, you can understand why when you see how hilly this area > is. Ravenna and Bologna are well worth visiting, Ravenna is very historic > and interesting, it was once the capital of Italy many centuries ago, > nowadays it is famed for it’s mosaics.

I’ll just add to this: San Marino consists of three peaks as well as the valley below. Most of the tourists stay in the large town on the main peak. You can take a very nice walk from one peak to another, where you will get great views of the fortifications and avoid most of the tourists. Near San Marino is the town of San Leo, which is a fortified town on top of a really high cliff. Very impressive and no where near as many tourists. There are many nice beaches in Le Marche. There are several small towns at the base of Mount Conero, just south of Ancona. Some are more expensive than others, but most are relatively unspoiled and uncrowded. Senigallia has very nice beaches, and just north of the center, you can spread out where you want with your bath towel and umbrella instead of renting a chair. Also, just north of Fano there are some nice unregimented beaches. If you want to visit a beach in Le Marche, you should either rent a hotel within walking distance or plan to arrive at an uncrowded time, because parking is the biggest problem. Most of the people who go to the beach in Senigallia are local daytrippers who go home for lunch and dinner, so you can often get a great spot at meal times. In the evening, after supper, the beach can be very lovely and uncrowded. There are many pretty little towns just inland of the coast. Urbino is a small city, not far from San Marino and San Leo, very lovely and with a magnificent ducal palace which now houses a museum. Other pretty spots are Furlo, where there is a lovely river gorge and where the road passes through a tunnel carved in the rock by the Romans; Mondavio, which has a very well preserved medieval fortification which has some tacky wax figures inside, but also an excellent museum of antique armaments. Maybe the boys would enjoy the chain mail and armor. Just north and west of Mondavio, on the road to Barchi, are a number of traditional ceramics workshops. You have to keep your eyes open or you will miss some of them. There are several in the vicinity of the little town of Fratte Rossa. Corinaldo, my home, just inland of Senigallia, has intact medieval walls surrounding a small well-preserved center. You can walk along part of the ramparts. If you just wander the smaller roads, you are sure to find many charming little villages and scenic panoramas. In the southern part of Le Marche, the city of Ascoli Piceno is known for its beautiful piazza and medieval towers. (I haven’t seen it yet!). In this region, I can recommend a hike in the gorge called Gola del Infernaccio, south of Amandola. The national park of the Sibillini, which straddles the border of Le Marche and Abruzzo, is nearby. The weather can sometimes be uncomfortably hot in August, although the nearby mountains usually offer pleasant cool breezes at night. If it’s too hot, an easy remedy is to head to a higher altitude. You can always find a cool spot in Le Marche within a short driving distance. Le Marche doesn’t have a large tourist presence, except along the coast. A good many of the summer visitors to the coast are German, so English is not the main language of the tourist industry there. Inland, most of the tourists are day trippers from the coastal towns, or local people out for a Sunday drive. However, there are a number of small hotels scattered about and a decent supply of restaurants, although these tend to cater to the wedding and christening trade, thus to large groups rather than intimate dinners. However, if you are willing to nose around a bit and ask at your hotel, being very specific as to what you want, you will find many nice places to eat. Some pizza restaurants have a good selection of other dishes, and there are many agriturismo restaurants that often specialize on local dishes, either from the sea or from the inland region. Some agriturismo facilities are on working farms, which might also interest your boys. Barbara

Response:

Please consider for your trip San Gimignano, between Siena, Florence, Pisa, Volterra and the sea. For a good accomodation take a look at this b&b: http://www.casagiovanna.cjb.net http://digilander.iol.it/aandreuccetti Regards A – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > routes.

Response:

We flew to Ancona with Ryanair last month. Ryanair’s link with Hertz was the cheapest car hire we found (but that was for just 3 days off-season: a couple of weeks in Aug might be different). Le Marche is a wonderfully varied and relatively little-touristed area: the best guide on the net that I know is www.le-marche.com which is written by a Brit who moved to Marche about 10 years ago. Tuscany/Pisa will be far more crowded: I’d go for le Marche this time, and save Tuscany for an off-season visit some year when the kids have flown the nest. Jonathan(who is just starting to rediscover the joys of holidaying as a couple, now that the boy is old enough to want to do his own thing in the summer)

Response:

> or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona).

I don’t know whether you need the hassle of shifting self, wife, kids and luggage every couple of days, since either region is compact enough for you to travel daily from a central point. Some ten years ago, I stayed for  a fortnight in Arcevia (province of Ancona) from where I could travel easily to places in Le Marche – e.g. Jesi, Loreto, Tolentino, Urbino, Pesaro, Senigallia, Fabiano, Corinaldo, the caves at Genga – and over the border to Umbria (Assisi, source of the Clitumnus, Spoleto). I stayed in the Hotel alle Terrazze, Arcevia, which was quite a pleasant place at the time, set up in the hills above the town. Driving in the area was generally pleasant, with little heavy traffic. I’m afraid that I don’t know what its quality or price is like these days. Alan Harrison

Response:

Ancona is a lovely and very ancient city, some of the older buildings show the effects of earthquakes over the centuries but it’s well worth seeing. A nice trip is to Macerata, try and go to a concert there in what looks like a copy of the Roman Coliseum. There are many little hill towns in this area and best of all is in the principality of San Marino, now sadly a major tourist destination and very close to Rimini one of the biggest beach resorts on the Adriatic. There are also many beach resorts in the area but in the summer they get very crowded, it’s very hot and the motorways are very busy. As you drive along the main motorway you will see many WW2 military cemeteries, you can understand why when you see how hilly this area is. Ravenna and Bologna are well worth visiting, Ravenna is very historic and interesting, it was once the capital of Italy many centuries ago, nowadays it is famed for it’s mosaics. Regarding hotels, if you stay in a city like Bologna or Ravenna then they can be expensive, especially if you need air conditioning. There are still bargains to be had out of town and having a car you can do that, use public transport to get about the cities, parking in some towns is a nightmare in the summer. I  have used Ryanair many times, it’s a budget airline so don’t expect any freebies, like meals but the aeroplanes are clean and modern and have enough legroom, unlike many charter flights. Enjoy your trip this is one of my favourite parts of Italy…

Response:

I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan routes.

Response:

I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan routes.

Response:

Ancona is a lovely and very ancient city, some of the older buildings show the effects of earthquakes over the centuries but it’s well worth seeing. A nice trip is to Macerata, try and go to a concert there in what looks like a copy of the Roman Coliseum. There are many little hill towns in this area and best of all is in the principality of San Marino, now sadly a major tourist destination and very close to Rimini one of the biggest beach resorts on the Adriatic. There are also many beach resorts in the area but in the summer they get very crowded, it’s very hot and the motorways are very busy. As you drive along the main motorway you will see many WW2 military cemeteries, you can understand why when you see how hilly this area is. Ravenna and Bologna are well worth visiting, Ravenna is very historic and interesting, it was once the capital of Italy many centuries ago, nowadays it is famed for it’s mosaics. Regarding hotels, if you stay in a city like Bologna or Ravenna then they can be expensive, especially if you need air conditioning. There are still bargains to be had out of town and having a car you can do that, use public transport to get about the cities, parking in some towns is a nightmare in the summer. I  have used Ryanair many times, it’s a budget airline so don’t expect any freebies, like meals but the aeroplanes are clean and modern and have enough legroom, unlike many charter flights. Enjoy your trip this is one of my favourite parts of Italy…

Response:

> or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona).

I don’t know whether you need the hassle of shifting self, wife, kids and luggage every couple of days, since either region is compact enough for you to travel daily from a central point. Some ten years ago, I stayed for  a fortnight in Arcevia (province of Ancona) from where I could travel easily to places in Le Marche – e.g. Jesi, Loreto, Tolentino, Urbino, Pesaro, Senigallia, Fabiano, Corinaldo, the caves at Genga – and over the border to Umbria (Assisi, source of the Clitumnus, Spoleto). I stayed in the Hotel alle Terrazze, Arcevia, which was quite a pleasant place at the time, set up in the hills above the town. Driving in the area was generally pleasant, with little heavy traffic. I’m afraid that I don’t know what its quality or price is like these days. Alan Harrison

Response:

Please consider for your trip San Gimignano, between Siena, Florence, Pisa, Volterra and the sea. For a good accomodation take a look at this b&b: http://www.casagiovanna.cjb.net http://digilander.iol.it/aandreuccetti Regards A – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > routes.

Response:

We flew to Ancona with Ryanair last month. Ryanair’s link with Hertz was the cheapest car hire we found (but that was for just 3 days off-season: a couple of weeks in Aug might be different). Le Marche is a wonderfully varied and relatively little-touristed area: the best guide on the net that I know is www.le-marche.com which is written by a Brit who moved to Marche about 10 years ago. Tuscany/Pisa will be far more crowded: I’d go for le Marche this time, and save Tuscany for an off-season visit some year when the kids have flown the nest. Jonathan(who is just starting to rediscover the joys of holidaying as a couple, now that the boy is old enough to want to do his own thing in the summer)

Response:

> I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > routes.

Have you considered to visit the little island Elba too? Luigi

Response:

> Ancona is a lovely and very ancient city, some of the older buildings show > the effects of earthquakes over the centuries but it’s well worth seeing. A > nice trip is to Macerata, try and go to a concert there in what looks like a > copy of the Roman Coliseum. There are many little hill towns in this area > and best of all is in the principality of San Marino, now sadly a major > tourist destination and very close to Rimini one of the biggest beach > resorts on the Adriatic. There are also many beach resorts in the area but > in the summer they get very crowded, it’s very hot and the motorways are > very busy. As you drive along the main motorway you will see many WW2 > military cemeteries, you can understand why when you see how hilly this area > is. Ravenna and Bologna are well worth visiting, Ravenna is very historic > and interesting, it was once the capital of Italy many centuries ago, > nowadays it is famed for it’s mosaics.

I’ll just add to this: San Marino consists of three peaks as well as the valley below. Most of the tourists stay in the large town on the main peak. You can take a very nice walk from one peak to another, where you will get great views of the fortifications and avoid most of the tourists. Near San Marino is the town of San Leo, which is a fortified town on top of a really high cliff. Very impressive and no where near as many tourists. There are many nice beaches in Le Marche. There are several small towns at the base of Mount Conero, just south of Ancona. Some are more expensive than others, but most are relatively unspoiled and uncrowded. Senigallia has very nice beaches, and just north of the center, you can spread out where you want with your bath towel and umbrella instead of renting a chair. Also, just north of Fano there are some nice unregimented beaches. If you want to visit a beach in Le Marche, you should either rent a hotel within walking distance or plan to arrive at an uncrowded time, because parking is the biggest problem. Most of the people who go to the beach in Senigallia are local daytrippers who go home for lunch and dinner, so you can often get a great spot at meal times. In the evening, after supper, the beach can be very lovely and uncrowded. There are many pretty little towns just inland of the coast. Urbino is a small city, not far from San Marino and San Leo, very lovely and with a magnificent ducal palace which now houses a museum. Other pretty spots are Furlo, where there is a lovely river gorge and where the road passes through a tunnel carved in the rock by the Romans; Mondavio, which has a very well preserved medieval fortification which has some tacky wax figures inside, but also an excellent museum of antique armaments. Maybe the boys would enjoy the chain mail and armor. Just north and west of Mondavio, on the road to Barchi, are a number of traditional ceramics workshops. You have to keep your eyes open or you will miss some of them. There are several in the vicinity of the little town of Fratte Rossa. Corinaldo, my home, just inland of Senigallia, has intact medieval walls surrounding a small well-preserved center. You can walk along part of the ramparts. If you just wander the smaller roads, you are sure to find many charming little villages and scenic panoramas. In the southern part of Le Marche, the city of Ascoli Piceno is known for its beautiful piazza and medieval towers. (I haven’t seen it yet!). In this region, I can recommend a hike in the gorge called Gola del Infernaccio, south of Amandola. The national park of the Sibillini, which straddles the border of Le Marche and Abruzzo, is nearby. The weather can sometimes be uncomfortably hot in August, although the nearby mountains usually offer pleasant cool breezes at night. If it’s too hot, an easy remedy is to head to a higher altitude. You can always find a cool spot in Le Marche within a short driving distance. Le Marche doesn’t have a large tourist presence, except along the coast. A good many of the summer visitors to the coast are German, so English is not the main language of the tourist industry there. Inland, most of the tourists are day trippers from the coastal towns, or local people out for a Sunday drive. However, there are a number of small hotels scattered about and a decent supply of restaurants, although these tend to cater to the wedding and christening trade, thus to large groups rather than intimate dinners. However, if you are willing to nose around a bit and ask at your hotel, being very specific as to what you want, you will find many nice places to eat. Some pizza restaurants have a good selection of other dishes, and there are many agriturismo restaurants that often specialize on local dishes, either from the sea or from the inland region. Some agriturismo facilities are on working farms, which might also interest your boys. Barbara

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). > I don’t know whether you need the hassle of shifting self, wife, kids > and luggage every couple of days, since either region is compact enough > for you to travel daily from a central point. Some ten years ago, I > stayed for  a fortnight in Arcevia (province of Ancona) from where I > could travel easily to places in Le Marche – e.g. Jesi, Loreto, > Tolentino, Urbino, Pesaro, Senigallia, Fabiano, Corinaldo, the caves at > Genga – and over the border to Umbria (Assisi, source of the Clitumnus, > Spoleto). > I stayed in the Hotel alle Terrazze, Arcevia, which was quite a pleasant > place at the time, set up in the hills above the town. Driving in the > area was generally pleasant, with little heavy traffic. I’m afraid that > I don’t know what its quality or price is like these days.

I don’t know the hotel as I live so near that I can see Arcevia from my terrace, but I will second Arcevia as a good base. It’s in the foothills of the Appennines, and high enough so that it is usually cool even on hot days. Barbara

Response:

> Please consider for your trip San Gimignano, between Siena, Florence, Pisa, > Volterra and the sea. [advertisement snipped].

You respond with this identical posting every time someone asks any question at all about central Italy. I thought San Gimignano was already overrun with tourists, can’t you give it a break? If you inist on advertising multiple times a week, at least try to answer the questions being asked. Barbara

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > routes. > Have you considered to visit the little island Elba too? > Luigi

Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular order: (I drove from Switzerland) Modena Parma Pisa Vereggio Siena * Lucca * Chianti region (ie drive through it! Siena-Florence) * Florence * (outside Aug) Isle of Elba * * = My key destinations All were well worth the trip. Surprisingly Florence was the most disappointing being overrun with backpackers and (other!) tourists. I haven’t got the space here to wax lyrical, but of those listed Siena & Lucca or those that I would consider unmissable. Florence is a great city, but not in August. Vereggio is a huge beach resort and it was nigh on impossible to find accomm there. Pisa is nice enough, but the tower is pretty much the highlight. Its incredibly hot there at that time of year, so make sure if you’re hiring, you get air-con 34-35C. I got car-sick for the first time ever. You’ll have a great time and take it easy-n-slow Dave

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > I’m considering a car touring holiday of Italy this year, August 2002. > > Taking a family of 4 (2 young boys 10 & 6) around Tuscany or Le Marche > > regions for two weeks duration. We’ve not been to either region > > before, so would be grateful for any recommendation on these regions, > > which would be best for a young family. I’m think of a cheap RyanAir > > flight to either Pisa for Tuscany or > > Ancona for Le Marche. Any pointers on Car Hire, Best region for Walks, > > cycles, Historic Sites, Good Food & resturants, fun things for kids, > > sea/lakes for swimming, Good Hotels/Villas/GuestHouse on self > > catering. Typical cost for car hire, is it best to hire from UK or in > > Italy. Typical cost of good homely hotels > > or villas/appartments. May be 2 or 3 nights in one place, working in a > > circular route back to the airport (Pisa or Ancona). Any opinions of > > RyanAir flights to these places. Any good books/tour guides to plan > > routes. > Have you considered to visit the little island Elba too? > Luigi > Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular > order: > (I drove from Switzerland) > Modena > Parma

These are not in Tuscany, but Emilia Romagna. Barbara

Response:

> Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular > order: > (I drove from Switzerland) > Modena > Parma > These are not in Tuscany, but Emilia Romagna. > Barbara

And a very fine region to explore, too.  If you read "A Traveler in Italy" by H.V. Morton, you’ll be inspired. That is my all-time favorite travel book, not a guide, but the tale of the travels in the 1960s of a highly cultured and well-educated fellow.  I frequently use it as a reference for deeper reading in Italian history.

Response:

Barbara is perfectly right! Please don t place Advertisment Here. NGs are the place to exchange ideas or opinions not for advertisment! Don to that again please Gianni

Response:

> > Here’s some Tuscany places I visited last August in no particular > order: > (I drove from Switzerland) > Modena > Parma > These are not in Tuscany, but Emilia Romagna. > Barbara

Yeah you’re right, just a couple of places we stopped at en route. If landing at Pisa or Florence, I wouldn’t venture this far out. Dave (Whats the verb to undertake an excursion ? Is there one ? )

Response:

Question:

hi there, i am travelling to italy,sicily and malta in january for a 23day vacation. Which travel guides would you recommend for this holiday? thanks rgds, Sam

Response:

> Which travel guides would you recommend for this holiday?

I am a great fan of The Rough Guide series.  They are well-researched and give lots of detail about sights to see plus reliable suggestions for budget accommodations and good but inexpenive places to eat (and sometimes a few slurges).  I used the Rough Guide Italy extensively in Tuscany and Umbria in 2000 and again, for Venezia, this year. Michelin Green and Red Guides are also helpful, particularly if you want opinions about the best, next-best, etc. places to see (Green), to stay, or to eat (Red). Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter6 at a o l dot com)(no spaces in address)

Response:

> > Which travel guides would you recommend for this holiday? > I am a great fan of The Rough Guide series.  They are well-researched and give > lots of detail about sights to see plus reliable suggestions for budget > accommodations and good but inexpenive places to eat (and sometimes a few > slurges).  I used the Rough Guide Italy extensively in Tuscany and Umbria in > 2000 and again, for Venezia, this year.

My experience with the Rough Guide has been that they are POORLY researched and often very out of date. I have found the Lonely Planet much more reliable. I also like Let’s Go, although its coverage is not as extensive and it is much better on lodgings (the very best for budget lodging) than on sights. My preference would be the combination of Michelin Green guide for sights and Let’s Go for lodging. Barbara

Response:

hi there, i am travelling to italy,sicily and malta in january for a 23day vacation. Which travel guides would you recommend for this holiday? thanks rgds, Sam

Response:

> Which travel guides would you recommend for this holiday?

I am a great fan of The Rough Guide series.  They are well-researched and give lots of detail about sights to see plus reliable suggestions for budget accommodations and good but inexpenive places to eat (and sometimes a few slurges).  I used the Rough Guide Italy extensively in Tuscany and Umbria in 2000 and again, for Venezia, this year. Michelin Green and Red Guides are also helpful, particularly if you want opinions about the best, next-best, etc. places to see (Green), to stay, or to eat (Red). Larry in Berkeley, California (seaotter6 at a o l dot com)(no spaces in address)

Response:

> > Which travel guides would you recommend for this holiday? > I am a great fan of The Rough Guide series.  They are well-researched and give > lots of detail about sights to see plus reliable suggestions for budget > accommodations and good but inexpenive places to eat (and sometimes a few > slurges).  I used the Rough Guide Italy extensively in Tuscany and Umbria in > 2000 and again, for Venezia, this year.

My experience with the Rough Guide has been that they are POORLY researched and often very out of date. I have found the Lonely Planet much more reliable. I also like Let’s Go, although its coverage is not as extensive and it is much better on lodgings (the very best for budget lodging) than on sights. My preference would be the combination of Michelin Green guide for sights and Let’s Go for lodging. Barbara

Response:

Question:

Hi Don, You’ll get some good tips for your trip in our Italy travelogues, the most recent one starts here:  http://www.thetravelzine.com/rome0301_1.htm Regards, Don and Linda TheTravelzine.com is non-commercial "Don Berey" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine.

Response:

Siena was particularly fun because of the Palio race. We weren’t there during the race, but the most recent winners of the banner paraded it around town for a "practice" I guess. Drumming, singing, and just nifty pageantry. I believe it was around lunch time they did this, but it was pretty random for us (I’m sure they decide when they are going to have practices, but we didn’t know) Siena has a very nice Enoteca behind/below the Duomo. At dusk, sit outside and have coffee or a bellini and watch all the people walk around the town center. WARNING – lots of birds fly around eating bugs that time of day – make sure you are under an awning, it gets pretty messy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Absolutely. Try to avoid it on a weekend, though. Siena is wonderful also. >   Firenze > Pisa > Siena > San Gemignano > Volterra > Massa  Marittima > are the richest towns for monuments and museums. >  I  would say San Gemignano is a must. > > My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > > Thank you in advance.

Response:

  Firenze Pisa Siena San Gemignano Volterra Massa  Marittima are the richest towns for monuments and museums.  I  would say San Gemignano is a must.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > Thank you in advance.

Response:

Absolutely. Try to avoid it on a weekend, though. Siena is wonderful also.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->   Firenze > Pisa > Siena > San Gemignano > Volterra > Massa  Marittima > are the richest towns for monuments and museums. >  I  would say San Gemignano is a must. > My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > Thank you in advance.

Response:

My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. Thank you in advance.

  dberey.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

> My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > Thank you in advance.

Dear Don     You might want to consider choosing an area of Tuscany and exploring it in depth.  If Firenze is a priority,  perhaps you can go there,  see the surrounding villas,  and explore the Chianti region.     A good way to choose would be to establish what you want to see: Farm land and bucolic surroundings? Cities like Siena,  Lucca, Pisa or Firenze? Museums and great art and architecture (cities) Seashore (some good choices are available) Tiny villages in the northern, mountainous part of Tuscany? Hill towns scattered throughout the province?     It would be too much to cover the entire province in one trip, unless it is indeed a lengthy voyage.  I am guessing that if you choose an area,  you will get plenty of recommendations.     You might want to read Cadogan’s Tuscany guide to get a feel for which types of places are available and what attracts you…     Tuscany is a pretty large province with many diverse areas.  Lots of people like Siena,  and staying somewhere nearby could give you the opportunity to see that area,  which is also lovely.     I have heard great things about the area around Pienza,  the town of Massa Marittima,  and the Cortona/Arezzo area, but have not visited them.  Plan to,  though. Happy planning Debbie

Response:

My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. Thank you in advance.

  dberey.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

> My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > Thank you in advance.

Dear Don     You might want to consider choosing an area of Tuscany and exploring it in depth.  If Firenze is a priority,  perhaps you can go there,  see the surrounding villas,  and explore the Chianti region.     A good way to choose would be to establish what you want to see: Farm land and bucolic surroundings? Cities like Siena,  Lucca, Pisa or Firenze? Museums and great art and architecture (cities) Seashore (some good choices are available) Tiny villages in the northern, mountainous part of Tuscany? Hill towns scattered throughout the province?     It would be too much to cover the entire province in one trip, unless it is indeed a lengthy voyage.  I am guessing that if you choose an area,  you will get plenty of recommendations.     You might want to read Cadogan’s Tuscany guide to get a feel for which types of places are available and what attracts you…     Tuscany is a pretty large province with many diverse areas.  Lots of people like Siena,  and staying somewhere nearby could give you the opportunity to see that area,  which is also lovely.     I have heard great things about the area around Pienza,  the town of Massa Marittima,  and the Cortona/Arezzo area, but have not visited them.  Plan to,  though. Happy planning Debbie

Response:

  Firenze Pisa Siena San Gemignano Volterra Massa  Marittima are the richest towns for monuments and museums.  I  would say San Gemignano is a must.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > Thank you in advance.

Response:

Absolutely. Try to avoid it on a weekend, though. Siena is wonderful also.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->   Firenze > Pisa > Siena > San Gemignano > Volterra > Massa  Marittima > are the richest towns for monuments and museums. >  I  would say San Gemignano is a must. > My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > Thank you in advance.

Response:

Siena was particularly fun because of the Palio race. We weren’t there during the race, but the most recent winners of the banner paraded it around town for a "practice" I guess. Drumming, singing, and just nifty pageantry. I believe it was around lunch time they did this, but it was pretty random for us (I’m sure they decide when they are going to have practices, but we didn’t know) Siena has a very nice Enoteca behind/below the Duomo. At dusk, sit outside and have coffee or a bellini and watch all the people walk around the town center. WARNING – lots of birds fly around eating bugs that time of day – make sure you are under an awning, it gets pretty messy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Absolutely. Try to avoid it on a weekend, though. Siena is wonderful also. >   Firenze > Pisa > Siena > San Gemignano > Volterra > Massa  Marittima > are the richest towns for monuments and museums. >  I  would say San Gemignano is a must. > > My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine. > > Thank you in advance.

Response:

Hi Don, You’ll get some good tips for your trip in our Italy travelogues, the most recent one starts here:  http://www.thetravelzine.com/rome0301_1.htm Regards, Don and Linda TheTravelzine.com is non-commercial "Don Berey" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife and I are going to Tuscany for the first time.  We would enjoy > hearing about interesting places to visit and good places to dine.

Response:

Question:

> Weather wise, I was in Italy in October 1999 for five days.  It was > sunny the whole time.  Rain, even in mid-October, is at worst uncommon > in Italy.  This differs from conditions north of the Alps which may be > much rainier in October. (At least, it has been the last four years.  So > much for so-called "Global Warming!")

If you go to Tuscany for ten or so days, or north of there, w/out a raincoat and/or umbrella in Oct. you will be buying one more than likely. jay Sat, Jun 30, 2001 — Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response:

Hi Pete! Don’t be dissuaded from traveling in October anywhere in Italy because of fears of bad weather or darkness. Europe observes daylight saving time ("Summer Time") until and including October 27, 2001. In Florence on October 1, sundown is 6:56 p.m.  Add another half-hour of usable twilight and you can safely count on daylight until 7:30 p.m. On the 10th of October you’ve lost about a quarter hour, 6:40 p.m. being sundown.  On the 20th, deduct another 15 minutes, down to 6:24 p.m. Even then you have usable daylight until 7 p.m. By the last day of daylight saving time, sunset is still as late as 6:13 p.m. in Tuscany.  Only after that do you lose the hour of sun caused when the clocks go back. Weather wise, I was in Italy in October 1999 for five days.  It was sunny the whole time.  Rain, even in mid-October, is at worst uncommon in Italy.  This differs from conditions north of the Alps which may be much rainier in October. (At least, it has been the last four years.  So much for so-called "Global Warming!") Let me know if I can help further.  To get more info on astronomical phenomena, try the US Naval Observatory website: http://mach.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/aa_pap.pl Happy travels, David

Response:

>I can drive in the dark at home >– I don’t have to go to Italy for that.  Using Florence as a >reference point, about when does the sun set in late October – early >November?  How about April or May?

Use this site to determine sunset and sunrise: http://www.mindspring.com/~cavu/sunset.html BTW: it is 6:51 and 17:06 on Nov. 1 for weather: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/country.php3?r=EUR&refer= and http://www.wunderground.com/global/IY.html MHS

Response:

I had planned to take a 3 week Italian driving tour in September, but now it looks like I won’t be able to go until late October or next spring.  The itinerary was to start in Rome and go to Florence(perhaps some days in Cinque Terre as well), Ravenna, Venice, and through Switzerland to Paris. I’ve pretty much got the picture that the weather (at least from Florence to Venice) is likely to be cool and rainy (or perhaps not), but I was wondering about daylight.  I can drive in the dark at home — I don’t have to go to Italy for that.  Using Florence as a reference point, about when does the sun set in late October – early November?  How about April or May?

Response:

I had planned to take a 3 week Italian driving tour in September, but now it looks like I won’t be able to go until late October or next spring.  The itinerary was to start in Rome and go to Florence(perhaps some days in Cinque Terre as well), Ravenna, Venice, and through Switzerland to Paris. I’ve pretty much got the picture that the weather (at least from Florence to Venice) is likely to be cool and rainy (or perhaps not), but I was wondering about daylight.  I can drive in the dark at home — I don’t have to go to Italy for that.  Using Florence as a reference point, about when does the sun set in late October – early November?  How about April or May?

Response:

>I can drive in the dark at home >– I don’t have to go to Italy for that.  Using Florence as a >reference point, about when does the sun set in late October – early >November?  How about April or May?

Use this site to determine sunset and sunrise: http://www.mindspring.com/~cavu/sunset.html BTW: it is 6:51 and 17:06 on Nov. 1 for weather: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/country.php3?r=EUR&refer= and http://www.wunderground.com/global/IY.html MHS

Response:

Hi Pete! Don’t be dissuaded from traveling in October anywhere in Italy because of fears of bad weather or darkness. Europe observes daylight saving time ("Summer Time") until and including October 27, 2001. In Florence on October 1, sundown is 6:56 p.m.  Add another half-hour of usable twilight and you can safely count on daylight until 7:30 p.m. On the 10th of October you’ve lost about a quarter hour, 6:40 p.m. being sundown.  On the 20th, deduct another 15 minutes, down to 6:24 p.m. Even then you have usable daylight until 7 p.m. By the last day of daylight saving time, sunset is still as late as 6:13 p.m. in Tuscany.  Only after that do you lose the hour of sun caused when the clocks go back. Weather wise, I was in Italy in October 1999 for five days.  It was sunny the whole time.  Rain, even in mid-October, is at worst uncommon in Italy.  This differs from conditions north of the Alps which may be much rainier in October. (At least, it has been the last four years.  So much for so-called "Global Warming!") Let me know if I can help further.  To get more info on astronomical phenomena, try the US Naval Observatory website: http://mach.usno.navy.mil/cgi-bin/aa_pap.pl Happy travels, David

Response:

> Weather wise, I was in Italy in October 1999 for five days.  It was > sunny the whole time.  Rain, even in mid-October, is at worst uncommon > in Italy.  This differs from conditions north of the Alps which may be > much rainier in October. (At least, it has been the last four years.  So > much for so-called "Global Warming!")

If you go to Tuscany for ten or so days, or north of there, w/out a raincoat and/or umbrella in Oct. you will be buying one more than likely. jay Sat, Jun 30, 2001 — Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

Response: