Tuscany in the Fall

[grskier]

So, Tuscany in the Fall is still the in thing to do right... cool, that's where we're going for our honeymoon. I've checked out these threads:
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...hlight=tuscany
and
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...hlight=tuscany

I'm looking for some more recs, like some dope places to stay.. should we stay in one place and day trip or spend a few days in a few places (we're really looking at the latter, but if it isn't that big a deal..).
What winery/vineyards should we try to check out....
I know to check out the Uffizi, Siena, Florence, and Pisa Cathedrals, but where in those small towns should we check out, or should I just ask which little towns to check out and make sure we do a little searching.

[atomicboy]

How long is your trip? What do you mean by fall end Sept, Oct, Nov, early Dec?

[Tippster]

Take a break from all the Sangiovese and head to Cinque Terre for some whites and hiking.

[Steven S. Dallas]

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pienza"]Pienza[/ame] is really cool, kind of a perfect little Renaissance-period town. And it's right by Montepulciano, so you can slay a bunch of super Tuscans that same day.

The area surrounding Lucca is also really nice, hilly and wooded. I think there are some cool inns and things around there.

[Ripzalot]

[ame="http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89387"]TR: Tuscany Agriturismo (NSR) - Teton Gravity Research Forums[/ame]

pm if you want info on any of the places i stayed

[BigDaddy]

Looks like you did some homework... The fall is a great time to go! Crowds are gone, it's still fairly mild, and less rain than the spring. I think I wore a sweater once before December. Enjoy.

In northern Italy, (but not really in Tuscany) there are many great small towns but my favorites are: Mantova (or Mantua) (check out Giulio Romano's, Palazzo del Te), Verona (home of the real Romeo and Juliett), Vicenza (lots of Palladio's work), Parma, and I loved Assisi, too. (If you eat meat, get some porchetta nearby... it's so good!) Don't worry if you miss any of this stuff... you can't go wrong just wondering Italy and trying new stuff... it's all good.

[Rontele]

We stayed at the Santa Maria Novella in Florence. We really liked it. It isn't cheap, but it isn't earth shattering either. Its close to the train station and an easy stroll everywhere throughout Florence.

I would also plan on going to Sienna and Bologna.

[grskier]

How long is your trip? What do you mean by fall end Sept, Oct, Nov, early Dec?

9 or 10 days end of September into October

Thanks for the tips everyone else...
How much Italian should I plan on learning prior to my arrival ie, how many people actually speak English? even in the small towns?

[teosickrider]

My parents have a place close to Castagneto Carducci (the village is called Monteverdi Marittimo). That's the real Tuscany and, for example, that's where thay make the Sassicaia wine. Don't forget to go to Isola d'Elba...not so many foreigners go there but it's totally worth a look!!

[Hong Jong Fuey]

I remember really liking Montalcino and Monteriggioni as cities. Monteriggioni is entirely surrounded by walls and is basically in a castle. There were like 3 restaurants in the town and we ate at Il Pozzo which I remember having some of the best cinghiale I’ve ever had.

Other recommendations:
Siena
Definitely try Cane & Gatto in Siena. 7 course tasting menu paired with wines. Its about a 3 hour meal, but was awesome. Do some on line research, but pretty sure they only do 2 seatings.

Florence
We went to Trattoria Sostanza in Florence. Great authentic Florentine food at very reasonable prices. Not expensive, very low key, very small restaurant. You sit at communal tables and there are only 2 seatings. Highly recommend the Florentine beef. Worth a visit for dinner if you are there for multiple nights.

Wineries in Montalcino
Biondi Santi in Montalcino (buy the red shash wine – very tough to find)
www.biondisanti.it/Eng/ricolmatura_en.php

Soldera – if you can get a tasting with this guy it’s a big deal. Do some google seaches.
http://www.soldera.it/en/contattarci-fx.htm

“Soldera will be delighted to offer their warm hospitality to anyone who shares the production and sales philosophy of enlightened agriculture and wants to breathe the unique, enchanting atmosphere of Case Basse.”

Enoteca La Fortezza
One of the highest points in Montalcino. Would highly recommend for light lunch and some great wine tasting.
http://www.enotecalafortezza.com/

Im jealous.

[BigDaddy]

9 or 10 days end of September into October

Thanks for the tips everyone else...
How much Italian should I plan on learning prior to my arrival ie, how many people actually speak English? even in the small towns?

Most will speak a little english, but it's great if you can say hello and ask where the bathrooms are... (of course when they respond with directions in Italian, you're f'd!)

Ciao, buon giorno (hello, good day), basta (enough), Come stai? (How are you?), bene (good), Dove el bagno (Where is the bathroom?), grazie mille (thanks a million), Parli inglese? (Do you speak english?)

ADDIT: Just returned from my Italian barber who recommends Siena as well. He also said to be sure to check out the Etruscan ruins (Pre Roman empire, all over Tuscany, etc.) but especially Orvieto: [ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orvieto[/ame]

[BigKuba]

I went there some time ago with my folks. We saw all the big cultural/historical sites in the cities mentioned in the OP and they were all amazing, but one thing I really liked was renting a car, driving through the countryside, and visiting some of the smaller towns. The ones I remember standing out were Orvieto (location set on top of cliffs, cathedral, awesome white wine for a change), San Gimignano (cool medieval town, known for its towers), and Assisi (basilica of St Francis). Somebody here mentioned Montepulciano and that rings a bell as well.

I'd definitely suggest a detour like that to anyone making the trip. Have fun, and give me a shout if you'd like any more details -- I can look up the specifics I don't remember off the top of my head (don't have much relevant info on places to stay or eat because we were cheap and it was a family trip though)

[teosickrider]

Most will speak a little english, but it's great if you can say hello and ask where the bathrooms are... (of course when they respond with directions in Italian, you're f'd!)

Ciao, buon giorno (hello, good day), basta (enough), Come stai? (How are you?), bene (good), Dove el bagno (Where is the bathroom?), grazie mille (thanks a million), Parli inglese? (Do you speak english?)

ADDIT: Just returned from my Italian barber who recommends Siena as well. He also said to be sure to check out the Etruscan ruins (Pre Roman empire, all over Tuscany, etc.) but especially Orvieto: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orvieto

The Italian barber is right...and it's "dov'è il bagno?" ehehe
If you need something just ask.

[Rip'nStick]

Ahh the drive out of Florence was interesting. Italians don't really care about lanes I guess. Once in the countryside, with some good tunes, it is very nice.

Enjoy, it's one of the finer places on the planet!

[PaSucks]

There's nothing to rent in Tuscany, don't even bother looking.

[Big Snowballs]

Buona fortuna e hanno una grande vacanza. Bere, mangiare e scopare fino a quando non si può più camminare. L'Italia è il luogo migliore del pianeta, perché è la terra della cultura e dell'arte.

[grskier]

Buona fortuna e hanno una grande vacanza. Bere, mangiare e scopare fino a quando non si può più camminare. L'Italia è il luogo migliore del pianeta, perché è la terra della cultura e dell'arte.

Thank god for google translate


Thank you for all the recs so far guys!

[Big Snowballs]

Thank god for google translate


Thank you for all the recs so far guys!

Try learning some basic phases and don't let anyone over charge you. Italians will try to take advantage of you if let them. I love Italy and speak the language but they still try to rip me off. Always ask how much when you're unsure and get a the recipe first (it's the Law) before you hand over your cash.

Don't let what I wrote put you off you just need to be aware. You are in for the time of your life and being prepared will make it that much more enjoyable.

Signed "Big Meatballs"

[BigDaddy]

Oh, one more thing... if you're wife is cute, (no doubt) watch out for the Italian men. Never seen such blatant and aggressive hound dogs... except maybe at Hunter Mt. (which is essentially an Italian province).

[Big Snowballs]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymoGJsaSS6c"]YouTube- Godfather Restaurant - I'm gonna speak Italian to Mike[/ame]

If you see this going on in a Restaurant, get the fuck out!!!

[funkendrenchman]

There's nothing to rent in Tuscany, don't even bother looking.

Was wondering how long it would take....

[pappag]

Things have probably changed in 9 years, but I had the best steak of my life at La Torre in Siena. If there's an old guy that speaks no English and calls himself the menu, you're in business. There are so many beautiful towns in Tuscany that ten days doesn't really do it justice. No specifics, but do recommend wine tasting in San Gimignano. Visit Florence on a weekday ... go on a Saturday if you need cheap leather goods. When shopping, always ask for a discount even if something is already 70% off. Some friends of mine did a weekend in Elba and had a great time. If you need a Coke, ask for "oh-ha oh-la" and be prepared to pay $4 for a can. If you see gnocchi stuffed with porcini mushrooms and cheese on the menu, get it. When dining, "pane e coperto" is your tip/cover charge ... you don't pay any more than what your bill says unless you happen to be with 8+ people.

[Steven S. Dallas]

There's nothing to rent in Tuscany, don't even bother looking.

Maestro?

[Wildman]

[QUOTE=NPG;2814839]recommend wine tasting in San Gimignano.[QUOTE]

^^^
I second wine tasting in San Gimigiano. You can see it from miles away and it is an old castle like city with over 13 Towers still intact, definitely touristy but a very cool place to meander.

Also i would not miss the picturesque city of Orvieto...it sits ontop of a very impressive 1000 foot cliffs and is home to one of the most amazing Duomo's in Italy. Also if you stop there be sure to check out the underground city...bascially and exspansive series of tunnels and catacombs below it all.

[El Chupacabra]

Quick lesson in how to speak Eye-talian, courtesy of Aldo Raine:




[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WYVUNY6z6E"]YouTube- Brad Pitt perfect italian pronunciation.avi[/ame]