Stops between Florence and Siena?
I will be driving between Florence and Siena next week, to go between our city hotel and an agriturismo south of Siena. I know its not a long drive but am looking if there are any noteworthy places to stop along the way. Also, I know we could just stop and have lunch in Siena but won't we have to leave our car outside the city center? I'm a little nervous to do that because it will be packed full with all our luggage. Am I right to be concerned there? Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated!
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What about stopping off in San Gimignano? Its midway between Florence and Siena....Siena is really very beautiful but in my opinion quite safe...Castellina in Chianti is also lovely. Or you could drive to the Volpaia winery and there is a very good restaurant there (although somewhat a better idea if it is a clear day...). I hope that you have a lovely time whatever you choose to do
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re: LotsC
Success! One of our good finds on this trip was when we randomly exited the raccordo near the San Gimignano exits but went a different way and pulled in to a country osteria with lots of cars parked just before 1pm. The place was just full of guys eating huge Tuscan lunches together, I think I was one of 2 women in the place. No tourists that I could see. Beautiful charcuterie plate, homemade pasta with squash and mushrooms, another with a hunter's ragu. The tables surrounding us were being brought out huge bistecca style steaks for approval before cooking. I really wanted one but the 2 year old with us wasn't having it. It was near Barbarino Val d'Elsa http://www.osterialasostadipiovii.it/
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re: dahlsk
jen kalb
Oct 27, 2010 12:55 PM
glad it worked out and sounds like a wonderful. place and meal. Maybe Im missing something but how did the attitude of a 2 year old affect whether you were having steak? Was it a matter of sitting still for an additional course? if so, you are lucky to have made it as far as you did.
Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your eating.
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You might want to go to the upper right hand corner of this page and do a search for Tuscany, as well as searches for towns (between Florence & Siena) such as Radda, Gaiole, Castellina, etc. There has been a number of comments made here over the past 6-12 months that might be helpful.
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jen kalb
Oct 14, 2010 11:40 AM
I wouldnt worry about your luggage unless its in clear view in your car. but its always a good rule not to travel with anything you cant afford to lose. My feeling is that you dont want to go into Siena simply for lunch - better as a relaxed day trip from your agriturismo. Im sure the other hounds will be able to recommend a lunch stop to you on your way south. If you are looking for a very nice stop indeed, Arnolfo's is on your route.
http://www.chow.com/restaurants/91678...
