Stay Near SG or Siena in Countryside

[Thor]

We have 3 nights and 2 full days to get a taste of SG, Volterra, and Siena. It is too short but our first time in Italy so can't miss experiencing the countryside.
We are a family of 4 with adult children (18 and 24) and were thinking of staying near SG to have a day to relax around SG/ Volterra and another to visit Siena. We will rent a car in Florence and then on day 3 drive to Rome. We leave from Florence in late afternoon which might be a mistake with traffic.

There are so many nice looking B&B's to choose from. Trying to find one that will make our driving time efficient, has a pool, and is not far from SG by car, or walking is even better. Thinking about La Fornace di Rocciano in SG, but can find no ratings. Some friends stayed at Rosolaccio but it is a bit farther away from Florence/Siena road. Or we could stay close to Siena which would save a little time as we depart to Rome, but backtracking to see SG & Volterra. Any input will be appreciated.

[Lourdes]

Ciao Thor,

Do you mean the Le Fornace di Racciano, the one listed here ?

It might be that the mispelling is what is showing no reviews since I see it is on TripAdvisor with mostly excellent reviews.
Other good options right outside of San Gimignano are the Agriturismo La Lucciolaia and Niccolai, both listed here where you can read the short review before going to the site:
http://www.discovertuscany.com/san-g...accommodation/
(Fornace di Racciano is also listed).

Leaving Florence in the afternoon is fine, just try leaving Florence before 5pm as the traffic you find will be mostly in Florence all the way to the Florence-Siena road. Once you're on that, you should be fine.

Staying near SG makes sense, especially since you want to experience SG and Volterra. The difference in time between there and Siena on your way down is really minimal so it really depends on just finding a place you will all like. A pool is more likely outside in the countryside that in town, so even if you want to stay closer to Siena, look for something outside of the borders, such as La Selva or San Fabiano listed here: http://www.tuscanyaccommodation.com/siena/

[john69]

hello; there is a small town near Siena called: Rapolano Terme; famous for the hot springs; there are several Agriturismo in this area. this place is great because it is by the major highways, but it is located by the Crete Senesi with the most amazing tuscan hills!! good luck!

[Lourdes]

I agree with John if you're interested in trying out hot springs in Tuscany. There are several, from Montecatini Terme to Rapolano Terme to Chianciano Terme and Bagno Vignoni and Saturnia.
There are farmhouses pretty much everywhere nowadays, so the best way to go about it is to decide a general area you want to stay in and then look at what options you find there - there are many options, the hard part is actually deciding between all the different ones you'll like!

[Thor]

Thanks for your input Lourdes. We are now thinking to stay closer to Florence perhaps in San Casciano In Val de pesa. Can you comment on this village as it compares to SG. Also we are looking for a tour guide for our one day in Florence. Really appreciate your recommendations.

I agree with John if you're interested in trying out hot springs in Tuscany. There are several, from Montecatini Terme to Rapolano Terme to Chianciano Terme and Bagno Vignoni and Saturnia.
There are farmhouses pretty much everywhere nowadays, so the best way to go about it is to decide a general area you want to stay in and then look at what options you find there - there are many options, the hard part is actually deciding between all the different ones you'll like!