tuscany, rome & florence
October 23rd - 27th Rome, October 27-November 3rd Villa in Tuscany and Nov 3rd - 5th in Florence
Car rental estimate
Picking up the car outside of Rome and returning it to Florence airport the day you fly out:
VW Golf rental, October 27- November 3rd, $408, cancel or make changes for a fee OR $466 with free cancelation and changes. This option would be tight for your luggage but may be doable. This price does not include added insurance or any optional extras.
Peugeot 2008, same dates, $443 with fees to cancel or alter, $510 for free changes and cancelation. Your luggage will likely fit. This vehicle has a design feature that allows you to lower the boot level so you can drop the floor to its lowest position allowing you to place the two check on bags flat or on their sides with the carry one bag resting on top without obstructing the rear view mirror. This price does not include added insurance or any optional extras.
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, same dates, $475 with fees to cancel or alter, $550 for free changes and cancelation. Your luggage will definitely fit. This price does not include added insurance or any optional extras.
NOTES:
I would like to point out that you will only have the luggage in the vehicle when transferring from Rome to the vila and when transferring from the villa to the hotel or airport.
If you decide to stay in Florence two nights and not do day trips I will look for an alternative drop off location just outside Florence so you don’t have to go to the airport with the rental. You would then take an Uber from the rental drop off location to your hotel. This will change the cost of the rental.
I recommend deciding on the accommodation and dates you plan to stay before researching the rental further since the dates and itinerary will impact the pricing. This gives you an idea though!
Hotel options in ROME
These are some great options in safe neighborhoods that will be easy to site see from. All rates are for four nights; checking in Oct 23rd and out Oct 27th. These dates span a weekend so the pricing was a bit higher.
hotel colosseum
Hotel Colosseum offers a comfortable stay in Rome’s charming Monti neighborhood, within easy walking distance of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and many restaurants and cafés. You can unwind with a drink on the hotel’s panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking Rome’s domes and rooftops. The hotel also offers an elevator, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and helpful multilingual staff.
I had clients stay here and they enjoyed their stay.
$1,494.08 for a double room, refundable until Oct 20th, breakfast for two included
$1,452.07 for the same room but it would be non refundable
option two in ROME
hotel Quirinale
Hotel Quirinale offers an elegant, old-world Roman experience in a grand historic building along Via Nazionale. Its central location places guests near Piazza della Repubblica and within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Monti and Rome’s ancient sites. It’s location makes site seeing easy. The spacious, traditionally decorated rooms feature high ceilings, parquet floors and air-conditioning, and the hotel offers elevators, complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, 24-hour reception, an attractive private garden and the Rossini Restaurant, where guests can dine indoors or overlooking the garden. This is old world with modern convenience. The garden in the back makes staying in a large city feel a bit less like staying in a large city.
I had clients stay here as well and they had good things to say about their stay. This would be my choice.
$1,378 for a small double room (15 sq m), refundable until Oct 21st, breakfast for two included
$1,596 for a larger room (28 sq m), refundable until Oct 21st, breakfast for two included
$2,439 for a suite with a separate living room (39sq m), refundable until Oct 21st, breakfast for two included
option three in ROME
Hotel Royal Court
Hotel Royal Court is an intimate boutique hotel offering traditionally decorated rooms on a quiet street near Rome’s Termini Station. Its location provides convenient access to trains, buses and the Metro but it would make sense as well to take an Uber or Bolt to the main attractions. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a 24-hour front desk, breakfast service and a charming garden courtyard. The hotel has an elevator. If interested in this property I will reach out directly to the hotel to make sure the room being booked is accessible by elevator because some rooms are located in an annex building that wold require several stairs and a walk to and from breakfast. There are rooms available in the main hotel with an elevator though.
$1,019 for a small double room (15 sq m), refundable until Oct 16th, breakfast for two included
$1,084 for a slightly larger room with a king bed (18 sq m), refundable until Oct 16th, breakfast for two included
option four in ROME
the hive
The Hive Hotel offers a contemporary stay in central Rome, conveniently located near the Opera House, Santa Maria Maggiore, Monti and Termini Station. Its rooms are spacious for Italy and an elevator makes the property easy to navigate. You’ll have complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a fitness center, an optional spa and a rooftop restaurant and bar. It’s a reliable place to unwind with a meal or drink overlooking the city. This would be similar to a standard hotel stay in the states.
$1,675 for a double room (20 sq m), non refundable, breakfast for two included
$1,833 for a double room (20 sq m), refundable through Oct 21st, breakfast for two included
options in Tuscany
These are some great options in beautiful areas convenient to Florence and Siena. All rates are for seven or five nights; checking in Oct 27th and out November 1st or 3rd.
Villa I Barronci Resort & Spa
Villa I Barronci Resort & Spa offers a peaceful countryside retreat surrounded by the vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany. Guests can enjoy sweeping Chianti views, a heated panoramic pool, spa facilities, complimentary parking and dining experiences featuring regional cuisine. Located near San Casciano in Val di Pesa, the villa provides a relaxing alternative to staying in the city while remaining within convenient driving distance of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and the celebrated Antinori winery. Also…it’s gorgeous.
30 minutes to Florence and 50 minutes to Siena. While this property favors Florence in proximity it’s a great value for a luxury property option. ONLY ONE ROOM LEFT
For a five night stay:
$607 for a large double room (172 sq m), non refundable, breakfast for two and parking included
$837 for a large double room (172 sq m), refundable until Oct 21st, breakfast for two and parking included
For a seven night stay:
$895 for a large double room (172 sq m), non refundable, breakfast for two and parking included
$1,113 for a large double room (172 sq m), refundable until Oct 21st, breakfast for two and parking included
Their website. This is a larger estate.
option two Tuscany
Salvadonica – Borgo del Chianti
Salvadonica – Borgo del Chianti offers an authentic Tuscan countryside experience in a beautifully restored historic hamlet surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Guests can relax beside the panoramic outdoor pool (not heated), explore the estate and enjoy regional cuisine at the onsite restaurant, along with complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking. Located near San Casciano in Val di Pesa, the property provides a peaceful base for discovering Florence, Siena, wineries and the picturesque villages of the Chianti region. They offer cooking classes, vespa rentals, tours of the estate and wine tasting. They produce, bottle and age wine on site. No elevator on site but one flight of stairs at most would be required. If booking I can request a ground floor room.
35 minutes to Florence and 45 minutes to Siena.
For a five night stay:
$1,176 for a large double room (183 sq m), refundable until Oct 20th, breakfast for two and parking included
For a seven night stay:
$1,521 for a large double room (183 sq m), refundable until Oct 20th, breakfast for two and parking included
Their website. This is larger estate.
option three Tuscany
Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio
Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio offers an authentic farm-stay experience on a historic organic estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the hills near Pontassieve. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, farm-to-table dining, wine and olive-oil experiences, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, along with activities such as vineyard tours, pottery and horseback riding. Its peaceful setting makes it an appealing base for travelers interested in Tuscany’s countryside, food and wine while remaining within driving distance of Florence. I include this option because it’s a good middle ground between a large property and a true farm stay. The drive to Siena is longer however.
35 minutes to Florence and 1hr and 20 minutes to Siena.
For a five night stay (pictured left):
$1,085 for a one bedroom apartment (484 sq m), refundable Oct 22nd, no breakfast but parking is included
$1,290 for a large double room (215 sq m), refundable until Oct 22nd, breakfast for two and parking included
For a seven night stay:
$1,396 for a one bedroom apartment (484 sq m), refundable Oct 22nd, no breakfast but parking is included
$1,529 for a large double room (215 sq m), refundable until Oct 22nd, breakfast for two and parking included
Their website. This is larger estate but it’s also a family run farm.
option four Tuscany
Agriturismo Fattoria Lavacchio
Il Colombaio Winery and Rooms offers an intimate Tuscan farm-stay experience on a working wine estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves near the medieval village of Monteriggioni. Rustic rooms feature traditional details such as wood-beamed ceilings and wrought-iron beds, while guests can enjoy breakfast, winery tours and tastings, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, and a panoramic seasonal outdoor pool. Its peaceful setting is particularly well positioned for exploring Siena, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and the southern Chianti countryside.
1 hr to Florence and 25 minutes to Siena.
For a five night stay:
$1,032 for a one bedroom apartment, refundable until Oct 20th, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the two photos left.
$1,290 for a two bedroom condo, refundable until Oct 20th, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the three photos below. A more modern space that I think would be less fitting and may have a flight of stairs but would be a good option if your sister joins.
Unavailable for a seven night stay.
Their website. This is small estate and working winery.
option five Tuscany
Santa Maria a Poneta
Santa Maria a Poneta offers a peaceful and authentic Tuscan stay on a historic working farm surrounded by vineyards and olive groves near Barberino Val d’Elsa. The restored estate includes an elegant manor house and a small centuries-old chapel, while its spacious self-catering apartments feature private terraces overlooking the gardens. Guests also have access to complimentary Wi-Fi and parking, barbecue facilities and a seasonal outdoor pool, making it a good choice for privacy, countryside views and a central base for exploring Tuscany. If interested in this property I would contact them re stairs.
50 min to Florence, 35 minutes to Siena and 25 to San Gimignano
For a five & seven night stay:
$839 for a one bedroom apartment, non refundable, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the three photos left. $1,174 for 7 nights
$907 for a one bedroom apartment, non fundable, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the three photos below. This space doesn’t look like it has a flight of stairs! $1,242 for 7 nights
$907 for a one bedroom apartment, non fundable, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the three photos below; second row. This space has a flight of stairs. $1,279 for 7 nights
$1,422 for a two bedroom apartment, , non fundable, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the next row of three images; third row. Looks very comfy but the bedrooms may be upstairs. $1,947 for 7 nights
$1,422 for a two bedroom apartment, , non fundable, no breakfast but parking is included
Pictured in the last row of three images. I can’t tell re stairs and would need to ask. $1,991 for 7 nights
The last two images are of shared areas on the estate
Their website. This is small estate and a working farm.
options in florence
These are some great options in convenient locations. All rates are for a two night stay; checking in November 1st and out on the 3rd. If you are staying 7 nights in Tuscany the dates would shift along with the price. This will give you an idea though.
Please keep in mind you still have the option to remain at the villa, drive to a train station, and take the train into Florence for a day trip. You would then just return the car to the airport on the day you depart.
Hotel Alba Palace
Hotel Alba Palace offers a comfortable and inviting stay in Florence’s historic center, just steps from the beautiful Piazza Santa Maria Novella and within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the city’s principal museums. Set within an elegantly restored property, the hotel combines traditional Florentine character with modern comforts and features a striking glass-covered interior courtyard. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, elevator access and a 24-hour front desk, while the nearby train station makes arrivals, departures and regional day trips especially convenient. Best overall.
For a two night stay:
$496 for a double room (183 sq m), refundable until October 30th, breakfast for two included
Their website.
option two in florence
B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio
B&B Hotel Firenze Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio offers an exceptionally central stay just steps from Ponte Vecchio and within an easy walk of the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo. Set within a historic tower, the hotel combines Florentine character with modern comforts, including air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, elevator access and a 24-hour front desk. A highlight is its rooftop terrace and breakfast room, where guests can begin the day with panoramic views across Florence’s rooftops and landmarks. Best location for the dollar.
For a two night stay:
$429 for a double room (161 sq m), non refundable, breakfast for two included
Their website.
option three in florence
Hotel de la Ville
Hotel De La Ville offers an elegant stay on prestigious Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’s celebrated shopping street, within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella. The hotel’s traditional Florentine décor creates a refined, old-world atmosphere, while comfortable air-conditioned rooms, elevator access, complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk provide modern convenience. Guests can begin the day with a generous buffet breakfast featuring fresh pastries and unwind with coffee or drinks in the hotel’s inviting bar.
For a two night stay:
$479 for a double room (204 sq m), non refundable, breakfast for two included
$508 for a double room (204 sq m), refundable until October 28th, breakfast for two included
Their website.
option four in florence
Hotel Berchielli
Hotel Berchielli offers an elegant, traditional Florentine stay in an exceptional location along the Arno River, just steps from Ponte Vecchio and within a short walk of the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Pitti Palace and the Duomo. Its classically decorated rooms provide old-world character, with select accommodations offering beautiful views across the river and toward the Ponte Vecchio. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, elevator access, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a welcoming bar and terrace, and attentive 24-hour front-desk service. Best reviews.
For a two night stay:
$543 for a double room (215 sq m), non refundable, breakfast for two included
$559 for a double room (215 sq m), refundable until October 29th, breakfast for two included
Their website.
