DK Travel : Tuscany

Limiting the choice of prime sights is not an easy task in a land as rich and varied as Tuscany. Its storybook landscape is home to medieval hill towns, fabled wines and, as crucible of the Renaissance, an unrivalled collection of artistic masterpieces. Here are the best of the best.

La Cisterna, San Gimignano

Pick your view at this hotel – a cinematographers’ favourite (it appeared in Tea with Mussolini and Where Angels Fear to Tread ). Rooms at the front open onto a piazza that supports San Gimignano’s famous towers. Those at the back drink in a view of vineyards and hills.
La Fattoria, Chiusi

An 1850s farmhouse outside Chiusi overlooking the small lake, with eight large country-styled guest rooms (ask for a lake view). It has a great Tuscan restaurant.
La Fattoria, Lago di Chiusi

Converted farmhouse/inn by Chiusi’s lake, which provides the fresh catch of the day. The pros-ciutto is hand-carved, the pasta homemade and the lake view tranquil.
La Fontana

Specializes in simple, authentic Tuscan food with a variety of fragrant home-bakeddesserts.
La Foresteria, Larenzo Alta, Piedmont,Italy

This is a wonderful old castle type building set amongst vines. The host & hostess are only interested in the welfare of their guests.It is shown in the Logis d'Italia.
La Giostra

Service with a flourish from a bona fide Medici prince and his progeny.
La Grotta, Cortona

Outdoor seating on a tiny piazza, stony medieval rooms evoking that “grotto” and solid Tuscan dishes make this popular with locals and college students.
La Locanda nel Loggiato, Cortona

New owners have kept prices moderate for their Tuscan cooking, despite using some expensive ingredients. The draw is the balcony setting, overlooking the main piazza.
La Luna, Lucca

A family-run hotel on a quiet cul-de-sac off Lucca’s main shopping street. The rooms are split between two buildings; most furnishings are modern, but try for the second floor rooms in the older half, which retain some rich 17th-century frescoes.
La Mangiatoia, San Gimignano

The more imaginative dishes at “The Trough” are excellent (though the standard fare seems perfunctorily prepared). Classical music adds to the lively atmosphere.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50-€100
- €100-€150
- €150-€200
- over €200
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25-€35
- €35-€55
- €55-€70
- over €70