wlf

I will be driving from Florence to San Gimignano later this month.

Are there any other villages worth stopping off on the way? I would prefer if they do not involve too much of a detour as I am trying to limit travelling time.

Thanks

willit

Driving from Florence to SG will take you close to Poggibonsi
If you bypass the turnoff and carry on for about 8 miles in the direction of Siena, you will come to Monteriggioni. It is easily seeable in an hour - but I really enjoy it.

wlf

Thanks - exactly the sort of place I was after with very little extra travelling.

zoecat

I suggest driving the SR222 route through Chianti (it's a very scenic drive) and depending on how much time you have, stop in either Greve, Panzano and/or Castelina. From Castelina, you can then catch the SS429 west to your destination. Most Tuscany guidebooks have information on these lovely towns.

chartley

The U.A. war cemetery is about 7 miles south of Florence, on the way to San Gimignano. It is only a short detour off the main road, and is well worth seeing. Apart from the graves themselves, there are large panels explaining the events of the allied invasion of Italy which are most informative.

If you want to visit a vineyard and perhaps have a wine tasting, I can recommend Rocca delle Macie which is on the road between Monteriggioni and Castellina in Chianti (www.roccadellemacie.com/en). We visited without pre-booking.

wlf

Thanks for the further replies, again very useful.

The route through Chianti sounds like it could be worthwhile, although the road looks very windy - what is it like in reality?

bobthenavigator

That road from Castellina over to Poggibonsi is a ton of swithbacks---either see the Chianti road or San Gim. but not both on the same rtip.

willit

"The route through Chianti sounds like it could be worthwhile, although the road looks very windy - what is it like in reality?"

Very Windy !

Using the Superstrada is not nearly as scenic, but it is much, much quicker.

Ackislander

In Monteriggioni is a nice restaurant, Il Pozzo. We have been there for Sunday lunch. It was full of Italian families, Nonna to Bambini, spending the afternoon chowing down.

chartley

Most roads in Tuscany, apart from the autostrade, are windy. We were surprised to find some that were unpaved.