So, looking at the Orvieto -> Sorano -> Pitigliano -> Serre di Rapolano route, that looks an interesting route, at least directionally. It looks like that would naturally me through Pienza too. Thanks for the suggestion, kybourbon - that is my current "prime candidate". One of the things that's tricky about a road trip aspect of our journey is being sure that a route is scenic (I have no idea how to research that other than just have people say so, as you kindly did).

Montepulciano and areas to the east look like on of our day trips. More research due there :)

Thanks again.

Mark

(I have no idea how to research that other than just have people say so, as you kindly did).>

Some maps such as Michelin maps highlight scenic routes in a certain color.

Oh, good to know, PalenQ. Thank you.

>>>One of the things that's tricky about a road trip aspect of our journey is being sure that a route is sceni<<<

Not really tricky at all. The southern portion of Siena province is a Unesco World Heritage site (Val D'Orcia)with sweeping views. Just Google it an you will see the entire area is pretty much scenic and protected. Pitigliano is just a tad south in Grosseto province.

http://www.borghiditoscana.net/eng/t...cia/index.html

http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas...al-dorcia.html

There are many white roads in the area (gravel) if you really want to venture off. I've used the TCI Toscano map.

http://www.amazon.com/Tuscany-Toscan.../dp/8836548288