On day 9 of our 10-day trip to Italy we will be checking out of our hotel in Florence. We plan to drive to Siena and then drive to our hotel in Orvieto. We leave at 7:30 AM for our FCO flight at 12:20 on day 10. Do we have time for a scenic drive through Tuscany? Can anyone suggest a route? Thank you.

Hi InMiami, I suggest you to do the very beautifull "Crete sienese" drive. Have a REGIONAL map of Tuscany with you (better than the one of the entire Italy, if you want to drive in the country side):

-Take the highway from Florence to Siena, it takes about 40 minutes. Take a couple of hours to visit Siena's centro storico and maybe to have a lunch.

- From south of Siena take the road that leads you to Asciano, and that passes through the villages of Taverna d'Arbia, Vescona and Pievina. Remember to always follow the direction for Asciano. You'll pass through the Crete region, very scenic.

-When you get to Asciano, take the direction for Monte Oliveto Maggiore (don't stop in Asciano, not worth it). Again the road is very beautifull. If you have time take a 30 minutes stop at the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, wonderfull place.

- From the Abbey take the direction for Buonconvento, from there go to Montalcino. (visit Montalcino, it is a very nice little town with great views).

-From Montalcino, get to Pienza (another splendid little tuscan town).

-From Pienza you will reach the highway following the road that crosses the towns of Montichiello, Montepulciano, Chianciano, Chiusi.
When in the highway, follow the direction for Rome and get out at Orvieto (it should take no more than 30 minutes).

Have a late lunch in delightful little town of Montichiello at La Porta. Sit out on veranda. Enjoy the panoramic views and great food. You will love it. H

Mommo has a good start above, but you will not have time for the latter part of that route. I would make the Abbey at Oliveto Maggiore your focal point and get there before the lunch hour to see the amazing frescoes. Have lunch there, or drive down to the cute spa town of Bagno Vignoni for lunch at Osteria Leone and then continue south on S-2 after lunch and divert into Radicofani. Further south you will leave S-2 to drive into Orvieto from the west--the only way you can drive into the city and gives you the best view of Orvieto as you approach. That should get you to the hotel at about 1600. Good luck--it is all good.

Would you skip Siena to allow for more time touring Tuscany?

The challenge in Siena will be parking. If you can get there by 0930 and spend 2 hours then go for it. It can be very confusing trying to access Siena from the north--look for signs for the parking near the " stadio".

I agree that a drive through the Crete is a beautiful route. Lunch at Oliveto Maggiore is peaceful and delicious ... try a homemade pasta dish. Your itinerary doesn't really give you enough time to see Siena unless you visit only the Duomo and Campo. Wishing you a great trip.

Hi In,

I suggest that you make dinner reservations in Orvieto at
I Sette Consoli Pzza Sant?Angelo 1A phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911

Not cheap, but one of the best restaurants in the region.

Thank you all for your fantastic suggestions. I will have all my meals for my last day in Italy completely planned!

Don't skip Siena! It is lovely.
We did all our driving in that area on the tiny backroads,
no problem with a good map.
The town of Asciano, that Mommo mentioned was a delight to stop in.I would have enjoyed more time there.
Have fun!