Crete Senesi
 

I'm wondering if when in Chianti is it worth a drive to go on to Crete Senesi in the afternoon?
Thanks

Just one opinion, but I'd skip the Chianti region in favor of the Crete and Val d'Orcia areas.

My opinion also but we thought the drive was wonderful from Chianti.

But if I had to do it again, I would stay in that area and take a day trip to Chianti.

The Crete senesi are in a very pretty area - emptier and wilder than the usual (the heavily industrialized and developed parts of Tuscany can be grim)

We spent a sunny warm afternoon there in March 2005. The celebrated monastery (name escapes me) has pleasant frescoes. There are picturesque small villages.

But overall it was not a really highlight of our trip.

I preferred the Val d'Orcia.

Driving through the Crete Senese was definitely the highlight of our trip! Especially if you want to make photographs, you should go there.

In my opinion, its a must see. Its very different from the Chianti hills and the scenery is spectacular. It looks like those postcards that you see of Tuscany. South of Siena and around Pienza would give you a good experience.

Don't skip driving the Crete Senese, it is absolutely beautiful. The abbey on the way is the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, another must see.