In 2 weeks we will be staying at a villa in Colle Val d'Elsa, which is between Siena and Florence (have been to both). We will rent a car...any suggestions for day trips to surrounding villages? Especially places where you can have a long Tuscan lunch, maybe shop a little? San Gimignano is close by. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Hi Arc. We visited Colle Val d'Elsa for a couple hours last year and really liked it. I especially liked the drawbridge-looking bridge that connects the two parts of the old town.

On that particular day, we were on our way to Volterra, and I thought it was one of the most beautiful drives we took in Tuscany because you drive along a gently winding road along a ridge with expansive views of the lush green countryside in all directions. Volterra itself is an interesting city that's great for wandering and, for shopping, it's very well known for alabaster.

Hi Arc, sorry to use your thread, but I was going to post a similar question as well. We will be in Asciano, a little south of Sienna for a week in July and wanted some ideas of where to go around in that area. We will also have our own car. I've read from previous posts that Montepulciano is great.

Check out: Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Sant Antimo, Monte Oliveto
Maggiore, Buonconvento, Murlo and Montalcino.

Henry listed very nice towns that are quite far and absolutelynon the opposite side of Tuscany from Colle. Closer to it, you will find several fasinating options: Massa Marittima, Volterra, San Galgano (not a village, just a wonderful abandoned and roofless abbey in the middle of nowhere), Monteriggioni, and several other nearby villages are worth a visit.
Check out at the local Tourist information office (Atp) if there are "Terre di Siena" maps in English. These maps include short descriptions of the villages and 4-5 itineraries for daytrips in the area. They are distributed for free.