Hello, my husband and I will soon be honeymooning in Tuscany for 10 days, we will rent a car from Florence airport and stay near Greve. Besides the must see cities in central Tuscany, we'd too love to see smaller towns and abbey places in the southern part. We'd love to visit the following: San Galgano, Montalcino, San Quirico, Pienza, Montepulciano, Monte Oliveto Maggiore and Asciano. It seems a little spread out so I really need direction as to visiting how many places in one day and in what order driving back up then to Greve. Any suggestions from Tuscan car travelling pros?? We figured about 3 places a day or something like that. Thanks a bunch

Hi P,

> We figured about 3 places a day or something like that.<

Well, that will allow you to drive through and check them off your list.

In general, I wouldn't try more than 2/day.

I also suggest that you spend no more than 4 hr/day in the car.

With 10 days, you have plenty of time to actually visit Tuscany.

Is there a reason for skipping Venice and Florence?

Your destinations don't seem that spread out to me (except San Galgano). The Val d'Orcia is about an hour from Siena on the Via Cassia (S2), so you can judge from that.

I don't see Sant'Antimo on your list in the southern part. Also Bagno Vignoni and Monticchiello.

And maybe you can even venture (by autostrada) down to Orvieto and Civita Bagnoregio.

The Maremma is so beautiful, and so enjoyable to drive around (it beats battling the gelato swilling crowds in Venice any day) that I hope you will enjoy your trip to San Galgano as much as I did.

You will find that once you are in that part of Tuscany, the roads become even very winding, indirect and slow. Fortunately, the peace of this mainly undeveloped corner of Tuscany makes you feel like you're living rich, and don't need more.

I think it would be nice to pack a picnic to take to San Galgano. There is a small cantina there, but I'm not sure you can rely on it's being open.

Have a lovely time.

Sant Antimo is a MUST! Go to their website and time your visit with their Gregorian chant schedule.

I second a quick stop in Bagno Vignoni.

I am curious why you are staying near Greve when you want to see so much of south Tuscany. You are merely adding 3 hours of drive time per day to see those highlights. Why not stay further south?

Monte Oliveto Maggiore, on the other hand, really isn't to be recommended for its plainsong.

The frescoes are terrific, and there's something quite delightful about lots of Italian parishes having mini-pilgrimages combined with a good lunch in the Abbey's eateries. The downside is that the parish choirs they bring along are - well, pretty average.

Chiusi is another nice one in Southern Tuscany:

http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=345

Peens,

I would agree with Bob (his advice has helped guide my trips) about staying in Greve if you want to see the places you mention. Have you thought about splitting you stay between Greve in Chianti and a more southern town? With 10 days in Tuscany, that's what I would do. OR, split it between southern Tuscany and Umbria!

Buon viaggio