7 weeks till I return to my most beloved Italy! Some questions for those of you who have spent time driving the stunning Val D'orcia. We will be driving sort of backwards.

1. It seems I have 3 routes to take between Monticiano and Montalcino. More western, something my google maps says is SP 157, down through Roccastrada.

2. The second is what google maps tells me is SP 14 and Strada Provinciale Cispressino to Civtella Paganico...that seems to go through the Reserva Naturale which seems like it must be pretty, and the

3. heads directly west through Tocci and thru Buonconvento and down to Montalciano. All recommendations welcome.

Then, we will be driving from Montalpulciano back to Siena. On the way we will stop at the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Is there any other place to stop on the way up to Siena? I have looked at Asiano and also Rapalono Terme. We'll be doing the thermal springs in Bagno Vignoni, so not sure we would want another day like that. Suggestions on this very welcome as well.

Thanks in advance for your ideas and thoughts. Happy travels!

Pienza for the views...

I don't know that we've driven all the roads between Monticiano and Montalcino that you mention, at least not enough to make any comments comparing them.

Don't underestimate the time you'd like to spend at Abbazia di Monte Oliveto. There's a lot to see, and the compound is large. Unless there is something you'd like to do on the way from Montepulciano, I'd get an early start and arrive at the abbey when it opens at 9:00. You'll have 3 hours there before the abbey closes at noon. (It doesn't re-open until 3:00.) We had lunch in Asciano after leaving the abbey. Although it was good, it was not particularly memorable, just convenient. There are a couple of small museums in Asciano if you want to linger. It's a nice little town.

I wouldn't plan on another stop before Siena but just leave time to make one if you see something that looks interesting. As you reach Siena, if this is a weekday, traffic will probably increase. Make sure you head to the side of Siena (east or west) that you want.

Thank you bilboburgler and Jean! We are stopping at pienza on the way down. Jean, this is very helpful. In a way, it's the smartest thing to do because we are leaving Siena the next day for Rome, and we need to pick up our stowed luggage in Siena. So we will do Abbazia and then head back. So, there is a "east" or "west" siena. Oh dear. I will check with the rental car place to see what I should do. Many thanks! Fodors Forums are a wonder!

It's likely the car rental office is on the east side of Siena and probably fairly near the train station. You'll be coming from the SE direction, so easy peasy. Make sure you know the open hours of the car rental office.

But where will the luggage be? Will you return the car and then retrieve your bags, or vice versa...?