Dayle

In September, I'll be driving solo from Gubbio to Montalcino. I prefer to stay on the smaller roads and would really appreciate any route recommendations from you Tuscany and Umbria experts.

I've driven in both before. I do plan on visiting Pienza, Montepulciano, San Antimo, and Oliveto abby during the Montalcino stay. I thought I might visit Cortona or Oliveto on the drive.

Suggestions anyone? Grazie!

TuckH

My disclaimer is that I haven't (yet) been to these areas but I've doing a ton of research for our upcoming trip there this September. So let me offer this...

Stay away from the area just west of Perugia; it's industrial (Thanks, Stu Dudley!). Depending on how much time you have, I'd suggest that you head northwest from Gubbio to arrive at the Casentino area with a stop at Poppi and the nearby ancient hermitage at Camaldoli or La Verna with its famous Franciscan monastery high up on a bizarre rocky outcrop. Other nice towns en route after that are Vallombrosa and Reggello.

Now coming south, see Monte San Savino and Gargonza, then Lucignano as you head towards Montalcino.

We're going to be spending a week at an agriturismo outside Montalcino after a week near Todi. We'll be driving those same roads in September, but I don't know if I'd recognize you if I saw you...

maitaitom

I'll be in Spello and then driving to San Quirico d'Orcia. I'll wave to you all on the road.

bobthenavigator

Dayle, take a look and see what viamichelin.com tells you, but if I was doing that trip for pleasure I would go along the west shore of Lake Trasimeno and come in on S-146 via Chiusi and Montepulciano and then to San Quirico. The road is not bad and that is pretty country. I love both Gubbio and Montalcino---you have a good trip planned.

Dayle

Thanks guys! I'll check out the routes tonight on my maps.

Looks like we might have the makings of a GTG. Any one interested? I was planning to meet a co-worker and her husband in Montepulciano for dinner one night. I've already got some great restaurant recommendations here.

Ciao!

maitaitom

Dayle, when are you there and could you share a restaurant recommendation? We get into San Quirico d'Orcia on September 20 and stay for four days.

Dayle

Maitaitom,

I'll be in Assisi 9/20
Gubbio 9/21
and Montalcino 9/22 - 24

Don't have all the restaurants here with me, but do remember "Grappolo Blu" in Montalcino.

Try a search here. The thread isn't very old.

Buon viaggio!

TuckH

On the restaurants, this is from my notes taken off of posts here and mostly from bobthenavigator, I believe...

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... drive down to the cute spa town of Bagno Vignoni for lunch at Osteria Leone. Lunch at Oliveto Maggiore is peaceful and delicious, try a homemade pasta dish...Montalcino--Taverna Groppola Blu Low cost; Closed Fri; You will find locals & Re di Macchia are good restaurants that are reasonable for the quality of food...S Quirico--Trattoria al Vecchio Forno Low cost Authentic Tuscan fare...Montepulciano--Caffe Poliziano Low cost Great for lunch...I highly recommend Osteria dell' Acquacheta. In my opinion the best food in town. It's very casual and inexpensive, but don't let that fool you- the food is outstanding. Be sure to order the pici pasta with wild bore sauce. You will not be disappointed...I agree about Aquacheta, but our favorite is Quattro Venti; very good food and wonderful atmosphere, especially if you sit at one of the few outside tables.

grosenb

Maitaitom-I stayed in San Quirico d'Orcia in late April. There are a few restaurants in town.

Try the Bar--Osemo, decent for Italian comfort food. It looks like a dive from the outside but the wait staff is very friendly and the food is decent and inexpensive.

We also ate at the pizzeria across from the bar and Palazzo Capitano's restaurant as well. Sorry but I can't remember the names. The town is very small you can't miss them.