zoecat

There are many restaurants and small cafes and bars in Pienza. Not all are expensive. Just check the posted menus. You can also pick up sandwiches at some shops/bars/cafes. The supermarket is just outside the town walls. There is also a small vegetable/fruit shop within the town walls. And, be sure to enjoy the wonderful cheese, cured meats and wine available throughout the town.

In Monticchiello, there are two very good restaurants and a bar/cafe that serves inexpensive sandwiches, drinks and snacks.

Lomoody

Wow, so perfect!
Thanks you two again

wekewoody

Bringing this back up to the top to get zoecat's attention. Thanks for the map. Are these routes that you drive or walk or either?

We will be staying in Montepulciano and will probably want to go for some walks, but driving on white roads is also appealing. We did that in Umbria and enjoyed it.

Do you have anything to add since this thread?

Thanks.

wekewoody

ttt one last time

zoecat

Hi wekewoody,

I don't recommend driving the hike from Montepuciano to Montefollonico- the road starts out ok but becomes very narrow. The ring loop hike out of Pienza and down into the valley directly below is also not drivable, but an excellent hike. You should be able to drive the others. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

zoecat

I'll add-

Be sure to take a drive through The la Crete countryside around sunset. The most beautiful part of the drive begins just outside of San Giovanni d'Asso as you head toward Asciano. It's a beautiful drive both ways.

Also, be sure to have lunch at the small store in Lucignano d'Asso. It's the only business in town and the food is simple but so good. Just cured meats, cheeses, red wine, fruit and veggies, all local. Choose a sunny day and eat outside under the trees with a view. It's one of my favorite lunches in the area. Not many tourists know about it. You must take a white road through beautiful landscape to get there.

When are you going?

wekewoody

Hi zoe,

Thanks so much for the additional information! We are going in June and staying in an apartment in Montepulciano for a week. We'll be in Venice prior to that.

It will be fun to do some walking in the countryside. I can't wait!

I got the Walking and Eating book and have looked a bit at the website as well.

Thanks again!

zoecat

Happy to help. Enjoy your trip!