After a couple of days in Cinque Terre, some friends and I will rent a car in La Spezia. We will stay that night near Lucca. The next night we will be in Siena, and the following nights in Florence. The purpose of driving is to see some of Tuscany beyond the cities so I'm looking for recommendations of scenic routes and favorite towns. Leaving Siena, should we go south of Siena (Montepulciano, etc.) even though we want to end up that night in Florence? Thanks for any suggestions--and favorite restaurants along the way.

When you leave Lucca head south to catch S-68 over to Volterra and plan to spend 3 or 4 hours. Then hop over to San Gimignano, and finally to Monteriggioni on S-2 on the way to Siena. From Siena your day trips will depend on time--I hope you have several days.

The Chianti Road, S222, from Siena to Florence is simply breathtaking. If it it's Tuscan scenery you're looking for I don't think you have to drive all the way to Montepulciano and back to get the feel of the area.

bob: thanks for your suggestions. Volterra and Monteriggioni sound great. I was in San Gimignano 30 years ago on a cold spring afternoon. Absolutely alone (with my DH). We stayed until after sunset. It was eerie and magical.

toni: thank you, now I need to get a better map.

I agree with taking the S222 route from Siena to Florence. A lovely drive indeed. Check here for restaurant reviews in Chianti-

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/restau...ianti_jane.htm