Looking for new experiences in Tuscany
 

Thanks to you clever Fodorites, my husband and I have a great place to stay in Monticchiello in a couple of weeks. Now I'm wondering if there's anything new & interesting we should investigate during our trip.

We've already visited/done the following:

+Cortona - recreated Under the Tuscan Sun
+Montalcino - wine tasting & market
+Montepulciano - wine tasting & market
+Monticchiello - theatre & restaurants (YUM)
+Pienza - cheese tasting & market

Anything new, unique or upcoming we should try in that general vicinity? (e.g. interesting vineyards, tours, drives - Bob, I'm taking yours with us - hikes, restaurants, events, etc.)

Thanks for any ideas you can offer! (Oh, and we will have a car.)

Bagno Vignoni, Pitigliano, Radicofani, Sorano, Sovana, Roccalbegna, Arcidosso, Abbey Sant' Antimo, Monte Oliveta Maggiore and Asciano to name more than a few. Check out "Italy 2005." I doubt the hill towns and abbeys have changed much.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/

((H))

www.lucca.info

hike bike city walls

wonderful vineyards nearby...

Slangevar,
See http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm

We love Hotel Valdarno in Montevarchi. It's a 4-star that is affordable in the heart of Tuscany.

Thanks, everyone! Great suggestions. And I agree, maitaitom - not much has probably changed around there.

One thing I am wondering is if anyone has visited a particular vineyard that they loved. I know from Napa that not all vineyards and winery tours are created equal. :-)

Apart from the large thermal pond that makes up the piazza in Bagno Vignoni and the views, there are channels in the rock with thermal streams - it's fun to sit with your feet dangling.

There are spas there too, but my participation was limited to the free foot waggling.