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/

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.