Lunch Stop between Rome and Montepulciano
 

We will be driving from FCO to our villa near Montepulciano next month (so happy its close enough to say that now!) and would like to stop along the way for lunch. We'll be tired from an overnight flight so should be simple and easy to find off the A1. I was thinking about Orvieto, but thought it might be too involved for that first day. Any suggestions?

Many thanks

It's only 200km from FCO to Montepulciano so it shouldn't take you more than 2 or 2 1/2 hrs to make the drive. There are a couple of highway gas station/rest areas with simple restaurants. Certainly not glamorous for your 1st day in Italy, but if your goal is simple to find sustenance then they might fit the bill. You don't need to exit the A1, so no navigating, waiting for a place to open for lunch, etc. required.

Are you locked into picking up your car at FCO? If you're not hauling a lot of luggage or traveling in a big group, then it might make sense for you to take the train to Orvieto and pick up your car there. I would pick up the car BEFORE the lunch hour, put the luggage into it, park it, see the cathedral and have lunch (possibly by going to a nearby agriturismo with parking).

Also, are you arriving before 10am? It's likely you'll be in Montepulciano by lunch time if you drive, no? Even with picking up your car, you'll be there in less than 3 hours.