Planning a vacation, this mid november to Pienza or Montepulciano for a week.Is it a a good idea? is it too cold? are there any activities in the evenings? are many places closed? Any idea and recommendation will be appreciated. thank you.

We just returned from that area last week and stayed in a lovely farmhouse in the Val D'Orcia, a few minutes south of Pienza. While the shops are definitely in winter mode--closing much earlier than they do in the summer months, the restaurants are all open and the scenery--mixed with yellows and bronze--is still gorgeous. It gets into the low 40s at night and was in the low 60s during most days. When the sun shines, it's so warming, we managed to eat lunch outside a few days. It's peaceful and you will have all the special places to yourselves. Don't be afraid to go!

I think it is a great time to visit. Fresh olive oil, wild game, incredible pecorino cheese and fresh white truffles combined with the beautiful landscape- hard to beat! The truffle festival in nearby San Giovannni d'Asso will be happening during the 2nd and 3rd weekends. There are lots of activities planned around the festival.

This website (in Italian) outlines some of the activities planned in the area for November-

http://tinyurl.com/yzen8jy

I am impressed - kind and helpful replies. thank you so much.
Yofi

We stayed in Montepulciano last November and loved it. Very beautiful and peaceful. There were no crowds anywhere. We were able to have conversations with shop and restaurant owners. Several times, in the evenings, we had the entire Piazza Grande to ourselves - very romantic! It was great to not have to deal with crowds and we were able to see and do everything we wanted. Go for it!