Montalcino as a base to explore Tuscany
 

Hi,

We will be staying 5 nights in Montalcino end of Sept beginning of Oct. I have no clue what we are going to do other then explore, lots of wine tasting, and of course a day trip to Florence. Any recommendations?

Thank you for your feedback.

Ann

That part of southern Tuscany - the Val d'Orcia is such a great place. I assume you have a car. Some highlights for me:

- South of town, about 5 miles is the abbey of San Antimo - a really beautiful place (and you can stop at Fattoria dei Barbi on the way).
- Pienza - beautiful little hill town, great pecorino. If the weather is good have lunch at Latte di Luna.
- Montepulciano - a bit bigger hill town.
- Siena.
- Just driving the countryside - get a good Michelan map and stay on the small roads.

Dale

apirone,
Send me an e-mail and I will send you ideas for the area. It is too long to post.

Henry

Does anyone else have any recommendations for exploring Tuscany from Montalcino? And also things to do in and just outside of Montalcino?

We are staying at www.lacrociona.com

Thank you,
Ann

If you're looking for an interesting route for some different views a little off the beaten path, in between Pienza and Montepulciano on S146 take S327 going north through Montefollonico (with a little turn up the mountain) and Torrita di Siena. We didn't have time to explore but they looked like charming towns and the drive was wonderful. Once we got home and I had a chance to investigate what they were all about
http://www.torritadisiena.net/ I really regretted not taking the time.

About a 30 min. drive east of Montalcino is a little hilltown with a great view and the best restaurant we ate at in 3 trips to Italy. The Taverna de Moranda is a 2min. walk up a hill from where you park. Go for lunch and enjoy the beautiful drive to Monticchiello.

Monticchiello also has an excellent restaurant with breath taking views called La Porta. Our lunch there was one of the highlights of our trip.

If you would like to see some photos of the area my album can be accessed at:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/crazy4tr...p;month=6&

Thank you everyone for such great tips.
My sister and I will be in Tuscany in November...this is great info.
Thanks again to Henry....a terrific file of info!!!!!!

Kelly...Your photos are wonderful. I'm passing them along to my sister...so that she may start daydreaming!!

ps...Just going over Henrys file again.
A WONDERFUL SOURCE OF INFO!!

Hi Ann,

You will love Montalcino and the entire area! Be sure to have dinner at Grappolo Blu, excellent, traditional Tuscan food just made for the Brunello.

While I stayed there, I did a lot of wine tasting. I especially liked tasting at the Fortezza because they have a huge selection, although expensive.

An early morning visit to Sant'Antimo for the mass in Gregorian Chant was a real highlight. Monte Oliveto was also beautiful with the famous frescos. Montepulciano is a larger town, good shopping. Pienza very charming and scenic, but definitely on the tour bus route. Still worth enjoying though.

Buon viaggio!

First off ... Thank you to everyone that posted recommendations. I really appreciate it and am very excited about my trip.

Bailey,

Would you please email me the information you received from Henry? I would so very much appreciate it.
([email protected])

Thank you very much,
Ann

Ann,
I sent you the information the same day you sent me an e-mail. I just resent it. It is a big file and may have gone to your bulk folder. E-mail me if you don't get it.

Henry

If you don't mind Henry, I would like to email you for the info. as well, as we will be in the area in early November.

Shellam,
No problem. Just put Fodor's or Italy in the tittle. my address is next to my name.

Henry