I was there last Oct. Loved the town and the cheese. We are planning to go back. Any hotels and restaurants recommendations. Also any towns nearby to see? Thanks Myra

We, too, were there last October!
For a restaurant, I highly recommend Il Prado on Viale S. Caterina, 1/3. It looks like a tourist restaurant--and very well may be just that--but we had an outstanding lunch there. We actually chose the place because the terrace offered a magnificent view of the rolling hills and felt it would be a delightful place for lunch. It was!
While in Pienza, you might want to stop at Sant'Anna in Camprena, which is where part of The English Patient was filmed. It's a very interest old former monastery.

Well I was there in October 2001, so missed you both! Have lunch or dinner at Latte di Luna. We walked up in the afternoon and made a reservation for the same night. Great food, not expensive. A warm, friendly spot.

When in Pienza, don't buy the cheese at any of the mainly touristy shops in town. Right outside of the town's walls you can see the local "Consorzio agrario" (agricultural consortium) which sels the best quality cheese for a lower price.

Thanks for all the help. But what about a hotel near Pienza, or maybe Buon Convento?

Look at www.palazzodelcapitano about 10 miles away and halfway between Montalcino and Montepulciaono--the best wine towns in Tuscany. I too will be in the region for 2 weeks in Oct.

Just outside of Pienza on the road toward Montepuliciano is La Saracina. Lovely large rooms with incredible bathrooms. Our room had a cozy fireplace too. Pool, great breakfast, friendly staff and moderately priced.

We ate at Latte di Luna less than a week ago. Wonderful. Don't miss the little town of Monticchielo where we stayed for 6 nights. Beautiful. Excellent restaurant there called La Porta. We had an amazing time visiting the hilltowns. Sunshine, 75 degrees.
Julie

There are many little towns very close (within a half hour)
Siena, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Sant Antimo, Monte Oliveto
Maggiore, Buonconvento, Murlo.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Myra -
We are going to Italy for our honeymoon this September. We have decided to stay at an agriturismo called Pieve Sprenna that is located just 6 km from Buonconvento. It is listed on www.tuscany.net and it also has its own website - www.pievesprenna.com.
I can't comment on the accomodations yet however, we are looking forward to staying in their "tower" room!

Thanks Myra

That's a very good tip Alice_Twain gave re the consorzio agrario! Not only their cheese is the best but also their olive oil. We brought back a few cartons and it's the very best olive oil I've ever tasted.
BTW, we were there last September!

We stayed at Le Traverse just outside Pienza. A wonderful agriturismo. We had a lovely room with a private bath. Incredible breakfast served on our own terrace every morning. And an amazing view of Pienza.

I second the restaurants Latte di Luna in Pienza and La Porta in Montichiello. We ate at latte di luna twice.

Henry's advice on towns and places is excellent.

ttt.

ttt