We are spending two nights in Siena, four in Pienza and three in Pitigilano.
While in Siena we will not have a car, so we will concentrate on the sites of this town. I am sure we will find plenty to do.
We pick up the rental in Siena and then drive to Pienza.
What would be the most scenic route to take?
While in Pienza we would like to take some short scenic drives, can anyone recommend any?
From there we will be driving to Pitigiliano.
Any suggestions for scenic drives to, and in and around Pitigiliano, would be very much appreciated.
Thank you all,
Richard.

Pienza is only a 40 minute drive from Siena via the S2 but if you have the time to take a scenic route I suggest taking the main road east out of Siena (S326)and then the first turn to the southeast towards Asciano (S438), then on to Pienza. Incredible scenery, a twisting road over the hilltops with fabulous views in all directions. We found it by mistake on our last trip and I highly recommend it. It will probably take about an 1.5 to 2.0 hours. Don't forget to make reservations at Latte di Luna in Pienza for dinner. Also highly recommend Taverna di Moranda in nearby town on Montichiello.

I wish I could give you the specifics but I only know we picked up a graveled road out of Pienza which has some fantastic views. Its only a few miles long but worth it. Its the unpaved road to Montichiello.

One of the best sites for planning this area is www.nautilus-mp. You can hardly go wrong just wandering out into the countryside around Pienza.

Sory that should be
http://www.nautilus-mp.com/tuscany/indexing.html

Richard, I agree with the route via Asciano and down thru the Crete area. But, be sure to divert over to the abbey at Mt. Oliveto Maggiore and get there before lunch time. Also, staying in Pitigliano for 3 nites may be a bit much. We did that area our last trip but stayed at a nice B&B near Orvieto that gave us access to Civita, Todi, Orvieto and the Etruscan villages. Look at this one--you will like it:
www.locandarosati.orvieto.tr.it

Oh yes, you can see my trip report in this area at slowtrav.com--go to the trip reports and find " Navigating in Toscana". There is also a link to some pics including Pitigliano. Try to include the road north from near Pienza to Santa Anna at Camprena where the English Patient was filmed.

Richard - would you mind telling me where you'll be staying in Pitigliano? We have a few days after our month in Southern Tuscany to wander over to the coast and down to the Rome airport. Pitigliano is one of the villages I've wanted to see.

The information above about the scenic drives is spot on. It's incredibly beautiful, and as Bob says, don't miss Monte Oliveto Maggiore!

Evertime I post a query to this forum I get a number of most informative replies and this has been no exception.
Thank you all.

Isabella - We are staying at the Il Tufo Rosa, which is located right above the information office in Pitigliano.
Website: www.iltuforosa.com/indexE.htm

I'll be criticized for this as a dumb response, but I sincerely believe that if you get yourself a good map and then pick a route, you'll not be disappointed. It's hard to drive very far anywhere in Tuscany without encountering nice scenery, pretty villages, and great little restaurants along the way. Though I have favorite spots in that area, I would suggest you look up references on this forum, as well as in at least one guide book, and then mark your own route on your map and become an independent explorer. You'll find it much more rewarding. Good luck.