mrt

Wife and I are going to stay in Pienza Italy for 2 nights for a wedding in May. Before the wedding we would like to stay 2 nights in either nearby Montepulciano or Cortona. Both sound great and both have nearby wineries, so we probably cannot go wrong staying in either town. Greatly appreciate comments and suggestions from anyone that has been to both towns.in the last year or so.

Thank you

TDudette

mrt, my DH and I took a day trip to Montepulciano from Perugia and it is a visual feast. Duomo, wine, food. The first photo in the album below shows a view:


I can't help with Cortona. It has a larger population so maybe more to do? Ms. Mays a presence? Others can weigh in with a better comparison.

Look at Related Topics below!

tracilee

We’ve stayed in Montepulciano twice including May 2022 and visited both Pienza and Cortona each time. You’re right, you really can’t go wrong with either choice. Pienza is a pretty quick drive from Montepulciano, maybe you could visit there one day from Pienza? Then again, there’s possibly more to see in Montepulciano so it could warrant more time. I love Pienza and Cortona for their gorgeous views and cute shops. How’s that for absolutely no help?

bilboburgler

Visited both, Cortona has a sort of lower and upper town, neither fascinating. Montepulciano is great but relatively steep everywhere.

Pienza is dead flat.

These details may not seem much but if you have any walking problems then good to know.

Without a second thought I prefer Montepulciano. But then again I cycled from Pienza to Montepluciano.

Most people think the obvious thing to do is to stay in the towns. In Pienza I might stay say in an Agriturismo just out of town and walk/taxi in. The opportunity to be, in only a small way, part of an Italian family on their farm is not to be missed. Many tourists to Italy come for the buildings but the real cultural centre of the place is the family. Don't miss it by staying in large hotels and walking around looking at buildings, eat in small places, stay in small places, make connections.

Jean

I also prefer Montepulciano. I think the short-distance exploring is more interesting from Montepulciano than from Cortona.

Also, if it matters, I prefer the wines produced around Montepulciano. Generally/mostly, it's Sangiovese (Montepulciano) v. Syrah (Cortona).

just_tina

They are both beautiful places, so I think you'll be happy whichever you choose. We spent a short time in Pienza and Montepulciano
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspo...ciano.html?m=1
And a whole day in Cortona
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspo...rtona.html?m=1
But as a general rule when I have the option of two interesting destinations and only time for one, I choose the nearest, so the next time I visit I can maybe change area a little without backtracking.

HappyTrvlr

If you decide on Cortona, consider staying down below the hill town at Il Falconiere. It is a beautiful setting in venyards and the dining room serves fabulous meals!

mrt

Whichever of the two we select for our stay we will drive to the other to spend a few hours.

Right now leaning towards staying in Montepulciano which is closer to our wedding destination in Pienza.

Half_Step

A few years ago, on a wonderful road trip from Assisi to Siena, the weather turned really nasty. We like to slow travel on the back roads so while in no hurry to be anywhere, we saw a small sign for Cortona and decided to stop for lunch. It was the late fall so the village was quiet and rather dreary on that rainy day, but we didn't mind at all wandering the small streets with no umbrella in almost solitude.

We happened to find a small restaurant open, which there were few that time of year and dined with only one other table. It was a remarkable feeling to be welcomed and doated on by a beautiful woman whom I later found out was one of the owners. As the cold rain fell, she brought to the table a bounty of local products, as we didn't order off the menu and just told her to pick what she thought were the house specialties. To this day I can still close my eyes and see the elegantly laid table, bathed in soft light and smell the most delicious black truffle fondue to ever grace my presence! It was served in a ceramic dish kept warm and creamy by a lit candle under the pot, accompanied by a crusty loaf of bread and a lovely glass of prosecco. A highlight of our trip.

After a spectacular lunch, we dodged the rain slipping into several shops and met another beautiful woman that owned an amazing ceramic shop on the town piazza. We fell in love with her works of art and purchase numerous large pieces. My favorites were her poppy flower serving bowls and platters glazed in the most gorgeous red and warm yellows. Quintessential Italian colors! She shipped them to the US for a really fair price and when received, every single piece was in perfect condition wrapped with love and care and included an unexpected gift. Someday I wish to return to Casantonio and personally thank her for the ceramics that brings me such pleasurable memories of unexpected moments while visiting foreign lands.

Days like this are why I travel. A gray, rainy afternoon with no set plans turned into an exquisite experience of eating fine local food, shopping for treasures and meeting the most kind, sincere, generous people. May you have a wonderful time exploring wherever the roads lead you!

Home - Restaurant La Loggetta Cortona

Casantonio.com - The art of selection - Tuscan hand-painted ceramics - Casantonio.com EN

iwanttogotoo

I have stayed in both places and loved Pienza. I agree that your best and most relaxing choice is Montepulciano. We loved Villa Poggiano which is right outside of the town with beautiful views in every direction and parking is easy.
search this forum for Stu Dudley who had some great advice. Consider a visit to Montalcino for a tasting inside of the fort.
I would also save Cortana for a future trip where you can include Siena and Umbria.
Buon viaggio!

uktravelover

I love visiting Cortona. Once you are up in the town it is pretty flat and there is an interesting Etruscan museum to visit as well as wandering around the shops or doing some people watching. If you have a car take the opportunity to visit Lake Trasimeno.

bilboburgler

The top of Cortona is very very steep.

cruiseluv

I go to Montepulciano often and love it. Gorgeous views, great restaurants. Ive just visited Cortona for the day and although I think its also lovely I'm very biased about Montepulciano