We leave in two days for Rome/Tuscany. We will be spending two nights in Rome and seven nights at a villa near Sarteano in southern Tuscany.

I have no itinerary, but would like to see as many of these towns as possible with our rental car.

Montalcino
Montepulciano
Assisi
Siena
Orvieto
Florence

I am interested in hearing what towns others think I should not miss and/or replace for towns I have chosen.

Thanks again to all, especially kybourbon, who has been such a help!

You can't leave out San Gimignano.
Nor Pienza. Include San Quirico, Bagno Vignoni and Sant'Antimo too.

Near Orvieto is Civita di Bagnoregio.

Near Siena is Monteriggioni.

Near Montepulciano is Monticchiello.

Florence and Assisi are quite a distance from Sarteano.

Thanks TuckH --- perhaps I will leave Assisi off for this trip. I appreciate your other suggestions. To be honest, I have been loppying with Mrs.dwzemens to leave Florence off this trip, too.

@TuckerH:

I have the following programmed in my GPS:

Monteriggioni
San Quirico
Bagno Vignoni
Sant'Antimo
Civita di Bagnoregio

Can you give me one highlight or suggestion for each city?

I was really surprised how deserted these places were when I visited last month. I saw only two other tourists in Civita di Bagnoregio. There was not much open there (I think the town only has 14 residents) and it's a steep trek (walking) up to the town.

Orvieto - Try to do the underground tour (I caught an English tour at 11 am). If you have time, visit some of the Etruscan tombs on the outside perimeters. Orvieto was much bigger than I expected.

A Roma Pass might be beneficial for your two days in Rome depending on your plans. 20E will get you into two museums/sites (not the Vatican) and 3 days of transportation.

Hey! Don't miss an agriturismo experience just for al least one night! You chosen a beautiful destination and don't forget to get a bottle of good wine in one of these farm I'm going to suggest:

http://www.italy-farmholidays.com/ag...=Montepulciano

Any further question?

>> Can you give me one highlight or suggestion for each city? <<

I could. But it'd be easier and quicker to use Google.

BTW, none of these are a 'city' - and Sant'Antimo is an abbey.

And for Civita di Bagnoregio, it's not a 'steep trek' - there's a pedestrian bridge to the village.

See http://tinyurl.com/3eko62

TuckH - It's steep enough trek that you have to stop and take a break on the climb up (after the bridge).

My favorite on the last trip to Tuscany was Pienza, but possibly it was the pasta with truffle sauce I ate there that has made for so pleasant a memory. Besides it looks like a movie set, which it has been.

Why aren't Pienza & San Gimignano on your list? What tour book are you using for reference????? I can't imagine a trip to Tuscany without visiting these two villages. To get from Montalcino to Montepulciano, you pass right by Pienza.

Do you have my Italy itinerary, which has several scenic driving routes through southern Tuscany??? e-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy.

Stu Dudley

You have good input here, and I can understand with your location in Sarteano why San Gim. may be a stretch. I would try to see Civita and Orvieto as you transition from Rome. Read about La Foce not far from you, and have lunch one day in Montichiello at La Porta. Have fun !

Stu,

I am trying to not squeeze too much into one trip, but I intend to make it to the cities you suggest!

Bob,

I will make it to La Foce - it looks beautiful. I also like your Osteria la Porta suggestion in Montichiello.

Keep them coming!