I'll be spending a week in Tuscany in September. Attending a wedding where my husband will be the best man. We're staying in Gaiole and will have a car. Arriving late on a Saturday and will have Sun, Mon, Tue and Wed to explore. Thursday and Friday will be filled with wedding stuff. We'll probably have time to do some exploring nearby Gaiole on Thursday. Thinking of going to Greve on that day. We are thinking of spending one day each in Montalcino and Montepulciano - visiting a vineyard and having a leisurely lunch. Will leave early in the am from Gaiole each day to visit. Can anyone tell us how to spend the other 1-2 days? We like to eat and drink... and aren't interested in the very touristy things. Also don't want to spend the entire trip driving. Please let me know what you think of my proposed agenda..I'm open to suggestions.

topping...

Neither Montepulciano or Montalcino will take a full day. You could easily visit both places in a day and also see a few other spots in between (Pienza, San Quirico, Sant Antimo Abbey, etc). However, the best part of that region is the beautiful countryside south & just north of Pienza. I've spent days just wandering around in the car, taking every dirt road we could find.

Remember most stores in this area will be closed on Sunday & Monday morning (some staying closed all day). Pienza is the exception. I suspect that stores in San Gimignano will be open on Sunday & Monday too. Remember, they also close for a 2 to 3 hour lunch.

Visit Siena - it's my favoirte medium sized town in Italy (stores closed on Sunday & Monday also).

I have a 20 page Italy itinerary that describes this Montalcino/San Q/Pienza/Montepulciano region in more detail - along with other places close by to visit. E-mail me at [email protected] if you want a copy.

Stu Dudley

Stu - I think I'm correct in thinking that you've just returned from your holiday, yes?

If so, was it to Provence or to Tuscany? - and will we soon have the pleasure of reading more of your valuable insights?

I just returned from 5 weeks in France - 1 week in Paris, 2 weeks in the Ardeche (beautiful area), and 2 weeks in Provence at the foot of Mt Ventoux near Bedoin.

I made some minor changes to my Provence itinerary. This winter (or if the weather turns foul here - which it rarely does) when I spend more time inside at the PC, I plan on adding large sections about Provence - Uzes area (technically the Languedoc region) and in the Dentelles/Sault/Baronnies areas. This latest trip reinforced my opinion that I prefer the Luberon area and the Dentelles area, over the region around St Remy. However, this post is about Tuscany - not Provence.

Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca.

I like your choices but be sure you hve a good map---you will do some driving from Gaiole. Take the back road thru Asciano to the Abbey at Oliveto Maggiore. Also do not miss Badia Coltibuono very near you.

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't realize I could visit Montalcino/Montepulciano in one day. Sounds good. Will also try to stop in Pienza. Can anyone recommend a good driving map?

Jenny, You will want the TCI map of Toscana at a scale of 200K to 1 for good detail. The Michelin map for centro Italy is fine for planning purposes but you will need the other after you get there.

Hi Bob,

Where would I get this TCI map?

Thank you.
Jenny

You can buy it in Italy at any book store or at the Autogrills on the highway. If you want it sooner you can buy it at many online sites--I use Globe Corner Bookstore. I suspect that Amazon may have it.

I would suggest a visit to Volterra. It is an amazing place and the ride there is breathtaking. If I had to choose between San Gim and Volterra, I'd choose Volterra HANDS DOWN! I second the suggestion for Siena, I don't think a visit to Tuscany is complete without seeing the Campo, I'd also suggest a place to eat there called La Torre, no menu, they just tell you whats available. Best food I've had. Simple trattoria but excellent