Tuscany Trip
 

Hi. Going to Tuscany for 11 nights in October to celebrate my retirement and our anniversary. Flying into FCO-staying overnight (we have already been to Rome) , renting a car and then proceeding to Montepulciano (4nts); then to an agriturismo for (4nts) and then to Florence for (3nts). Flying out from FLR. We will take day trips from Montepulciano and the agriturismo. Have places already booked in Montepulciano and Florence. The question is where would be a good location and good agriturismo (for a change of pace) between those 2 cities? I was thinking somewhere near San G. We would like to take a one day cooking class somewhere also. When we travel we like to stay in a location and explore the off-the-beaten path for awhile to get the local feel. Any advice? Thanks!

I like your plans. I'm not up on agriturismi(?) but I suggest somewhere between Siena and SG. Good options for lots of daytrips. The Duomo interior in SG is at the top of my list, and also Volterra and Colle Val d'Elsa (be sure to visit your daytrip destinations in the morning or late afternoon for some towns close up tight at midday).

We spent a night here and really enjoyed it. It's near San Gimignano, too.
http://fattoriapoggioalloro.com/?lang=en

Lee Ann

Thanks for your help! Looks great.

We've done done many of the adventures you have described and actually going back to Montepulciano this May. Last year, we used San Gimignano as a base and ventured out to the Chianti region during the day. We LOVED it. Yes, San Gim. is crazy with tourists during the day. We enjoyed the quiet streets in the morning before venturing out and then back for dinner each evening. They have an city organized tour and wine tasting at a near by winery, St. Andre I believe. We enjoyed it!