Loacker

My trip has been postponed by a few days. Would you advise against going to the Tuscan hill towns in early to mid October?

I'm whether I should substitute Tuscany for Seville, as the latter sounds warmer in October.
I've always wanted to see Tuscany, but I'm worried about the rain and cold.

Loacker

*I'm wondering whether...

Jean

We've travelled through Tuscany in the last two weeks of October, and the weather was great. Warm and sunny days, clear and cool nights. We had a couple of hours of light rain one day, and we cut short our wandering one night after dinner because it was windy and cold.

But no one has a crystal ball...

kybourbon

I would cut a day in Barcelona and add to Italy. Maybe look at taking the bus from Florence to San G. on your way to Siena (overnight San. G?). You need to make sure your bus travel isn't on Sunday to some places (Montepulciano for one).

>>>Besides, if you think of it, it's only 1.5 hours to Venice, less time than traveling from Venice to Florence.<<<

Not really. You have to get to the airport in Barcelona (about 1/2 hour) and check-in is at least an hour before departure. On the other end you have to get from the airport to Venice.

Loacker

Yes, I see your point about wasting time when flying.
Looks like San Gimignano shouldn't be missed. So I'll add a day for Italy.

Can I base myself in Siena and do daytrips to Florence, or is more fun to enjoy the evening in both cities?

So far I'm spending 5 nights in Barcelona, 4 nights in Venice, 3 nights in Florence, 3 nights in Siena, 2 nights in Montepulciano and 1 night in Rome before departure. Isn't this too much moving?

zoecat

If you feel you may be moving around too much (I think so), how about this-

Skip Florence (save it for another trip, perhaps in the winter when it isn't as crowded) and add 1-2 days to Siena and 1-2 to Montepulciano. If you feel the need, you can take a day trip to Florence from Siena. Another easy day trip option from Siena by bus is to Montalcino. Adding the days to both towns will allow some flexibility for possible bad weather.

I believe the bus from Siena to Montepulciano leaves very early (~7:00?). Be sure to confirm whether it leaves from central Siena or the Siena train station (I think it leaves from the train station). There is a local bus from central Siena to the Siena train station (10 minutes). If you miss the early morning bus, you can take the train to Chiusi and then the bus from there to Montepulciano. The bus leaves within 10-20 minutes from right outside the Chiusi train station. The train ride from Siena to Montepulciano provides some views of beautiful countryside.

If you hike from Montepulciano to Pienza, it will take a full day and you will need to time the return bus, so check the schedule carefully. Or, take the morning bus to Pienza and hike back to Montepulciano.

Don't rely on the posted Piena/Montepulciano bus schedule at the Montepulciano bus station or online. Ask at the ticket window to confirm timing. The one time I took this bus the posted schedule was not correct and had I not checked at the ticket window I would have missed my bus.

Another great hike from Montepulciano is to Montefollonico (have lunch at Osteria La Botte Piena- fantastic!). It's about 1.5 hours each way and goes past lovely vineyards, farmland and woods. Let me know if you'd like specific directions for this hike.

I'll be staying just outside of Pienza Oct 13-20. I love the area at this time of year. Be sure to enjoy some dishes made with the local porcini muchrooms!