Hi. Been to Italy and specifically Tuscany on several fantastic vacations. Going again this fall. Trip starts in Paris, but then Lake Como followed by an agritourismo between Volterra and San Gimignano for 6 nights, during which time we will have a car and explore that area. Then have 2 days/nights to "fill" before last night at Rome airport to fly home. Don't need to see Sienna, Lucca, or Pisa again. Nor the great towns further south including Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino, etc. Hoping for suggestions of "hidden gems", preferably between Volterra and Rome, to complete the trip.
Posted by
5320 posts
check out Pitigliano
Posted by
seattle
2148 posts
Look at Pitigliano. It's in Southern Tuscany. We stayed at a great country house, Agriturismo Poggio al Tufo, near there that had a great (included) breakfast, and a restaurant where we bought dinner. We also went to Saturnia which has a wonderful natural hot spring.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Panzano, although east of the A1
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I enjoyed a stop in Massa Marittima.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15798 posts
Maybe this is heresy, but have you visited Umbria at all? Lots of gems there and similar countryside.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks to Val, Becky, Gordon, Laura, and Chani for their quick responses. I'm looking into all suggestions. Pitigliano looks particularly intriguing.
Can anyone recommend that almost-island near Orbetello; or a great beach nearby?
Posted by
5320 posts
I'll be heading there in May, and I have heard great things about Orbetello and the beaches in the Maremma park.
Posted by
Portland
3648 posts
If you go to Orbetello, check out the Tarot Garden, just outside of Capalbio. It's an outdoor sculpture garden, done by Niki de Saint-Phalle.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
On a RS Village Italy tour we stayed at La Ferriera in Loro Ciuffenna. Florence is 22 miles away.
There are several wineries and museums in the area.
I loved this town and walked all over and hiked a few trails out of town.
The place we stayed was great - small apts., also had a restaruant and cooking lessons.
Looks like the is also a venue for weddings.
Don't know if this meets your requirement of being between Volterra and Rome.
But it is a "hidden gem"
Posted by
Virginia, USA
792 posts
I second Loro Ciuffenna, it has a pretty dramatic chasm that runs through the middle of town. Very walk-able and not crowded.
Posted by
5 posts
If you visit only one villa in Lake Como, make it ***Villa Balbianello***. Charming ristorante in Lenno and great artisinal gelato.
Skip the slow boat to Como - the town is just too big and modern - a disappointment. We loved Nilas Bar in Varenna - fresh tomato and basil in the caprese salad with a water view. Villa Carlotta had some great art and extensive gardens but for me and I am a poet, gardener and garden tour guide it is Villa Balbianello - has it all - bellissimo!