Other than Siena, Florence, San Gimigniano and Lucca, what are your favourite small and large towns to visit as day trips from Montecatini? We will have a rental car and will be staying near Montecatini in October for 5 days.
Posted by
Boston
1804 posts
Nearby Pistoia is a nice, friendly small city with a very Tuscan feel. It was chosen as Italy's Capital of Culture in 2017 and has some important sites. It doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves, so much the better for visiting.
San Miniato across the valley is a nice hill city with a classic feeling and good views. It has a knockout truffle festival, but I think it doesn't start until November. However, the restaurants and stores find a way to satisfy the truffle curious year round.
Of course, taking the funicular up to Montecatini Alta for an evening meal or sunset cocktail is a given.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3012 posts
All good suggestions from mike.
You could also head over to the SR222 just south of Florence and drive the very pretty Chiantigiana down towards Siena - it's one of Italy's great scenic drives with too many cute little villages and towns to count. You could easily make a day's meander out of it - and a very pleasant one at that.
If interested in WWII history there's the Florence American Cemetery a short detour off the SR22. We thought it a particularly evocative and peaceful place.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Montecarlo Italy is 15 minutes away by car.
Notable wine village.
Posted by
OP
Kamloops, BC, Canada
483 posts
Many thanks to Mike, Robert and Gerri for your great suggestions!