We are traveling through Italy (for both our first times!) for 3 weeks in September, hitting all the great stops, including Verenna, Venice, Vernazza, an agriturismo outside Lucca, Siena, and Rome. We are staying in a quaint hillside house in Siena for 4 nights before our final stop in Rome. I have filled our itinerary for all days, but am still deciding and researching day trips while we stay in Siena. I would like to visit some wineries, perhaps Volterra, do Rick's driving tour, as we will have a rental car, and of course visit Siena. We are considering making a drive to Le Cascate del Mulino. Has anyone been here in September? Is it worth the drive? Any other ideas of great off-the-beaten-path places? Thanks!
Posted by
1861 posts
San Gimignano is easily doable from Siena. There are 1/2 day bus trips there for tourists including a winery and some vino. That way, you don't even have to drive.
Posted by
Chicago
8090 posts
Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a lovely drive; if you do San Gimignano then include Volterra; Montepulciano is not off any beaten track (all of the beautiful hill towns have a tourist economy) but it is beautiful and manageable in a half day stop with plenty of parking around the historic center.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Monteriggione and Montalcino should go on your list.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO
251 posts
I would recommend San Gimignano as well! I went last summer and thought it was one of the highlights of my trip. The views are absolutely stunning and the town has such a charm to it that you won't want to leave!
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
26 posts
When I was staying in Siena I did a really nice bus trip for about 6 hours. It left from Siena and hit a small village, San Gimignano and a winery. It was only about 15 Euros. The ride was absolutely stunning and I met some fun people. I was not on a tour, I was studying at a language school so it was nice to get out and meet some more people. Every wine I tried was out of this world.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
906 posts
Heading east you have Perugia (chocolate and university life) and the famous Cortona. Assisi is also doable. You are in a pretty central place there.
Posted by
Pistoia
10 posts
I suggest San Gimignano, Volterra, Montefioralle, Montaione, Iano di Montaione, Volpaia in Chianti, Pomarance. :)