We are going to Tuscany/Umbria in early May of this year. We will be staying in Montepulciano for at least a few days to visit some good friends who own an Agriturismo there. They are graciously letting us use an apartment that they own in the old part of town, for as long as we want, and we are really excited to be there. Our plans were to tour some of the hill towns in Umbria, since we have seen Tuscany several times before. Is it feasible to drive over most of Umbria, while staying in Montepulciano? My friend told me that Perugia was a 45 minute drive, what would the drive times be to the must see towns. Should we plan on a short visit in Montepulciano, and then staying somewhere in Umbria, maybe close to Asissi?? Or, can we reasonably daytrip in from Tuscany? We are so excited to be going, we haven't seen our friends since their wedding two years ago, and now we have a godchild to get to know. thanks for the help.
Jeff
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1658 posts
Last trip we stayed in Cortona and Montepulciano was only a 30 minute easy drive away. Definitely a must see. Montalcino is about 40 minutes according to google maps (one of our stays next month) and Sienna is about an hour. Another stop we plan to make is Chianciano Terme (hot springs), which was recommended by my brother. You may be able to set up some wine tastings and tours near Montepulciano by if you are into that sort of thing.
We found that any more than an hour drive, we felt like it was too much time in a car. And we loved coming back to our farmhouse rental, taking a dip in the pool, and enjoying a bottle of wine during the sunset over the valley. I'm assuming you will do the same with your friends. Definitely take time to relax! You may take a day or two to just chill.
Posted by
OP
Richmond, Ky, USA
278 posts
Thanks for the help. The drive to cortona sounds about right. Anyoone have any thoughts about how far is too far to drive for a daytrip?
thanks again. Jeff