Home base in Montepulciano or Montalcino? I can't decide!!!

Several years ago, my sister-in-law and I made Montepulciano our home base for 5 nights and loved it, loved it! First, it is a wondrously beautiful small town, with welcoming people, cozy coffee shops, and several great restaurants within walking distance of our rented apt, which were great to "come home" to after a day of touring. Regarding the parking situation: our apt was way at the "top" of the town, and our host gave us a card which we put in the car windshield when parking, which meant that we could drive into town and park on the street very close to our apt. I don't recall a ZTL situation with cameras (though it has been approx. 5 years, and that might have changed). I suggest that you ask your potential hotel or B&B or apt. host regarding the parking situation. Montepulciano is very well located for the day trips you describe. The only stumble we had was driving into town the very first time, and learning how to navigate to our apt. Just make sure that you have very good directions from your host. And if you go or stay there: Check out the master coppersmith (forgot his name), whose shop is on the "main road" through town, and watch his work. Magnificent!... and so are his copper pots and skillets, which he shipped perfectly and which arrived at my home in the US within days.

I too would choose Montepulchiano. Fantastic! (And, if you want a real bistecca Fiorentina go to Osteria Acquacheta. Seriously, didn't find better in Tuscany. Great for lunch for 2 or 3 - but plan to eat a light dinner.)

We also loved Montepulciano. We were there in 2013 for 4 days. Did day trips to Pienza and Montalcino and Cortona. We stayed on the top in the historical center right by Piazza Grande. We stayed at Hotel Duomo and they had arranged parking. So does Camere Bella Vista.

I will give the counterpoint for Montalcino, a sweet town with many fine restaurants. Parking is easy. There is a lot where many lodgings give you a pass to, and it is no more than a 5-7 minute walk into the main piazza. We found it to be very peaceful at night and less trampled with tourists. Not to be missed: The abbey of Sant'Antimo, just outside of town. Your hotel or B&B will be able to give you a ZTL pass to drop of luggage.

Thanks everyone!!! I appreciate your insights and experience!

I prefer Montalcino as well, it's small and you will really feel "at home" quickly. I think there is a ZTL, but follow Laurel's advice.

I would have to recommend Montepulciano. I thought that this was a much nicer town. Montalcino seems to be all about the wine and I did experience some snootiness there. It may have been a bad day for the people that I met, but I did have that experience nevertheless. Besides, I prefer the Nobile's. I think that you want to figure out the other towns that you will be visiting and how easily you can get to them from your home base. Siena may be easier to get to from Montalcino.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences!!!

We spent two weeks in Montepulciano September a couple of years ago. We had an apartment with parking and looked out over the Tuscan countryside, but with our front door in the historic center where it was an easy walk to a dozen or so restaurants. It is a stunning little town. We alternated days in town just enjoying its beauty with days touring nearby towns, abbeys and gardens. Great location and lovely town.

thanks so much everyone, we're definitely leaning toward Montepulciano! We've found some wonderful looking apartments on Air bnb!

You might also want to look for an agriturismo that is between both Montepulciano and Montalcino. Perhaps one Pienza. That can be a really special experience.