We will be driving between Florence and Pitigliano in mid-March. We have made this drive before in the fall, but have learned that many of our favorite hotels/agriturismos in the Chianti region are closed in March. Does anyone have suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by
West Coast
409 posts
I went Florence to Montemerano this fall. I didn't get to all the places I intended to see, but here is what I had in mind:
Drive through Crete Senese for the views. I actually did this, going from Siena towards Asciano, and then back to SR2. Abbazia Monte Oliveto Maggiore is in all the guidebooks, but I didn't see it. With the site and the art, it might require a couple hours. The landscape was lovely though, but better if it's at least partly sunny.
Abbazia di'Sant Antimo also is also mentioned quite a bit. Missed that too (it took longer to get from place to place than I thought, especially if you're stopping to take pictures). But you'd go through Montalcino to get here, so if you like wine and the driver can abstain, they might be a nice stops.
There are a couple of thermal baths near here if you're interested: Bagni Vignoni and Bagni San Fillipo.
I did stop at Campiglia d'Orcia for a roasted chestnut festival . If you're driving on a weekend, check for food festivals. Those are fun and might dictate the drive. Had also planned on Santa Fiora. I'll let you look these up online, but it's a small town that seemed worth a stop.
Saturnia for another thermal bath. I actually went to this one! (Seriously, overestimate those drive times). There is a location that is free. It's not as hot as I thought it would be, but might be a nice after all that driving. And Montemerano is a lovely small town to walk through. Not really any sites, but it's pretty and there was a good restaurant (Passaparola), and a wine bar (La Dispensa Vecchia) that also serves meat/cheese boards. Good for a light dinner. Not sure if they spoke English, but they are the nicest people.
How's that for a start?
Posted by
OP
seattle
2048 posts
Thank you, KC!