Want to stay in central Tuscany when I visit next year and am considering either Montalcino or Pienza. Any preference from those who've stayed in one or both? If you have other good suggestions in the area, I'm open to those as I will have a car. Note that I stayed in Montepulciano and Volterra last year and, while I thoroughly enjoyed both, I'd like to experience a new location next year.
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
We stayed just outside Pienze in a wonderful B&B summer 2007. We thought Pienza was the perfect small town. Our "neighbors" were an English couple who planned to be there an entire week - just touring the wonderful Val d'Orcia. I highly recommend our B&B - Le Traverse with wonderful hostess, Pinuccia. We hardly needed a guidbook - she gave us ideas for where to go, wonderful restaurnt recs, etc. We left with 40 bottles of her olive oil shipped to us!
Posted by
Portland, OR
1091 posts
Hi Frank,
This is a difficult choice. I visited both towns in June and they each have their unique charm. That being said, I think that Montalcino would be a better base and then you can visit Pienza for the day. There seemed to be a little more to do in Montalcino than Pienza. Be sure to try the region's Pici pasta.
Another suggestion is Castellina. I absolutely loved it there and it would make a great base town, with lots to do.
Enjoy!