Hi there! Another question!
Has anyone been to Montepulciano? My hubby can get overwhelmed with too much sightseeing and lose his fervor, so we are planning to stay in Montepulciano for a couple nights between Florence and Rome. I figured this would be a good place to chill out, have a grand wine experience, and less to do on the “touristy” side, which is the point. But I’d like to know what anyone who has been there thought of it!
I've stayed in Montepulciano twice for a few days, both times at Meuble il Riccio which I really enjoyed. Their optional breakfast is worth the price, and there's a rooftop terrace where you can sit, have a glass of wine and enjoy great views. I liked Montepulciano a lot and, as you anticipated, found it very relaxing. There are 2 nice wineries to visit, some good dining options (the hotel owners will call to reserve if you wish) and a couple of interesting sights to visit. The walk down to Chiesa di San Biago was nice. If you have a car, a day trip to Pienza or Chiusi (Etruscan sights) is an easy option. I definitely give Montepulciano a thumbs-up as a "chill" spot between Florence and Rome.
I second Frank’s choice of Montepulciano and of Meuble il Riccio. The owners are wonderful and help with all recommendations. There is a wonderful view of the region from the town. We stayed 4 nights. We had a car and visited Assisi and Orvieto from there, and spent one day walking around the town.
It’s a wonderful 3-4 hour walk to Pienza; take local bus back. We did it in reverse ... very nice day!
Only been there and montalcino for a day trip. Honestly - some of the most beautiful places I’ve been in my life. We also toured the Corte alla flora winery outside of Montepulciano - need a car. That was great. Would love to stay in either town. Incredible wine everywhere. Great food.
I've stayed in Montepulciano twice, both times at the Politian apartments, which are beautiful. The lovely hosts will give you good directions (follow them! not your GPS!) to parking right in front of the apartments. A great location at the "top" of town, with beautiful views out over the countryside. Easy to walk to restaurants, the main piazza, and in-town wineries!
I loved Montepulciano, but if you want to chill out from the tourists, stay 10-15 minutes away in Monticchiello. Stunningly beautiful and peaceful.
We did not sleep in either Montepulciano or Castiglione del Lago. But I suggest that you look up the latter and see if it might not err on the side of being TOO QUIET for you two. It's a lovely walled historic town, with a few restaurants but little mass tourism. I mention it because we found Tuscany so HOT in the summer. Because our resort had serious air conditioning (and a pool for before dinner), we didn't suffer. But Castiglione del Lago is (naturally ...) on a huge lake, with a town beach. I'll bet it's the coolest place in the area. Nearby superb winery, Aviognesi.
We just stayed in Montepulciano in early June and loved it! It was a great home base and was a nice size - small enough to easily get around but big enough for a variety of restaurant options (some delicious places, also). We stayed in a farmhouse (they gave us olive oil and wine from their farm) about 5 min from town and it was so charming and yet easy to drive to town and park. I'd stay there again in a second. It's a great, relaxing break between cities.
Montepulciano was my favorite place on recent visit (Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre). Such a great town, great food, unreal views.....and nice people.. You can also spend some time in Siena from there about an hours drive i think.
