Hi all - first post. We'll be based just outside of Siena at an agriturismo; both Volterra/San Gimignano and Val D'Orcia / Montepulciano / Pienza areas seem to have their positives, so any tips/thoughts would be welcome. Just looking to enjoy our day in the countryside!
Thanks -
Frank
I liked Volterra very much, but San Gimignano seems like a fakey sort of place overrun with tourist shops. I was underwhelmed. I also really liked Monteriggioni which is between Siena and Volterra, so that can make a nice day trip. Monteriggioni has intact walls and the view from the top is terrific.
On the other hand, the drive between Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano is delightful. If you are a wine lover, the Val d'Orcia is heaven. Some great restaurants in Montalcino and Pienza, IMHO. I'd drive to Montalcino just to eat at Grappolo Blu.
Really you cannot go wrong with either combo imo. Without a car u can bus it from siena very easily to pienza, montepulciano. With. Car san gimignano is a convenient ride . Ea is diff, yes they are tourist villages so if u go during summer u will experience crowds. I enjoyed them all for diff reasons during the summer even.
In that case, does anyone have some off the beaten path suggestions as alternate/less crowded villages in either area? Montichiello looks attractive - not looking to check anything off a specific list, and are open to ideas (especially if the typical tourist stops will be overrun)...
San Gimignano is not fake at all. There are lots of tourists during the peak season, but fake it is not.
Las Vegas (NV), EPCOT Center (FL) and Solvang (CA) are.
