Hey all,
My fiance and I just arrived in Montepulciano tonight and it looks like we're in for days of rain ahead. We had day trips planned to Siena, Cortona, Montalcino, etc. We also have a 4-day car rental. Any recommendations on what to do/see when most of our stay will be raining? We were obviously planning on being outside a lot and just enjoying the scenery, but that changed quick :-( Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Dan
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Get raincoats and an umbrella and just go with it. The scenery can be just as beautiful in the rain, and actually often times the colors are more vivid. Instead of a picnic outside, have it inside the car from the top of a wonderful hill in Tuscany...(I'll trade places with you):))
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16210 posts
After the big drought they had in Tuscany this year, I'm sure a little rain is welcome there. There are plenty of indoor places to visit in the towns you are visiting (museums, churches, exhibits). There are also many other places which are within 2 hours from Montepulciano with lots of museums/churches etc.
For example: Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Spoleto, to name just a few. And bad weather depresses you, I'm sure you can find a nice cantina in Montalcino where they can serve you some nice Brunello. After a few bottles I'm sure you won't even notice it's raining. Besides don't tell me that someone from Chicago is afraid of bad weather.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
It can't be raining everywhere. If you have the car rental, just get in it and drive! We were in Italy last month and hit rain on and off, and we were on a bike! We just put on rain gear and kept going (no option, no sag) Just because there is rain in Montepulciano doesn't mean you will have rain in Siena or Cortona. Go have a great time!
Posted by
Redding, CA, USA
1568 posts
We always carry an umbrella and poncho...rain never stops us for more than a few minutes to suit up. Enjoy!
Posted by
Marin, CA
532 posts
You will most likely need to make appointments with the wineries for tours but you are in Brunello country! Perhaps your hotel can help you, you will be limited with Saturday tours and I don't think anyone will offer a Sunday.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
One of our afternoons in the area, we took a drive to Abb. M. Oliveto Maggio--a monastery. You have to drive through several small towns to get there, however, it was beautiful scenery along the way. A Gregorian chant takes place in the church at 6:15 every evening. Although, the day of our visit it was at 7:30. The monastery is set off the main road in the forest. By the church, there is a wine cellar for tasting and sales and a gift store. The monks work in their own vineyard and sell the wine on site. Get there early so that you can walk through the Abbey. We really enjoyed doing something very different.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Ellen, two summers ago it rained from Assisi to Sicily for several days in a row! Suggestions already given are good ones. Wineries, museums, castles, churches are good options for some drying out time.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
Zoe, I just got home from a bike trip in Italy and it rained on us the first two days, then we had a nice day, and then a rain/no rain day. As we moved on the bike through the countryside we hit small squalls of rain, and then the sun came out. Depending on the storm clouds, you never know what you are going to get!