Tuscany + Car + 3 days...Where to go?

Posted by kherder on 04/06/14 02:39 PM

Planning to leave Florence May 5th by car to tour Tuscany, returning to Florence May 7th. We have 2 nights booked on a farm near San Gimignano and will use this as our "home base". Looking for suggestions to make the most of our 3 days. A visit to a working vineyard is a must for my companion. We both want to slow down for this last leg of our 11 day France/Italy trip and just breathe.

What would you do with these three days? Suggestions day to day? Favourite spots/moments? I've read RS books
but your personal stories/experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

Kelly

Posted by Linda

Vignola, MO, IT

04/06/14 04:24 PM

711 posts

We just got back. Rented car in Florence. Drove to Volterra, Montepulciano and Orvieto. Liked all but LOVED Montepulciano and Orvieto. Then we visited family. Orvieto we liked the duomo and the underground caves. Enjoyed walking the town. Did NOT like the perimeter walk at all. Montepulciano can't explain just really enjoyed the town.

Posted by Zoe

Toledo, Ohio, US

04/06/14 05:07 PM

11613 posts

Arezzo, Montalcino, Pienza - each is a little different, although Montalcino is similar to Montepulciano, but smaller. Great Brunello wine, might be a nice opportunity for a winery tour.

Posted by Terry kathryn

Ann Arbor, Mi

04/06/14 05:41 PM

3696 posts

If you truly want to 'slow down and breathe' then why not just do that? All you need to do when you are in Tuscany is get in the car, drive down any given road, follow a few signs and you will end up someplace wonderful. There are tons of villages and vineyards and each one is special....
Have a wonderful time:)

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

04/06/14 05:46 PM

16240 posts

www.borghiditoscana.net/eng/
Since you are in San Gimignano and your time is limited, I would choose any of the following:
San Gimignano, Volterra, Monteriggioni, Certaldo, Colle Val D'Elsa and also Castellina in Chianti (if you like wines). The above are really close (all within 40 min drive).
Farther away you could consider Pienza and Montepulciano (over 90 min drive) but I wouldn't bother with only 2 days at my disposal and so many nice places closer to your base.
Of course I'm assuming that you've seen Siena already, if not I don't see how you could skip it.
Orvieto is too distant from where you are (over 2 hour drive) and driving there would not be a wise use of your very limited time. Leave Orvieto for a day trip from Rome (only one hour by regional train), if you happen to be in Rome at any time. Arezzo is also too far from your base.

Posted by Terry kathryn

Ann Arbor, Mi

04/07/14 01:28 AM

3696 posts

Almost forgot... if you see the little wooden sign for San Donato (near San g.) definitely take a few minutes and drive up there. It is a wonderful little place with a vineyard (if they are open) and great views where you can wander around and 'just breathe.' Once when I was there we happened upon a group of artists with their easles and they were painting...magicial...like a scene out of a movie.