Hi there. My husband and I are planning to travel to Tuscany for 1 week after spending 1 week in Austria. We will be in Tuscany from around the 25/26 December to the 2 January, and hope to stay in a smaller town rather than basing ourselves in Florence. Ideally I picture us staying in a small town (probably renting an Air bnb or cottage), going to wineries, buying local produce and cooking in our cottage, as well as driving around, doing day trips, seeing the sights. I've heard great things about Montepulciano, and also thought Siena could work? Does anyone have any recommendations? We will be hiring a car and are happy to stay in 2 destinations over the week. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Northeast Ohio, USA
683 posts
You might consider San Quirico d'Orcia; it is conveniently located on a crossroads that makes getting around by driving easy, and is delightful in itself. Trattoria Osenna is wonderful.
Posted by
New Orleans
1206 posts
Take a look at the Politian Apartments in Montepulciano. I've stayed there twice, in two different apartments, and each was beautiful, clean, and comfortable with amazing views out over the valley. These are full apartments, with full kitchens and clothes washers. (Though I'm not sure if there are clothes washers in all apartments.) There is parking right outside, on the street; owners will give you a placard which gives you the right to park there. Wonderful, helpful, available owners, too! www.politian.com and they are also on airbnb.com. I found the online photos accurate for the two apartments in which I have stayed. I have liked actually staying in town - yes, up some curvy lanes, but owners will email you a very accurate map on how to get there. Use it! Not your GPS! In the evenings, and in the mornings, it's nice to have a village with (Fabulous!) restaurants to return to. Oh, and then there are the wine cellars, right there in town...!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It will be interesting to see if anyone weighs in with experience visiting wineries in Tuscany in that week between Christmas and New Year's. My guess is you'll be hard pressed (get it?) to find one open, but that's not based on direct experience.
As for Montepulciano, we visited it last May and found it very difficult to find parking AND it's a very steep climb. Not sure I would want to do that in late December. Also, I wonder what traffic is like that week. Might be dead, or there might be holiday festivals going on.
Good luck. And Happy Travels!
Posted by
Portland, OR
83 posts
Montepulciano is fantastic this time of year. The Christmas Market/Festival is in full swing and open every day but Christmas. In Piazza Grande, there is a huge New Years party with live music and is out of this world.
Siean and Montepulciano are only about 40/45 minutes from each other. No matter where you choose to stay, you can visit the other. Were you renting a car or hiring a driver? This may sway accommodation suggestions.
Posted by
Fulda Germany and Rhode Island USA
332 posts
We will be there as well flying into Florence from Frankfurt and staying in Assisi. We have done Italy twice I like Montepulciano but want to stay at a quainter place. Saw Sienna but never stayed there. I am trying to find out if some vineyards are open . Our favorite one is closed during the holidays. Is this your first trip to Italy? Check out Assisi its nice and pretty central
Posted by
616 posts
I would choose Siena rather than Montepulciano at this time of the year as Tuscan villages sometimes might have a lot of snow. This is not so much the case in Florence or Siena.
To visit the wineries I would rather choose October.
Posted by
616 posts
Florence is wonderful at Christmas.
I am also afraid that in Montepulciano many restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day.