what to do in Tuscany

Hi Barb, Depending on your interests, you could visit wineries, attend local village markets, we went to one in Pienza, I believe on a Saturday morning. Driving around Tuscany admiring the scenery, stopping in small towns for lunch, gelato etc. Ask your host for recommendations/directions. Ask about festivals, concerts etc. Once you decide on your destinations, check what attractions are available. Volterra, Montalcino and Montepulciano were 3 of our favourites. You will enjoy every minute of your time in Bella Toscano. We will be in Italy at the same time but in Venice, Rome, Umbria, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily. Can't wait. Happy travels. Sherry

Thanks for the info!
We will be there on a Friday and Saturday. When are the markets open and where are good places to shop in Italy?

If you want to really get out into the unspoilt Tuscan countryside try the Slow day in Tuscany. We had an amazing day out from Florence last summer, visiting vineyards and a castle. We hardly saw another tourist the entire day which was welcome relief after Rome. Looking at your itinerary, you may need a restful day between Rome and Venice! Alternatively, as Tuscany is also famous for it's cuisine you could try a cooking class. I heard good things about "Cook Eat Italian" classes while I was in Florence.

What to visit and where to go depends on where you'll be coming from. Do you mean that you already have a place to stay in Tuscany booked, and you're coming up with things to do/see, or that you have two free days/nights that you're trying to decide where to stay, as well? Siena, San Gimignano, Montalcino are all great, as are Volterra, Pienza, Montepulciano, San Quirico d'Orcia.

we are staying at a Villa and have that booked, just wondering if there were things we wouldn't want to miss. We will have been in Rome and Florence by then, I would like to shop, eat, wineries etc if you have restaurant suggestions or towns we should aim for. I am a little scarred I will get tired of looking at buildings and museums. Not sure, but that is what I look forward to seeing in Tuscany is countryside and have a slower pace time. Any suggestions on restaurants or shopping etc let me know. Thanks !

If you have already been to Florence & Rome there will have been tons of shopping there. The villages do offer some beautiful art and pottery and smaller boutiquey-type stores for clothes. But, for me the time I spend in villages is usually about just wandering around, possibly visiting a market, stopping for gelato while listening to a street musician and just hanging out in an incredible Italian location. Just driving around the countryside and stopping for a roadside picnic overlooking a vineyard is heaven to me.

Thanks for the timely tips.Wife and I are headed to ORD in a couple of hours for a flight to Florence via Zurich.

Lucky you! Have a great trip!