We are looking for a central place in. S. Tuscany (Val d Orcia) as a base for 3 nights. RS book says he would not stay in Pienza. It seems to be the most central town of any size and as such should make a good base. What's the probllem with Pienza??
Posted by
Portland, OR
1091 posts
He does recommend agriturismo cretiaole just outside of Pienza. For staying in towns he recommends Montepulciano. I agree with there or Montalcino. Pienza is a really cute town but super touristy. I just watched the RS Tuscany episode and he covers Pienza.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10261 posts
This is a duplicate thread.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
360 posts
We stayed in an agriturismo outside Pienza, based on a reco from the RS book. We loved the central location to hit a lot of hill towns, but Pienza itself was smaller than most hill towns and there weren't as many restaurants, shops, etc. the up side to staying outside the town is that you can get in/out quickly. Some of the routes into the hill towns can get congested and you'd be stuck in that each time you leave/come back (and have to find parking). However, once you're settled, you can walk to dinner/drinks and don't have to think about who's driving.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9423 posts
We loved Pienza and would very happily stay there. We stayed in Montepulciano and loved it too. Stayed in Siena, didn't love it. Montalcino was wonderful. Just because RS does or doesn't recommend a place, doesn't mean he's right.