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Tuscany - Montepulciano?
Has anyone visited Montepulciano? For those of you who have traveled around Tuscany, what do you think of its location and what the city has to offer?
Honestly, I chose Montepulciano based on the place we found where we'd like to stay. I'd looked at a LOT of hotels, agriturismos, etc. and then came across Villa Cicolina and it looks perfect for what we want - http://villacicolina.it/ My emails back and forth with the owners and the discounted rate they're giving us on their nicest suite for our anniversary just solidified that this is where we want to stay.
My only concern right now is that I think we'd like to visit the Chianti region, which appears to be around an hour drive or so from Montepulciano. We will have a rental car, so it's not like it can't be done, but it's not exactly convenient.
Any thoughts, good or bad, on Montepulciano? FWIW, we have four days there and are interested in a cooking class, wine tasting, exploring nearby cities, lounging by the pool and taking in all the beautiful views. I may consider a bike trip of some sort as well.
Re: Tuscany - Montepulciano?
I've stayed at Villa Cicolina and really enjoyed it! Their restaurant is very good. The hotel itself is outside of the city walls (easier for parking trust me). The walk into town takes approx 15mins. And, not surprisingly, it's a bit hilly (hardly Everest, but it's a walk).
Montep is a small town, so you can "see" in half a day. That said, IMO, there's plenty in and around to fill a long weekend. Pienza (famous for pecorino) is very close and worth a visit. The drive to chianti is abt an hour, and is easy.
If you want restaurant or winery recs, let me know.
we stayed in Voltera and took day trips to Montepulciano, and several other tuscan towns.
if I had to do it over again, I'd stay in Sienna, and take day-trips from there. (or stay in Florence, but that would be a longer drive, I think)
I would definitely recommend Montepulciano. We stayed there for about 5 days on our honeymoon and it's like heaven on earth. I would highly recommend staying at Villa Poggiano if it's in your budget. It's one of my favorite places in the world.
Visit Sienna for the day and Volterra if you like. Both great choices. I'd also recommend Pogio Antica for wine tasting. Restaurant choices: Latte di Luna in Pienza and La Grotta in Montepulciano. La Grotta is my favorite restaurant in Italy, so take that for what's it worth. Chanci(sp) di Terme is an amazing natural springs spa about 10 minutes away. Bagno Vignoni is also a cool old town with natural hot springs.
Have fun!