From Montepulciano to Montalcino

This particular area of Tuscany is famous for its numerous cities of art, for the production of red wine (Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano) and for the beauty of the countryside. We suggest visits to Pienza, situated just 10 kilometres from Montepulciano, to Monticchiello, to Bagno Vignoni famous for its unique urban layout, where in fact in the very centre of town is a sulphur bath. Another interesting town is San Quirico d'Orcia where it's possibile to visit the Italian gardens.

Not far away is Montalcino, famous the world over for the production of "brunello", an excellent red wine, while just 10 kilometres further on is the splendid Monastery of Sant'Antimo where every day visitors can participate in the mass, which is celebrated with Gregorian chants. Another magnificent monastery well worth visiting is the one in Monteoliveto Maggiore.

Pienza

A small architectural jewel, Pienza is a Unesco World Heritage site. At the beginning of the 15th century Pope Pius II commissioned the architect Rossellino to transform Pienza into the ideal town, after which he established there his summer residence. In the main square it's possible to visit the Cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini, the pope's summer residence and the Diocesan Museum. Pienza overlooks the gentle hills of Val d'Orcia, an acknowledged artistic site and nature park.

Montalcino

A Medieval town renowned for its history and its position overlooking Val d'Orcia. Interesting sites worth visiting include the Fortezza, the Diocesan Civic Museum, the historical centre and countless churches located inside the city walls.

Nowadays Montalcino is renowned the world over for the production of Brunello, a superb red vintage wine.

Cortona

25 kilometres away from Montepulciano is Cortona, a delightful city of art situated 600 metres ASL, from where visitors can enjoy magnificent views over the valley below. Though the town is of Medieval origin it also bears numerous visible traces of Renaissance influence. Well worth visiting are the Santa Margherita sanctuary, the cloistered convent founded by San Francesco, the town hall, the Diocesan museum and Palazzo Casali.

Siena

Impossible not to visit Siena, which is also famous for the Palio, held every year on 2 July and 16 August. Siena is 60 kilometres away from Montepulciano and visitors should reserve at least a whole day for visiting the Museums (Municipal Museum, Museo delle papesse, Santa Maria della Scala, the Pinacoteca etc), the churches (the Cathedral, San Domenico, San Francesco etc), the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia.

Chianti

The Chianti region extends over an area between Siena and Florence and is famous for its magnificent countryside, its wines and its Medieval towns. We also suggest visits to Monteriggioni, a Medieval town where a historical pageant is held every year in the month of July; to San Gimignano, known as the city of towers; and to Gaiole, Greve and Radda..

Arezzo

Situated 50 kilometres from Montepulciano, Arezzo, an important town of Etruscan origin, is characterised by a blend of Medieval and Renaissance styles. Well worth seeing are the Piero della Francesca frescoes, the Cathedral and the historical centre. Moreover the first weekend of every month the streets of the town are lined with the stalls of one of Italy's most important antique fairs.

Umbria

Just 25 kilometres away from Villa Poggiano Tuscany borders with Umbria, another splendid region located in the very heart of Italy. From Montepulciano follow directions for Cortona, a city of art well worth a visit, after which the road skirts Lago Trasimeno as far as Perugia, Umbria's main town, famous for the production of chocolate and cashmere. In an area of just a few square kilometres it's possible to visit the towns of Assisi, Deruta, Todi, Spello, Spoleto and Orvieto.