Things To Do
Siena
Siena is a smaller town compared to Florence and Rome, and perched on the top of a mountain. We recommend 1-3 days in Siena. Things to do: 1. Find a free walking tour. 2. Visit the Duomo. 3. Climb the tower in the Piazza and then reward yourself with a spritz and people watching. 4. Take a morning or evening stroll along the walls of the Fortezza. 5. Visit a winery. We visited Tenuta Larnione right outside Siena. It's a family owned winery, with a very cute dog and amazing views. You need to email to make reservations at most Tuscany wineries (no walk-ins). Food: All the food is great. Siena is known for Pici pasta and pecorino cheese. If you want a cute restaurant with a good view, check out Locanda dell' Oste. If you want a fancier meal, check out La Taverna di San Giuseppe (reservations required). If you want a break from all the Italian, Kathy and Kaitlin had fab Chinese at Rosticcerria Cinese La Rosa and after dinner drinks at Trefilari Wine Siena.
Florence
Our first trip to Italy was to Florence-- we love the city! A few recommendations: 1. Get a spritz on a patio (away from the Duomo) and enjoy the people watching. Bonus points if you find a place on the Arno. 2. Hang near the Ponte Vecchio near sundown for live music on the bridge. 3. Uffizi gallery. 4. Academia to visit David (not much else there). We recommend booking a tour so you can get in quickly. 5. Pitti palace and Boboli gardens, also see if the Medici catwalk is open. 6. We booked a golf cart tour to see the city. It also took us up to the Piazzale Michaelangelo. While it is crowded, we recommend grabbing a bottle of wine and snack to watch the sunset looking over the city.
Rome
Must-Do Activities/Tours 1. Colosseum and Forum 2. The Vatican Museums, The Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica 3. Wander around Trastavere 4. Take a cooking class (Cacio Pepe anyone?) 5. Stroll around Villa Borghese Chris highly recommends a meat and cheese plate-- best mortadella ever.
Montalcino
We discovered on our last trip to Italy and we LOVE Brunello (there is one for sale at the venue!). Montalcino is a wonderful small town. We recommend going to the castle and doing their tasting.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a fabulous hilltop city. We spent a wonderful day/night here last summer. We recommend wandering around the city finding all the wineries and tasting rooms you can. Most have caves you can go explore and taste in. A few we tasted were Contucci, De Ricci, Ercolani, and Crociani. There are also a few great wine bars-- La Dolce Vitaa and La Bottega Del Nobile. We also had dinner at Osteria del Borgo. Get a table on their patio for sunset (weather dependent & reservations encouraged!).
Crazy Quad Rides
For those looking for a few hours of adventure before the beginning of the wedding or something to do before checking into the room at 3 PM, there are a number of quad excursions to explore! Located about 20 minutes away from the venue.