Things To Do
Chiusi
Located about 20 minutes away, where the train station is if you choose to arrive by train. In order to understand the local history, it is essential to stop in Chiusi, the mysterious Etruscan capital. Its lovely small museum once housed the collections of artefacts found in the Etruscan tombs of Camporsevoli, mostly ceded in turn to the British Museum and the Museum of Dresden. Venturing on to visit the painted tombs, usually alone, makes for a real archaeological experience. Click on view to explore restaurants and things to do.
Cetona
Cetona is about 15 minutes away. Crossing its immaculate piazza and clambering through its streets towards the Rocca is always exciting and like taking a step back in time. It then comes naturally to stop for a nice meal at Nilo, or buy some beautiful ceramics from Pippo. Click on view to explore restaurants and things to go.
San Casciano dei Bagni
San Casiano dei Bagni is about 15 minutes away. You can stop for an aperitivo in San Casciano dei Bagni, with its magnificent terrace overlooking the hillside, whose colours not only change with the seasons but with every passing moment. It is impossible to resist a table at Daniela’s restaurant, the heart of the town. Click on view to explore restaurants and things to do (including thermal baths!)
Montepulciano
In less than 45 minutes, you can reach Montepulciano, with its Duomo and the sadly not very well known but wonderful sculptures by Michelozzo. Montepulciano makes a great base for exploring the Tuscan hill towns. Just make sure to pack well-broken-in walking shoes, because cars aren’t allowed in the center of town. Explore the Duomo of Montepulciano and the Palazzo Tarugi… or sample the local wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which has been praised for centuries. Click on view to explore restaurants and things to do.
Pienza
Pienza, the ideal city of Pope Piccolomini and its architect Rossellino, cannot be missed. The road from Montepulciano to Pienza is possibly one of the most beautiful in the world and, if you have time, take a small detour to Monticchiello: a tiny and fabulous village where the longstanding tradition of the Teatro Povero is staged every summer. Click on view to explore restaurants and things to do.