LOCAL ACTIVITIES
VILLA MONTEPULCIANO is in an ideal location for visitors to enjoy the best of Tuscany. Just a 10 minute car ride to historic Montepulciano, 15-30 minute ride away to beautiful cities such as Montalcino and Pienza and within an hour drive of Siena and Florence. VILLA MONTEPULCIANO is in Montepulciano, which is the closest beautiful Tuscan city to Rome - the airport most popular for international flights to Italy.
There is something for everyone, and we are happy to help connect you to local events or help you plan daytrips. Here are a few ideas:
FOR WINE AND FOOD LOVERS,
Montepulciano and surrounding areas will live up to all your highest expectations. VILLA MONTEPULCIANO is located on the Strada del Vino Nobile (designated scenic country wine road), and the villa enjoys views of vineyards that produce the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, D.O.C.G (highest quality official rating). We welcome visitors to participate in a wine tasting or wine production lesson at the villa, upon request, free of charge given by the owner, who is a trained sommelier in Montalcino, Tuscany.
VILLA MONTEPULCIANO is also near Pienza, home of the famous Pecorino di Pienza cheeses.
The following are a few suggestions, and we are happy to provide more information
· Wine tasting and cantina tours in Montepulciano (Vino Nobile di Montepulciano) and Montalcino (Brunello di Montalcino)
· Wine tasting event at the villa featuring local producers (upon request)
· Visit of sheep farm and cheese tasting in Pienza
· We are happy to suggest local restaurants to taste traditional Tuscan fare such as pici pasta, wild boar, local wines and cheeses
LOVERS OF NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS,
will enjoy the healthy lifestyle Tuscany has to offer with outdoor activities. VILLA MONTEPULCIANO is located in the heart of the rolling countryside of Montepulciano, which provides a perfect place to enjoy long nature walks, runs and bike rides. We are happy to provide local maps and help you develop a route for any of these activities, we can even point out a few good stopping points for taking photographs or re-energizing with a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine!
The following are a few suggestions, and we are happy to provide more information
· Scenic nature walks and hiking through countryside surrounding VILLA MONTEPULCIANO (no driving required!)
· Bike rides to Montepulciano and surrounding hilltop villages and cities
· Bike rides in the Chiana valley flatlands and migratory bird reserve of Lake Montepulciano and Lake Chiusi
· There are local shops that rent professional grade bicycles for those that are interested, we can help arrange
· Swimming in the warm waters and beautiful scenery of Trasimeno Lake
FOR ART AND HISTORY LOVERS,
Montepulciano and surrounding cities offer an interesting history lesson from many important stages in world history such as Etruscan and Roman periods, and the Renaissance.
VILLA MONTEPULCIANO is perched in the Montepulciano countryside with easy access to the historical city center of Montepulciano, often referred to, as the “gem of Tuscany”. The city was founded by an Etruscan King, has 2000 years of history, which can be experienced by guests while visiting Etruscan Tombs and impressive renaissance architecture.
A highlight of the summer in Montepulciano is a week-long festival at the end of August which features competitions, parades and food and wine that takes the city back to traditions when the festival was established in the 14th century. The week-long event culminates with the ‘Bravio’ a competition between the neighbourhoods (contrade) of Montepulciano which consists of a 5km race through the steep and winding streets of Montepulciano pushing an 180 lbs wine barrel! It is an event not to be missed!
Also the city is host to various art, music, theatre and wine related festivals throughout the year. We are happy to provide more information for your travel planning or arrange tickets.
Other suggested daytrips
· Enjoy one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Tuscany along the road between Montepulciano, PIENZA (14km/9miles) and MONTALCINO (17km/10mies from Pienza);
· Visit FLORENCE (90km/55miles) the center of Renaissance Art. Montepulciano was historically aligned with Florence and was of relevant importance as the southern most important city aligned with Florence in its battle with Siena for domination of the Tuscan countryside. The support to Florence is evidenced by the Marzocco monument (flying lion, and one of the symbols of Florence) at the entrance of Montepulciano.
· SIENA (45km/28miles), one of the most important republics of Tuscany, challenger for Florence’s domination politically and artistically, which is at its peak in July and August for the world-famous Palio horserace between neighbourhoods.
· CORTONA (28km/18miles from VILLA MONTEPULCIANO) is a beautiful hilltown, with impressive architecture well-known as the setting for such books as ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’
· Etruscan tombs and the museum of archaeology in CHIUSI (5km/3.5miles)
TO RELAX
Besides the amenities of our villa and vineyard, visitors should consider a daytrip to one of the thermal baths near Montepulciano. Visitors can enjoy a full range of Spa treatments, or just enjoy the hot mineral baths which many say have healing properties.
FOR MOVIE BUFFS
Enjoy the landscape that made several movies. We can arrange sightseeing to background scenery that were part of several famous movies shot in Montepulciano or nearby. Watch the movies first as we will have many on hand at VILLA MONTEPULCIANO ready for DVD viewing. Famous movies shot in or near Montepulciano: