Beautiful Montepulciano Italy is located in southern Tuscany, in the Val di Chiana region is one of the prettiest hilltop towns in Italy. It’s an easy drive from Florence or Rome just off the A1. You’ll need some spare change or a credit card as it’s a major toll-road. We’ve found that some toll booths do not have people tending them and it may take a bit to figure out the machine and how much you owe. But, like all things, you figure it out and you’re on your way again.
I like renting a car in Florence and driving for an hour and half or two hours to reach Montepulciano. It helps me decompress after flying for 8 hours and prepares me for our visit to this wonderful part of the world. I’ve driven in Italy for years and have gotten used to the signs and Italian drivers. It can be a bit overwhelming your first time, so prepare by doing some research on signs and what to do and not to do when driving in Italy.
Your journey to Montepulciano
The first time my wife and I drove through Tuscany, we used a GPS. One thing I learned the hard way is don’t always follow the GPS everywhere. You’re not allowed to drive in many of the old town centers. The GPS took us on a route that included the center. By the time I realized it was too late. When I returned home I had two tickets waiting totaling about 300 euros. I learned from that mistake. We make sure we know the laws and rules and love to get lost and explore by car.
Beautiful Montepulciano Italy is also reachable by train from both Florence and Rome. You can take the train to Chiusi Train Station and then catch one of the many buses that go to Montepulciano. This is a great alternative if you want to stay mostly in Monteplulciano and take tours from there to other Tuscan towns and sites. It’s relatively easy to get around Italy by car, train, or bus.
Exploring Montepulciano and the surrounding area
Montepulciano is an ancient Entruscan city dating to around 300 BC. It was home to various people and cultures through the centuries. Under control of Florence in the middle ages, Siena conquered it in 1260.
Montepulciano is a great place to call home why you are exploring this part of Tuscany. Many of the towns in the area are and easy, gorgeous drive. Pienza, known for it’s Pecorino Romano cheese, and Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wine are two towns worth the visit. Pick up cheese and wine and bring them back to your hotel for a relaxing snack and drink before dinner.
Where to stay
We’ve stayed at two places while in beautiful Montepulciano Italy and both are excellent. One is in town and the other just outside a short drive away. The Palazzo Carletti is located near the center of town and on one of the main streets. A palace once owned by the noble Carletti family. You can easily walk to all of the sites from here and there’s a parking area a short walk away. There aren’t a lot of rooms, so plan ahead and book early when you know for sure you’ll be traveling. They do have a great breakfast and the staff is awesome.
Our balcony overlooking the streets of Montepulciano The seating area in the room. The bedroom had high, ceilings with frescoes. The bathroom of the Carletti is spacious
The other wonderful place to stay is the Agriturismo Le Caggiole, a farm just outside of town. A family runs this Agriturismo where you can relax, learn to cook and have an amazing breakfast. The rooms are warm and inviting, just like the family. The owner gave us a driving itinerary of towns in the area and suggested a restaurant in Montelpulciano to have dinner. He even made reservations for us.
Le Caggiole Le Caggiole outside of Montepulciano Waking up to this view from the window The view from our room Our room at the agriturismo Le Caggiole Olive trees at the agriturismo
Sites you don’t want to miss
15th-century building, such as a clock tower, Duomo, cafes and a wine cellar surround the Piazza Grande, or main square. If you like vampire movies, directors filmed the saga Twilight sequel New Moon here.
The Duomo began construction in 1570, and wasn’t completed until 1680, The facade of the Duomo was never completed. However, step through the wooden doors and you’ll find a gorgeous, ornate church.
The town hall and its tower resembles the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. You can climb the tower for scenic views of the Tuscan countryside.
The clocktower in Montepulciano
There’s a fun wine cellar with great-tasting wine just down the hill from the main square. You can take a tour the centuries-old Contucci wine cellar and sample the wine. There are other wine cellars in Montepulciano if you’d like to explore those, too.
The Contucci wine cellar Inside the Contucci wine cellar
There are many more sites, restaurants, and shops dotted throughout the town. Follow the many narrow streets and explore the wonders of this beautiful hilltop town.
Beautiful Montepulciano Italy at Christmas
We had the opportunity to visit Montepulciano during Christmas. They have a Christmas market with food, drink, and crafts. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon with local people enjoying the season.
Whenever you decide to visit, and I hope you do, spend a few days or longer. Enjoy the sites, sounds, flavors, and the wonderful people of this beautiful hilltop town in southern Italy.
Enjoy and travel safe!
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