Anonimo asked 10 anni ago
My wife and I are planning a trip to Tuscany in September 2015 and we are most excited about spending 3-4 days amongst the beautiful countryside which is Val D’Orcia and visiting a few wineries in Montalcino, Montelpulciano. The accommodation that we are considering is Castel Monastero which is slightly North of Val D’ Orcia. (Monastero D’Ombrone, 19, Castelnuovo Berardenga SI). If we stay here, will we be sacrificing some of the countryside atmosphere that I envision of Val D’Orcia? Also, are there ways to get back and forth from wineries as not to drink and drive? Any guidance would be appreciated.
elena nacci Staff answered 10 anni ago
You will have a great time in Val d’Orcia! It’s the part of Tuscany I prefer
Castel Monastero is really a beautiful place and though not in the magical Val d’Orcia, the countryside surrounding is still very scenic. Its location is more near the Chianti wine region. Montalcino and Montepulciano can be reached in less than one hour driving, but you may still stay 2 days at the Castle and the remaining ones at another place in the heart of the Val d’Orcia.
I’m literally in love with the stunning Castello di Velona, wonderful spa resort and winery near Montalcino. Another great place to stay, still near Montalcino, is the suggestive Castello Banfi.
As for getting back and forth from wineries, the best thing would be to have a private driver, so you can enjoy your wine tastings with no problems. Also some guided wine tours could be considered as a good solution. Let me know in case you need some suggestions.
I remain at your complete disposal,
Elena
DONK2150Thanks for the great accommodation suggestions! We have decided to stay at the Castello di Velona for the full 4 days in Val D’Orcia. Our goals are to visit a winery or two, enjoy some good food, visit the must see towns and slow down a little too. We will have a car with us. Would you have a suggestions for a full day itinerary that you might recommend?Must see towns for us are:Montalcino, Montelpulciano, Pienza and CortonaOther towns of special interest include: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, San Quirico d’Orcia, Bagno Vignoni We certainly don’t need to see all the towns on the list and might even add or remove some but what towns would you think are the must sees and how might we structure an itinerary.Your help is much appreciated
elena nacci Staff answered 10 anni ago
I’m very happy to hear that
The Castle of Velona is a dream! All around is only uncontaminated nature with lots of scenic vineyards
You have 4 days (not so many) so my suggestion is you take your time and also enjoy your stay at the castle while enjoying the landscape and the wineries. Dedicate one full day to relaxing…food, wine, the castle’s thermal pools. One winery near the castle that I recommend is Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona, beautiful estate having a panoramic terrace for wine tastings.
The must see towns you mention, Montalcino, Montelpulciano, Pienza and Cortona, are all beautiful. I would also add the wonderful and suggestive Bagno Vignoni to the must see towns, really a peculiar place, read here why
As the villages of Val d’Orcia are small, you could visit most of them in one day, let’s say Montalcino, Bagno Vignoni, and Pienza.
On another day you could visit Montepulciano and Cortona, while one more day might be spent visiting Siena and San Gimignano and only if you will have time that day take a quick drive through southern Chianti.
If I had to skip something, probably I’d not visit Chianti and Cortona. Also consider that San Gimignano is part of the Chianti area, so you’re ok
Near the Castle of Velona is the beautiful Abbey of Sant’Antimo, that you could briefly visit on your way to the castle,
Enjoy your trip! And then let me know how everything is going
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