Going Places
Nearby places to see, travel tips, etc.
Day trips: We are blessed with a central location, so there are many, many possibilities. Siena, Cortona, Arrezzo, Florence, Rome, Montepulciano and the "wine trail" (see section below), Orvieto, Perugia, Assisi, a trip around Lake Trasimeno, Spoleto, as well as lovely hill towns nearby such as Castiglione del Lago, Panicale, Piegaro, Paciano, Cetona, Chiusi, and Monteleone d'Orvieto. This is not an exhaustive list, just what comes to mind (NOTE: See: "Take the Train!" below for which places NOT to drive to).
This just in: a town we've not visited that comes highly recommended by friends: Pitigliano (in Tuscany near Lake Bolsena).
There are guide books and maps in the small book shelf in the living room (in the niche), so you can read up before you go. Also check our guest book for recommendations.
This just in: a town we've not visited that comes highly recommended by friends: Pitigliano (in Tuscany near Lake Bolsena).
There are guide books and maps in the small book shelf in the living room (in the niche), so you can read up before you go. Also check our guest book for recommendations.
The "Wine Trail"
Not far from Città della Pieve, you'll find the beginning of a celebrated "wine trail" that is well worth a day or more. Begin in the town of Montepulciano where "Nobile" is the reigning king of red wines. The shopping there isn't shoddy, either. Make sure to stop at Caffé Poliziano. It is expensive but worth it; if you don't want to buy, just take in the interior, and be sure to check out the view from the balcony. Next stop is Pienza: more wine shops, fantastic cheese shops, more beauty. Pass through San Quirico D'Orcia on your way to Montalcino. Brunello is the wine in Montalcino, maybe the only wine sold there. It is wonderful. Read up on these towns before you go because they possess little gems of art historical importance as well as their wine.
Here is what looks like a good website for exploring Montepulciano and southern Tuscany's wines: Montepulciano: Wine Tasting Itinerary.
Here is what looks like a good website for exploring Montepulciano and southern Tuscany's wines: Montepulciano: Wine Tasting Itinerary.
Take the Train!
Rome, Florence, Siena, and Arrezzo are particularly easy to travel to via train. The station in Chiusi is 10 K away and is a hub. You don't want to drive into Rome under any circumstances. It is a nightmare. But we recommend the train over the car for all of the aforementioned destinations. Unless you intend to stop elsewhere on the way or the way back, hassling with traffic en route and with parking once you're there is just not worth it!
There is free short and long term parking at Chiusi station. Coming from Citta Della Pieve, just before the road ascends to a long curving section that takes you over the tracks and into Chiusi Scalo, there is a left-hand turn to access the long-term lot. Then there's a a short walk via a pedestrian tunnel to the train terminal.
There is free short and long term parking at Chiusi station. Coming from Citta Della Pieve, just before the road ascends to a long curving section that takes you over the tracks and into Chiusi Scalo, there is a left-hand turn to access the long-term lot. Then there's a a short walk via a pedestrian tunnel to the train terminal.