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Montepulciano
Towns less than an hour away
Greve in Chianti
Approx. 20 minutes from the venue.
Nestled in the heart of Chianti, Greve is a postcard-perfect village known for its central piazza, family-run wineries, and artisanal food shops.
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Piazza Matteotti: Lined with cafés, wine shops, and local goods.
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Wine Tasting: Pop into a local enoteca to sample Chianti Classico right where it’s made.
Certaldo
Approx. 40 minutes from the venue
A hidden gem with a beautifully preserved medieval old town. Take the funicular up to Certaldo Alto for panoramic views and cobbled streets.
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Palazzo Pretorio: A small museum and former palace covered in family crests.
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Boccaccio’s House: Home of the famous writer, now a museum.
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Evening walks: Magical at golden hour with sweeping countryside views.
Towns a little more than an hour away
Montepulciano
Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from the venue
Montepulciano holds a special place in our hearts — it was the very first town we visited together in Italy, and we instantly fell in love. Perched high on a hilltop with sweeping views, winding cobbled streets, and Renaissance charm at every turn, it's the kind of place you can wander all afternoon, stopping for a long lunch or a sunset spritz in the piazza.
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Piazza Grande: The heart of the town, surrounded by elegant palaces and the iconic well, Pozzo dei Grifi e dei Leoni.
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Il Corso: The main street lined with charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
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Torre di Pulcinella: A unique clock tower adorned with a figure of Pulcinella, a character from Italian commedia dell'arte.
Montepulciano's rich history and scenic beauty make it a must-visit.
Cortona
Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from the venue
Made famous by Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona is a hilltop town with stunning views over the Val di Chiana. It has a warm, lived-in feel with steep streets, charming shops, and a relaxed pace.
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Piazza della Repubblica – the beating heart of the town, perfect for a coffee or aperitivo
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Eremo Le Celle – a peaceful Franciscan hermitage tucked into the hills
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MAEC (Museum of the Etruscan Academy) – a fascinating glimpse into Cortona’s ancient past
Popular visits
Florence
Approx. 35 minutes from the venue.
Florence is a city of art, history, and beauty at every turn. Whether you're seeing it for the first time or returning for a deeper look, there's always more to explore – from world-renowned museums to quiet backstreets with excellent espresso.
Top things to do in Florence:
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Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci
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Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome for sweeping views of the city
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Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewellery shops and history
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Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo in Piazza della Repubblica
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Explore the quieter Oltrarno neighbourhood for artisan workshops and hidden trattorias
Siena
Approx. 60 minutes from the venue
Siena offers a different rhythm to Florence – slower, smaller, and rich with medieval atmosphere. The city is built on hills and full of character, with its narrow streets opening into grand squares and unexpected views.
Top things to do in Siena:
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Spend time in Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city and home to the famous Palio horse race
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Visit Siena Cathedral (Duomo) – one of the most stunning in Italy
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Climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views over rooftops and countryside
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Try local specialities like pici pasta and panforte
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Step into Santa Maria della Scala, a former hospital turned cultural centre
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
Badia a Passignano
Approx. 20 mins from the venue
Tucked among the Chianti hills, Badia a Passignano feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Centered around a centuries-old monastery still inhabited by monks, the village is peaceful, scenic, and steeped in history. Even a short visit offers a welcome pause – whether you're exploring its quiet stone lanes or simply taking in the views over the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.
Barberino Val d’Elsa
Approx. 20 minutes from the venue
A small, walled village with medieval roots and wide views over the Tuscan countryside. Barberino Val d’Elsa is quiet and unassuming – a nice spot for a short walk, a coffee, or a pause on the way to somewhere else. Its narrow streets and old stone buildings offer a simple kind of charm without the crowds
