Family Adventure in Montepulciano: Discovering Tuscany's Hidden Gem

Siena and Pienza: A Day of Tuscan Dreams

Today was a day of venturing beyond the familiar embrace of Montepulciano, a day to explore more of Tuscany's storied landscapes and artistic treasures. It’s funny, isn’t it? How you can settle into a place, a routine, even when that place is a vacation spot. But the call of the open road, the promise of new discoveries, that's something I can never resist. Today, Thomas, Leela, and I set out to discover the wonders of Siena and Pienza.

Our morning began, as most mornings here do, at Caffè Poliziano. The allure of a cappuccino enjoyed with a view is just too strong to resist. Sipping my coffee, I looked out over the familiar landscape, feeling a pang of gratitude for this Italian interlude. Leela, of course, was more interested in her pastry, a delectable-looking creation that disappeared in record time. Fueled by caffeine and sugar, we were ready to hit the road.

Our first destination was Siena, a city that has always held a certain mystique for me. The drive itself was stunning, winding through rolling hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves. I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building as we approached the city. Finding parking was, as expected, a bit of a challenge, but soon enough, we were walking through the ancient streets, the air thick with history.

The heart of Siena, Piazza del Campo, is truly breathtaking. The unique shell shape, the rust-colored brick, the sheer scale of the place – it's all quite overwhelming in the best possible way. I learned that the piazza is built where the three original towns of Siena met, and every building around it had to follow strict guidelines to ensure harmony. It’s divided into nine sections, each representing one of the city's ruling governors from the 13th century. As I stood there, I imagined the square filled with people during the Palio, the famous bi-annual horse race. I can only imagine the thundering of hooves and the roar of the crowd.


Experience the enchanting charm and historical significance of Piazza del Campo, a must-visit destination in the heart of Siena, Italy.

To travel is to take a journey into yourself.

Leela, predictably, was fascinated by the Fonte Gaia, a beautiful fountain adorned with sculptures. While the original sculptures are now housed in a museum, the 19th-century replicas are still impressive. We spent a good hour simply wandering around the piazza, soaking in the atmosphere and taking photos. I even managed to do a bit of shopping, finding a lovely scarf at a small boutique.

After Siena, we drove to Pienza, a town that Pope Pius II had rebuilt in the 15th century as a model Renaissance town. The Palazzo Piccolomini was our first stop, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Thomas, with his background in mathematics and physics, was particularly intrigued by the architectural design, pointing out the use of pilasters and the symmetrical layout. Leela enjoyed running around the courtyard, her laughter echoing through the stone arches. The palace was commissioned by Pope Pius II, who wanted to create an ideal city. It's considered one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture. I was particularly struck by the gardens, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.


Experience the architectural beauty and historical significance of Palazzo Piccolomini, a Renaissance gem in the heart of Pienza, Italy.

Before leaving Pienza, we stopped for lunch at La Schiaccia dell'Opio. This little gem was recommended to me, and it did not disappoint. We savored delicious sandwiches made with local prosciutto and truffle sauce. The bread was incredibly crispy, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. Leela devoured her sandwich in minutes, declaring it the best lunch ever. Thomas and I shared a glass of local wine, savoring the moment and the stunning views.


Savor artisanal sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients at La Schiaccia dell'Opio in Montepulciano's charming atmosphere.

Before heading back to Montepulciano, we made one last stop at the Chapel Vitaleta. Tucked away on a dirt road between San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza, this small chapel is an iconic symbol of the Val d'Orcia. The chapel, framed by cypress trees, is a photographer's dream. We parked the car and walked the last stretch, the silence broken only by the sound of birds and the rustling of leaves. The chapel itself is simple but beautiful, its white stone glowing in the late afternoon sun. It felt like stepping into a postcard, a perfect ending to a perfect day.


Experience the serene beauty of Chapel Vitaleta, a historic chapel in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.

For dinner, we decided to try Ristorante La Briciola back in Montepulciano. This restaurant came highly recommended, and I was eager to try their traditional Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its great service and friendly staff. We enjoyed a delicious meal of pici pasta with wild boar ragu and grilled steak, accompanied by a bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff made us feel right at home. Leela, exhausted from our day of exploring, fell asleep in my arms before dessert arrived.


Experience authentic Tuscan flavors at Ristorante La Briciola in Montepulciano – where every meal is a celebration of Italian culinary tradition.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I feel a deep sense of contentment. Today was a reminder of the beauty and richness that Tuscany has to offer. From the grandeur of Siena to the Renaissance charm of Pienza, every moment was a feast for the senses. And tomorrow, we are planning to visit Lago Trasimeno, Piazza IV Novembre, and Santa Maria della Scala. I am also hoping to stop by Opificio 16 - Enoteca & Wine Bar for a relaxing evening. It's these days, these moments, that make all the planning and preparation worthwhile. It's these memories that I will carry with me long after we've left this enchanting corner of the world.

Before I turn in for the night, I wanted to share a little something else from today. As we were wandering through Pienza, Leela spotted a women's fashion store called TRA NINNOLI & NANNOLI ABBIGLIAMENTO DONNA WOMEN'S FASHION STORE. Now, Leela is quite the fashionista, so of course she wanted to go inside. I was pleasantly surprised by the selection of stylish clothing and accessories. I ended up buying a beautiful silk scarf, a little memento of our day in Pienza. It's these little discoveries, these unexpected moments, that make traveling so special. Good night from Tuscany!


Explore Tra Ninnoli & Nannoli, Montepulciano's chic women's fashion store, featuring stylish clothing and accessories that embody Italian elegance.