For the Tuscany portion of our travels we stayed in an apartment in Montepulciano. Originally we had hoped to stay in the old hill town, but the most suitable arrangements were found in a lovely, modern, apartment at the base of the hill. We were only a short walk from the supermarket and bus stop, where we could ride to the top of the hill and easily walk down. This was important, as one of our group was on crutches from a recent fall, and walking up would have been difficult. By the end we were very pleased that we had chosen that apartment - not only for its comfort, attractiveness, and views, but for its convenience to the bus, market, and ease of driving out into the surrounding areas.
From Montalcino we drove to Pienza, known for its "harmonious architecture" created in the humanist style, by Enea Silvio Piccolomini who later became Pope Pius II. He made the former humble village of Corsignano, into what he considered the Utopian city should be, exemplifying the principles and philosophy of classical times and of the great Italian Renaissance, modern Pienza.
Pienza is also well-known as the home of fine Peccorino cheese! Of course it must be sampled!
Credits:
All photos Copyright © 2018 Scott Thomas (https://scottthomasimages.com)