What to do on holiday in Montepulciano

Not to be missed are some of the most beautiful towns and villages in Tuscany.

Pienza, the city of Father Pio II (Papa Pio II); Monticchiello, a small village where traditional comedies are re-enacted during August; Montalcino, very famous for its excellent Brunello wine; Bagno Vignoni, a small thermal place very well known for its hot water baths (pool open also during winter); Siena, where the "Palio" takes place twice a year (2 July and 16 August) which consists of a horse race in the main square; at just 20 km away you can visit lake Trasimeno.

In Montepulciano, famous not only for the wine tasting of "Vino Nobile" but also for a lot of things to see. You can walk up to the top, to the Town Hall and main square "Piazza Grande" where Bravìo delle Botti (a barrel race) takes place the last Sunday in August, when the competitors have to push a barrel uphill. The city is divided into "contradas" each with their own history, colours and costumes.

August is an especially exciting time to witness their displays.