IF YOU HAVE A COUPLE OF DAYSI
A couple of days, preferably three or more, are what you need to come into contact with the town and its people. In addition to an in-depth tour of all that Montepulciano has to offer – which is really a lot – you can also take part in a historical, artistic, or food and wine event. And then maybe pay a visit to the Nature Reserve of the Lake, or stop for a regenerating break at the Terme di Montepulciano spa centre. The “coloured” itineraries are explained in detail in the section “Itineraries in the Historic Centre”.
ITINERARY 3 – HISTORIC CENTRE AND SURROUNDINGS
Montepulciano is more than a Historic Centre, with its art and architecture. It is also nature, environment and diverse landscapes, a territory abounding in history and brimming with traditions in their thousand shades. This is why a longer visit should also include a quick detour outside the town walls – going beyond the two previous itineraries – to explore and get to know the myriad things offered by the surroundings. A first suggestion is the Lake of Montepulciano.
Historically, it is a remnant of the vast swamp that covered all of central Italy. At present, it is an important Nature Reserve home to plant and animal species of great interest, so much so that it has been designated as Site of Community Importance and Special Protection Area.
The Reserve is open to many activities including bird watching, ecological boat rides, walking and cycling (mountain bike enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Reclamation Trail).
https://www.riservalagodimontepulciano.it
For a day dedicated to wellness, we recommend a visit to the Terme di Montepulciano. The spa is in Località Sant’Albino, a few kilometers from the town centre, going towards Chianciano Terme. In addition to the many different types of therapeutic treatments, here it is also possible to experience some truly relaxing and pampering spa moments, with regenerating facial and body treatments or a dip in the suggestive, recently opened pool (the Moon Grotto).
http://www.termedimontepulciano.it
If you wish to take home some flavourful memories, you should pay a visit to one of the local farming estates. You may choose between a winery, with a tour of the production area and the wine cellar and a pleasant tasting on site, or a company with zero-kilometre products where you can visit one of the establishments, may it be a dairy, an oil mill or a factory where local cured meats are produced.
The local farming estates offer guided tours. Some are real educational farms, ideal for the whole family, and all of them guarantee fun and taste.
