Italy's Great Hill Towns
This is a quick and handy source for details on the sights, hotels, tour guides and restaurants featured in the "Italy's Great Hill Towns" show. For much more (and updates), see this year's edition of Rick Steves' Florence & Tuscany guidebook.
Tenuta le Vellete
Orvieto Classico white wine is justly famous. For a short tour of a local winery with Etruscan cellars, visit Tenuta Le Velette, where English-speaking Corrado and Cecilia (cheh-CHEEL-yah) Bottai will welcome you — if you've called ahead to set up an appointment (€8-16.50 for tour and tasting, price varies depending on wines, Mon–Fri 8:30–12:00 & 14:00–17:00, Sat 8:30–12:00, closed Sun, mobile 076-329-090, 348-300-2002, fax 0763-29114). From their sign (5 min past Orvieto at top of switchbacks just before Canale, on Bagnoregio road), cruise down a long, tree-lined drive, then park at the striped gate (must call ahead; no drop-ins).
Giovanni Adreani
Giovanni Adreani exudes energy and a love of his city and Tuscan high culture. He is great at bringing the fine points of the city to life and can take visitors around in his car for no extra price. As this region is speckled with under-appreciated charms, having Giovanni for a day as your driver/guide promises to be a fascinating experience (€110/half-day, €180/day, tel. 0575-630-665, mobile 347-176-2830, www.adreanigiovanni.com, adreanigiovanni@libero.it).
Abbey of Monte Olivedo
Five miles south of Asciano, the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore houses a famous fresco cycle of the life of St. Benedict, painted by Renaissance masters Sodoma and Luca Signorelli (free, daily April–Oct 9:15–12:00 & 15:15–18:00, Nov–March closes at 17:00, Gregorian chanting Sun at 11:00 and Mon–Fri at 18:15, call to confirm, tel. 0577-707-611). Once you reach the town of San Giovanni d'Asso, it's only another 12 miles southwest to Montalcino.