Last updated on November 14th, 2024
Although Montepulciano is a small village, there is so much to do and see. But what if you only have half a day to visit Montepulciano?
I have been leading friends and family through Montepulciano for over a decade now from half-day visits to three day extravaganzas.
Let’s walk through the absolute best activities to do in Montepulciano in just half a day based on my years of experience here. It’s impossible to see it all in just half a day but with a bit of pre-planning, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
This guide can be used either as a morning guide or afternoon itinerary, assuming you will have one meal in Montepulciano, either lunch if you spend the morning or dinner if you spend in the evening here.
Good To Know: The best part of Montepulciano can be seen by foot, as you give yourself a walking tour of the small village, which is the base for this half day itinerary in Montepulciano.
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Half A Day In Montepulciano Overview
Time | Activity | Good To Know |
8:30 am | Arrive and Park | Park in lot P1 at 8:30 to guarantee a spot close to the city walls. |
9:00 am | Walk from Port al Prato to Midtown | Most stores won’t open until 10:00 am but you can stop in on your way back down |
9:15/30-10:00 | Coffee break | Stop for a mid morning coffee and breakfast at one of the many cafés. |
10:00 | Walk up to Medici Fortezza and swing back towards Piazza Grande | Walk first to the Fortezza and then head back to Piazza Grande to save steps and time! |
10:30 | Enjoy panoramic views behind main Bar in Piazza Grande | If you are very athletic, consider a quick climb up the clock tower. |
11:00 | Wine tasting / Trolley tour | Enjoy a free wine tasting and underground wine cellar tour at Contucci or Fattoria della Talosa. For families and kids, consider a trolley tour instead of wine tasting, leaving from Piazza Grande. |
12:00/12:30 | Lunch | Choose From: Osteria del Conte, Il Teatro or Acquacheta |
2:00 pm | Walk back to base of Montepulciano and end your day | This is your chance to swing into shops for souvenirs and gifts. |
Arriving In Montepulciano
I suggest making the most of your short time in Montepulciano by arriving at around 8:30, which will make parking a breeze. Lot P1, at the base of Port al Prato is sure to have space that early.
Start making your way up to the top of Montepulciano, which is quite a hike. Note that most stores will be closed or just be opening when you start your tour around 9:00 am. Take note of anything that you wish to come back to on your way down as you are going to take the same route upon your return.
Early Morning In Montepulciano
Break up the walk to Montepulciano with a light breakfast and a cappuccino at one of the many bars along the way. You can read about My Favorite Cafés in Montepulciano.
I suggest Caffè Poliziano for the best and most beautiful experience but if you have kids, opt for Palazzo Avignonesi Caffetteria or Da Pulcinella Bistrot.
Continue your walk up to the Medici Fortezza and then swing back to Piazza Grande, which will take a bit of time with all the uphills.
Late Morning In Montepulciano
Finish your morning with an underground cellar tour and wine tasting at one of the historic cantinas around Piazza Grande. There are many, but I recommend Contucci and Fattoria della Talosa.
Both of these wineries offer self-guided wine cellar tours and free tastings. Contucci also has an easy going enoteca right on Piazzas Grande if you want a more curated wine tasting with local products such as pecorino cheese.
For families or visitors who wish to opt out of wine tasting, I suggest you hop on the trolley that leaves from Piazza Grande, taking you on a grand tour of Montepulciano, including the Temple of San Biagio with an audio guide. The whole tour, if you don’t ever get off, takes about 30 minutes but the “hop-on, hop-off” ticket allows you to get off at four different spots and get back on at the next trolley.
Tip: If you visit during the Christmas holidays, don’t miss the town’s Christmas market in Piazza Grande!
Lunch In Montepulciano
There are so many Montepulciano restaurants to choose from but I recommend pre-booking a table at one of the following around Piazza Grande:
- Osteria del Conte: Best outdoor seating
- Il Teatro: Best for couples
- Acquacheta: Best for casual/family lunch
Good To Know: If you are in a rush to pay because you have something planned in another town for the afternoon, just get up and go to the register to pay just as you have finished. You don’t need to wait for them to bring you the check.
If you don’t want to sit down to a restaurant in Montepulciano, consider getting lunch to-go with my recommendation in The Best To-Go Lunch Options in Montepulciano.
Finishing Your Visit To Montepulciano
After lunch, make your way back down down to the base of Montepulciano and stop at any of the shops you had eyed on your way up.
For pecorino cheese, I recommend the Cugusi cheese shop and other food souvenirs and wine to bring home, check out Alimentari Enoteca Lo Sfizio.
Gelato Lovers: If you love gelato, don’t miss Sgarbi, located towards the base of Montepulciano on your way out. They have some of the best gelato we have had in the area!
Other Towns To Visit After (Or Before)
Consider these neighboring towns to visit in the same day:
- San Quirico d’Orcia
- Pienza
- Montalcino
- Bagno Vignoni
- La Foce (Chianciano Terme)
- Cetona
- San Casciano dei Bagni
- Chiusi
- Sarteano
Or, visit a winery in the Montepulciano countryside like Avignonesi.
Have more time? Read my One Day Itinerary for Montepulciano!