If you are looking for a scenic and historic place to visit in Tuscany, I suggest Pienza. This is the so called 'jewel of the valley of gold'. Pienza was the location for the movie 'The English Patient'. Once you see the breath taking countryside you will return as often as you can. The reason for making this your destination in Tuscany are many fold but amongst the top reasons are; food, wine, coffee, hospitality of residents, and close location to other picturesque towns (Montepulciano and Montalcino). The local foods include; wild boar, pecorino cheese, and hand rolled spaghetti (pici). At the writing of this review, the truffles are in season and the local cost for having it as an ingredient in your dish is low compared to that in North America. The red wines in this region are the brunello and vino noble, both of these are excellent. When in Pienza we stay in the B&B Il Rossellino. It is ideally located in the heart of Pienza with easy access and the host family are wonderful people. The B&B is well equipped with clean and modern bathrooms for each of the rooms. The roof top of the B&B has a small patio that has a panoramic view of the surrounding country. It is impossible to explain in words the view that you will see but once you have experienced it, you will understand. For dining in Pienza, we suggest a restaurant also called Il Rossellino but not part of the B&B. The restaurant is run by a couple who are experts in preparing local dishes using the freshest ingredients. The best way to order is not, just ask the owners to prepare whatever is in season. We have never been disappointed.

Enjoy!