We have rented a villa near Montevarchio - 35km SE of Florence. First week of June.

I have been to Florence before (althought mrs alect has not) so possibly a day trip in would suffice.

Can anyone recommend other stuff in the area to see/visit - we will have a rental car so getting around is not a problem.

You can't go wrong with a Tuscan location. What time of year are you going?

If you're going to make a trip to Florence all you have to do is head north along the A1. I highly recommend three days between Florence and Lucca (transfer from the A1 to A11). Maybe drive to Florence for the day, head to Lucca around dinner time, stay overnight, spend a day in the area (maybe day trip to Viareggio), than the next morning head back to Montevarchio via another day trip to Florence.

I'm not sure if you're a wine drinker but you're basically in the Chianti region. If nothing else make the drive through for the views alone. I never go to Italy without spending some time either in Chianti or around Montalcino. The town of Montalcino has some great restaurants (Taverna del Grappolo Blu) and you can do flights (wine tastings) at the Enoteca La Fortezza (wine bar in the town's fort). If you're willing to venture out I suggest the Ristorante di Poggio Antico. You get to eat while overlooking their vineyards. Also, Banfi has a great restaurant on site too. If you're looking for specific wineries to visit PM me and I'll give you a solid list.

Alas, if wine is not your thing, there's always day trips to Siena & San Gimingano. You can always take the trip down the A1 to Orvieto, although it's a bit farther a drive than the other places.

Please, for your sake and mine, go see Florence and Lucca at the very least.

Buon viaggio...

Just got back from a trip to Tuscany. We spent a day + in Siena, an afternoon in Pienza and Montepulciano, a day + in Cortona, most of a day in Lucca, and 2 days in Florence. I would recommend all of it. Been to San Gim before, and that's also worth a visit. Stopped at, and liked Monteriggioni as well.

We also spent a day in Assisi and Perugia, which should be within day trip distance for you.

Though unconventional, one of our favorite meals during our trip was lunch at Mac Dario in Panzano in Chianti. About 45 minutes west of Montevarchi. (Is that where you are staying? The one that I'm looking at is about 35 km SE of Firenze -- not SW of Firenze.)

If going to Montalcino, consider going about 10km south for the Gregorian chants at the Sant'Antimo Abbey.

You're right - my bad I should have said SE of Florence.