The name of Montepulciano is known all around the globe. Though it's not for the terracotta-topped villas, cobbled streets, earthy Tuscan markets, and stunning medieval architecture. It's for the wine, which is crafted from the rich Nobile grapes that grow in the vineyards all around this corner of central Italy. 

To start things off, get Montepulciano tour guides to take you on tasting adventures to cellar doors and traditional osterias. Then, delve into the maze of narrow alleys and wide squares that dominates the center of the pint-sized hill town. Wander through the Piazza Grande, staring at mighty palazzi with castle-like crenulations. You will love the stark towers of the Cervini Palace, once raised for a pope and then all but forgotten for centuries. 

Market mornings take place on Thursdays and weekends for any foodies who are keen to sample farm-to-table Tuscan foods and Italian veg straight from the fields. Come evening, it's the cafés and trattoria that spill out above the wide Val d'Orcia and Chianti Valley that really take the biscuit – the views are simply to die for!