Italy Week Three: Sarteano, Sienna, Montepulciano, Cinque Terre (Monterosso)
June 2–10
The third leg of our Italy trip took us from the quiet countryside of Tuscany to the colorful coast of Cinque Terre. This part of the journey felt slower and more intentional. Think peaceful mornings, vineyard views, beach swims, and sunset dinners by the sea. It was the perfect way to end our time in Italy.
Where We Stayed
Sarteano – Poggio Mori
Our home base in Tuscany was Poggio Mori, a stunning countryside property surrounded by olive trees, rolling fields, and endless quiet. We spent our mornings sipping coffee by the pool and our evenings watching the sunset with a glass of wine on the terrace. It felt peaceful, grounding, and very Tuscan.
Monterosso – Cinque Terre
We ended our trip in Monterosso, the largest and most relaxed town in Cinque Terre. Colorful buildings, beach clubs, and seaside restaurants made it feel like a dream. Falling asleep to the sound of the ocean was the perfect final chapter of our Italy adventure.
What We Did
Siena Day Trip
We took a day trip to Siena where we enjoyed a relaxed wine and cheese tasting at a local farm, followed by a walk around the property where we saw livestock grazing in the Tuscan countryside. It felt peaceful, slow, and very much like the Italy you imagine.For Siena, I wore a breezy linen dress with comfortable sandals. Easy, classic, and perfect for walking.
Shopping and Gelato in Montepulciano
In Montepulciano, we stopped by the famous Twilight filming location before grabbing pizza in town and ending the day with gelato from an award-winning spot. Simple, iconic, and so fun.
Cinque Terre Days in Monterosso
Our final days were spent soaking up the coast in Monterosso. We alternated between beach time, long seaside walks, gelato breaks, and relaxed dinners right by the water. Monterosso had the most laid back vibe of all the Cinque Terre towns and felt like the perfect place to unwind after weeks of travel.
Final Thoughts
This part of the trip felt like a deep exhale. Tuscany offered quiet beauty, incredible wine, and space to slow down, while Cinque Terre brought sunshine, salt air, and that carefree end of trip feeling.
If I had to do it again, I would not change a thing. Tuscany and the coast were the perfect balance and the most memorable way to wrap up our time in Italy.
If you missed the earlier parts of this trip, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 for Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and Rome.
