The Etruscans, an ancient sophisticated culture preceding the Romans
The Etruscans, an ancient sophisticated culture preceding the Romans, give Tuscany it's name and much of its character. Montalcino was founded over ruins of an Etruscan settlement of 800 BC. Visit nearby towns of Volterra, Chianciano terme, Orvieto all within day trips of Montalcino to see not only the remains of these ancient people who birthed the soul of central Italy but are living museums to the culture that came after. See Siena and Pienza and Montepulciano with stories of medieval Italy at their most powerful best.
