Elias, the owner, greeted us at the parking lot outside the city walls. He helped us load our luggage into his car, drove us to apartment and then willingly listened to our interests and provided suggestions on what to see and do. Elias is a very gracious host and wants to make you comfortable in his home and city. We loved the apartment, an easy walk up one flight of stairs. Comfortable bed always appreciated at the end of a long day of walking. We cooked there some nights but also took Elias' recommendation to eat at a place where "locals" eat, the mother makes the pasta by hand in the kitchen. It was great. We loved the town walking up and down the streets and alleys, spending time sitting in Piazza Grande, going in and out of churches and shops. The Tuscan view is absolutely breathtaking, almost unbelievable from many places in Montepulciano. We went to de'Ricci Wine Cellar and we highly recommend it. The cellar is amazing and the hostess was most gracious explaining the wine and letting us taste it. The wine is magnificent. Took a day trip to Sienna which was nice. We got lost, but the scenery was so very beautiful we didn't mind at all. We very much appreciate the time Elias took to tell us about Montepulciano and the surrounding area and all the suggestions he made of things to do and see. The apartment is a well executed and appropriate renovation in an historic building. He and his father were working on renovating two other apartments in the building at the time we were there and my husband, a retired architect, was so pleased to have the opportunity see the quality of their work and how sensitive they were to restoring an ancient building. Montepulciano was truly the highlight of our trip! We can't wait to go back. Nancy & Jay, Saratoga Springs, NY USA