The hilly area of Chianti is scattered with villages, castles and – of course – wineries. The Strada del Vino e dell’Olio Chianti Classico is a must for all foodies: linking Siena and Florence, the route can be travelled by car, bicycle or foot and takes in all of the most stunning villages along the way, including Castellina in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, Barberino Val d’Elsa and Castelnuovo Berardenga, to name but a few. The wine – the undisputed king of the area – is accompanied by typical good, local folklore and gorgeous monuments. This melting pot of flavors, colors and smells makes this area the jewel in the crown of Tuscany, with visits, guided tours and tastings in the huge number of wineries very much the order of the day.
You’ll soon find yourselves falling in love with the authentic products, good wine and jaw-dropping landscape of Tuscany.
If you’re looking for a day dedicated to relaxation and wellness, we highly recommend a visit to one of the local baths. Tuscany is blessed with many baths, some free and others private, but all with specific beneficial properties for the body and soul. If you don’t want to travel far, in the province of Siena we recommend Bagno Vignoni, which is known to have been in existence since Roman times, Chianciano Terme, where the water is particularly beneficial for physiological treatments, and the Terme di Petriolo, whose natural baths are set among luscious, unspoiled natural surroundings. In the province of Florence, we recommend the Terme della Via Francigena, where you’ll find Acqua di Pillo, a cold spring water that appears at a temperature of 15 °C. If you fancy the longer trip, the province of Grosseto is home to the famous Cascate del Mulino waterfalls at the Terme di Saturnia, a truly stunning destination which is now making a name for itself around the world.
The home of the Renaissance and the birthplace of countless illustrious artists, architects, politicians and thinkers, Florence is a unique place. In addition to famous monuments and historic buildings, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Pitti, Giardini di Boboli, the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses the original David by Michelangelo, Florence has plenty to offer in terms of its varied culture, food and folklore. Some of the city’s lesser-known nooks and crannies conceal fascinating details that hint at the history of this capital of the arts. While Florence changes throughout the year – with events dedicated to fashion, music and sport – it remains in essence an elegant, surprising and prestigious city.
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Siena is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, its historic center home to perfectly preserved medieval buildings, monuments and features. Twice a year, this architectural gem – surrounded by the ancient city walls – plays host to one of the most fascinating and intriguing historic events in all of Italy: the Palio di Siena horse race. Siena’s famous Piazza del Campo is transformed into a track for a race followed closely around the world. But even after the race has ended, Siena remains a magical place to discover.
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It may be known around the world for its famous Leaning Tower, which juts up above the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, but Pisa has a lot more to offer. The historic center is always jammed with university students of every nationality, while the city is home to a plethora of historic monuments, churches and museums.
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Located close to San Donato in Poggio, surrounded by rolling hills, is the town of San Gimignano: a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can admire the medieval architecture of the historic center, which in its pomp boasted 72 towers, making it something of a Manhattan of the time. The number of towers has dramatically reduced over the years, but the architecture and outline of San Gimignano is unmistakable even on the horizon. The 14th-century style of the old town remains intact, with standout buildings including the Palazzo Comunale and its Torre Grossa, the Chiesa Collegiata, which is considered one of the most prestigious examples of the Romanesque style in Tuscany, and the Piazza della Cisterna, which its distinctive triangular shape.
As you discover this medieval town, you’ll soon be overcome by the ancient feel, unique charm and timeless atmosphere.
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An ancient town dating back to the earliest days of the Etruscans, Volterra has taken something from every era of its existence, making it a fascinating and beautiful place to visit and any time of year.
Don’t miss the wonderful views created by its hilltop perch, nor its museums and stores where you can buy all kinds of trinkets forged by expert craftspeople from the finest alabaster.
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Known as the City of 100 Churches, Lucca is a beautiful city featuring Renaissance-era city walls, which are a favorite spot for a peaceful walk or scenic jog. Everywhere you look, Lucca bears the marks of its ancient history: from the remains of the Roman amphitheater, visible in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, to the various towers built between the 12th and 16th century, including Torre Guinigi and Torre dell’Orologio.
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