Gideon & Rebecca
Things To Do
Siena
Distance: 30 minute drive Siena is a beautiful, ancient village dating back to the Etruscan era (6,000 BC) with outstanding wine and food. The magnificent Duomo of Siena is worth a look and if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb 400 steps up Torro del Mangia for a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside. Pinocoteca Nazionale - Siena's recently renovated art gallery, housed in 14th-century Palazzo Buonsignori since 1932, is home to an extraordinary collection of Gothic masterpieces from the Sienese school.
Montepulciano
Distance: 45 minute drive Montelpulciano is a beautiful medieval/renaissance hill town dating back to the 13th century in the heart of the vino nobile wine territory. It was used to film scenes from Under the Tuscan Sun and the Twilight Saga New Moon. Renowned for it’s beautiful medieval city gates and Piazza Grande – the main square, this would be worth a morning’s wandering through it’s lovely winding old streets, lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
Monteriggioni
Distance: 45 minute drive This is one of the most impressive walled medieval towns in Tuscany. It started life as a fortress back in early 1200 and it’s narrow cobbled streets and city walls are still intact. It boasts a museum of medieval weapons and armour and a tiny 13th century church with an elegant facade.
Arezzo
Distance: 45 minute drive This town is off the tourist beaten track, in a lesser visited region of eastern Tuscany, so is a great spot for an authentic Tuscan experience. The famous fresco by Piero della Francesco - Legend of the True Cross – is a major drawcard for art fans, and it is where 'Life is Beautiful' was shot for the film buffs. Arezzo also has a great apperitivo scene and some very stylish shopping.
The Benedictine Abbey and Monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Distance: 50 minute drive This monastery of the Benedictine Order was founded in 1313 and the monks prayers are accompanied by gregorian chanting – one of the few monasteries where it is possible to attend the mass to hear the chanting.
Bagno Vignoni Hot Springs
Distance: 1 hr 10 minute drive Bagno Vignoni is a charming small town in Tuscany, which also boasts hot springs! Add a stop here to also enjoy the wonderful views of the Val d'Orcia all around the small town, including the Rocca di Tentennano in Castiglione d'Orcia in the distance. This would be a good excursion to combine with a stop in Montelpulciano as they are not far apart. You can enjoy the hot springs for free outdoors just below the main town. Follow the small canals to the left of the main square, then the path down the hill. A short hike later, you will first find a large rectangular pool at the bottom of the cliff. The water here is not as hot as the source at the top of the hill.
Casa Cornacchi Wine Tasting
This activity is usually done in the garden or in the Casa Cornacchi dining halls. An expert master sommelier or a local wine producer introduces a maximum of 30 participants to the most important regional or Italian wines though a tasting and explanatory experience. The tasting lasts a couple of hours, it includes the lesson, at least 4 different wines, glasses and small portions of food between wines. The typical 2 hour/4 wines lesson costs 30 euro per person.