Mia & Anthony
Things To Do
Hiking and Biking Trails
Beautiful and interesting trails surround the castello. Ristonchi Castle is on top of a mountain surrounded by olive groves and an ancient forest with over 20km of marked paths for walking and cycling. Use the App "All Trails" to guide you through one of the scenic hikes: 4km round trip Castello Di Ristonchi to Campiglioni (an abandoned boarding school overgrown with nature) 22 km round trip Castello Di Ristonchi to Vallombrosa Abbey 7 km round trip Castello Di Ristonchi to Ferrano
Wine Tasting and Tour at Travignoli Winery
The beautiful and seemingly endless vineyards you drive past on your way to Ristonchi are part of Travignoli, a historic wine production area that is world-renowned for growing wine for its soil, altitude, sunny days and cool nights. Travignoli is recognized as one of the oldest Italian wineries and has received "Italia 150," an award given by the National Unioncamere to the 150 oldest and longest-lived historic companies in Italy. Tour and Tasting: 15€/person or 22€ with snacks (recommended!)
Vallombrosa Abbey
A beautiful ancient Abbey that enchants in all the months of the year. In summer you can listen to classical music concerts. Inside the monastery do not miss the kitchen and the library (guardian of a centuries-old amanuensis writing, of incunable and rare manuscripts). On the ground floor you’ll find the Antica Pharmacy filled with products handmade by monks including liqueurs, honey, chocolate, creams and more.
The City of Florence
Florence is one of the most charming cities in Italy. It’s full of history, being the birthplace of the Renaissance and has a quaint and romantic feel with picturesque spots and beautiful architecture at every turn. It’s a compact city and the Santa Maria Novella train station is right in the historic center. Stroll down the riverfront and see the amazing bridges which are beautiful day and night, tour the Uffizi Gallery, which hosts some of the most spectacular art from the Italian Renaissance. Don’t miss the historic Duomo, and take a bottle of wine to watch the sunset at Piazza Michelangelo. We recommend arriving to Italy on Thursday to spend the day in Florence on Friday!
Pelago
The closest town to the Castello is Pelago. Because Pelago was once a destination where the wealthy Florentine would come to escape the city, there are a number of elegant historic villas along the river, which are open to the public. Pelago also has the closest grocery store to Ristonchi, so you may choose to stop in on your way to the castle to stock up on whatever incidentals you may need.