PLACES AROUND:
Siena
The capital of Tuscany, this Renaissance pearl stretches along the Arno River, overlooked by the magical Ponte Vecchio. The majestic Duomo dominates the city with its imposing dome. Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the museums full of works by great artists make this city an unmissable destination for your trip.
Florence
The capital of Tuscany, the pearl of the Renaissance, located on the River Arno, over which one of the most famous Italian bridges rises – the Ponte Vecchio (Bridge of Goldsmiths). Majestic Cathedral with a dome dominating the entire city, Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and museums filled with works by artists: Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, Boticelli.
Gaiole In Chianti
Small jewel nestled in the thick woods of Chianti Classico, this country is the starting point of the famous bike race "Eroica" and is a must for those who want to really immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient Tuscany, made of churches, craft stores and small paths.
Radda in Chianti
An obligatory stop for those who wish to enjoy a view of the evocative panorama typical of the Chianti region and take a stroll through a town rich in history among medieval walkways and perfectly preserved old walls.
Monteriggioni
Suggestive fortified village with 14 towers, this magical town is a must for those who want to take a trip back in time.
Arezzo
One of the richest cities in the region, Arezzo is also known for Roberto Benigni's film "Life is Beautiful". The city's most precious monument is the 13th century Basilica of San Francesco, with a cycle of 15th century frescoes by the exceptional Renaissance painter Piero Della Francesca. Another magical and unmissable place in the city is undoubtedly Piazza Grande, made unique by its steep slope.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a charming stone town that rises on the top of a limestone hill overlooking the Valdichiana. Surrounded by the long rows of vines that give life to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, it is located in the center of a typical landscape of the splendid Tuscany.
Pienza
Lovely jewel of the Val D'Orcia, is considered the embodiment of the ideal Renaissance city. In 1996 it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and still attracts tourists from all over the world for its beauty and the views it offers from its small alleys.
San Gimignano
Also called "the Medieval Manhattan", is famous for its thirteen imposing towers that characterize the city (in the past there were more than 50!) and that served to defend against enemy attacks.
LOCAL EVENTS:
Palio from Siena
Twice a year, the Palio di Siena horse race takes place in Siena, which is one of the most important tourist attractions of the city: 2 July Palio di Provenzano, in honor of our Lady of Provenzano and 16 August Palio dell'Assunta, in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption and is the culmination of the feast of the 17th Districts – contrade, whose representatives wear traditional folk costumes from the 15th century.
Giostra del Saracino – Arezzo
Twice a year, the "Giostra del Saracino" (Saracino Tournament) takes place here. It is a kind of medieval knight's tournament, it consists in the rivalry of four districts of the city. After a morning procession in medieval costumes, there is a rivalry of riders for the Golden Lance in the Grand Place (Piazza Grande). Representatives of the districts are tasked with hitting the coat of arms of the figure of Saracen (Arab), who in the Middle Ages represented the greatest enemy of the Crusaders.
L'Eroica
One of the most important events in the region takes place in the autumn, October 6 – a race on historic bicycles. Thousands of cyclists set off on classic road bikes from Gaiole for a great adventure on the white gravel roads of Tuscany. The slopes range from 46 km to 209 km, and the elevation is as high as 3700 m. On the way there are many stops where you can taste local dishes and, of course, wine.
SPORT VENUES:
- Cycling
- Trekking
- Horse riding
- Vespa tours
- Quad bike excursions
- Go-karting
DIAMONDS OF NATURE:
THERMAL BATHS OF RAPOLANO
Not far from Pensieri is the village of Rapolano Terme, famous for its thermal waters that flow under the clayey soil typical of the area. To take a bath in these warm and healthy waters, you can visit one of the two spas in the village: L'Antica Querciolaia or Terme di San Giovanni.
SITE TRANSITOIRE
Immersed in the picturesque Crete Senesi, not far from the village of Asciano, there is this artwork built in 1993 by the French artist Jean-Paul Philippe. It is a stone sculpture composed of a chair that welcomes travelers and a large window in which sunlight is concentrated during the sunset on summer solstice evening, creating an enchanting spectacle.
CHIANTI SCULPTURE PARK
This Park, located in the heart of Chianti a few kilometres from Siena, is a permanent exhibition of contemporary sculptures. What characterises it is the close integration between art and the surrounding nature. Each artist, in fact, has visited the place and studied his own work of art according to the place he has chosen for it. This combination of sculptures, nature, colors and sounds makes this site a magical place.
These are just some of the places worth seeing near us… our staff will be happy to recommend others.