Surroundings Farmhouse COLLODI
Montalcino
Place perched on a hill between the valleys. In a strategic position, it was, in ancient times, a center of many important historical events. In the Middle Ages was its heyday. The fortress, the walls and the towers therein all stem from the purpose of defense that they were due. Today they maintain a special charm, of other times. Do not forget the productions of the place! ... Olives and wine, Brunello: for those who know wines is the same as to say Ferrari for car enthusiasts.
Val d'Orcia
This strip of land that stretches from Pienza to the foot of the Amiata remained perfect over the years, if anything touched and kept the work of the peasants who live there. Perfect forms in the rolling hills, always new and different at every glance, every hour of the day, every season. So the nature proves himself capable of making art rather to be a mother, as creative and inspiring.
Pienza
The architect who designed it in Renaissance years wanted it as the "ideal city": Pienza is a small real jewel ... It owes its name to Pope Pius II and in the center of this quiet little village he has his own building next to the Duomo. And behind the cathedral, beautifully seen walking along Santa Caterina or stopping at the "Casello", the Val d'Orcia with its villages and in front of the imposing Mount Amiata. Recite a song of the place: "... lying on gentle hill / you are the cypresses crown / armor-bearers of a queen / the poignant beauty ..."
Montepulciano
We enter in the old town centre through the Gracciano Door and let's go deeper into the village by easily going up the streets. We find on one side and the other palaces, churches or simple corners full of art. If the walk has taken a bit 'thirsty we can stop drinking, maybe not just a drink but a glass of wine: the Nobile of Montepulciano, renowned throughout the world. We will arrive in Piazza Grande, where are exhibited the Public Palace and the Cathedral. If the legs are supporting us we can still climb up the tower, a magnificent panorama will brighten our eyes.
Crete Senesi
It's an area south-east of Siena of recent and moderate tourism. A hilly, undulating countryside, where the roads run through the area gently sinuous, in some aspects sour but sweet at the same time. The human presence is given by the old farms, the "agriturismi", the small medieval villages and the little towns of the area (Asciano. Rapolano Terme, Monteroni d'Arbia, Buonconvento, San Giovanni d'Asso) which are ready to serve us. Land of rivalries and competitions. Year after year the towns and villages come alive with a burning passion inherited from medieval tournaments.
Chianti Classico
The "region" of the Chianti stretches between the provinces of Florence and Siena. Crossed by hills, among the world's most beautiful and ancient towns famous for its production of wine. Documents of the XIII century., numerous castles and fortifications bear witness that this region between Castellina, Radda and Gaiole was the scene of numerous battles between Siena and Florence. With the development of rural agricultural areas these simple activities have turned and gave birth to a real system of modern "cellars" for the production of the famous Chianti Classico.
Val d'Elsa
It's marked by the river Elsa which divides it into two. The upper part of the river (and downstream), which includes Colle to Poggibonsi then opens the way to Certaldo on the road to Florence, like a sun that makes the space between the clouds in a beautiful scenery. In addition to Poggibonsi (more modern and vital center of the area) and to the other known towns in the area, it's important to mention Casole and Radicondoli, two precious destinations outside the usual tourist trail, but full of history and signs of a prosperous past.
Monteriggioni
The supreme poet Dante refers to it thus: "... like the round wall / Monteriggioni crowns itself with towers ...". Going to the poetry of our time, from outside, riding on the Siena-Florence, it's admirable the strong wall. It's a walled medieval town, which contains within it a muffled world, outside of time. It is not strange to find people in medieval costumes, especially if it is May, when the town celebrates a typical medieval festival in the streets that branch off from the castle. We suggest you to enjoy the products of the area and try out the excellent hospitality.
Colle di Val d'Elsa
It was proudly the last free city to fall in Tuscany. Another peculiarity is that it was always more "industrialized" than the neighboring municipalities, this because the energy from the Elsa mill ponds has been exploited since Roman times. Today has developed the traditional crystal craft, in fact it's also called the city of crystal where there are many beautiful and unique shops and a museum dedicated to these precious works. From the top, the ancient castle overlooks the peaceful and prosperous village.
San Gimignano
Watching from afar San Gimignano is enchanting, surreal. Visit it inside is even better. It dominates the Elsa valley and it's called the "city of towers" because of the many ancient towers that adorn it. As mentioned admire them from afar is a spectacle, as viewing them from below upwards: a dizziness! No problem: you can sit on the wide steps of the ancient and beautiful cathedral. Do not miss ...
Firenze
Florence has been for many years, the cradle of culture and art, and here were born the greatest artists of the Renaissance and the history of mankind. The artistic heritage is endless: the museums ("Uffizi", "Pitti", "Bargello", Archaeological, Modern Art, "dell'Opera", "del Duomo"); the libraries ("Laurenziana", "Riccardiana", "Marucelliana", National Central); the academies ("della Crusca", "Cimento", "Colombaria") and the gardens ("Cascine", "Boboli"). The religious monuments such as the cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), surmounted by the immense dome of Brunelleschi and Giotto's bell tower, guarding the Pietà by Michelangelo; the baptistery with the bronze doors of Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano; Santa Maria Novella; Santa Croce, where the tombs of the great, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, Alfieri, Foscolo, Rossini are located; San Lorenzo with the vestries of Brunelleschi (old) and Michelangelo (new). The architecture is expressed by magnificent works, such as the "Palazzo Vecchio", the "Loggia dell' Orcagna", the "Spedale degli Innocenti" (Brunelleschi), the Medici palaces, Pitti (art gallery) and the "Ponte Vecchio", distinctive for its double row of jeweller's from 1500.
