CASTEL SAN GIMIGNANO

Our small village was built by San Gimignano in 1320, in order to defend the borders from Volterra. The castle has been an important bulwark thanks to its garrison. Today it’s possible to see the ruins of the ancient walls, and in the little square, the original fortress foundations, now transformed in a house.

SAN GIMIGNANO KM 13

There are lots of things to tell about the famous ‘town of the fine towers’. Of the ancient 72 towers, remain only 13, but the medieval atmosphere is still intact. We advise you to visit the town ambling: the Collegiate Church with frescos by Taddeo di Bartolo and Benozzo Gozzoli, the Church of St. Augustine and the Civic Museum with Dante’s Hall, where Dante Alighieri got an audience as ambassador of the city of Florence.San Gimignano is not only art, but also food and wine with typical products as Vernaccia of San Gimignano (DOCG white wine of the area) and DOP saffron.

SIENA KM 29

Siena is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and the best way to know it, is on foot. This unique city sprawls on three hills. Known as the ‘gothic city’, it still preserves its medieval look. Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped square is surrounded by majestic palaces. It reminds us to the famous Palio, run every year on July 2 and August 16. We advise you to visit the Cathedral, the Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) and the Palazzo Pubblico with its Sala del Mappamondo, a spacious hall with frescos by Simone Martini (the Maestà) and the frescos “Effects of Good and Bad Government” by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

FIRENZE KM 52

It takes only 40 minutes by car to get to the city belonging to the World Human Heritage, famous in every part of the world. It’s impossible to describe Florence and everything that it offers: it is necessary to visit it.

AREZZO KM 85

It is homeland of Guido d’Arezzo, father of the modern musical stave. Apart from its old town, Arezzo is famous for its gold jewellery tradition of Etruscan origin.

PISA KM 80

Apart from the Piazza dei Miracoli with the world famous Leaning Tower, Pisa is known for the University, in the forefront of scientific research.

LUCCA KM 95

In one-day-trip you can visit both Pisa and Lucca, two interesting towns not very far away. Renaissance jewel, the walls of the Lucca are intact and it’s possible to walk round the whole town along the nice promenade on top of ramparts.

COLLE VAL D’ELSA KM 12

Divided into two part: the new one and the old charming part is up on the hill. The walk from ‘Porta Nova’ to the ‘Baluardo’ goes across the ancient village and makes you dip into an atmosphere that keeps alive its old traditions. Nowadays famous for the crystal, in the past it was an important paper-production centre. The Gore (small rivers), fuelled by the river Elsa, moved the paper mills. Still in working order, they are not more used as movement energy.

VOLTERRA KM 14

Etruscan Volterra, it is fascinating and gloomy. It’s isolated on a hill with two city walls: the Etruscan and the Medieval one. The ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre leads to the Etruscan Arch. Famous for its alabaster tradition, visit it creates a mysterious suggestion that will remain in you for a long time. Important the Guarnacci Museum.

CHIANTI KM 30

It’s the name of a territory that identifies and makes the Chianti wine famous in all the world. It’s worth visiting the Chianti area even for the beauty of its sceneries, with towns and castles. In many wine cellars it’s possible to taste wines and typical products.

MONTERIGGIONI KM 24

<> (How to up the circle of Monteriggioni run it crows- Hell, Canto XXXI). This is how Dante describes Monteriggioni in the Divine Commedy. Everything is left as Dante saw it: the small square with the well and the walls give you the possibility to feel what Dante felt more than 700 years ago.

CASOLE D’ELSA KM 13

Typical medieval town as many others in the Tuscan territory. Small town of Longobard origin and surrounded by magnificent countryside, you can visit the Collegiate of St. Maria Assunta and Palazzo Pretorio.

PIENZA KM 75

Wanted by Pio II Piccolomini, it’s a renaissance architectural jewel. Among its typical products we remind you the pecorino-cheese, with its unique taste thanks to the sheep’s milk that gives it an original fragrance and body.

MONTALCINO KM 75

Montalcino and Siena have a particular bond since the past time during the wars against Florence. The old town and the fortress deserve a visit. Don’t forget to taste Brunello, a full-bodied wine. Matured at least 5 years, it is one of the 4 DOCG wines of the Siena territory (Brunello, Chianti, Vernaccia of San Gimignano, Nobile of Montepulciano).

SAN GALGANO KM 50

In 1100 Galgano, noble knight from Chiusdino, moved to the Siepi Mountain and started his hermit path. Nice visit to the chapel with frescos by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, the famous “sword in the stone”, used by St. Galgano as a cross symbol, and the roofless Cistercian Abbey of the 13th century. Many concerts take place here during the summertime.

CORTONA KM 110

Full of artistic beauties, you can admire works of art of every age. Nice to visit are the Medici Fortress and the antiques fair that take place once a year.

MARE KM 50

The Tuscan coast offers different sceneries like seaside resort in Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, free beaches, sheer cliffs overlooking the sea and unique landscapes. In few words: everything for everyone!