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Montalcino

Situated in the Sienese countryside, north-west of Monte Amiata and at the end of the Orcia River Valley, Montalcino stands out like an island in the heart of Tuscany. It offers truly captivatingn panoramas of vineyards and woodland in perfect harmony. Montalcino reveals itself in the most precious gift of its land, demanding and generous at the same time: its wine, the famous Brunello which is the result of passion and hardwork of the local wine producers. Strolling through the medieval city you can admire the architectural testimony to the glorious history of Montalcino: the 13th century fortress with its Medici towers and ramparts, the medieval buildings and churches. In this area you can find different archeological treasures in an area dating back from the paleolithic and neolithic ages to the ancient Etruscan and Roman civilizations like those found on our estate near the Castello di Poggio alle Mura.

Abbey of Sant’Antimo

To fulfill a completely spiritual experience, the nearby Abbey of Sant’Antimo welcomes those who desire simply to admire its Romanesque architecture as well as those who seek reflection and prayer in its reverent silence. The origins of the abbey, a side trip from the ancient pilgrim route that wound from Canterbury to Rome, the Via Francigena, are tied to the emperor Charlemagne; legend has it that he kneeled on this exact spot and swore to God the he would dedicate an abbey on the site if he and his troops could be spared from the plague that was devastating the entire area. Further information on the history of the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, hours of liturgy in Gregoriani chant and religious functions, are available at the website www.antimo.it.

Pienza

Pienza is a charming village situated in the Val d'Orcia’s heart and is known as the city of Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini), who was born in 1405. Pius II, after he became Pope, wanted to transform his humble birthplace, Corsignano, in an architectural jewel. He charged the architect Bernardo Rossellino to restructure the village. He defined the harmonious and typically fifteenth-century image of Pienza, The City of Author, the Ideal City "born from a thought of love and a dream of beauty" as Giovanni Pascoli wrote.

Val d’Orcia - Landscape that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Crete Senesi

Descending from Montalcino’s hilltop into the valley of the Orcia River, head towards San Quirico d’Orcia to discover its Italian renaissance gardens and the Horti Leonini park; then on to Pienza, the renaissance city of the Piccolomini Pope Pius II; to Bagno Vignoni with its thermal baths dating back to ancient Roman times, or follow the road in the direction of Siena, exiting at Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the majestic Benedictine-Olivetian abbey, with its frescos by Signorelli and Sodoma, immersed in the magical countryside of the Crete Senesi. In each season, the natural beauty here inspires one to continue the journey and arrive at the elegant city of Siena which, over the centuries, has enjoyed the wealth of its countryside. Continue further toward Florence to discover also “the Manhattan della Toscana,” San Gimignano, but not without a stopover in Monteriggioni, one of the most classic walled hilltop towns of the Sienese countryide.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano rises - on the narrow top of a limestone hill - between Val D'Orcia and Valdichiana. This postcard-beautiful medieval village represents the typical landscape of the Tuscan countryside. Walking through the city you will find impressive Renaissance buildings until you reach - on the highest point of Montepulciano - Piazza Grande, dominated by the beautiful tower and the Gothic-style facade of the Palazzo Comunale.
Montepulciano is also known for its Vino Nobile, one of the most appreciated Tuscan wines in the world, obtained by pressing the grapes from the vineyards surrounding the village. It is worthy to visit the ancient cellars, whose very wide vaults - similar to those of a cathedral - open up below the medieval palaces.

Siena

Siena is known throughout the world for its great artistic heritage and the harmonious style of its urban structure. The Duomo is on of Italy’s best examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture and one can admire its many masterpieces inside including Pisano’s pulpit and the marble pictographic floors that took centuries to complete. At the heart of the city, spread out like a scallop shell, one of the most beautiful public squares in the world, Piazza del Campo. Alongside the city hall (Palazzo Pubblico) which faces the square there is the entry to the “Torre del Mangia” bell tower, from which you can enjoy a dramatic panorama not only of the city but the surrounding Sienese countryside (on a clear day you can see all the way to Castello Banfi!). The Campo itself is the scene twice a year of the medieval horse race, the Palio, which takes place on July 2 in honor of the Our Lady of Provenzano and on August 16 in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption. The unique contest involves the entire city throughout the course of the year, and attracts crowds from around the world.

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni, whose stone halo shines from the top of a hill, is one of the most memorable and recognizable ancient villages in Italy. The top attractions are the castle and the nearby Abbadia Isola, the whole area of Monteriggioni is dotted with parish churches, villas and small villages immersed in a countryside of rare beauty. Monteriggioni is situated on the summit of a gentle hill with cultivated vineyards on the slopes and olive trees. Monteriggioni retains most of the structures of the thirteenth century and with its walls that surround the summit of the hill, which has a length of about 570 meters and is characterized by fourteen massive towers. It is a unique place with the typical panorama of the medieval Tuscan villages.

San Gimignano

Perched high on a hill dominating the Elsa River Valley along the ancient Francigena pilgrimage route, the city of San Gimignano can be distinguished from afar for its profile of 16 tall medieval towers, for which it is sometimes called “the Manhattan of Tuscany.” Within the walled city visitors can admire the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, dating to the Romanesque era with its precious frescoes of the Sienese school and both public and private buildings that retain their antique splendor. Also renowned for its wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, this medival gem is an ideal stopover to taste traditional Tuscan dishes.

Florence

Incredibly rich in history and culture, Florence is one of the most famous cities in the world. The city boasts of the most important works of Renaissance artists and is surrounded by the hills of Settignano, Fiesole, Careggi, Arcetri, and Bellosguardo, is beautiful and magnificent. Strolling in the historic area of the city, you can admire the main attractions: the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), flanked by the Brunelleschi Dome and Giotto's Bell Tower; the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella; the Church of Santa Croce and that of San Lorenzo. Not only is Florence rich in religious monuments, but also in grandiose works of civil architecture such as Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio famous for its historical shops. Looking for something unique when it comes to a night out in the city? You can enjoy entertaining evenings in the trendiest bars of the city, many of which are in the Sant'Ambrogio or San Niccolò area.

Pisa

Pisa, known all over the world for the leaning tower, boasts a series of other treasures of inestimable value: the Piazza dei Miracoli (Unesco World Heritage Site) which offers a unique and magical setting; the beautiful old town characterized by Renaissance palaces, medieval towers and churches in Romanesque or Gothic style; and the splendid Lungarno, something to see when it comes the Luminara di San Ranieri, the Candlelight Festival that takes place on 16 June every year, during which the city is lit only by lights that make the atmosphere romantic and magical.

Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its historic center with the extraterritorial properties of the Holy See inside the city and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is among the 53 Italian sites included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List. According to legend was founded in 753 BC by two brothers, Romulus and Remus, who were suckled by the famous Lupa, the iconographic symbol of the capital. Another important monument is the Colosseum. The other top attractions of the city there are the Fori Imperiali, the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus, the Pantheon and the monumental columns (Colonna Traiana and Colonna di Marco Aurelio). Worthy to see is also the squares: Campo dei Fiori; Piazza Navona, where the splendid Bernini Fountain of the Four Rivers is situated; Piazza di Spagna dominated by the famous staircase; Piazza del Popolo with its characteristic twin churches; Piazza Venezia with the imposing Vittoriano behind which stands the Campidoglio.