Tuscany isn’t all about about art and architecture. In order to get a complete Tuscan experience, don’t overlook its stunning countryside. A great way to experience the slow pace and natural beauty of Tuscany is to take a few days off the beaten track and stay on a farm. Most […]
The Arezzo province has a lot to offer. It is rich in history and nature and boasts quite a few Medieval castles. Here are two that are a reasonable distance from Florence. Both Castello dei Conti Guidi and Castello di Gargonza aren’t easy to reach with public transportation, consider renting […]
Montalcino, capital of Brunello wine, is one of the most important and beautiful cities in scenic Val d’Orcia. The hilly landscape has not only been fertile ground for wine makers but also the perfect defensive outposts for castles and fortresses. Castello Banfi, Montalcino Castello di Poggio alle Mura is the […]
Tuscany has always fascinated the world with its history and architectural beauty. Most British aristocrats would include Florence and Tuscany in their Grand Tour. But not many know that English architectural styles had a strong influence in Italy. Here are three original castles that have Medieval origins but were rebuilt […]
The Chianti area is rich both in wine and in castles. It is the perfect place to combine culture, nature and wine tasting. Though the area has become very popular with tourists and expats, it is far from being overrun. Chiantishire is the place to explore the quiet tranquility of […]
Montalcino is mostly mentioned in referenced to the famous wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Though a day trip to this little medieval town would not be complete without trying this red in a winery or restaurant, there are many other things to do. The slow pace of Montalcino invites visitors to […]
The SR 222 (Strada Regionale 222 is the official name of the Chiantigiana Wine Road) connects all the main towns of Chianti: Greve in Chianti, Montefioralle, Panzano in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. It cuts through scenic hills, olive groves and vineyards and leads you […]
Isola del Giglio is the second largest island of the Tuscan archipelago. It is part of the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano, a natural reserve that protects rare varieties of fauna and flora. The island is mostly hilly and its highest elevation is 496 meters above sea level. Giglio is known […]
Monteriggioni is a little medieval gem and the perfect stop on your way to Siena. The town is perched on a hill and is surrounded by a perfectly maintained ring of fortifications. The twelve towers that dominate the city are even mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, in which he compares them to […]
The Middle Ages were a very fruitful and yet unstable period for Tuscany. Hilltops towns, usually used for defensive purposes littered the countryside. Still today, visitors can glimpse at this interesting period of history by visiting some of the most well maintained medieval towns. Here is a shortlist of 5 […]
