Tuscany: Insider guides (Ultimi inserimenti)

A walk among our meadows with a botanist. Collection, legends, properties of spontaneous plants. Practical explanations on how to use them to make natural dyes and inks, curative properties, aromatherapy and traditional herbal medicine.

One of the few craftsmen who still produces handmade beautiful items made of copper. The real works of art can be purchased from the "Renowned Rameria Mazzetti" which exports all over the world.

The Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea, on the crest of the waves towards enchanting places!
To make your days even more special we organise day excursions to discover a length of coast that stretches from Viareggio to Cinque Terre via Portovenere

MAEC's history stretches back to 1727 when the Accademia Etrusca (Etruscan Academy) was founded; the academy's statutory goals included the dissemination of historical and artistic culture through key-tools such as the famous Museum.

On the road with a Vespa, discovering the land of Chianti, enjoing the spectacular view of Tuscany hills and its ancient villages and tasting local organic products.

It is a Medieval village remained intact over the centuries, located in a strategic position. One of the most famous historical reenactments takes place every year in July

Unique historical re-enactment: in one day the three districts of the village of Scarlino challenge each other in multiple races, from archery to the parade, the award for the best decoration of the districts to running-race in costume.

During a workshop in his atelier Luciano Bandinelli, the craftsman of the time, will show you the entire process of grinding and engraving handmade crystal, telling you old anecdots about this ancient art.

Osteria friendly, local cuisine

Among the many Brunello wineries around Montalcino I chose Romitorio for its interesting mixture of nature and art (made by artist Sandro Chia) and for the kindness of Tullia and Daniele, your guides in the world of Brunello wine.

In the Checche Flat, next to the provincial road no. 53 Siena property rises the monumental Oak of Checche, a downy oak (Quercus pubescens) ultra secular. Absolutely not to be missed ..

Small fortified town halfway between Florence and Siena, famous for its architecture and its beautiful medieval towers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Gimignano is one of the small pearls of the Sienese province

Enjoy delicious wines and fresh olive oli directly from the producer and a snack pause with typical products of Tuscany.

At a leisurely pace, or with a sense of adventure: everyone has a different style and can be satisfied with the biking on Elba, both on trail and off through shaded woods directly above the sea.

At just 5km from our hamlet, The Bosco della Ragnaia is a woodland park perfect to escape the summer heat. The American artist Sheppard Craige started his work in 1996 and he is still expanding the gardens.

In this organic gastropub run by Grazia De Tommaso you can taste a complete cookery experience: during your cooking lessons you can cook by yourself all dishes, using exclusively organic local fresh products.

Galleria Continua may be one of the most important contemporary art galleries in Italy, but they've chosen the quaint San Gimignano as their headquarters. Take in the austere towers and rich history of the town and see work by artists

II and III week end of november Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco of Crete Senesi;
- I week end of March Festa del Tartufo Marzuolo;

A journey through the Tuscan wine tradition
to give you unique and unforgettable emotions

A fabulous restauarnt where meals are served in the old cloisters or on the terrace overlooking the Orcia valley

Typical Tuscan cuisine and pizza

Tuscany Wine Store is not simply a wine shop but much more. You can choose fine handcraft products and excellente gastronomic specialities.

An amazing trekking itinerary of 8 km from Strove village till Monteriggioni city-walls: the path follows the old Via Francigena, passing through marvellous sites like Castel Pietraio and Badia a Isola.

It's one of the Tuscany's little gems. Rich of art and culture, Lucca is famous for piazza dell'anfiteatro (roman heritage), the medieval walls, the cathedral of San Martino. Lucca is the ideal town for walking, biking and shopping.

City of art, history and culture, Pisa is renown worldwide for its leaning tower and for the marvellous Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO world heritage site.Today an important university town, Pisa hosts the famous "Scuola Normale Superiore" .

Every year, during the harvest of saffron, which can vary from October to November, we provide our experience to learn how to grow saffron!

At short distance from our hamlet there are two beautiful abbeys: S. Antimo, among Brunello vineyards, and Monte Oliveto Maggiore, with its frescoed cloister. Two perfect settings to listen to Gregorian chants.

An unforgettable experience for who loves tuscan cuisine but non only....

Beneath the waves, the sea surrounding Elba has treasures just waiting to be discovered: colorful fish and marine life and sunken ships which have been resting on the sea floor for centuries. The diving center is just 150 m from the hotel.

The driver can assist you on a single day or multiple day wine lovers experience in Tuscany, exploring the most well known wine areas, riding along scenicroads and amazing landscapes. For couples or small groups. Reservation in advance.