Tuscany: Insider guides (Ultimi inserimenti)

Draw beautiful spots of the Tuscany countryside, going outdoor to visit the most beautiful sites of Poggibonsi area.

The interesting exhibition of the "Biccherna" paintings inside the Palazzo Piccolomini in Siena (now State Archive). 105 wooden paintings used as covers of administrative registers: a journey through five centuries of history of Siena.

The Orcia Valley (Tuscany) there is a wonderful network of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Over 200 km of nature trails with breathtaking views, possibility to download the GPS data for the navigator of the bicycle.

The woodlands surrounding this small hilltop town are teeming with the most highly-prized white truffles in the world. Join a truffle hunt to experience the process and then head up to town to taste these heavenly - and costly! - morsels.

Scarlino is a medieval village on top of Monte d'Alma, with three gates that lead into the alleys and streets. On the coast there is also a marina and Cala Violina very important, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Maremma.

We are in the oasis of Lake Montepulciano lipu where along the path you get to the lake of Chisui called the Two Chiari and the border with Umbria and Trasimeno

San Gimignano includes among its wonders, even an ancient Roman villa. It is an old building dating back to between the fourth and sixth century AD for many years in a state of complete abandonment. Now is finally visitable

Local cuisine, good selection of wines, simple but very nice menu.

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.

For all nature and history lovers, the Via Francigena really offers very interesting itineraries, that can be made either on foot or in mountain bike; they will let you discover some of the most beautiful medieval villages of Tuscany.

You can choose between a sound massage, with Tibetan bells, Relax massage, decontracting, anti-cellulite, Hawaiian, sports, lymphatic drainage, abhyangam, Swedish, Antistress or Sports

Two centuries ago, Napoleon arrived on Elba in exile and even after all this time the islanders still commemorate the Emporer, keeping his memory alive through a number of monuments and palaces tied to this important historical figure.

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

You may be on vacation, but you still need a little exercise! There are two well-kept tennis courts about 150 meters from the hotel, and two 9-hole golf courses about half an hour drive away, both with beautiful views.

From the hotel, climb Mount Capanne, thickly wooded with chestnut groves. For a guided hike, there are organized excursions through the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and, for those who love exploring the countryside on horseback.

A centuries old winery offering tastings and cellar tours

At the Dama Dama Restaurant, Emiliano Lombardelli proposes a gourmet-style local cuisine based on the flavors and the colors of the Maremma Tuscany. Enjoy great cuisine and Tuscan wines in a design ambiance or on the panoramic terrace.

To create unique and delicious dishes. Saffron, special and precious ingredient can be purchased at the company Crocus Brandi in San Quirico d'Orcia, which cultivates it in the unspoilt Val d'Orcia, in Tuscany.

At about 10 kilometers from Montalcino, a romantic Benedictine abbey where you can watch the masses with Gregorian chants of the monks.

Known as the city of the 100 churches a real jewel of the medieval and renaissance.The massive sixteenth century walls of the city provide a long and pleasant walkway shaded by ancient trees .The great Giacomo Puccini was born here .

For food lovers, own organic produce and own sheep cheese. Possibility to have "just" a cheese tasting or enjoy their meals at lunch and dinner. Spectacular sunsets with views over the Valdorcia. Booking required.

Elba is all about the sea: just 150m from the hotel lies the postcard-perfect Bay of Sant'Andrea, with its soft sand and shallow waters, and, just beyond, Cotoncello Point, with its rocky shore and limpid tide pools perfect for swimming

Dishes in this restaurant are prepared using ingredients grown according to principles of organic and ethical farming

Pizzas cooked in a wood burning oven and grilled meat

Lucia Volentieri is a gifted ceramist who creates Tuscany modular landscapes: visit her laboratory and learn how to recreate a miniature rural world and to turn it into a piece of art and of life.

In our area there are two wonderful old trees: The Magpies' Oak south of Pienza and the big holm on the Pieve a Salti road. Perfect places to organize a picnic with friends.

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.

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" .