Che bella la Toscana!* Beautiful Tuscany !
From Florence to Pienza, our itinerary from north to south. We're inviting you to explore 5 UNESCO sites. Enjoy !
Count 2 hours for this journey where you definitely need to t a k e y o u r t i m e in this region where the "Slow Life" is THE way to do it.
Channel your inner romantic explorer, by playing a delightful Eros Ramazzotti track while enjoying the Tuscan scenery: well preserved medieval villages, undulating landscapes, perfectly aligned cypresses and gorgeous villas.
Buonissimo...* very good... Tuscany is all about high quality olive oil, world renowned wines and cheeses, centuries old traditional know-how. A road that will whet your appetite of Italian culture. First let's unpack our suitcase in Florence then, let's head into Siena's countryside to explore the surroundings.
FLORENCE
Florence has attracted and wowed for centuries.
A great town of arts with exceptional héritage. The Ponte Vecchio, the Palazzo Pitti, the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, the Boboli Gardens were created by the most famous artist and architects of their time. The Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore, creation of Brunelleschi is the most emblematic monument of the city. Here, you can feel here a Florentine way of doing things with perfectionism and subtlety. Gucci, Pucci, Ferragamo…So many household names are from this region. Without forgetting the numerous artisans responsible for the Made in Italy craftsmanship. One unique place illustrates these values…Come inside the oldest fragrance factory in the world: the Officina di Santa Maria Novella #sublime
Climb on the Fiesole hill to enjoy a city view and witness the beauty of the Tuscan capital. How exquisite to be able to admire it from your bedroom at the Salviatino Hotel ♡.
Around, you'll find sumptuous properties, palaces and parks. You can travel into the city with the hotel shuttle taking 10 minutes maximum. Extend your joyride to the historical pedestrian city center because the jewels of the Renaissance are supposed to be discovered on foot.
SAN GIMIGNANO
Here we are in San Gimignano.
Surrounded by preserved ramparts, this village is a perfect example of medieval architecture. Recognizable with its 14 towers and old aristocratic family houses. The Duomo and la Piazza della Cisterna are an absolute must.
For a quick lunch with a wonderful view on the Val d'Orcia try la Locanda San Domenico. Now let's keep going south.
SIENA Region
Only 20 minutes away from the middle age city from the 12th century, we unpack in a exceptional Tuscan hotel : Le Castel Monastero ♡.
We're absolutely amazed by the Duomo, the Palazzo Pubblico, the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina,
all afternoon long. We enjoy a fine glass of wine at the Le Tre Rane: Chianti Classico San Giovese and a delicious piece of Cheese, the Tuscan Pecorino.
At night, we decide to take a walk on the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful square in Europe when it's deserted, it's magico !
The Val D’ORCIA and PIENZA
Val d'Orcia's landscapes are among the most beautiful of Tuscany: Crete Senesi* endless green hills, vineyard estate, olive trees and cypresses.
Pienza is one of these hilltop villages with a breathtaking view on the valley #unescolisted. This scenery was the shooting location of movies like Gladiator or The Name of the Rose. We sit outside in a bar, the Il casello, at the corner of Via dell'Amore* (the Love lane), it doesn't get any better than this.
Nine kilometers away from here, the dreamlike countryside villa of San Quirico d’Orcia, one of the world's most photographed.
Florence By...
3 QUESTIONS TO SILVIA MANGANARO
Marketing and sales director at the Hôtel Il Salviatino in Florence.
1/ AN IDEAL VIEW IN FLORENCE OR IN TUSCANY ?
I would like to say it's the one of from our Hotel (laughs) but the 360° view that you get from the Brunelleschi Duomo is incredible. A huge reward after 463 steps.
2/ A MUST SEE ADDRESS ?
I love the left bank of Florence, the Oltrarno area. Not only because I live there but because of the authentic atmosphere with small shops, historical sites and a real neighborhood life. A new restaurant in the neighborhood of Santo Spirito : the Gurdulu, managed by the chef Entiana Osmenseza who bets on high quality ingredients, a delightful mix from the balkans, tuscan and spanish influences. You can also enjoy delicious cocktails. Another favorite of mine is the Antico Setificio Fiorentino.
Located 5 minutes away from the restaurant in the neighborhood of San Frediano. It's an old silk factory from 1786 which almost closed. The stylist Stefano Ricci acquired it and decided to conserve the heritage and make this tradition last. You can also find machines invented by Leonardo da Vinci.
3/ AN EMBLEMATIC FIGURE FROM THE REGION ?
There are several. Florence's noble families have always had a lot of influence on the economical and social life of the city. I can think of the Frescobaldi or Antinori families who produce renowned wines. Another emblematic figure of the city is the chef Fabio Picchi and his restaurant Cibreo. He managed to put a modern twist on the traditional cuisine from Florence which at that time didn't include pasta. In the same neighborhood of Sant'Ambrogio, he opened a unique concept of theatre/delicatessen, the Teatro del Sale.
- IL BORRO
