Around Tuscany
I was asked by a woman, whose husband wanted to stay at my large Montisi Villa for two weeks, “But what would we DO for two weeks??!!!” Well, for two weeks, there are plenty of interesting and relaxing things to do! Il Nido is just 14 km west of Montisi, so everything is possible. The Montisi chefs who cook at the Villa can even come to il Nido to give you a private cooking lesson that becomes your lunch or dinner on the terrace. They can also deliver a finished meal right to your il Nido fridge!
One of the chefs, Alessandro Piccinini (info@tuscan-chef.com), is a Tuscan Chef who has opened an intimate cooking school in Montisi, where he teaches classes for up to 8 students. Alessandra Benassi (alessandrabenassi@hotmail.it) is another option for private cooking lessons and catering services in the area.
In addition to these options, there are also other cooking schools in Montisi and the surrounding areas that offer a variety of classes and experiences, such as Tuscan Chef Little Kitchen and Tuscan Women Cook.
Here are some sample activities for a two-week visit to il Nido, with plenty of options to choose from.
- Sinalunga morning market – Tuesday, right outside your doorstep
- Summer village swimming pool – just around the corner
- Hot baths at Bagno Vignoni – 45 minutes away
- Pienza and the Pope’s palace – 30 minutes away
- Cafés and restaurants throughout the towns and villages
- Ancient frescoes tour with a guide – 35 minutes
- Wine and cheese tastings
- Brunello in Montalcino, Chianti in Radda in Chianti, and Vino Nobile in Montepulciano
- Buonconvento morning market – Saturday, 30 minutes away
- A day trip to Florence – 1 ½ hours north
- A ‘first weekend’ visit to the Arezzo Antiques Fair – 45 minutes east
- A day or two in Siena – 45 minutes northwest
- High-fashion shopping at The Mall, Incisa – on the way to Florence
- Rome – 2 ½ hours south
We’ve arranged them in a sequence of days…
Saturday
Arrive no earlier than 4 pm and settle in. If you have stopped for groceries, put some white wine in the fridge while you unpack your clothes. Prepare a small platter of antipasti and climb to the roof deck to enjoy the view and the end-of-day bustle of Sinalunga alta. Be sure to catch the sunset as well. For dinner, consider the restaurant/pizzeria right below the nest or Il Cassero, located under the edge of the piazza facing the old bocce courts. Enjoy! Off to sleep.
Sunday
A day of exploration and relaxation awaits! Perhaps you’d enjoy a country drive. Start your morning with an Italian breakfast (fresh-squeezed orange juice, cappuccino, and pastry) in the piazza at Bar l’Angolo, or purchase pastries and juice to enjoy on the roof terrace with a pot of coffee. Take in the stunning views and plan your day. If you didn’t have a chance to grab groceries earlier, both supermarkets are open on Sunday mornings from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with additional hours in the summer.
Unwind from your trip with lunch on the terrace overlooking the view or the park. Take a leisurely walk around the old town, Sinalunga Alta (refer to the provided map). As you can see from the aerial view, Sinalunga Alta was originally a fortified hill town dating back to Etruscan times.
Consider taking a guided walk with local expert Liz Cochrane, and visit her Montisi art studios (www.elizabethcochrane.com). Your walk should include La Grancia at the end of the village, the last of the granges, which were located at one-day travel intervals along the road from Canterbury to Rome during medieval times. Please note that entrance to the private Grange is by appointment only, which Liz can help arrange.
Schedule a wine or cheese tasting lesson/session with Antonella Piredda, who may even arrange to bring the tastings to you at il Nido, if she’s available (www.vitisviniferamontisi.com). Book in advance to secure your spot.
For dinner, you can choose from restaurants in Montisi, Trequanda, or Sinalunga, or enjoy a meal at il Nido. Buon appetito!
Monday
Start your day with breakfast at Bar l’Angolo in the village, enjoying some orange juice and pastries (remember that “bar” in Italy means “café,” and they typically serve light dishes, sandwiches, ice cream, and a range of beverages throughout the day).
Next, head to Montalcino for sightseeing, Brunello wine tasting, and lunch. After lunch, take a short drive to Bagno Vignoni to spend the afternoon swimming in the hot mineral pools and relieving any remaining travel weariness. When the baths close to the public at 6 PM, freshen up in the showers before heading back towards Sinalunga.
For dinner, you can choose from a variety of dining options in Bagno Vignoni, Pienza, Montisi, Trequanda, or back in Sinalunga. Pizza can be enjoyed in Trequanda at Café Paradiso or in your own Piazza Garibaldi.
Tuesday
The Morning Market Comes to Your Front Door!
Every Tuesday, the vibrant morning market sets up right outside your doorstep from 9 AM to noon. Don’t forget to move your car out of the piazza the night before to avoid towing, which typically occurs around 4 AM.
Explore the market’s diverse offerings, including fresh local produce, a wide variety of clothing, kitchenware, delicious porchetta (crisp, whole roasted pork), an assortment of cheeses, fresh fish, and even a stall dedicated to laces, trims, and buttons. The largest and best weekly market in the area provides a fantastic opportunity to gather ingredients for both lunch and dinner.
Summer Swimming Pool
During the summer months, take advantage of the village pool located just around the corner. For a small entrance fee of €6.50 per person, you can enjoy a full day of swimming in a safe, gated environment. The pool area is family-friendly and includes a snack stand, restrooms, and showers. It’s the perfect spot to cool down and experience a slice of Italian summer life!
Wednesday
Florence with a Stop at the Designer Outlet Mall (or Not)
For fashion enthusiasts, consider driving 45 minutes north to Incisa after breakfast, home of The Mall Incisa, a high-fashion Italian clothing outlet. Spend the day shopping, and enjoy lunch at one of the on-site eateries. Alternatively, drive straight to Florence (about 1 ½ hours total) and stroll through the city center before lunch al fresco. If you’re traveling with kids, a horse-drawn carriage ride or a guided tour might be a fun option.
Alternatively for Wednesday: Visit Pope Pio II’s Palace in Pienza
Spend a relaxed morning at home before heading to Pienza, a 30-minute drive away. Tour Palazzo Piccolomini, and consider renting an audioguide to learn more about the site’s history. This Renaissance palace features the piano nobile, where Pope Pio II once lived, offering a glimpse into life during that era. Pienza is also known for its world-famous pecorino cheese, charming shops, and the beautiful belvedere walk along the ancient city wall. You can also visit in the late afternoon to explore the village, shops, and enjoy dinner.
Thursday
Visit Monte Oliveto Maggiore in Chiusure, a small hill town to the west, known for its famous frescoes depicting the life of St. Benedict by Il Sodoma and Luca Signorelli. Consider timing your visit to experience the Gregorian chants, explore the grounds, and enjoy a meal at Ristorante La Torre. Arrange for Antonella Piredda to meet you there for a one-hour tour to learn more about the frescoes and gain insights on how to appreciate frescoes in general.
In the afternoon, around 4 or 5 market wagons set up in the nearby piazza, offering fish, fruits, vegetables, and garden plants and herbs. No need to worry about moving your car for this.
Why not enjoy a pasta-making or cooking lesson at the nest in the afternoon? Alternatively, you could dine at Il Conte Matto in Trequanda, one of my favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Check out their website at www.contematto.it, and feel free to let them know you’re friends of mine—they’re like family!
Friday
Take this day to relax and, if you’re departing tomorrow, to pack your belongings. Consider arranging an afternoon cooking lesson with Chef A, where you can learn to make fresh pasta with seasonal sauces, sample and learn about local cheeses, and enjoy vegetables and fresh fish from yesterday’s mini-market in the piazza. You’ll also learn to prepare a seasonal salad and create a delicious dolce. I’ve become quite the expert in making tiramisu—it’s surprisingly easy!
If you can stay another week…
Saturday
Excursion to the Buonconvento Saturday Market (10 AM – 1 PM)
Embark on a trip to the delightful Buonconvento Saturday market, filled with stalls and trucks offering a wide variety of goods, such as fresh vegetables, local cheeses, fabrics, table linens, household items, clothing, and even a porchetta truck. This is the perfect opportunity to gather ingredients for a homemade Saturday feast. On your way back, consider stopping at Monte Oliveto for lunch.
There are two ways to drive to Buonconvento. The first option is to take paved roads as if heading to San Giovanni d’Asso, but turn right at the center of Torrienieri, which provides a shortcut to Highway 2 and Buonconvento. The second option, ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of dust on their car, involves turning onto an unpaved (white) road, about 3 km past San Giovanni d’Asso. This route is one of the most scenic in the area, with stunning vistas and photo opportunities at every turn. It leads directly to the center of Buonconvento but may leave your car dusty if the white road is dry. Car washes are available just west of San Giovanni d’Asso and in Sinalunga, near the Coop shopping mall, I Gelsi.
Sunday
A Relaxing Day with a Possible Visit to Montepulciano
Spend the day unwinding, or opt for a late morning visit to Montepulciano, where you can enjoy a delicious meal at Osteria Acquacheta (www.acquacheta.eu). This local favorite serves authentic Tuscan cuisine and often gets quite busy, so consider making a reservation in advance.
The restaurant offers two seatings for dinner, at 7:30 PM and 9:15 PM, and is known for using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including seasonal specialties like truffles and porcini mushrooms. Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a memorable dinner, Osteria Acquacheta is definitely worth a visit during your time in Montepulciano.
Monday
Guided Tour of Siena with Antonella Piredda
Embark on a captivating tour of Siena with Antonella Piredda (www.antonellapiredda.com), who developed a deep love for the city while attending culinary school there. Given the wealth of attractions in Siena, it’s highly recommended to explore with a guide, especially if it’s your first visit.
After your tour, return to your accommodations at Piazza Garibaldi, where you can enjoy a delightful dinner at Il Cassero. This restaurant, located at the edge of the piazza, offers a variety of delectable pizzas and local specialties.
Tuesday
Slow Morning with Optional Massages and Afternoon Excursion
Begin your day at a leisurely pace and, if you’re interested, schedule massages with Lalla in Montisi (remember to book ahead). This is an ideal day to catch up on any remaining bucket list items or to embark on a visit to Assisi, Perugia, and Deruta, all of which can be explored during a single drive.
Start your excursion in the charming town of Assisi, where you can explore its rich history and religious significance. From there, journey to Perugia, the vibrant capital city of Umbria, where you can experience its unique blend of art, culture, and cuisine. Finally, make your way to Deruta, a picturesque town renowned for its exquisite ceramics and pottery.
For a truly memorable experience, consider indulging in local specialties and visiting notable landmarks at each destination, such as the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria in Perugia, and the Ceramics Museum in Deruta. This day trip will undoubtedly provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Umbria.
Wednesday
Brunello and Vino Nobile Wine Tasting Tour with Optional Lunch
Treat yourself to a guided wine tasting tour of the renowned Brunello and Vino Nobile wines. You can book through either www.tuscanysienatours.it (Attention Gianmarco) or www.antonellapiredda.com. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning countryside and visit small, picturesque wineries.
Antonella also offers an exciting visit to an artisan cheese maker, which is highly recommended for cheese enthusiasts. During the wine tour, you can opt for a delectable lunch with your guide, driver, and fellow wine enthusiasts, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of the region.
Thursday
Day Trip to Rome with Guide and Optional Dinner in Orvieto
Embark on a guided day trip to Rome, departing at 8 AM and returning via dinner in Orvieto. This excursion is an ideal way to explore Rome’s key highlights and decide which attractions you’d like to revisit on a future trip. To ensure a comfortable journey, a driver and vehicle can be arranged through www.tuscanysienatours.it. Please contact me for a driver’s rate sheet specifically tailored for my guests.
I am happy to recommend two excellent guides in Rome that I’ve personally enjoyed. While driving yourselves is an option, it may result in a longer day. This exciting trip allows you to experience the wonders of Rome while still returning the same evening.
Friday
Relax and Prepare for Departure
Spend the day resting and packing your suitcase for your 10:00 AM departure the following morning. Consider scheduling a final cooking lesson and a candlelit “good-bye” dinner to celebrate your stay. Alternatively, feel free to savor the remaining delicious food in the fridge and enjoy a chilled glass of wine.
This list doesn’t even begin to cover the fascinating attractions in the region, such as the famous antiques fair in Arezzo, the exquisite pottery in Deruta, the delectable chocolate in Perugia, or the spiritual journey of St. Francis in Assisi. There are also seasonal activities like olive oil tastings, truffle hunts near Sinalunga, cheese-making experiences, and the extraordinary art dolls of Trequanda artist Brigitte Deval (www.bdeval.com).
Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine at the numerous restaurants and wineries throughout the area. If you’re interested in discovering hidden gardens or unique art treasures in Siena, arrange a visit with Contessa Francesca Fumi, a friend of our family
(http://personalguideinsiena.wordpress.com/ or contessa@villalaia.com).
Our family nest, il Nido, is the perfect base for your adventures. Decorated with our personal art, it invites you to unwind on one of the terraces, taking in the stunning views and observing the lively piazza below. The tranquility of the nest is only occasionally interrupted by the gentle sound of church bells calling for Mass.
Feel free to share your preferences and interests with us so we can help you plan a truly memorable experience during your stay. It is our pleasure to assist you in creating a tailor-made itinerary for you, your friends, and family.