Discover the heart of Italy, where we explore the best of Tuscany. From awe-inspiring landscapes and world-renowned art to delectable culinary treasures, this guide showcases Tuscany’s must-see attractions and hidden gems. Dive into the charm and elegance of this remarkable region and uncover why it’s a  favorite for all families seeking beauty and culture. 

Tuscany - Castelfalfi

Let’s start with one of the ultimate properties to stay in Tuscany, Castelfalfi!  Here you can indulge in the beauty of Tuscany, where luxury and serenity meet in perfect harmony!  Each day, you will wake up to breathtaking views of rolling hills, surrounded by lush vineyards and olive groves that whisk you away into a true Italian dream.

A stay at Castelfalfi is a journey back in time where you can immerse yourself in its enchanting story, a place where history and luxury coexist seamlessly. Once a quaint village nestled amidst Tuscany‘s rolling landscapes, Castelfalfi has transformed into a spectacular retreat without losing an ounce of its age-old charm!  Sadly, I only took videos of the town and have not created those reels yet so you’ll have to stay tuned on our Instagram for that.
 
Of course, a stay at Castelfalfi is about musch more than the village.  The hotel itself has such an elegant aesthetic.  It also has a rustic element.  There is even a working farm on property that produces olive oil and honey, as well as a winery.  
And the rooms are absolutely unforgettable with features such as:
  • Stunning views of the Tuscan hills or the vibrant gardens, offering a perfect harmony of relaxation and inspiration. 
  • Elegant décor blending contemporary style with traditional Tuscan elements, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. 
  • Luxurious amenities, including plush bedding, designer bath products, and state-of-the-art technology, ensuring every comfort is at your fingertips. 
  • Private terraces or balconies in select rooms, providing serene spaces to unwind and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. 
Here are a few reasons why Castelfalfi is a must-visit:  
  • World-class golfing on the 27-hole golf course – perfect for both seasoned golfers and beginners. 
  • Exquisite Tuscan cuisine with fresh, local ingredients at one of the incredible restaurants. 
  • A rejuvenating spa experience set against the tranquil backdrop of the Tuscan countryside. 
  • Cultural experiences, from wine tastings to exploring charming medieval villages to our favorite, truffle hunting 
Our expert truffle hunter accompanied us, along with his furry truffle-sniffing companion.  The boys were absolutely smitten by this energetic canine – just look how high he can jump! It was truly fascinating learning about how these dogs are meticulously trained from a young age to detect the distinct aroma of truffles buried deep in the forest floor.  Of course, not everybody loves the smell of truffles (see photo above).  I do have an Insta video of that experience if you want to watch!
 
While I enjoyed a formal tour of the resort by golf cart with Guest Relations Manager, Benjamin …

The boys enjoyed time on Castelfalfi’s Adventure Course with Rob

There are so many activities to enjoy at Castelfalfi that it would take a couple of newsletters to go through them all, but suffice to say, you do not need to leave the resort to get a feel for Tuscany.  Here are a few more snaps of our favorite moments.

As you may have guessed, Castelfalfi is a property where Explore More is able to secure complimentary amenities so please reach out for more information about this stunning resort.  

Tuscany - Siena

We spent one of our days in Tuscany in the town of Siena.  Our guide was fantastic.  She had a true love and appreciation for Siena.  She even started a cultural center where she hosts events, classes, and even child watch.  She really helped us understand the history and significance of Palio di Siena, a thrilling event held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo (pictured below). The race is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring riders representing different city wards (akin to neighborhoods), or “contrade,” racing bareback around the square. The race has been criticized for animal cruelty so it is would not be for everyone, but there is no denying the cultural impact of this race on this town.
 
The race is serious business for local neighborhoods.  The winning neighborhoods are decorated so that there is no question when walking around Siena who won the previous races! Each neighborhood has it’s own mascot and colors, as well as a museum dedicated to their race history.  We saw locals proudly wearing the colors of their winning neighborhood.  It truly was fascinating!
We also visited the Duomo di Siena with our guide.  It is a stunning masterpiece of Gothic architecture.  The Duomo’s floor is one of its most extraordinary features. It is a magnificent work of art, famous for its intricate and detailed marble inlays, which form stunning mosaics across the cathedral’s interior.  Usually that much detail is not put into a floor which is why these floors are so special that they are a covered most of the year.  We were lucky to be there when they were uncovered. As impressive as the floors were, looking up was just as impressive in my opinion!
 
The boys were able to enjoy several hands on activities during this day in and around Siena.  We actually visited the stables of one of the Palio di Siena neighborhoods.  The boys also had the chance to walk on medieval walls and dress up in medieval armor

Tuscany - Pienza & Montepulciano

Alas, we were not immune to the rain.  Luckily, it occurred on a day when we could spend much of it indoors.  Our visit to a cheese farm outside of Pienza was hampered by the rain, but we were able to enjoy lunch at their farm-to-table restaurant and sit inside their rustic Tuscan dining area which was lovely.

We learned during our trip that Italians do not order cappuccinos after 11 am so Rob and I made sure to order espressos after our filling Tuscan lunch.  We needed fuel to get through our wine tasting after in Montepulciano.  The vineyards outside these two towns produce some for the best wines in the world, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Brunello di Montalcino.  We enjoyed sampling these reds and many more during our time in Tuscany.
 
Spending time in Tuscany helped me better understand logistics for organizing my clients stays in this part of Italy and tips on how to make their trips even better. We are ready to help you plan your trip to Italy!