for food lovers Chianti is a real Eldorado. Lose yourself among small towns like Radda, Greve, Gaiole, and Casellina, stop to taste some of the best wines of Chianti and just wander through these postcard landscapes.

Brunello di Montalcino is one of the finest corners of Tuscany. Take off to discover its cellars, the best labels, and most interesting routes of the area.

Chianti and the area around Siena are also famous for the Route of Castles. A path through the deepest Tuscan countryside which reveals ancient, well-preserved castles, like the Castle of Brolio, where shelter was provided to Bettino Ricasoli, who created the first Chianti wine.

is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy. Walk through its windy streets, browse its artisanal shops, and take some time to visit the Museum of Torture or the Spezieria di Santa Fina, a perfect reproduction of a medieval pharmacy.

it’s worth visiting Volterra even just to admire the spectacular panoramas around it. Inside this fortified town you can visit the famous Etruscan Museum and pick up one of the many colored alabaster artifacts produced here with a mastery of technique. 

Hot springs, small ancient towns, wonderful food, superb wine. The Val d’Orcia area brings together the best of Tuscany and it’s worth visiting its towns, like the picturesque San Quirico d’Orcia, elegant Pienza, and the splendid Bagno Vignoni.

This ancient Etruscan city remains one of the jewels of Tuscany. The birthplace of the poet Petrarch and Vasari, the architect and painter whose house you can visit. Time your visit with the monthly antique fair, where you might find a unique work of art, knick-knack, or valuable piece of furniture from centuries back.

Located halfway between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana, this little town built on the ridge of a limestone cliff combines medieval charm with the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside. The landscapes you see around this town are nothing short of breathtaking. Try the local wine: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

This Etruscan town amazes with its distinctive conformation. An impressive medieval wall still encircles the summit with 14 watch towers. Walking through the narrow streets is almost like a daydream.

Rare and valuable, the truffle grows in ideal conditions around San Giovanni d’Asso, between the Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia. Visit the small ancient towns, the Museum of Truffles and try the unforgettable experience of tasting the many local truffle-based specialities.

While staying in Siena why not take a detour to visit Umbria? Within a few hours you can easily reach such wonderful places as Perugia, Assisi, and Lake Trasimeno. 

Few landscapes compare to those around Siena for organizing a horse-back or bicycle trip, tracking down villages and superb views to photograph before returning back at the end of the day. A perfect day even for those staying for a short weekend in Siena.