Perugia
Perugia, located in the region of Umbria, an hour driving from our b&b, boasts Etruscan origins, many Roman settlements and a perfectly preserved Medieval center. Besides its vast artistic heritage, the city hosts international events: The Umbria Jazz Festival is one of the most important venues for Jazz in Europe, held annually in July since 1973, Eurochocolate, usually in October, Music Fest Perugia, festival for young talented musicians, usually in the summer.
Rapolano Terme - Serre di Rapolano
Rapolano Terme is situated in one of the most fascinating areas of the Siena province known as Crete Senesi. Cypresses, clays, tiny villages enrich this area of Southern Tuscany which is perfect for walking and cycling holidays. It is a land rich in natural hot springs that can provide You moments of relax, wellness, where you can take a break from the stress, appreciating the benefits of a thermal treatment. Furthermore many worldwide known photographers have already chosen the Crete Senesi as set of their workshops.
The swimming pools: the mineral waters of Rapolano Terme flow at a temperature of 39° C, they are rich in sulphur and bicarbonate and provide healing properties in treating skin problems and respiratory system. Terme San Giovanni and Antica Querciaiola are two recently renovated SPA where guests can also benefit of beauty treatments.
Serre di Rapolano is perfectly situated for enjoying the Tuscan countryside, with easy access to visit the best sights. The spa town of Rapolano Terme is just minutes away, and the city of Siena is located 30 minutes driving. The beautiful landscapes and wonderful wines of Chianti are close by. Pienza, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Montalcino and the Val d'Orcia should be on the list of must-see destinations.
SerreMaggio Festival
The Festival Serremaggio takes place every May turning the town into a medieval centre with a costumed parade, colourful flag-throwing competition, open-air market, music, typical foods. The local cellars are open to visitors who can try the local traditional products, medieval style food and buy some handicraft products. Groups of dancers show ancient dances while musicians and jesters around the village entertain the visitors.
Arezzo
Arezzo is the city where Francesco Petrarca and Giorgio Vasari were born. Casa Vasari is today a museum where Vasari's masterpieces are collected together with the family archive and some paintings. The church of San Francesco is the ideal point of departure for discovering Piero della Francesca. The church safeguards his masterpiece "The Legend of the true Cross", an amazing sequence of frescoes. Arezzo is well-known for its goldsmith’s art and for the Antique fair. It takes place during the first weekend of every month in Piazza Grande since 1968.
Giostra del Saracino:
The tournament takes place twice a year, on June (Giostra di San Donato) and on September (Giostra della Madonna del Conforto), on Piazza Grande. The cavaliers of each city quarter must show their ability with a spear against the "fantoccio-puppet" of Saracino. The first documents concerning similar tournaments date back to 13th century.
Siena
The perfectly preserved historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1995. It is one of the most beautiful expressions of Italian gothic and medieval architecture that culminates with the Cathedral, Duomo, where some of the most important masterpieces of Tuscan artists’ are preserved. The city had substantial influence on art, architecture and town planning during the Middle Ages, both in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.
The Sienese School of painting: the most important representatives are Duccio di Boninsegna, Simone Martini, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The Pinacoteca Nazionale dedicates to these painters an entire section.
The Palio (29th June-2nd July and 13th-16th August) Known as a horse race, the tradition of Palio deeply influences the life of the city. The city center is divided into 17 "Contrade" (quarters) representing the authentic soul of Siena, small "republics" that keep the tradition of Palio alive and contribute to preserve it intact. The event is one of the reasons why many visitors choose the Summer season for their holidays in Siena.
Some of the treasures You will find in Siena: Piazza del Campo, Torre del Mangia, Santa Maria della Scala Museum, Piccolomini Library, Pinacoteca Nazionale.