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EXPLORE TUSCANY

One of the best aspects of the beautiful Caprilla estate is its Central Tuscany location.  Easily accessed from five major airports (Perugia - 1hr, Florence - 1hr 30, Pisa - 2 hr, Bologna - 2hr 15 and Rome - 2hr 30), we are a short drive to the most scenic, historic and culinary hotspots of Tuscany.  The famous UNESCO protected Val d’Orcia and the rolling hills of Crete Senesi form a perfect backdrop to the villa’s location. Here is a short list of our recommendations for day trips and explorations. Upon booking, you will be given a detailed handout of the villa's facilities and recommendations for day trips, explorations, activities and restaurants. We can also tailor-make an itinerary for your group based on your interests and length of stay.

HISTORY/CULTURE:

Florence:

The magnificent Renaissance Tuscan capital is just 1 hr 20 min drive from our villa and a perfect daytrip. Visit the Duomo, the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire Michelangelo's famous David sculpture and the Uffizi Gallery to admire Renaissance masterpieces. Shop at Ponte Vecchio while taking in the views of the river and the city and enjoy a sumptuous Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina) in one of the many trattorias.

Siena:

Home to the famous horse race Palio di Siena that happens twice a year in summer, Siena is a Tuscan city that is rich in history and not to be missed. Stroll around the iconic Piazza del Campo, admire the magnificent Siena Cathedral and sample the delicious Sienese pastries at Pasticceria Nannini.

 

 

FAMOUS TUSCAN TOWNS:

We are a short drive away from many of the famous hilltop Tuscan towns including Montepulciano, Montalcino, Cortona, San Gimignano and Pienza.  Visits to these can be combined with dining at some of the best restaurants in the region.

 

ACTIVITIES:

Tuscany Adventure offers ATV tours near Asciano. For an authentic Italian Vespa tour experience, Vintage Tours in Pienza offers both guided tours and rentals. Tuscany Ballooning offers hot air balloon tours of the famous Tuscan landscapes.

 

RELIGIOUS SITES:

The famous pilgrimage site of Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi is an hour away from the villa. Closer though, 20 min away is the peaceful Benedictine monastery - Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore. 

 

SHOPPING:

 

The area around Florence is famous for Italian designer outlet shopping. The Mall in Firenze is very popular and near there you will find huge Prada, Moncler and other stand-alone outlet stores. In Barberino outlets, you will find more casual labels and closer to villa, 20 min away is ValdiChiana outlet mall which has a wide range of brands, particularly homeware.

CUISINE

Tuscany is a foodie paradise. From a panini and macchiato at the casual village bar to a Fiorentine steak at a Michelin ristorante, there is something to suit everyone's budget and culinary preferences. The pasta of the region is 'pici' - a thick hand-rolled spaghetti and the region's cheese is 'pecorino' - a famous hard cheese from the town of Pienza  made of sheep's milk. Do not miss the divine truffle dishes and the famous Chianina beef, washed down with loads of local wine. 

WINE

With a long history of winemaking dating from the Etruscans in 8th century BC, Tuscany is a world-famous wine region home to Brunello, Chianti, Vino Nobile and Super Tuscans. Villa Caprilla is conveniently located between the three major wine regions of Chianti, Montalcino and Montepulciano to explore all of the great wines the region has to offer. The major grape cultivated here is Sangiovese that makes red wines and some rosé, while the white varieties comprise Vernaccia (San Gimignano), Vermentino and  Trebbiano. Bolgheri, which is closer to the sea makes Bordeaux-like blended varietals.

 

Visit the enotecas (wine bars) dotted around Montepluciano and Montalcino for tastings with antipasti platters and you can buy the wines you like or ship them home too. Many estates offer vineyard, winery and tasting tours, try Marchesi Antinori (Chianti), Capanna (Montalcino) and Icario (Montepulciano).

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