La Casa Vecchia is ideally located as a base from which to explore the beauty and charm of Tuscany. We have a number of trips we recommend to guests, which include sights to see, hotels to stay at and restaurants to visit.

These are two of our favourite places in the area and we never tire of going back to both!

Arezzo

Arezzo is a commercial city with a beautiful historic walled centre is the capital of the province. It is well known for its monthly antiques fair on the first weekend of the each month and the Piero della Francesca frescoes. Also the annual jousting tournament is quite an event. Parking is advised in the station car park just outside the city walls and a leisurely stroll around the centre can take in the Duomo and castle, Piazza Grande (antique shops) Basilica di San Francesco and the Piero della Francesca frescoes (booking advised ask Paolo). Arezzo is a good shopping centre and the area around Corso Italia is the main shopping area (see Retail Therapy on the web page) Having worked up an appetite perhaps a little lunch is required both Agania , via Mazzini 10 Tel 0575 295381 (closed on Mon) and La Lancia Doro , Logge Vasari , Piazza Grande Tel 0575 21033 (closed on Mon) are recommended.

Cortona

Cortona probably on of the prettiest of the Tuscan hilltop towns and certainly one of Italys oldest! Always a delight to visit! The town is beautiful particularly in late afternoon early evening for a stroll and to take in the sunset.Cortona has stunning views over the Val di Chiana towards Lago Trasimeno. A stroll around here in the late afternoon (leisurely as the streets are steep!) is always an event in our books and an aperitif in one of the bars in the square or a gelato from gelato Should you decide to dine in Cortona both of the following are regularly visited by us and are excellent restaurants. Pane & Vino 0575 631 010 (closed on Mon) Hosteria del Teatro 0575 630 556 (closed on Wed).

The trip to Pienza ,Montepulciano, Montalicino and Bagno Vignoni is a full days itinerary visiting some of the prettiest walled towns in Tuscany. All towns are no more than forty minutes drive from the Casa Vecchia.

Montepulciano

Incredibly elegant walled town, spectacular views and a wonderful renaissance and medieval main square. Well know for its Vino Nobile. Great Deco Caf�called Caffe Poliziano which holds many memories for us of past visits with friends. Take a coffee, snack lunch or tea. Enotecas just inside the gates are great for purchasing local wines if you dont have time to visit the winery itself. Avignonesi our favourite is just 100 metre on the right hand side, alternatively we can book a tour of the winery with lunch near Cortona, a treat not to be missed! At the top of town a beautiful square and the S. Biagio church outside the city wall both worth a visit.

Pienza

Gorgeous little walled town owing its appearance to Pope Pius II , well known for the local pecorino cheese. There is an un pretentious little trattoria in Piazza di Spagna called Sette di Vino( they will not serve food after 1.45 pm) for lunch.

Bagno Vignoni

If you have the time visit this amazing little town south of Montepulciano, the main square being one large hot spring.

Montalcino

Another very elegant walled town, spectacular views and well know for its Brunello Wine .The environs of Montalcino contain many well know wineries, tours must be booked in advance.(let us know and we can make a reservation)1 Km outside the town there is a lovely restaurant called Boccon Divino.

A trip through Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti Country takes in a typical Tuscan countryside, some great small towns, a beautiful medieval city, the home of the Palio, and the Manhattan of Italy. The trip makes for another full day in the Italian countryside!

Siena

A beautiful medieval city, a stunning duomo and the historic squaresetting for the Palio the famous horse race in July and August. Visit the weeks prior and after to savour the atmosphere and the rivalry of the various quarters of the city. The museo next to the Duomo has a panorama which is in itself worth visiting the museo for. A breathtaking view of the rooftops of Siena and the surrounding countryside. For a selection of places to eat all good value try any of the following Osteria Le Logge our favourite( close Sun) Via del Porrione 33 ( off Piazza del Campo) - Tel 0577 48013 Antica Hosteria Cane & Gatto ( close Thursday) Via Pagliaresi 6 - Tel 0577 333879 Hosteria La Chiacchera very informal, in summer eat outside on the steep pavement Costa di S.Antonio 4 ( close to S. Caterina) 0577 280631 In Piazza del Campo there is a great Cafe/bar with table on the square called Il Campo . We like it , even if can be a bit touristy. Just sit have a drink in the sun and enjoy the world pass by.

San Gimignano

Approximately half and hour from Siena, San Gimignano is worth a visit just for the medieval towers which once made it Italys answer to Manhattan. For those who dont like crowds San Gimignano may be best viewed from afar to take best advantage of its skyline.

Chianti

Either on the way to or back from Siena, take a drive through Chianti countryside and stop off at any number of idyllic small towns. Radda in Chianti, Greve, Castellina in Chianti to name but a few. Alternatively set aside a whole day to explore this delightful area at a more leisurely pace. You can always visit again if you dont have time on this occasion!