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Villa Cantucci
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Villa Cantucci

+447868784950

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PLANNING YOUR VISIT TO TUSCANY - LOCAL RECOMMENDATIONS

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VOLTERRA


THINGS TO SEE:

1) Piazza dei Priori: Main square in Volterra with the oldest town hall in Tuscany (Palazzo dei Priori) completed in 1257; the building inspired the architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who later designed the town hall in Florence (Palazzo Vecchio)

2) Cathedral and Baptistry: Located just behind the Palazzo dei Priori in Piazza San Giovanni, the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral was consecrated in 1120 and contains an impressive set of wooden sculptures from the 13th century and an intricately carved wooden ceiling. The Baptistry has a striking black and white marble façade and contains a notable baptismal font from 1757.

3) Roman Theatre: Well-preserved Roman theatre built in the 1st century BC; on the north side of the city next to Porta Fiorentina (gate)

  • Tickets can be purchased in a small kiosk next to the Porto Fiorentina parking lot; it’s a self-guided tour with a few signs; would recommend for those interested in history or wanting a closer view of the ruins
  • Alternatively, if you enter through Porto Fiorentina, make you first right turn onto Via Lungo le Mura del Mandorlo and walk up the hill; there is a stunning view of the theatre from the top

4) Etruscan Museum Guarnacci: Extensive collection of artifacts that provides insight into the Etruscan civilization present in Volterra before the emergence of the Romans

5) Palazzo Incontri Viti: Beautiful 16th century palace purchased in 1850 by Benedetto Viti, a local alabaster merchant; original décor and furnishings allow you to experience an aristocratic Italian home from the 19th century; perfect option for a rainy day

6) Parco Archeologico Enrico Fiumi: Lovely park at one of the highest points in Volterra; just below the Medici Fortress (Fortezza Medicea); great place for a picnic or relaxing stroll


    THINGS TO DO:

    1) Try local wines:

    • MonteRosola is excellent winery about 30 minutes east of the villa and on the way to San Gimignano; it is a lovely property with guided visits and an attractive tasting room; https://www.monterosola.com/
    • Visible from the terrace of Villa Cantucci is a Podere Marcampo, a small producer of some excellent Sangiovese blends that is a 10-minute drive; we’d recommend the “Marcampo” which is 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot; http://www.poderemarcampo.com/en/1313-2/

    2) Enjoy aperitivo (drinks and snacks before dinner) with a view: A short drive from MonteRosola is Borgo Pignano, a small village converted into a boutique, luxury hotel; aside from two lovely restaurants, there is a large garden with stunning views of the rolling hills looking back towards Volterra; https://www.borgopignano.com/en/

    3) Take a pasta-making class: We recommend Agriturismo Diacceroni, Via Della Bonifica, 156, Peccioli

    https://www.diacceroni.com/en/portfolio-item/tuscan-cooking-courses/

    4) Discover Volterra’s history on a guided walking tour: We strongly recommended Volterra Walking Tour run by Annie Adair; she’s incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the city and the culture; there are group tours as well a private option; https://volterrawalkingtour.wordpress.com/

    5) Explore Tuscany on an e-bike tour: We recommend MTB Guide Volterra; https://sites.google.com/view/volterraebiketour/

    6) Saddle up for a horseback ride through the countryside: Borgo Pignano has a lovely stable that can accommodate adults and children; https://www.borgopignano.com/en/experiences/horseback-riding.html; alternatively, a slightly closer option is Samarkand Equestrian Center; https://www.holidoit.com/en/d/passeggiata-cavallo-volterra-toscana

    7) Visit an alabaster workshop: Volterra has been famous for centuries for the mining and sculpting of alabaster; we’d highly recommend Alab’ Arte as Roberto and Giorgio are incredible craftsmen (Shop: via Don Minzoni, 19; Workshop: via Orti di Sant’Agostino, 28); all products can be easily shipped worldwide; https://www.alabarte.com/

    8) Visit the weekly farmer’s market: Every Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00; depending on the season, either in Piazza dei Priori or the Vallebona parking lot (usually in the summer months), immediately to the west of the Roman Theater

    9) Go on a guided truffle hunt: Depending on the season, you can explore the forest with an experienced truffle hunter; we recommend Agriturismo Diacceroni; https://www.diacceroni.com/en/portfolio-item/truffle-hunting/

    10) Experience a local festival or event:

    • Palio dei Balestrieri (Crossbowmen’s Palio): Last Sunday in May; crossbow experts from each district (contrada) of Volterra compete in the Piazza dei Priori; spectators can also enjoy the local flag bearers and musicians
    • Palio dei Cero (Palio of the Candle): First Sunday in June; a tradition from the 16th century that involves a tug-of-war between teams from each district held in the Piazza dei Priori
    • Andrea Boccelli Concert: Mid-July; Each summer, the world-renowned tenor, Andrea Boccelli, performs for two nights in nearby Lajatico at the Teatro del Silenzio
    • Volterra AD 1398: Two weekends in mid-August; a spectacular festival that celebrates the Middle Ages and includes shows, markets, and workshops; https://volterra1398.it/
    • Astiludio: First Sunday in September; the city highlights a local tradition as it hosts a choreographed flag-waving competition in the Piazza dei Priori
    • Red Dusk: Second Saturday in September; the city is dramatically bathed in red light as there are theatrical performances and musical events throughout the streets
    • VolterraGusto: End of October/Early November; Large gastronomic event that highlights products from local artisans, including cheese, cured meats, wine, and, most importantly, white truffles; https://www.volterragusto.com/
    • Palio dei Caci (Cheese Palio): Last Sunday in October; Along via Franceshini, you can watch local teams compete to roll wheels of cheese down the street between various obstacles; this may sound absurd, but it is so much fun!


      PLACES TO EAT:

      1) Osteria Fornelli: Best place in town for pasta! Highly recommend the pappardelle al cinghiale (pappardelle with wild boar ragu)! Lovely outdoor patio with sunset views of the Cecina valley; very popular so make reservations at least a day in advance

      2) Trattoria Albana: Worth the 20-minute drive! Located in the small village of Mazzolla, the restaurant has a quaint feel with some of the best pasta in the area; we recommend the pasta with pistachio pesto and the pappardelle al cinghiale

      3) Ristorante Etruria: Excellent location with outdoor seating on the main piazza; recommend the pizza, arguably the best in town

      4) Porgi L’altra Pancia: Osteria and wine shop with delicious meat and cheese boards, nice selection of wines by the glass, and the absolute best tomato bruschetta in Volterra! Make a point to try some locally produced Pecorino.

      5) Ristorante Antica Taverna: Located on a quiet side street with pleasant outdoor patio; excellent pizza and delicious homemade pastas; recommend the gnocchi with gorgonzola and pepper

        6) Enoteca Del Duca: Lovely, fine dining restaurant with a beautiful outdoor courtyard in back (weather permitting); can be a little quiet but nice for a special occasion; mentioned in the Michelin guide; food is delicious but you are paying a premium for the service and atmosphere

        7) Volaterra: Near the main piazza, this charming restaurant and shop is an ideal spot for lunch and has some outdoor seating; also, an excellent place for cocktails/aperitivo in the evening

        8) Panineria Al Vicolino & La Sosta del Priore: Both are great places to grab an inexpensive, delicious Tuscan sandwich; our favorite is the porchetta


          OTHER FAVORITES:

          1) Best cocktail bar: Antica Velathri Café; delightful staff serving exceptional craft cocktails

          2) Best gelato shop: L’isola del Gusto Gelateria; the best mint gelato you’ll ever taste!

          3) Best café: L’Incontro; if you like almonds, make a point to try the Ricciarelli (chewy Italian almond cookie); order a coffee at the counter and enjoy it while standing with the locals

          4) Best seafood shop: Il Peschereccio; take advantage of Volterra’s proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea to enjoy freshly caught seafood

          5) Best butcher: Antica Macelleria; excellent selection of meats including the Bistecca alla Fiorentina

            6) Best truffle shop: Boutique del Tartufo; purchase black or white truffles foraged in the nearby forests; they also sell exceptional truffle salt which is a great souvenir or gift; https://www.boutiquedeltartufo.it/

            TOWNS TO VISIT WITHIN A 1-HOUR DRIVE OF VILLA CANTUCCI

            1) San Gimignano (45 min - East): Charming, medieval hill-top town known internationally for the preservation of its towers (14 of the original 72 remain); town center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site; famous for its historic white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, dating back to 1276; can be quite busy during the summer, particularly on weekends

            2) Colle di Val d’Elsa (50 min -East): Quaint town not far from San Gimignano, but with far fewer tourists; if you want to experience a bit of nature, we recommend the Elsa Trail which is unexpected and incredibly beautiful; if you are a serious foodie, make a reservation at Arnolfo, with two Michelin stars its one of the finest restaurants in Tuscany

            https://www.visitcolledivaldelsa.com/en/elsa-river-trail-sentierelsa/

            https://www.arnolfo.com/

            3) Monteriggioni (60 min - East): A circular, medieval walled town built by Siena in the 1200s as a fortification against their enemy, Florence; relatively small, but several charming shops and cafes, particularly around the main town square, Piazza Roma

            4) Pisa (60 minutes -North West): Only go if you absolutely must see the Leaning Tower of Pisa before leaving Tuscany; although certainly iconic, the tower and cathedral are the main attractions of the city; you can take a nice stroll along the Arno River if you have extra time


            TOWNS TO VISIT WITHIN A 90-MINUTE DRIVE OF VILLA CANTUCCI

            1) Siena (1hr 15min -South East): One of the most beautiful and historically important cites in Tuscany; its main piazza, Il Campo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably one of the most incredible in Italy; the cathedral and baptistry are definitely worth visiting; its iconic horse race around Il Campo, the Palio, occurs in early July and mid-August and is a bucket list experience

            2) Badia a Passignano (1hr 15min – North East): Tiny, picturesque village with a monastery dating back to 1000 A.D.; the Antinori wine family owns a vineyard adjacent to the village and an incredible Michelin-starred restaurant, Osteria di Passignano; we also recommend Ristoro L’Antica Scuderia for a delicious meal and Divino Terrace on Chianti for a glass of wine and a great view; less than 10 minutes away is the wonderful Cantinetta di Rignana

            3) Bargino (1hr 20min – North East): Only a 10-minute drive from Badia a Passignano is the small town of Bargino which is the home of the Antinori Winery in Chianti; the winery is an architectural marvel where you can sample their wines or experience a meal at their roof-top restaurant, Rinuccio Ristorante 1180

            https://www.antinori.it/it/tenuta/tenute-antinori/antinori-nel-chianti-classico/       

            4) Chianti (1hr 15min - 1hr 30min - East): A trip to Tuscany would not be complete without visiting one of the most notable wine regions in Italy and arguably the world; the Sangiovese grape is transformed into remarkable wines at small wineries throughout the area; we recommend focusing on the towns of Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, and Volpaia; below are specific recommendations:

            5) Bolgheri (1hr 10min – South West): Along the slopes of the mountains down to the sea, you’ll discover another incredible wine region known for growing French grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; the area became very famous after a little-known wine, Sassicaia, won an international wine competition in 1974; since that time, Bolgheri is widely regarded as producing some of the most iconic Italian red wines; you arrive in the small town of Bolgheri by passing along the famous tree-lined Viale dei Cipressi (Avenue of Cypresses); the town has numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore; for a casual dining option in town, we recommend Enoteca Tognoni; below are specific recommendations which are near the town:

            6) Massa Marittima (1hr 30min - South): Delightful medieval town with a memorable cathedral built in the 13th century; picturesque main square; we recommend dining at Il Gatto e la Volpe (which means the cat and the fox) or La Tana dei Brilli; fortunately both restaurants are on the same side street, Vicolo Ciambellano; if you choose to visit Massa, you may want to consider a stop in the quaint village of Suvereto which is a 30 minute drive to the east

            7) Marina di Castegnato Carducci (1hr 15min – South West): This is the closest beach town to Villa Cantucci with lovely views of the Tyrrhenian Sea; you are able to rent beach chairs and umbrellas; there are plenty of dining options along the main street; we recommend the outdoor terrace at Ristorante Il Poeta for fresh fish, particularly the tuna; there is also an amusement park for the kids

            8) San Vincenzo (1hr 20min – South West): Slightly south of Marina di Castegnato Carducci, San Vincenzo has a charming, authentic feel with a lovely harbor and seafront promenade; there are wonderful beaches here as well

            9) Lucca (1hr 25min – North West): One of the most memorable cities in Tuscany, Lucca’s incredible architecture is surrounded by Renaissance-era walls (which you can walk or bike along); it also has a strong cultural heritage as the birthplace of renowned composer, Giacomo Puccini; for a memorable dining experience, we recommend Buca di Sant’Antonio (https://www.bucadisantantonio....) which opened in 1782; for foodies interested in fine dining, we recommend the tasting menu at Ristorante Giglio



            TOWNS TO VISIT WITHIN A 2-HOUR DRIVE OF VILLA CANTUCCI

            1) Florence (1hr 35min – North East): Undeniably one of the world’s greatest cities; there is so much to see and experience that a day trip may feel somewhat rushed; also, the summer is extremely busy; our recommendation is to visit off-season to enjoy the city at a slower pace

            2) Forte dei Marmi (1hr 35min – North West): Very trendy seaside resort north of Pisa that attracts people from all over Europe during the summer; you can relax at upscale beach clubs, shop at luxury boutiques, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants; it’s the much fancier version of Marina di Castegnato Carducci and San Vincenzo

            3) Montalcino (1hr 50min – South East): For serious wine lovers, Montalcino provides the opportunity to truly understand and appreciate the production of its famous red wine, Brunello di Montalcino; the town is at the top of a mountain offering sweeping views of the countryside; the town has a lively atmosphere and plenty of places to dine and taste wines; the 14th century fortress has extensive wine tastings

            4) Val d’Orcia (2hrs – South East): This part of Tuscany became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is being properly protected and conserved; it’s a stunning area full of rolling hills and cypress trees; we recommend exploring the towns of Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Montecchiello.


            HELPFUL TOURIST SITES

            https://volterratur.it/en/

            https://www.visittuscany.com/e...


            YOUR LOCAL HOST, ELISA, CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH COORDINATING EXPERIENCES AND ACTIVITIES

            PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY AT VILLA CANTUCCI UNFORGETTABLE

            +447868784950

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