5th century BC alabaster bust of a goddess excavated during building works. The site is believed to have been an Etruscan temple. The large, isolated ecclesiastical buildings, an Augustinian canonry, were constructed to accommodate the high volume of early medieval pilgrims and other travellers on their way to and from Rome.
Manuscript of the route of the Via Francigena, recorded in 990 AD by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, during his return journey from Rome.
Nicholas Breakspear, an Augustinian Canon and the only English Pope (Adrian IV 1154-1159), was among the canonry’s benefactors.
Before 20 years of restoration….
Christopher Whinney receiving the Conservation International and National Geographic ‘World Legacy Award’ for Heritage Tourism from Queen Noor of Jordan, at National Geographic, Washington DC.
You Can Expect
You will be staying as a ‘house guest’ at this historic and architecturally important 8th century Augustinian canonry. Pieve a Castello – on a secluded, fortified site, with unspoilt views, is located between Florence and Siena in central Tuscany, and was for centuries a main over-night stop for the thousands of travellers each year on the Via Francigena, the medieval ‘main road to Rome’.
Today, fully restored to a high standard*, you will be welcomed and looked after by a team of experienced staff that includes an ATG resident Manager, a skilled chef… and on Escorted trips, an ATG Tour Leader and Tour Manager.
Your room will be one of 10, each different, some in the main house, others opening onto the central courtyard, but all having en suite facilities, a sofa, writing table, fridge-bar, a safe (in cupboard with drawers) TV, WiFi, air-conditioning and views of the ancient courtyard and unspoilt Tuscan countryside.
Exploring further you will find comfortable rooms and shaded terraces for sitting and relaxing, a proto-Romanesque church with a concert grand piano and ‘perfect’ acoustics, a well-stocked library, a travertine pool with salt filtration and organic vegetable gardens.
Meals and wines (all included): Breakfast, with a wide range of options, including fresh eggs from the chickens, usually served in the courtyard; lunch on the lower shaded terrace (or ATG picnic on Escorted trips); pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the library terrace, with, on Escorted trips, a presentation relating to the next day’s itinerary; then dinner, with ingredients from the organic gardens and local area, with fine regional wines, usually served in early medieval splendour of the former baptistry.
Walking: ancient paths of the Via Francigena fan out through vineyards, olive groves, meadows and forested hills, and include over 200 miles of excellent walking (complimentary Route Book in your room with 20 self-guided walks of 1 to 7 hours).
Excursions to places of outstanding interest often include walking options.
*A licensed ‘Residenza d’Epoca’
1. Staying in a restored 8th century canonry
2. Misty morning views across the courtyard
3. Organic garden
4. Outstanding architectural features intact
5. Breakfast in courtyard
6. Ingredients fresh from gardens
7. Travertine pool
8. Concerts exclusively for guests
9. Pre-dinner drinks and canapés
Accomplished chef
10.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
ROOM 1: Large, first-floor room with writing room, bath-shower (double/twin)
ROOM 2: Large, second-floor room with writing room, bath-shower (double/twin)
ROOM 3: Large, second-floor room with unique shower room (double/twin)
ROOM 4: ‘Cosy’ room on second floor with four-poster bed, bath-shower (double)
ROOM 5: Former dovecote on second floor with spacious shower (double)
There are 10 bedrooms, originally used for multiple-occupancy by early medieval travellers. In a protected building of this antiquity, every room is different, each with unique features. All bedrooms have private ensuite facilities (with bath/shower or shower), heating and air-conditioning, sofa, writing desk, fridge-bar, TV, cupboard with drawers and safe, and views of the central courtyard and open countryside.
Room 7: Courtyard room with bath-shower and side door to garden (double/twin)
Room 11: Courtyard room – with writing niche, shower and 8th-century apse (!) (double)
Room 10: Cosy courtyard room with shower (single room with single bed*)
*Rooms 9 & 10 do not have a single occupancy supplement.
Room 8: Courtyard room with bath-shower and side door to garden (double/twin)
Tuscan cuisine is recognised as one of the world’s best – distinguished by its high quality of flavours derived from local, sustainably produced, ingredients – that can make even the simplest of dishes seem a ‘classic’.
Many ingredients used in the kitchens at Pieve a Castello are grown in its organic vegetable gardens, and almost all are sourced from a day’s walking distance.
With greenhouse gas consumption emissions rampant – is adopting sustainable cuisine a viable option…?
TUSCAN FOOD & WINE
Tuscany has one of the world’s most renowned cuisines, and in the area around Pieve a Castello produces some of Europe’s finest wines. The excellent chef at Pieve a Castello offers sustainable traditional Tuscan cuisine, with the fresh produce he grows in the organic vegetable gardens, and other ingredients sourced within a day’s walk (16 miles/25km) including wild boar and prized porcini mushrooms from the extensive forests, fresh fish from spring-fed pools and rivers, and an array of produce from local farms, including traditional pecorino cheese. The wine-growing area – in every direction from Pieve a Castello, is that of ubiquitous Chianti, and we explore some of its (DOCG) zones and sub-zones, and include some of the areas high-quality white wines and new arrivals that you may enjoy.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello there will be a tour of this unique 8th-century canonry. Evening presentation: Tuscan Food and Wine.
Day 2 We walk through vineyards to visit a producer of Colli Senesi wines. Cookery demonstration: Simple Beginnings. In addition, guests are invited to make an antipasta cooked on hot stones.
Day 3 We drive into the hills to walk and visit one of the most prestigious wine estates outside the ‘Classico’ area. Cookery demonstration: What’s in La dispensa.
Day 4 We drive, then walk, enjoying views of iconic San Gimignano, then visit a notable wine estate producing Vernacia di San Gimignano. Cookery demonstration: Tuscan Fish.
Day 5 We drive to the the ‘Chianti Classico’ area and walk to a wine estate producing a range of wines – from traditional to innovative. Cookery demonstration: Tuscan Free Range.
Day 6 We drive to Siena for a Sunday morning passegiata. Cookery demonstration: Sustainable Quality. Evening presentation: Dessert wines Digistivi & Grappa.
Day 7 We visit one of the most renowned wine estates in Chianti Classico. Cookery demonstration: Make a gift to take home. Evening presentation: So, why does it taste so good?
Day 8 Departure day.
AS YOU LIKE IT - 1
Stay at one of the oldest, most perfectly preserved, early medieval buildings in Europe, surrounded by idyllic countryside, with the leisure to explore the area’s incomparably rich cultural heritage.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello and time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th-century buildings. Evening presentation: Tuscan heritage.
Day 2 We walk through idyllic countryside to discover paths and tracks – once routes of the ancient ‘main road to Rome’. We return for lunch, and later enjoy a tour of the organic vegetable gardens, followed by a cooking demonstration. Evening presentation: Dante Alighieri, Guelfs and Ghibelline.
Day 3 We drive (25 minutes) to Villa Vicobello, and visit the fine Renaissance garden built by Baldassare Peruzzi for the Chigi family in the 16th century. After returning for lunch there is the option of a walk following the ancient Via Francigena to a frescoed church and hermitage. Evening presentation: Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Day 4 We spend the morning in Siena, visiting the Palazzo Pubblico and enjoying iconic, early Renaissance works of art including Lorenzetti’s renowned frescoes. Optional free afternoon to explore the city. Evening presentation: Ascendancy of the Medici.
Day 5 We drive (45 mins) to hills overlooking Florence, and walk to visit the magnificent church of San Miniato al Monte, before exploring other nearby ‘gems’. Evening concert in the church before dinner.
Day 6 We drive (1 hour 10) to Montalcino, south of Siena, centre of the famous Brunello wine producing area, then walk through vineyards to the exquisite Abbey church of Sant’ Antimo, built of alabaster and onyx. Evening presentation and wine tasting: Chianti!
Day 7 We walk through forests of the Montagnola –following early medieval paths, to the fortified, hilltop village of Monteriggioni, with its 14 watchtowers, described in Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’. Evening: gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
AS YOU LIKE IT - 2
Whilst the diversity of sightseeing opportunities, based at Pieve a Castello, is of an incomparably high standard – so, too, are the opportunities for exploring the area on foot.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings. Evening presentation: The Augustinian Canonry.
Day 2 We walk, following routes used by early medieval travellers between Pieve a Castello’s 22 small, dependent canonries. We return for lunch, and later enjoy a tour of the organic vegetable gardens, followed by a cooking demonstration. Evening presentation: Renewable medieval energy.
Day 3 We walk from Pieve a Castello following ancient tracks to nearby Colle Val d’Elsa where we visit the fortified, medieval ‘Colle Alta’ and its evocative ‘tunnel’ streets, and lower town with le gore – an ancient water system powering this ‘town of mills’. Evening presentation: The Anti-chamber of Paradise.
Day 4 We walk through forests of the Montagnola to a frescoed church and hermitage. After lunch we visit Siena to discover the history and outstanding art and architecture of the cathedral complex. Evening presentation: Wealth created by the Via Francigena.
Day 5 We drive (20 mins), then walk up a track with panoramic views of San Gimignano, the ‘medieval Manhattan’, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. After walking through the town, we continue down into the scenic hills to the Elsa Valley to visit the fortified village of Certaldo, birthplace of Boccaccio. We return to Pieve a Castello for a concert in the church before dinner.
Day 6 We drive (1 hour) to visit the great Benedictine abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where amongst other delights, is a cloister with frescoes by Signorelli and Sodoma. We walk through the surrounding landscape of picturesquely eroded hills. Evening presentation and wine tasting: Chianti!
Day 7 We drive (35 mins) to visit Villa Geggiano, just outside Siena, with its elegant gardens, theatre and wonderful views over the city. Afternoon free to relax and enjoy.... Evening: gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
AS YOU LIKE IT - 3
Stay at an exclusive, private residence – an award-winning conservation project – in unspoilt countryside. Each day explores a different aspect of Tuscany’s fascinating history, art, architecture and landscape.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello and time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings. Evening presentation: The Via Francigena.
Day 2 We walk, following ancient routes of the Via Francigena, the early medieval ‘main Road to Rome’, through idyllic countryside to the Benedictine Abbey of Isola, and the walled hilltop town of Monteriggioni. We return for lunch, and later enjoy a tour of the organic vegetable gardens, followed by a cooking demonstration. Evening presentation: The Medieval Traveller and the Legend of the Sword in the Stone.
Day 3 We drive (40 mins) to the village of Chiusdino and visit its small museum. We then walk to the spectacular, ruined Cistercian abbey of San Galgano and nearby small, domed Romanesque church – still with the ‘Sword in the Stone’ (of San Galgano), from which the fable originates. Evening presentation: Contrada Tradition.
Day 4 We spend the morning in Siena, where we visit lesser-known areas of ‘the best-preserved great medieval city in Europe’ and its ancient, but still vibrant ‘contrada culture’. Evening presentation: Etruscan origins and legacy.
Day 5 We drive (1 hour) across scenic hills, then walk to explore the great Etruscan city of Volterra, visiting Etruscan tombs, walls and gateways and the fine Etruscan museum. We return to Pieve a Castello (built on Etruscan foundations!) for a private concert in the church.
Day 6 We walk through open country of the upper Elsa Valley before following paths up through olive groves to the medieval hill village of Casole d’Elsa –built on Etruscan foundations. Evening presentation and wine tasting: Chianti: Great Reds.
Day 7 We drive (20 mins) to Castello di Celsa –high in the Montagnola (wonderful views!), and visit its fine 16th-century gardens. There is a delightful (optional) walk part of the way back to Pieve a Castello. Evening: gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
PHOTO: SARAH
RENAISSANCE LEGACY
At Pieve a Castello, the ‘out-of-season’ months have always been among the best, and in this era of Climate Change, also offer some of the most predictable weather, with warm sunny days, star-filled evenings, the welcoming (solarassisted) warmth of Pieve a Castello, and a programme including: cookery demonstration, wine-tasting, presentations and live concert in the (under-floor-heated) church – before another memorable dinner.... What better time for walking to explore this ‘cradle of the Renaissance’?
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello there will be a tour of this unique 8th-century canonry. Evening presentation: Fortunes of the Via Francigena.
Day 2 Morning visit to the nearby 11th century Abbey of Isola, and walk to tiny Monteriggioni with its 14 watch-towers (& ATG Trust project) After lunch at Pieve a Castello a short drive and walk bring us to San Gimignano where we visit its two fine frescoed churches. Evening presentation: The Ideal City.
Day 3 We drive (25 minutes) to Siena, where we walk to enjoy epoch-influencing images – by Duccio and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Evening presentation: An Awakening World.
Day 4 We drive to the Oltrano district of Florence, to visit the church of Santa Maria del Carmine and its Brancacci Chapel, with frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino, then continue to the nearby great Renaissance church of Santo Spirito. Evening presentation: Revelations from Antiquity.
Day 5 We walk down quiet lanes into Florence and stroll through its historic streets to visit the markets of San Lorenzo (shopping!) and Medici Chapels with their Michelangelo sculptures of ‘Night’ and ‘Day’ and visit the Uffizi Gallery. Evening concert in the church at Pieve a Castello.
Day 6 Morning walk and visit to Certaldo and house of Boccaccio. Optional afternoon river walk to explore the gore of nearby Colle di Val d’Elsa. Evening presentation: Renaissance Man.
Day 7 A morning visit to a Renaissance villa with a notable garden. Evening presentation: Renaissance Legacy.
Day 8 Departure day.
ITALIAN GARDENS
Complementing the Tuscan Gardens itinerary, this trip makes a progression from further south, visiting some wonderful gardens, ancient and modern – all very different in character, but each in its own way outstanding.
Day 1 From Rome Fiumicino airport we drive (1.5 hours) to the Monti Lepini and visit Ninfa, ‘the world’s most romantic garden’.
Night 1 3H Hotel Principe Serrone, Sermoneta
Day 2 We drive (1.5 hours) to gardens created 1,900 years ago at Tivoli’s Villa of the Emperor Hadrian. We continue (1 hour) to the Monti Cimini and visit the splendid Villa Farnese at Caprarola and its influential 16th-century gardens, before continuing to Sutri and our hotel in a lovely setting.
Night 2 4H Antico Borgo di Sutri, Sutri
Day 3 We visit the Villa Lante gardens, a synergy of Vignola’s Palladian geometry with his patron’s taste for outdoor living. We then visit the starkly contrasting, 16th century, surrealist gardens of Bomarzo, before continuing (2 hours) to Pieve a Castello.
Nights 3 - 7 4H Pieve a Castello
Day 4 We drive (25 minutes) to Villa Vicobello, and visit the fine Renaissance garden built by Baldassare Peruzzi for the Chigi family in the 16th century. Optional afternoon visit to Siena.
Day 5 We drive (1 hour) to the Florentine countryside to visit the magnificent gardens of Boboli and Bardini, with wonderful views across the city and the surrounding hills. Evening: private concert in the church.
Day 6 We visit two gardens near Siena: at the Certosa di Pontignano, with its impressive cloister; and at Villa Geggiano, with wonderful views over the city.
Day 7 We drive (30 mins) into the wooded hills behind Pieve to visit the ‘Peruzzi’ gardens of the Castello di Celsa. We enjoy a scenic drive through the Montagnola, with an optional walk (1.5 hours). Optional afternoon walk, followed by farewell gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
TUSCAN GARDENS
Three great centres of Italian gardens –Lucca, Florence and Siena, with outstanding Tuscan gardens representing their development from the early Renaissance through to modern times.
Day 1 We travel by road from Pisa or Florence airport to the delightful, walled city of Lucca. Nights 1 & 2 4H San Luca Palace Hotel, Lucca
Day 2 We visit two historic properties: Villa Reale di Marlia, an historic garden that once belonged to Elisa Bonaparte; and Villa Torrigiani, an elaborate villa set in a simple, formal garden. After lunch, free time to explore Lucca.
Day 3 We drive (1.5 hours) to Florence and visit (subject to opening) one of the historic Medici properties to the north of the city, Villa di Castello or Villa Petraia. After lunch we visit the delightful garden of Villa Gamberaia, much appreciated by Edith Wharton, before continuing to Pieve a Castello (1 hour, 15 mins). Nights 3 - 7 4H Pieve a Castello
Day 4 We drive (35 mins) to visit Villa Geggiano, just outside Siena, with its elegant gardens, theatre and wonderful views over the city. Optional free afternoon in Siena, or return to Pieve.
Day 5 We drive (25 minutes) to Villa Vicobello, and visit the fine Renaissance garden built by Baldassare Peruzzi for the Chigi family in the 16th century. Optional afternoon walk (1 hour). Evening: private concert in the church.
Day 6 We follow scenic roads south to the villages of San Quirico (1.5 hours) and Pienza (25 mins), pausing in each to visit small, historic gardens. After lunch we continue (30 mins) to the superbly designed gardens of La Foce, creation and former home of writer Iris Origo.
Day 7 We drive (30 mins) into the wooded hills behind Pieve to visit the ‘Peruzzi’ gardens of the Castello di Celsa. We enjoy a scenic drive through the Montagnola, with an optional walk (1.5 hours). Evening: gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
WALKING, LANGUAGE & LIBRETTO
There is no language more beautiful than Italian. And we have yet to find a teacher more delightful or inspirational than Giancarla Bindi, who has been lead teacher on our language trips for many years. Her belief is that the enjoyment in learning a language lies in being able to immediately use what has been learned – providing insights into Italian culture and way of life: immersion! Divided into groups according to knowledge of Italian, whether ‘none’, ‘a few words’ or ‘conversational’ – you will soon be speaking Italian!
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello and time to relax, a tour of the 8th-century buildings is followed by a presentation of what to expect from the week
Day 2 Morning Italian lessons. After lunch at Pieve a Castello, an optional afternoon walk explores the surrounding countryside (2 hours), before returning for afternoon tea. Time to relax before dinner.
Day 3 Morning Italian lessons. After lunch we visit the nearby iconic, hilltop village of Monteriggioni, with an optional walk (3.5 hours) back to Pieve a Castello.
Day 4 Morning visit to Siena, visiting the astonishing 15th-century frescoes in the Santa Maria della Scala hospital, followed by a guided tour (in Italian!) of the Duomo (cathedral) crypt. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon in Siena, or an optional walk, following the route of the early medieval Via Francigena (3 hours), back to Pieve a Castello.
Day 5 Morning Italian lessons. Afternoon walk and visit to San Gimignano , the ‘medieval Manhattan’, with its famous towers. We later enjoy a private concert in the Pieve a Castello church before dinner.
Day 6 Morning Italian lessons. Late morning visit to Colle Val d’Elsa, and exploration of the ancient town’s fascinating, medieval tunnel streets, returning to Pieve a Castello for lunch. Afternoon free, with optional walk (1-2 hours). Before dinner we enjoy a wine tasting, sampling a range of interesting local wines.
Day 7 Morning Italian lessons. In the afternoon, time to relax and enjoy Pieve a Castello. Optional walk. In the evening we enjoy a farewell gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
FLOWERS & GOLDEN ORIOLES
The country around Pieve a Castello (if you know where to look) is home to natural habitats supporting a wonderful diversity of wildflowers, with some rare species and attractive variants… as well as an impressive variety of birds – from the golden orioles around Pieve a Castello (one photographed from a bedroom window enjoying a plum tree) and eagles wheeling high overhead, to some rarities (one still unidentified!) and also wildlife – from wolves and porcupines to indigenous tortoises. The itinerary allows time to explore and enjoy these sites, and also includes some longer walking options.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello there will be a tour of this unique 8th-century canonry.
Day 2 We walk to explore flowers in the meadows and woods surrounding Pieve a Castello (730ft/223m).
Day 3 We walk following 1,000-year-old routes of the Via Francigena through forested Montagnola Senesi hills (2,197ft/671m) that border Pieve a Castello to the south, and visit a Romanesque church with medieval frescoes.
Day 4 We drive to explore hills of the Crete south of Siena, before continuing on to Siena to visit Siena’s Botanic Gardens, Herbarium and Botanical Museum, or free time to explore the medieval city.
Day 5 We drive (15 minutes) up into the Colli Senesi and explore high areas of woodland and scrub…before continuing to visit hilltop Casole d’Elsa whose lights we see twinkling at night from Pieve a Castello.
Day 6 We drive 15 minutes for a morning visit to San Gimignano, before continuing to explore an area of high scrub with extensive views of the city and beyond.
Day 7 We drive (35 minutes) to a remote protected area in the Metalifere hills where a small massif (3,360ft/1,026m), with high cliffs, meadows and forest…offers a rich flora that includes fritillaries and rare Etruscan violets. The area is also the nesting site of birds, frequently seen at Pieve a Castello, including peregrine and lanner falcons and short-toed eagles. We return via the evocatively ruined Cistercian Abbey of San Galgano and walk to the adjacent domed Romanesque church with the ‘sword in the stone’.
Day 8 Departure day.
NEW
SEASONS: SUMMER’S BEST
Summer mornings may be glorious, and summer evenings idyllic – perhaps the best times of the year, but then mid-afternoon temperatures may sometimes persuade/induce us to take some relaxing siesta time out, in preparation for the evening’s activities.
‘Summer’s Best’ at Pieve a Castello is planned to accommodate this routine – with early morning walks (1 – 1.5 hrs) along historic paths that fan-out from this former canonry, and in the late afternoon and evenings further events, including concerts in Pieve a Castello’s pilgrim church or in nearby medieval hill towns – as well as dinner beneath the stars. Note: The itinerary is subject to weather and scheduling of concerts and local events.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello and time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings, before pre-dinner drinks and dinner (usually) beneath the stars!
Day 2 A morning walk takes us to the edge of the nearby forest and a small village. Evening wine tasting: white wines of the area & local cheeses.
Day 3 We walk through woods and vineyards to the nearby Roman baths (optional swim). Late afternoon visit to nearby Colle Alta for a stroll through old town's atmospheric 'tunnel streets' , and time for ice cream. Evening tasting: Chianti: zones & sub-zones.
Day 4 A morning walk follows ancient routes to a Romanesque church, and optional walk beside the River Elsa to the local town on market day. Evening tasting: dessert wines & cantuccini.
Day 5 We drive, then walk by a scenic route to visit the tiny walled village of Monteriggioni with its 14 watchtowers. Evening tasting: olive oils, followed by a private concert in the church.
Day 6 We drive, then walk via a scenic route for an early visit to historic San Gimignano. Late afternoon cookery demonstration.
Day 7 We drive, then walk for an early visit to Siena, returning to Pieve a Castello for lunch. Evening tasting: aperitivi.
Day 8 Departure day. If you would like to extend in Siena or Florence please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
SEASONS: WINTER’S BEST
Tuscany in winter, Tuscans will tell you, is Tuscany at its best: morning sun sparkling on frosted fields, forests retaining autumn colours long into the New Year, warm sunny days, clear starlit nights…and the iconic towns and cities now almost empty of visitors. At Pieve a Castello, restored for year-round occupancy, enjoying winter sun on the terraces, loggia and courtyard by day, gives way in the evenings to comfortable sitting rooms, library (acoustically perfected, with a wide choice of recorded music and a large smart TV), the arcaded baptistry and church (all with solar-assisted under-floor heating).
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello and time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings, before pre-dinner drinks and dinner in style.
Day 2 We drive, then walk to the nearby Benedictine Abbey of Isola and continue on foot to the tiny walled medieval village of Monteriggioni, with its 14 watchtowers. Afternoon cookery demonstration. Evening wine tasting: white wines of the area & local sheep cheeses.
Day 3 We drive (20 minutes), then walk to visit historic San Gimignano. Evening wine tastingChianti: zones & sub-zones.
Day 4 We walk along ancient routes of the via Francigena to nearby Colle di Val d’Elsa, its remarkable network of old water mills and high town with evocative tunnel streets. Evening wine tasting: dessert wines & cantuccini.
Day 5 We visit Siena, explore the city on foot and visit some of its most iconic monuments. Evening concert in the church at Pieve a Castello.
Day 6 We drive (45 minutes) then walk to the Medici church of San Miniato al Monte, with its panoramic views of Florence, before walking down to visit the Uffizi gallery. Evening tasting: aperitivi!
Day 7 We drive (45 minutes), to the ancient city of Volterra, visit its excellent Etruscan museum, extensive Etruscan walls, Roman theatre and medieval town. Lunch in Volterra. Evening tasting: Great Reds.
Day 8 Departure day. If you would like to extend in Siena or Florence please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.
SIENA & THE PALIO
Siena & the Palio includes the opportunity to watch this historic festival and famous horse race from the windows of probably the best-situated palazzo on Siena’s central Piazza del Campo –around which (packed with earth for the festival) horses have raced since the 14th century....
The race itself, scheduled to start at 8.00 pm on 2 July, is preceded by days with traditional events that for the cognoscenti contribute to the drama of the occasion. There are opportunities to visit Siena for some of these – or relax in the tranquillity of Pieve a Castello.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello, and time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th-century buildings. Evening presentation: The Palio: its history and traditions.
Day 2 Morning visit, with a range of walking options (10 minutes to 3 hours), to the nearby walled, hilltop village of Monteriggioni, with its 14 watchtowers. Evening presentation: Siena; The Antechamber of Paradise.
Day 3 Morning visit to Siena to watch the tense ‘draw’ in which Palio horses are allotted to contrade. After lunch at a restaurant in the medieval city, there are opportunities for further exploration of Siena or walking historic paths through the forested Montagnola, back to Pieve a Castello. Evening presentation: Via Francigena.
Day 4 Morning visit to iconic San Gimignano, ‘the Medieval Manhattan’, with a brief, optional, scenic approach on foot, and a range of walking options. Lunch at Pieve a Castello. Evening presentation: Palio di Provenzana.
Day 5 We visit Siena in the late afternoon to see the Prova Generale – the final practice race in the Piazza del Campo, which we watch from the palazzo windows, before joining one of the contrade as guests at their pre-Palio dinner.
Day 6 Palio Day. Afternoon visit to Siena to see the colourful medieval pageant and watch the Palio horse race from windows of the ideally situated palazzo… followed by dinner at a restaurant in the medieval city.
Day 7 Day to relax at Pieve a Castello. Evening concert in the church, followed by a gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
PAINTING TUSCANY
Spend each morning painting in an idyllic spot at or near Pieve a Castello, with views over the timeless Tuscan countryside. Afternoons include optional walks of 1 - 2 hours and sightseeing – and/or free time to paint. This tour will be led by a renowned painter specialising in Tuscan landscapes.
Day 1 After arrival at Pieve a Castello and time to relax, there will be a tour of this unique complex of early 8th century buildings. Pre-dinner presentation of the tour leader's approach to the week.
Day 2 Morning painting session in the grounds of Pieve a Castello. After lunch, an optional afternoon walk explores the surrounding countryside (1-2 hours), before returning for afternoon tea. Time to relax – or paint – before dinner.
Day 3 We drive (10 mins) to a picturesque spot at the hamlet of nearby Abbadia Isola. After painting and visiting the abbey, we continue to hilltop Monteriggioni, a tiny medieval village, encircled by 13th-century walls with 14 watch-towers. Late afternoon walk in the surrounding hills (1-2 hours).
Day 4 Morning painting session at a castle dating from the 13th century with Peruzzi gardens and wonderful views toward Monte Amiata. Optional afternoon walk.
Day 5 We drive (20 mins) to a picturesque, frescoed church and hermitage for our morning painting session and enjoy wonderful views of Siena. Optional afternoon visit to nearby Casole, whose twinkling lights are visible at night from Pieve a Castello. Evening: private concert in the church.
Day 6 We drive (30 mins) to a viewpoint over classic Tuscan countryside. After our morning painting session we enjoy a picnic lunch ‘with a view’ – of medieval, iconic San Gimignano and its famous towers. Optional afternoon walk (1 hour) and visit to the town, or return to Pieve a Castello to paint or relax.
Day 7 Morning painting session. Optional afternoon visit to nearby Colle di Val d’Elsa, with its ancient walls and fascinating, medieval ‘tunnel’ streets. Optional late-afternoon walk (1-2 hours), before a gala dinner.
Day 8 Departure day.
RELAX & ENJOY
Pieve a Castello, with its country setting, ancient buildings and tranquil atmosphere, is an ideal place to relax.
There are comfortable indoor seating areas as well as outside in the courtyard and on shaded terraces.
THE POOL
The (50x25 ft) pool, lined with travertine (marble), has salt filtration that gives the water a ‘silky’ feel with soft reflections.
…& BEYOND
You can wander freely in the country* – where there is much interesting wildlife, including deer, (shy!) wild boar, porcupines, hares, polecats and tortoises. Over 60 species of birds, frequently seen, include two species of eagle, several species of falcon (including peregrine), four species of owl, golden orioles and a cacophony of nightingales from spring to mid-summer.
3 All rooms with both courtyard and country views
3 All rooms with en-suite bath/shower room, sofa, writing desk, fridge-bar, safe, TV and air-con
3 WiFi
3 Comfortable rooms for sitting and relaxing
3 Library with books & music
3 Church with perfected acoustics, recording facilities and concert grand piano
3 Concert in the church by professional musicians
3 Guest kitchen with coffee, tea, home-made biscuits
– and an arched loggia with seating and views!
3 Shaded terraces with seating
3 Pool – travertine with salt filtration (May to October)
3 Organic vegetable garden
3 Substantial breakfast, including fresh eggs
3 Lunch – celebrated ATG picnics
3 Buffet lunch 12.30 – 2.30 p.m.
3 Packed lunch option
3 Afternoon tea with home-made cake etc.
3 Early/light dinner option (pizza/ice cream)
3 ATG Leader and Tour Manager
3 Pre-dinner presentations relating to the area, its history and places visited
3 Pre-dinner drinks & canapés
3 Traditional Tuscan cuisine with ingredients sourced within a day’s walk
3 Fine dining with fine wines
3 Gourmet menus – one for each day
3 Vegetarian and vegan menu options
3 Itinerary of exclusive accompanied/guided visits to places of outstanding interest in the area
3 Guided walks in the area
3 Accompanied visits to wine estates and private gardens
3 ATG ‘Footloose’ Route Book
3 Self-guided walks around places of interest
3 20 self-guided walks of 1–7 hours
3 Over 200 miles of self-guided walking routes
3 Transfers from/to Pisa and Florence airports at set times
