Where To Stay In Tuscany For Art Florence
Florence is great for
|
Florence is the only actual city in Tuscany with a population of almost 400,000 people.
It is very well connected to Rome, Milan and Venice with a quick train
It has also an airport, used mostly by the major airlines.
There are so many things to do and places to see in Florence that you can be busy for a week or more. Cultural events, museums, churches, amazing architecture, parks and so much more.
Florence is a magical city, however, avoid visiting it by car.
The centre is open only to the residents and finding parking is a real challenge.
If you are visiting on a day trip, you better park your car close to a train station outside the city and take a short trip to the centre. It will save you a big headache, besides some money.
From Florence, you can easily reach Lucca and Pisa with a short train trip, and Siena by bus .
If you plan to visit the Chianti area or the South of Tuscany, then you better rent a car or join an organised tour.
Accommodation in Florence can be quite expensive, but its a unique city and unmissable on any trip to Italy.
I wrote a special guide to Florence with the best areas to stay, for couples, families, nightlife and more.
Here below just two accommodations that really stand out.
The Canto degli Scali has an amazing selection of apartments and double rooms, decorated in a very stylish way with plenty of space to move around
Where To Stay In Pienza
Relais Il Chiostro Di Pienza Set in the tumbledown romance of a former 13th century Franciscan convent, Relais Il Chiostro Di Pienza features rooms done in an old world, classical style, which suits anybody wanting to stay in somewhere that truly feels like its a slice of the past. When its warm, the complimentary breakfast is served on a picturesque terrace, and the restaurant spills out into the beautiful garden grounds this is also the time youll be able to use the outdoor pool.
Best Places To Stay In San Gimignano
midrange
Relais Santa Chiara Hotel Featuring unfussy, compact rooms with a large outdoor terrace, this hotel might be simple but its location just a ten-minute walk to center means its great for exploring what San Gimignano has to offer. The staff are very friendly, helpful, and full of information to help guests with sightseeing and restaurant recommendations. The hotel boasts a charming garden with an outdoor swimming pool, plus lounge areas to enjoy the countryside views. The rooms here are clean and contemporary and make for the ideal spot to relax after a busy day.
budget
Leon Bianco This hotel, with its historic brick façade, is situated in a fantastic central location right in the heart of San Gimignano in the Piazza della Cisterna. The Duomo di San Gimignano and Torre Grossa are just a couple of minutes walk from the hotel. The selection of charming rooms has high, wood beamed ceilings, four poster beds and boast either incredible views of plaza below, or out across the Tuscan countryside. Eat the complimentary breakfast in the luxury of the sun dappled courtyard surrounded by lemon trees that line the old walls. Theres even hot tub to soak in up on the rooftop terrace.
You May Like: How To Remove Red Wine From White Shirt
Chianti Siena Florence And In Between
This region, which comes under the umbrella designation of Chianti, was one of the first Italian wines to go global, and encompasses a whole host of types of vino, from straw-wrapped carafe-worthy inexpensive productions, to some of the worlds best at legendary vineyards like Mazzei and Fontodi. At spots like Castello di Ama, the vintages come alongside a museum-worthy art collection, while around medieval villages like Panzano, newcomers include Tenuta degli Dei, helmed by a Cavalli family member and with increasingly sought-after organic blends.
Eat: Butcher Dario Cecchini has become a legend for good reason: he is the king of the bistecca alla Fiorentinaa Tuscan mustand has the kind of personality that can only be described as worthy of Italian theater.
Stay:Vitigliano Relais and Spa debuted in 2015, and gets top marks for mixing details like huge rain showers and standalone tubs with original Tuscan architecture its impressive wine cantina, housed in the foundations of the main building, makes evenings spent on site that much better.
P.S.Picturesque small villages in the Maremma, like Scansano and Pitigliano, are less well known than their Chianti counterparts, but produce some interesting vintages, like Morellino di Scansano, all their own.
Vitigliano Relais and Spa has rain showers, standalone tubs, and much, much more.
Antica Torre Di Via Tornabuoni
Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni is a wonderful place to stay in the city centre. The main drawcard for this hotel is the rooftop terrace that has a perfect view of the Duomo. Its the perfect place for an afternoon aperitivo with an Aperol Spritz or two.
The location is fantastic too, its right on the river and an easy walking distance to most attractions. Its also a short walk to the train station when youre commuting.
You May Like: Is Lambrusco Keto Friendly
Hotels In Chianti: Villa Mangiacane
Villa Mangiacane is Renaissance beauty in the heart of Tuscany. Built by the Machiavelli family in the 15th century, this Tuscan countryside retreat is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Tucked away in the world-famous Chianti Classico region, Villa Mangiacane is THE place for wine lovers.
Walk through the estates vineyards, visit the wine cellar and wrap up your wine experience with a guided wine tasting of three of the estates award-winning wines. Learn how to cook Tuscan-style under the supervision of Villa Mangiacanes Head Chef, have a romantic private dinner overlooking the vineyards at the estates 15th century Loggia, or pamper yourself with relaxing spa treatments. If youre an art enthusiast, wait until you see the centuries old frescoes and the variety of artwork exposed around the estates to be blown away.
Tenuta Cortedomina Radda In Chianti
Set in Radda in Chianti, between Florence and Siena, Cortedomina is a small winery in the heart of the Chianti Classico area.
You can stay in one of the seven rooms in a real Tuscan house with views of vineyards. The rooms are all different. The decor is my favourite combination of traditional Italian style with a modern twist.
Enjoy wine tastings, picnics in the vineyards, candle-lit garden dinners, or simply sunsets on the terrace with a glass of Chianti Classico.
Recommended Reading: How To Price Wine By The Glass Formula
Best Places To Stay In Siena
luxury
NH Siena The perfect location for enjoying all of the sights of the city, this 5-star hotel is within walking distance of Sienas main attractions. Situated less than a kilometer away from the buzz of the Piazza del Campo but still in a quiet street NH Siena is the ideal place to get a good nights sleep in the center of the town. The hotel itself is housed in a large, elegant building, but mixes this with rooms decorated in a modern style and equipped with modern amenities. The onsite restaurant serves up traditional Tuscan dishes, plus theres a cocktail bar for late night drinks.
budget
Hotel Athena Hotel Athena is a great option for accommodation if youre arriving in the city by car, since its situated just on the edge of the citys limited traffic zone and it offers guests free parking. The location inside the old city walls also means that the historic sites of Siena are within easy walking distance theres the Cathedral nearby as well as the lively Piazza del Campo. Tuck in to the large breakfast buffet and enjoy a candle lit dinner in the hotels terrace restaurant, complete with amazing views of the Tuscan countryside. Rooms are large and traditionally decorated: some even have balconies to relax on.
Ultimate Tuscany Wine Region Guide
Brandon ShawLast Updated: June 27, 2022
Do you love wine? Are you thinking of taking a trip to Tuscany to sample the nectar and not sure where you should go? Not to worry as we will make touring the wine regions in Tuscany easy!
As a certified Sommelier, people ask me all the time which are the best wine regions in Tuscany. To answer that question, we must first understand the immensity and diversity of this winemaking region. To make it easier I will break the region down into a few smaller, digestible sips .
First of all, we must remember that Tuscany is an entire region in which you have many historical cities including Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Montepulciano. The beautiful thing about all of these cities is that they are completely different from the other, even though they are all within a few hours of each other. So enough talking and lets get into the thick of it.
Also Check: Where To Buy Tj Swan Wine
The Property Is Named For The Patron Saint Of Wine And Offers Aperitivo
Dobrina Zhekova discovered her passion for travel at age 17 after spending four days in a bus traveling 2,500 miles from her home country of Bulgaria all the way to Lisbon . She moved to New York City in 2010, and after completing her M.A. in Journalism, she started working at Elle.com. She is now a freelance writer based in Alexandria, VA, and her writing has appeared on InStyle.com, Vogue.com, Departures.com, Elle.com, and Sunset.com among many others. She covers travel, design, architecture, art, and weddings. When she is not learning a new language , she daydreams about traveling to remote islands.
- Pin
Tuscany is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world. This notoriously scenic area benefits from a variety of climates, soil types, and elevations perfect for growing both indigenous and international varieties of grapes. And one new hotel wants to educate its guests about the winemaking culture of Tuscany while treating them to some seriously stunning views and unique experiences.
The forthcoming Borgo San Vincenzo, a boutique property nestled in Southern Tuscany’s countryside amid the Vino Nobile vineyards of Montepulciano, will celebrate the region’s winemaking history, which dates back three millennia, through a variety of wine-focused offerings, including tours and tastings, cooking classes, aperitivo-crafting classes, and idyllic sunset dinners, among other things. The hotel will open in July 2022.
Belmond Villa San Michele
Built on a steep terraced hill among citrus and cypress trees, the 45-room Belmond Villa San Michele began as a Franciscan monastery in the early fifteenth century. Today, it features a facade attributed to Michelangelo, views that stretch to Florence, and a cooking school offering thrice-weekly classes focusing on Tuscan staples, including pasta.
Surrounded by a wooded park and gardens, its hilltop location affords the citys dramatic views, only 15 minutes away by courtesy shuttle. Swim in the gorgeous pool, the highest in Florence, or take a cooking class at the acclaimed cookery school.
Most guest rooms boast stunning views and a private terrace or gardens. No day is complete without a meal at La Loggia Restaurant, one of the citys finest dining establishments. Little guests can enjoy fun activities suggested by the dedicated kids concierge.
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Babe Wine
Villa Vistarenni Gaiole In Chianti
Live the lifestyle of Tuscan aristocracy at Villa Vistarenni which offers antique furniture, historic details, a private consecrated chapel, and historic cellars. The 17th-century villa is isolated and surrounded by forests and Chianti Classico vineyards.
The estate produces fresh and well-structured Chianti Classico DOCG wines and extra-virgin olive oil from hand-picked olives.
Enjoy a glass of Chianti Classico by the swimming pool with a spectacular view of the Chianti hills, cypress trees, and vineyards.
Villa Vistarenni is located close to famous winemakers of Gaiole and Radda. The location will be a great base for your Tuscany wine tours.
Castello di Spaltenna, a charming hotel situated in Gaiole in Chianti.
There are rooms, suites, and nice apartments as well as a spa and a wine cellar at the hotel to relax after a day of touring and wine tasting.
Castello di Spaltenna has white, red, and rosé wines which you can taste at either of their two the restaurants or bring home.
Should You Choose Pisa As A Base
For many, Pisa isnt the first choice of town to use as a base. This said, if you want to enjoy the Square of Miracles and its Leaning Tower at your leisure, staying the night would allow you to do so, as it gets more atmospheric once the crowds have gone. If youre spending a night in Pisa youll have the chance to appreciate this amazing sight after dark.
Pisa is a university student town, with a few good restaurants and bars and a relaxed pace of life. Apart from the Piazza dei Miracoli that attracts legions of tourists, the rest of the city is laid back, and some areas are a little run down. Its less elegant than Florence and Siena, but it has its own charm and some interesting attractions. Pisa is also very close to the coast and well connected to other main cities, and most importantly its very close to Pisa airport.
Also Check: Best Cannonau Wine
Chianti: Wine Hiking & Old Castles
The largest Tuscan wine region, and home to one of the most iconic wines, is the Chianti. The hotels that we have selected for this region offer perfectly equipped rooms and suites, wonderful views of the vineyards and the stunning countryside and, of course, they allow guests to gain unique insight into the Tuscan wine culture and wine making process. Needless to say you will be able to sample and purchase great wines directly from the producers. Very often the hotels are housed within old castles or historic farmhouses that have been carefully restored and offer modern amenities and often even luxurious interior design and facilities. So if you decide to reside here, we are very sure that you will get to know the most beautiful side of Tuscany.
© Castello di SpaltennaVillages & vineyards: Following the famous wine route “Strada Chiantigiana” that leads through the beautiful countryside is the perfect way to discover many of the picturesque villages and vineyards. A good starting point for a tour of the region is Greve in Chianti. The pretty main square Piazza Matteotti with its beautiful arcades, cafes and restaurants is used to present the newest Chianti wine every year in September. From Greve in Chianti you can easily reach the medieval Panzano – not only popular for wine but also for its famous salami and ham. Narrow alleys, the impressive town wall and the surrounding wine-growing estates make Panzano one of the prettiest wine villages to visit.
The Parks Of Val Di Cornia
Val di Cornia also is known as the Garden of Tuscany because of the stunning beauty thrives here in all its glory. Enjoy relaxing hikes through oak forests, olive groves, vineyards and along winding streams that splash in the undisturbed nature of the valley through the natural parks of Baratti and Populonia.Nature lovers will enjoy a hike through the pretty park of Montioni in Suvereto and the park Poggio Neri in Sassetta. Or go on a day trip along the coast and enjoy some relaxing hours in the sun on the beach of Spiaggia Lunga. Or participate in some water sports such as surfing or snorkelling in the Gulf of Baratti, Cala San Quirico or Buca Delle Fate all within a short distance of Val di Cornia.
Read Also: Cannonau Di Sardegna Wine Where To Buy
Where To Stay In Tuscany The Best Bases For Your Stay
I’m coming to Tuscany for a week and would like to stay in a central area so that I can enjoy the best of the countryside as well as take day trips to see the top sights in the region.
Where do you recommend I stay?
This is one of the top questions we receive almost daily on our forum and through our social channels. And, though it may seem a straightforward concept, our answer depends on your travel plans so, we ask you to consider the following questions:
-
How many days will you be in Tuscany?
-
Is this your first time to Italy and thus interested in the main sights or do you also want to include some off-the beaten path areas in Tuscany on a return trip?
-
Are you up to driving here or prefer to depend on public transport?
Best Places To Stay In Pisa
midrange
Hotel Bologna Decorated in a rustic Tuscan style complete with warm colors and a homely atmosphere, staying in this hotel means relaxing in charming traditional surroundings. Rooms here are simple but boast high ceilings and chic wooden shutters that open up onto the buzzing city streets. A low-key but romantic place to stay close to the downtown area of the city, Pisa Centrale train station is less than ten minutes on foot from here the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself is a twenty-minute walk away! Theres also the option to use the Hotel Bolognas free bike hire service.
budget
Hotel Roma Clean and conveniently located, this is a great choice of hotel for budget travelers. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a mere five-minute walk away, but the hotel itself is tucked away along a quiet, picturesque street. This 3-star offering feels like a friendly place to return to after a busy day seeing the city sites. Rooms are safe and secure, with big beds and en-suite bathrooms some rooms have balconies that boast amazing views of the city. Downstairs youll find a large hotel lounge and hotel garden to spend time in.
Also Check: Ship Wine Via Ups
