Images of the Italian Dolce Vita—with delicious food, good wine, and warm conviviality—immediately come to mind when thinking about the Italian attitude to life. In Italy, it's all about living in the here and now, sharing joy and love with family and friends.
Excursion destinations
Arezzo
Arezzo – Art, History, and Our Personal Favorite Place Just 15 minutes away lies Arezzo, one of our absolute favorite cities in eastern Tuscany. Perched on a hill, the historic city offers not only magnificent views but also an impressive wealth of art and culture. One of the city's landmarks is the majestic Cathedral of San Donato, which towers high above Arezzo. It is famous for its intricately decorated vaults and, above all, for the fresco of Mary Magdalene, a 15th-century masterpiece by Piero della Francesca. Just a few steps away is the Basilica di San Francesco, whose "Legend of the True Cross" – also by della Francesca – is considered one of the most important fresco cycles of the Renaissance. Another art-historical gem is the Basilica di San Domenico, home to Cimabue's famous 13th-century crucifix – one of the earliest works depicting the crucified Christ in such an expressive form. High above the city stands the Medici Fortress, an impressive example of military Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by a well-kept park, it is an ideal place for a stroll with magnificent panoramic views over Arezzo and the Tuscan hills. Whether it's art, history, or simply the unique attitude to life – Arezzo is a place that moves and inspires. Anyone who has strolled through its alleys once is sure to return.
Anghiari
Anghiari – Slowing Down with a View Just 30 minutes away lies the medieval town of Anghiari, picturesquely situated on a hill in the province of Arezzo. With around 5,400 inhabitants (as of December 2023), Anghiari is one of the region's smaller municipalities – but that's precisely what makes it so charming. Anghiari is a member of the Cittàslow movement, which has been promoting slowing down, regionality, and a high quality of life since 1999. It is also part of the association "I Borghi più belli d'Italia" – the most beautiful towns in Italy. And rightly so: narrow streets, well-preserved city walls, and breathtaking views of the Tiber Valley below make Anghiari a true gem off the beaten track. The municipality covers approximately 130 square kilometers and is located approximately 20 kilometers east of Arezzo and 80 kilometers southeast of Florence. Anghiari includes several districts, including Carboncione, Catigliano, Motina, Ponte alla Piera, San Leo, Scheggia, Tavernelle, and Viaio. Anghiari borders municipalities such as Caprese Michelangelo, Monterchi, and Sansepolcro, among others. Whether it's a stroll through the historic old town, a visit to the Anghiari Battle Museum, or simply a café overlooking the Tuscan countryside, Anghiari stands for tranquility, history, and a way of life that's unforgettable.
Florence
Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance Just about an hour away lies Florence, the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany – and one of Europe's most important cultural cities. Florence is world-famous, above all, for its incomparable Renaissance art and architectural masterpieces. The city's landmark is the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its impressive dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, and Giotto's elegant bell tower. No less iconic is the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's David can be admired in all its glory. Another highlight is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world's most important art museums. Masterpieces such as "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli and "The Annunciation" by Leonardo da Vinci hang here – art history in a compact space. But Florence is not just a paradise for culture lovers. The city also invites you to stroll, shop, and enjoy yourself. Charming alleys, stylish boutiques, lively squares and excellent gastronomy also make Florence the perfect city for a relaxing day trip.
Pienza-Val d'Orcia
Pienza – An Architectural Ideal of the Renaissance in the Heart of Tuscany Just about an hour away lies Pienza, a small town in the picturesque Val d'Orcia, nestled between Montepulciano and Montalcino. It became famous not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also as an atmospheric film backdrop – for productions such as The English Patient. Pienza was transformed into the ideal Renaissance town in the 15th century under the humanist and later Pope Pius II, who was born here in 1405. Even today, it captivates visitors with its harmonious architecture, clear axes, and romantic alleyways. But it's not just its aesthetic appeal – Pienza is also famous for its Pecorino di Pienza, one of Italy's best sheep's milk cheeses. For many, this is as good a reason to visit as the architecture itself. How much time do you need for Pienza? A short tour of the historic old town, a visit to the cathedral, a bit of shopping in the small shops, and a cheese tasting – all of this can easily be accomplished in two hours. Those who want to explore more should plan additional time: perhaps for a guided tour of the elegant Palazzo Piccolomini, a visit to the crypt, or a relaxed lunch or dinner overlooking the surrounding hills. Pienza is considered the architectural ideal of the Renaissance – and one of the most charming towns in Tuscany. Between stone architecture, panoramic views, and culinary delights, a perfect blend of history, culture, and enjoyment awaits you here.
Val d'Orcia
The Val d'Orcia – A Landscape Idyll and a World Heritage Site Just about an hour away lies the picturesque Val d'Orcia (Orcia Valley), nestled in the southern part of the province of Siena in Tuscany. The valley owes its name to the Orcia River, which flows through it. Since 2004, the Val d'Orcia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and for good reason. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the valley was deliberately designed and developed as part of Siena's agricultural hinterland. The city-state pursued not only economic but also aesthetic and political goals: the landscape was intended to reflect the ideal of "good government" – through order, harmony, and beauty. The Val d'Orcia is characterized by rolling, wide plains from which distinctively shaped, almost conical hills rise. This unique aesthetic inspired numerous artists as early as the Renaissance, particularly those from the Sienese school. Her paintings celebrate the beauty of the cultivated landscape and the harmonious connection between man and nature – an image that still characterizes the valley today.
Bibbiena
Bibbiena – An insider tip in the Casentino Valley Just about 20 minutes from La Villa and about 60 kilometers east of Florence lies the small but lively town of Bibbiena. With its approximately 12,000 inhabitants, it is considered the economic center of the picturesque Casentino Valley – and is also a real insider tip for culture vultures and Tuscany lovers. Despite its relatively low profile, Bibbiena has a lot to offer culturally. Particularly worth seeing is the impressive pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Sasso, dating from 1495. Perched on a rock, there stands the magnificent fresco of the Madonna del Sasso, created by Bicci di Lorenzo. The churches of San Lorenzo, Sant'Ippolito, and San Matteo in Terrossola are also worth a visit. The architectural highlight of the old town is the Palazzo Dovizi, a Renaissance building with an ornate façade – unfortunately not open to visitors, but an impressive sight even from the outside. After a cultural tour, Bibbiena invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the small shops and boutiques. As the sun sets behind the hills in the evening, it's the perfect time to end the day in one of the numerous restaurants. Here, you'll find typical Tuscan specialties – accompanied by a glass of robust Chianti, which could hardly be better appreciated.