Only two minutes out of Castello delle Serre, one will take the motorway in the direction of Siena. After twenty minutes this motorway actually ends directly into Siena city center, however we suggest taking the Tangenziale in the direction of Firenze. From the Siena Ovest exit, one can reach easy parking around the Fortezza Medicea or the church of San Domenico. From the west side of Siena, visitors have the easiest walk into the city center and can view most sites along this path.

See the holy relics of Saint Catherine at San Domenico. Visit the Piazza del Campo, a square that is not square and features one the the tallest bell towers of Italy. Marvel at the centuries of devotion it took to build one of Italy’s finest cathedrals, works featured here have been created by Michelangelo, Pisano, Donatello and Bernini.

Siena offers the visitor with a voyage back in time, to the Medieval Ages, when Siena was at the hight of its cultural, civil and financial supremacy until Florence conquered it once and for all.

From Castello delle Serre, simply take the motorway in the direction of the A1 and Perugia. Exit at Sinalunga, drive through Torrita di Siena and proceed to Montepulciano. We suggest using one of the pay parking areas, by the Porta al Prato and the church of Sant’Agnese, outside the ancient walls of the town. Montepulciano is one of our favorite hill top towns as it offers something for everyone. History and architecture, quality shopping and excellent wine production all take place here. Kids will enjoy exploring the Eturscan caverns, tombs and wells deep under the foundations of the town’s majestic buildings. Starting at Porta al Prato and walking up the main street toward Piazza Grande, will permit visitors to see the most. Wine lovers can visit the headquarters of Consorzio del Vino Nobile to learn what makes this historic wine so special. From Montepulciano it is possible to visit Pienza, the next village on the Val D’Orcia loop.

Montalcino offers perhaps the most in-depth experience of Tuscan wine making. Located to the southwest of Castello delle Serre, the DOCG zone of Brunello di Montalcino hosts almost 200 fine wine producers ranging from small family owned farms to large international labels. Consorzio Brunello di Montalcino keeps the world informed with everything regarding Brunello.

Since the late 1800’s Brunello di Montalcino has been pursued by wine connoisseurs for its bold character and exceptional ability to age. Today the international regard for the 100% Sangiovese grape wine brings thousands of wine lovers to the medieval village. Quality shops and restaurants line the quaint streets, while majestic views and centuries old abbeys lie on the roads leading to the village. Take a moment to taste all the local delights including aged cheeses and meats, not to mention the highest quality honey available in Italy.

Firenze (FLORENCE) is only one hour and ten minutes drive from Castello delle Serre. Give yourself the entire day for Firenze as it does merit the time. Take the main motorway in the direction of SIENA, then drive around the center of SIENA following signs for TANGENZIALE and FIRENZE. The Siena-Firenze 4 Corsie, is by far faster and less complicated than the SS222 or Chiantigiana road. Follow the blue signs into Firenze and take advantage of the free parking in Piazzale Michelangelo, so that you are on the edge of the city without ever actually driving through it.

Admire the view from Piazzale Michelangelo and gaze down on the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance while slowly making your way down towards the river. Major sites include the Uffizzi and the Accademia. The Uffizzi houses one of the western worlds largest art collections, including paintings by Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Botticelli. The Accademia is most famous for housing the original statue of David by Michelangelo. To avoid long lines we strongly urge you to pre-purchase your museum tickets at the official Firenze Museums website, www.firenzemusei.it. You can also visit the Duomo, Santa Croce, Piazza della Republica, Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. If you are looking to shop then Florence is the perfect place to let loose. Via Tornabuoni offers every designer label one can imagine, the Ponte Vecchio is the center for the most extravagant jewelry shops in Tuscany and the Mercato di San Lorenzo offers traditional style leather goods and other artisan products.

If you are coming to Castello delle Serre from Florence it might be a good idea to stop and visit San Gimignano on the way. The same can be said if you are on your way to Florence and have the time. San Gimignano is famous for its tall towers. Called the “Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany” it is easy to admire the skyline of the town and see the remaining thirteen towers make an imposing statement of the grand past of this small village.

At one point there where as many as 72 towers, some as high as 70 meters. Historically the area became very wealthy because if its saffron industry that created a much desired and costly red dye. Some historians believe that the towers, where nothing more that a competition between rival families of who could have the tallest, while others sustain that the always expanding heights where a response to the necessity of drying longer and larger pieces of the saffron stained fabrics. Visitors can still purchase saffron here, but the town is full of beautiful ceramic shops, art galleries, carved olive wood objects and some of the best gelato in Italy. If you have had a bit too much red wine, try the famous white wine called Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Located between Montepulciano and Montalcino, Pienza can be visited on its own or with one the the previous towns.

In 1996 the town of Pienza was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site and in 2004 the entire Val D’Orcia was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Landscapes. This is the area where almost every picture perfect image of Tuscany is photographed. Gentle rolling hills, covered with either wheat, poppies or sunflowers, depending on the time of year make for breath taking views.

Previously named Corsignano, Pope Pius II, made it his personal mission to transform his little farming village into the perfect example of Renaissance town planing. Working closely with the architect Bernanrdo Rossellino, the town transformed into complete pure Tuscan Renaissance and the name was changed to Pienza, latin of city of PIUS. Architecture affectionados will admire the Duomo and the Papal Palace, alone with the City Hall Building.

Today Pienza is perhaps even more known for its Pecorino, a pungent cheese made from sheep’s milk. This chess is either fresh, semi-aged or fine-aged and rubbed on the outside with every imaginable coating. Shop keeps will be happy to let you sample it, but just remember to let them handle the wheels of cheese!

Chianti is more then just wine, it is about avoiding the crowds, enjoying superb food, taking in quintessential Tuscan scenery, dotted with castles and large estates, and wandering through small unspoiled hamlets.

Take the SS73, also known as the Raccordo Siena-Bettole, in the direction of Siena. Exit at Castellonuovo Berardenga and drive through that town. You are now in the Consorzio del Chianti Classico, the Black Rooster area of the Chianti. Proceed in the direction of Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. You can stop for a wine tasting at Felsina or Villa A Sesta and also vist the charming little village of San Gusme’. Continuing toward Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti it is possible to visit Castello di Brolio, where the Barone Bettino Ricasoli created the DOCG recipe for Chianti wine. The day could end there, but you may decide to proceed to Radda in Chianti or even Castellina in Chainti if you are aggressive with your sight seeing schedule. If you reach Castellina in Chianti we suggest you drive to Siena, then come back to Castello delle Serre on the SS73, also known as the Raccordo Siena-Bettole, direction Perugia.

The region of Umbria is only about a 30 minute drive from Castello delle Serre. Assisi is perhaps one of the most famous of Umbria’s picturesque towns. Although Assisi dates back to the Roman times, it is Saint Francis that has made Assisi well known to through out the world. In a the Cathedral of Saint Francis visitors can admire the frescos of Giotto, considered the father of the Renaissance and teacher of Michelangelo. On the lower level of the cathedral is the actual tomb of Francis and his closest disciples. The main square of the town showcases a magnificent Roman temple, later turned into a church.

While Umbria is abundant with mysticism and spiritually, it is just as rich in history, fine food and art. Other towns like Perugia, Spolletto, Todi, and Deruta are famous for just about everything from fine chocolate, cured meats, truffles and beautifully decorated traditional Italian ceramics.