An undulating landscape composed of hills and valleys, where clouds cast shadows in the changing light. Green vineyards, silver-leafed olives, golden fields and bright red poppies complete the scene, like strokes of colors made by an artist’s brush.
This is Tuscany. The land where Italian food and wine tourism truly began. A magical place that continues to reward visitors with the tastes and flavors of its ancestral roots.
Find your farmhouse in Tuscany!
Start in Maremma, which stretches from the coast to the border of Lazio. Take a scenic drive through the verdant landscape and stop around Grosseto in Pitigliano, an ancient town atop a cliff of volcanic rock that towers over the lush valley below.
From here, we move on to the Orcia valley where the hillsides soften, giving way to meticulously plowed fields, expansive meadows and vineyards. In their midst, long white driveways lead up to beautiful stone farmhouses, flanked on each side by cypresses in orderly rows. It’s impossible not to daydream about their history, or the people that live there. Wouldn’t you like to know?
Continuing our journey north we reach Montepulciano, a walled city packed with history and local culture. The street leading up to Montepulciano's main square or piazza is full of shops, cafès and trattorias offering local fare - from extra-virgin olive oil and wine, to cheese and traditional desserts.
Outside the village, scenic "wine roads" take the visitor through the vast grape-growing terroir, where excellent wines have been produced for centuries. Today, the red wines of Montepulciano and Montalcino, and whites like Vernaccia of San Gimignano, are enjoyed around the world. Alongside the vines, olive trees grace the landscape, their fruits the source of high-quality Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil. Many agriturismi play a fundamental role in its production and even allow guests to participate in the harvest each fall.
From Montepulciano continue on to Pienza, an architectural gem that Pope Piccolomini had constructed according to his very detailed plans. Pienza is also well-known for its flavors, but this time of sheep’s milk, delectable cheese and wild boar salami.
Our tour concludes as we enter the historical and artistic heart of Tuscany home to the venerable cities of Siena and Florence, but also, abbeys and cathedrals where the roots of Christianity are planted. Visit the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, one of Tuscany’s most important religious centers.
The silence that envelops the sacred site speaks to the profound faith and devotion of the Benedictine monks who still live there today. Walking through the splendid cloisters covered with frescoes, standing at the door to the refectory, and strolling the garden pathways will give you a deeper appreciation for their chosen spiritual life.
Next, visit the breathtaking Abbey of Saint Galgano, which stands in complete solitude in the tranquil Tuscan countryside. As you enter the roofless structure, the open sky will make you feel like you’re closer to the heavens above. Admiring the giant overturned columns, it’s almost impossible to fathom such a great feat of engineering in ancient times.
Make sure to check out the rotunda, where legend and history meet: the site of the sword in the stone. As the story goes, the knight Galgano gave up arms for religion, and thrust his sword into the rock where it stood as a symbol of the cross.
The sun is setting, turning the abbey’s open windows into rose-colored hues. It’s time to move on from this enchanting place, with its beauty etched on your heart and a desire to return.
Loading
