Unmissable Casa Bruciata
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
RADDA IN CHIANTI
The nearest ‘pretty’ town to Casa Bruciata. Surrounded by a sea of vineyards, the town is a maze of winding cobble streets.
BUCINE
This small, historic town has a couple of coffee bars, a butcher, a greengrocer and a small supermarket. Every Wednesday evening the main square comes alive with food, wine, music and dancing.
MERCATALE VALDARNO
A sleepy village with a handful of bars and restaurants, as well as a handy supermarket, chemist, baker and post office.
LORO CIUFFENNA
A fairy tale village perfect for an afternoon stroll - take some time to seek out the watermill perched on a Tolkein-esque gorge.
MONTEVARCHI
Sitting in the higher Arno Valley, this town is known for being the place to go for Prada’s shopping outlet. The Mall contains factory outlets for Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Roberto Cavalli. Go early to beat the crowds.
VOLPAIA
This small fortified medieval village is known for its wine making, which dates back to 1172. Nicknamed Castello di Volpaia, it has far reaching views and beautifully preserved architecture. There are two restaurants in the centre of the village run by sisters, a cafe who make their own delicious gelato and a wonderful olive oil shop.
CORTONA
A beautiful hilltop Etruscan town that was made famous by Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun. Wander the crumbling palazzi, search out the Etruscan Academy Museum of Cortona (MAEC) and enjoy the excellent shopping opportunities for leather goods, handmade books, stationery and lovely children’s clothes.
MONTEPULCIANO
Surrounded by vineyards, this medieval hilltop town is best known for a sight just outside the town, the splendid Madonna di San Biagio church. That said, do take the time to have a good wander around town. There’s the beautiful Piazza Grande with the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Nobili- Tarugi, cathedral and tower (with a great view from the top). If you’ve got some spare time, visit the Sant Agostino church and small museum, too.
SIENA
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Siena is one of Italy’s most visited cities, famous for its cuisine, art, museums and medieval cityscape. Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped town square, plays host to the famous biannual Palio horse race, so observers can watch the competition while also admiring the square’s architectural treasures.
AREZZO
To the north west of Perugia, Arezzo is a city rich in art and architecture, yet mostly free of crowds. The medieval centre was destroyed during WWII but there are still lots of fabulous monuments and buildings. Go to the Piazza Grande – built on a slant and surrounded by an attractive jumble of palazzos, towers and churches in which medieval and renaissance styles vie for supremacy. This is the focal point of Arezzo’s famous antique fair and the Giostra del Saracino.
Dining
* We recommend booking in the summer months.La Gorgia Vino & Cucina
One of the two most popular restaurants in Gaiole.
Gaiole | +39 0577 553194
L’Osteria del Ponte
The other of the two most popular restaurants in Gaiole, serving traditional Tuscan food.
Gaiole | +39 0577 744 085
Lo Sfizio
Serves good basic food and a pizza night once a week in summer.
Gaiole | +39 0577 749 501
Osteria del Perano
Owned by the Frescobaldi wine family with almost all ingredients sourced on the estate. Very smart and good for a special occsion or wine buffs.
San Donato in Perano | +39 0577 749563 | frescobaldi.com/en
Ristorante Coltibuono
Charming restaurant with a beautiful shaded terrace attached to a monastery and church. If you feel up to it, it’s an hour and 20 minutes walk from Casa Bruciata.
Badia Coltibuono | +39 0577 749031 | ristorante.coltibuono.com/en/
Il Paguro
Friendly cheap restaurant.
Bucine | +39 55992936 | Closed on Monday | Open for Lunch
Lo Schicchero, Via Giuseppe Verdi
A simple, great value restaurant serving fabulous fish and pizzas – a perfect family destination.
Mercatale | +39 055 970 7453 | Open Friday-Sunday
Osteria di Rendola
Friendly and welcoming restaurant.
Rendola | +39 559707713 / 338 4824179 | Closed Wednesday | Open for lunch- Saturday and Sunday only
Locanda Casariccio
Along the road to Sanleolino, just before the road starts climbing, stone house on your right. Welcoming with a garden and lovely food.
San Leolino | 055 992980 | Closed on Tuesday
La Torre
Delicious local food in one of the nicest villages in Valdarno.
+39 559172032 | ilristorantelatorre.it | Loro Ciuffenna.
Bar Ucci, Piazza della Torre
Simple, authentic family run Italian restaurant serving delicious food and great value local wine. The large shaded terrace is a wonderful spot for people watching in the centre of the village. The ravioli with sage butter is a speciality of the region but the simple tomato and bread salad or ‘panzanella’ is not to be missed. Ask the owner, Paula, for wine recommendations. A good place to bring children.
Volpaia| +39 577 738042 | bar-ucci.it | Open Monday-Saturday
La Bottega
Look up from the village car park and you will see La Bottega just above. The terrace is totally
shaded by plane trees, and a fresh breeze comes up from the valley so it’s the perfect spot for lunch on a hot day. The outdoor tables are framed by magnificent views over the countryside and the owner Carla (sister to Paula of Bar Ucci) creates delicious, simple food with produce from her own vegetable garden next door. Try the ravioli stuffed with pappa di pomodoro.
Volpaia | +39 0577 735602 | labottegadivolpaia.it | Closed on Tuesdays
Castellucci, Via Trquandi
Tuscan and Roman hearty delicious food with a very good wine list.
Montevarchi | +39 55900199 | Open for Lunch | Closed on Sundays
Barlesh
Fixed menus and an open kitchen.
Montevarchi | Barlesh.it | Closed Sunday & Mondays
Daniele e Riccardo
Very good small Restaurant.
Montevarchi | + 39 55900399 | Closed Tue night & Wed - May to September
Largo Galeffi 1
Delicious thin crust pizzas and traditional Tuscan food.
Montevarchi | +39 559850384 | Open all week
Ristorante La Bucaccia, Via Ghibellina
This charming restaurant sits on one of the town’s steepest hills, affording lovely views from its tiny street-side dining terrace. Inside there are two cosy dining rooms, too. The menu is traditional and authentic, with wild boar tartare and homemade tagliolini pasta with truffles. They also serve excellent cheeses and charcuterie.
Cortona | +39 0575 606039 | labucaccia.it
La Bottega del Nobile, Via di Gracciano nel Corso
This wine shop, restaurant and wine bar sits in the historical wine cellars of the Avignonesi Palace, in the heart of the city. The restaurant serves cheese plates, pasta and meats while the shop has a curated selection of over 300 wines.
Montepulciano | +39 0578 757016 | vinonobile.eu
Piccola Trattoria Guastini, near Montepulciano
Delicious homemade bread, pasta and sauces. Located just outside the town, this trattoria benefits from a spacious terrace with beautiful views of the rolling countryside.
+39 0577 689215 | piccolatrattoriaguastini.it | Montepulciano | Closed Wednesdays
La Taverna di San Giuseppe, Via Giovanni Dupre
Dine inside an ancient hand sculpted tuff cave. One of Tuscany’s best restaurants, its fabulous wine cellar has over 600 labels.
Siena | +39 0577 42286 | tavernasangiuseppe.it | Closed Sundays
Osteria le Logge, Via del Porrione
Fine Italian dining - a personal favourite among star-spangled actors. The building was once a pharmacy.
Siena | +39 0577 48013 | osterialelogge.it | Closed Sundays
Le Chiavi D’Oro, Piazza San Francesco
Refined Tuscan cooking in a stylish retro Scandi setting.
Arezzo | +39 0575 403313 | ristorantelechiavidoro.it | Closed Mondays
La Torre di Gnicche, Piaggia di San Martino
A friendly wine bar and osteria just off Piazza Grande.
Arezzo | +39 0575 352035 | latorredignicche.it | Closed Wednesdays
Coquinarius
This cosy wine bar and restaurant has vaulted ceilings, friendly service, fine Italian fare and a super handy location near the Duomo. Think buttata ravioli with pistachio pesto and tasty antipasti platters.
Florence | +39 055 230 2153 | coquinarius.com
Borgo San Jacopo
Part of the Ferragamo-owned Hotel Lungarno, this sophisticated yet relaxed Michelin-starred restaurant sits right on River Arno. Come for a modern take on Italian culinary traditions, such as spaghetti di patate and pici pasta with wild boar sauce. Combine with pre-dinner drinks at Picteau Lounge Bar, next door.
Florence | +39 055 281661 | lungarnocollection.com/borgo-san-jacopo
Trattoria Ruggero, Via Senese
Just beyond the Boboli Gardens, this is the best place in Florence for ribollita and farinata con cavolo nero (thick kale soup made with polenta flour and intense olive oil). The pappardelle alla lepre (homemade noodles with hare ragù) is not to be missed either.
Florence | +39 055 220542
Trattoria Sostanza, Via del Porcellana
A timeless Tuscan restaurant that feels little changed since 1869, when it opened. Try the gallina
bollita - hen poached in intense stock, served with vibrant salsa verde.
Florence | +39 055 212691
Ristorante Natalino
In central Florence, this 120 year old family-run restaurant updates Tuscan specialities. Their brilliant tortellini dish deconstructs the classic leaves, pear and gorgonzola salad with walnuts, turning it into a pasta dish.
Florence | +39 055 289404 | ristorantenatalino.com
Do & See
Pieve di Gropina
Three churches built on top of each other in the Roman, Lungobarde and Christian periods. The Roman and Lungobarde remains are still underground.
The Paleontological Museum, Via Poggio Bracciolini
Home to around 2,600 Upper Valdarno findings, aged between the upper Pliocene and the lower Pliocene. You’ll be greeted by the enormous tusks of the Mammuthus meridionalis.
+55 981227 | museopaleontologicomontevarchi.it | Open Thurs-Sun
Il Cassero per La Scultura Italiana
Though it may be small, this art museum is worth a visit.
+39 055 910 8274 | ilcasseroperlascultura.it | Open Thursday-Sunday
Siena Duomo
Dating back to the 12th century, the Duomo is one of Italy’s greatest examples of Romanesque Gothic architecture. From August 18th until late October, they take off the carpet that normally covers the marble inlay floor, revealing an incredible narrative that took hundreds of years to create.
Santa Maria della Scala, Siena
Once one of the largest and most famous former hospitals in medieval Italy, it now houses three museums. Its highlight is the upstairs Pellegrinaio (Pilgrim’s Hall), with vivid 15th century frescoes lauding the good works of the hospital and its patrons, painted by Lorenzo Vecchietta, Primao della Quercia and Domenico di Bartolo. The Santa Maria della Scala is also home to the Museo d’Arte per Bambini, aimed at children aged 3-11.
Basilicata di San Francesco Bacci Chapel, Arezzo
Check out frescoes of the Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca – notably the Legend of the
True Cross. Admissions are limited to 30 minute scheduled visits; reservations only.
+39 0575 352727 | pierodellafrancesca-ticketoffice.it/en
Mercato Centrale, Florence
Don’t miss the revamped central market, with its upstairs eateries offering dishes made with ingredients from the food stalls below.
Church of San Giovanni & Watchtower, Galatrona
Part of the Church of San Giovanni, you won’t be able to miss the stone watchtower of Galatrona (localled known as “Il Torrione”). It dominates the whole Valdarno Supriore and most of the ridge of the Chianti Hills, giving spectacular views of the area.
Dievole Natural Path
A fabulous place to walk, run, ride or cycle, the Dievole Natural Path allows you to step back in time. Follow more than 27km of ancient routes which have been restored to provide a hilly playground among the vines and olive groves.
dievole.it
VIiaggi D’Ambra Personal Tours
The team will create a tailormade itinerary based on your interests, whether it’s wine, food, cities, ancient villages or shopping. Your tour can be anything from half a day to 3 days long. Be sure to contact them in advance to make your booking.
viaggidambra.com
Castello di Ama Winery
Serious wine buffs should make the trip to Castello di Ama, one of Chianti’s premier wine producing estates. You could spend the whole day touring the vineyards and cellars, sipping wines in between. They also have a wonderful contemporary art collection on display, with works by such luminaries as Louise Bourgeois and Anish Kapoor.
+39 0577 746031 | castellodiama.com
Cugusi Dairy
If you want to know all about Pecorino cheese, pay a visit to this family run dairy farm. You can see how the cheese is made and taste different varieties along the way.
+39 0578 757558 | caseificiocugusi.it
Cooking Classes
The Italians are known for their fabulous food, so why not learn some authentic recipes and extend
those holiday memories. Giulia can teach you at your villa, providing a hands-on experience. She also has plenty of delicious gluten-free and vegetarian recipes.
en.julskitchen.com
Rapolano Terms Springs - Terme San Giovanni
Enjoy a spa day where the water flows naturally into the pool, at a temperature of 39 degrees from the source. While you’re here, enjoy mud baths, Turkish baths, massages and more.
+39 0577 724039 | termesangiovanni.it/en
Terma di Petriolo Natural Springs
A natural sulphuric water basin along the River Farma, immersed in beautiful woodland - you can relax and swim here free of charge. In the past, these springs were used by many illustrious figures (Medici, popes, cardinals and nobles) but today this area is not very well known. As such, you can enjoy a relaxing dip without the crowds that characterise many of Tuscany’s other thermal springs.
Vinotherapy - Castellare De’ Noveschi
They say the use of fresh grapes, grape seeds and vine leaves in spa treatments helps revive the skin and rolls back the ageing process. One thing is for sure, it’s an indulgent way to pass a few hours, delivering a sense of bliss without fear of a hangover.
+39 0577 746010 | castellaredenoveschi.it
Chianti Sculpture Park
A woodland gallery of sculptures and installations created by artists from around the world. The exhibits are weird, wonderful and thought provoking. This is also the location of La Fornace Art Gallery. In July and August, they have a programme of open air musical evenings in their stone amphitheatre. Located 10km north of Siena; guided tours available.
+39 0577 357151 | chiantisculpturepark.it | Open daily
Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm
A small-scale sustainable goat farm, with some of the finest cashmere in Tuscany. Originally from the USA, owner Nora Kravis has lived here for over 30 years and owns more than 200 goats and 15 dogs. Arrange a visit – Nora loves guests – and browse her shop’s delightful range of cashmere accessories.
+39 0577 738080 | chianticashmere.com
Horse Riding, Poggioli Ranch, Bucine
Have lessons in an indoor arena or go trekking with a qualified instructor.
+39 055 998182
Saltalbero Nature Park
Just east of Siena, this nature park is great for outdoorsy families and young children. There are 7
different treetop courses (for ages 3+), as well as mini golf, football and volleyball courts, forest trekking paths and an animal corner with donkeys, alpacas and horses.
+39 348 5815842 | saltalbero.it | Seasonal opening hours
Go-Karting
If you need a bit of petrol in your life, try this is a fabulous outdoor go-karting track. circuitodisiena.it/noleggio.html
Quad Biking
Crazy Quad Toscana is offers anything from a 1 hour quad biking session to a full day of adventure.
+39 333 591 6457 | crazyquadtoscana.it
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.