Villa Vergola

Our guide to the local secret gems...

Towns & Villages

SIENA
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena feels so frozen in the Middle Ages that, sipping an aperitivo in the Piazza del Campo, you might expect to see a gilded jouster striding across the brick and travertine of the square. Indeed, the Palio di Siena, a chaotic bareback horse race run twice each summer, turns the piazza into a dirt track and the city into something electric and tribal. Local pride is strong here, with each contrada (neighbourhood) having its own flag and mascot. Cars are mostly kept at bay at the edges of the city, so footsteps echoing off stone and the chiming of the Duomo bells set the rhythm of the day.

MONTEPULCIANO
Surrounded by vineyards, this medieval hill top 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.

MONTALCINO
Home to one of Italy’s most famous wines, Brunello di Montalcino, this town sits on the side of a hill overlooking the expansive Val d’Orcia vineyards. Enotecas and cellars line the steep, narrow streets, making it the place to be for unhurried, informal wine tastings. Quiet and uncrowded, with plenty of spots for low-key meals on balmy evenings.

PIENZA
An experiment in itself, Pienza is unusually planned and deliberate for an Italian hilltop town, having been reshaped in the 15th century by Pope Pius II, who wanted to turn his birthplace into the ideal Renaissance town. There are narrow lanes with names like Via dell’Amore (Street of Love) and Via del Bacio (Street of the Kiss), and it sits at the heart of wine and cheese country - making it a perfect choice for a date night.

ORVIETO
Just west of Todi, the glow of this small city is beautiful from every angle. With architecture reminiscent of both Florence and Rome, its exquisite cathedral façade reflects the golden light of sunset like few others in the world. There are lots of shops and bars/restaurants, fabulous delis and wonderful bakeries. Well worth a visit.

AREZZO
To the north west of Perugia, Arezzo is a city rich in art and architecture, yet mostly free of crowds.
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.

LAKE TRASIMENO
At 128 square kilometres, this is Italy’s fourth largest lake and holds three islands within its waters:
Maggiore, Minore and Polvese. A 50km cycle path traces the circumference of the lake, affording
spectacular views along the way. There’s also a long trail network for exploring the surrounding hills,
including several historical town centres, villages and castles. Castiglione del Lago town makes a
great base. Its streets are peppered with restaurants, bars and gelaterias. There’s a good vibe in the
evenings, too.
lagotrasimeno.co.uk

PERUGIA
Unlike Assisi, Perugia is a city first and foremost, not a tourist attraction. English isn’t widely spoken,
prosecco is sipped at alfresco cafés and Fiat 500 drivers – old and new – make spaces out of
nothing on the ancient cobbled streets. The city’s main piazza, home to the dusty rose Palazzo dei
Priori is a good place to start. While you’re there, throw a coin in the 12th century Fontana Maggiore
(The Great Fountain).

Dining & Drinks

La locanda di Vergelle
A one-minute walk from the house, this rustic and authentic local spot offers great food and stunning views over the Val d’Orcia.
Vergelle | http://www.lalocandadivergelle.it/ | +390577834431

Agriristorante Il Pelo nell'uovo
A three-minute drive from the house, this is a charming farm-to-table restaurant offering creative seasonal dishes made from local ingredients in the middle of the balmy countryside.
Vergelle | http://www.ristoranteilpelonelluovo.it/ | +393532087876

Agriturismo Montepinci
Every poduct is made in house - you’ve got to spend an afternoon here. Pure rustic Italian bliss!
Montalcino | +393489365275

Agroturismo Baccoleno
The perfect place from which to watch the sun go down, with an aperitivo and a simple supper.
Baccoleno | http://www.agriturismobaccoleno.it/ | +393386115010

Osteria del Conte
Tucked away from the busier streets, this spot is great for pici pasta, ragù and truffle dishes. There’s a lovely courtyard at the back, perfect for a glass of wine in the evening.
Montepulciano | http://www.osteriadelconte.it/ | +390578756062

Alle Logge di Piazza
Wine bar and kitchen at the heart of Montalcino

Montalcino | https://www.alleloggemontalcino.it/ | +390577846186

La Taverna di Baietto

Montalcino | https://enotecadipiazza.com/la-taverna-di-baietto/ | +390577849566

Osteria di Porta al Cassero

Montalcino | +390577847196

Enoteca Svanen

Just oustide Montalcino | +3905771503256

Sights & Activities

ABBAZIA DI SANT’ANTIMO
A serene Romanesque monastery nestled in the countryside, Abbazia di Sant’Antimo is renowned for its timeless architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and Gregorian chant traditions. Visit the tranquil gardens durin

ABBAZIA DI MONTE OLIVETO MAGGIORE
A striking Benedictine monastery set atop the rolling hills, celebrated for its red-brick architecture, wine cellars, and remarkable Renaissance frescoes.

SAN QUIRICO D’ORCIA
A picturaeque town brimming with great lunch spots, a seventeen-minute drive from the house.

BAGNO VIGNONI
A five-minute drive south of San Quirico D’Orcia is Bagno Vignoni - famed for its natural thermal baths and large central pool which replaces the main piazza. Make sure you visit the Parco dei Mulini.

RAPOLANO TERME & BAGNI SAN FILIPPO
More thermal baths, each a forty-minute drive from the house. Bagni di San Filippo are completely enveloped by the forrest.

CAMPI ELISI
You’ll recognise this spot from the Gladiator - shimmering wheat fields and tall cypress trees.

MONTICCHIELLO
Zig-zag down the cypress-tree lined Viale dei Cipresi en route to Monticchiello for lunch or supper at Ristorante Daria or Osteria da Porta.

TYRRHERNIAN COAST
Of Italy’s western shores, the Tyrrhenian Coast is among the most scenic, stretching past Tuscany and Lazio with a mix of sandy beaches and rugged coves (though popular spots can be busy in peak season). For well-serviced beaches, head towards classic seaside towns like Castiglione della Pescaia or Marina di Grosseto, while those seeking quieter, more untouched stretches can explore further south or hidden inlets along Monte Argentario. For an authentic Italian beach experience, opt for a stabilimento balneare, with rows of umbrellas and sunbeds, where excellent facilities, clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families.

AQUA DOLCE SAILING SCHOOL, MONTE DEL LAGO
Hire sail boats, motorboats, kayaks, and bikes too. Novices can join the sailing school and those who
prefer observing can watch from the lounge bar.
+39 345 046 7983 | acquadolcesailing.it

KITEMANIAK, CASTIGLONE DEL LAGO
Great for kitesurfing and stand up paddle boarding. They welcome ages 12+ and can teach children
to pilot a small kite using fun games on the beach.
+39 348 764 5960 Filippo Covarelli | kitemaniak.it

QUAD BIKING, TUORO SUL TRASIMENO & MAGIONE
Go quad biking on a beach or trail excursion.
umbriainquad.com

SWIMMING AT LAKESIDE BEACHES & PARKS
Castiglione del Lago Beach is a lovely stretch of sand with parasols, sunbeds and safe swimming.
Monte de Lago’s Albaia Beach Bar is a fabulous place to watch the sunset. For lakeside parks, try
the Giardino Pubblico in Castiglione del Lago, the village of Torricella, or the towns of Passignano
sul Trasimeno and Tuoro sul Trasimeno.

MAGGIORE ISLAND
Take one of the regular boats to tiny Isola Maggiore, where there are restaurants and a natural park
- great fun and you can have lunch with a stunning view. Crossings are available from Tuoro sul
Trasimeno, Passignano sul Trasimeno, Castiglione del Lago.

POLVESE ISLAND
The largest island on Lake Trasimeno, Isola Maggiore, is perfect for exploring on foot. Home to a
nature park, a castle and a monastery, you can spend the day exploring before stopping for a picnic
or lunch at one of the two eateries on the island. Crossings are available from San Feliciano.

ETRUSCAN ACADEMY MUSEUM OF CORTONA (MAEC)
Opened in 2005, this museum houses an extensive and remarkable collection of artefacts detailing
the history and achievements of the Etruscans, who resided in this area from 8th to the 3rd century
BC, before being unceremoniously wiped out by the Roman Empire.

CHOCOLATE FACTORY TOUR, PERUGIA
Children can explore the Baci Perugina chocolate factory. Tours are offered in English (and include
tastings!). Reservations are required.
Perugia | +39 075 5276796| perugina.it |Closed Sundays

SIENA DUOMO, SIENA
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, AREZZO
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 Lrenzo 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.

BASILICA DI SAN FRANCESCO BACCI CHAPEL
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.
Arezzo | +39 0575 352 727 | pierodellafrancesca-ticketoffice.it/en

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI BASILICA, PIAZZA DI S. FRANCESCO
The mother church of the Roman Catholic Order of Friars Minor Conventual in Assisi, containing
frescoes by Giotto and others that mark a turning point in the history of Western art.
+39 075 819 001 | sanfrancescoassisi.org/en

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.