{"id":4059,"date":"2024-02-06T12:22:56","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T11:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.albergovillagaia.it\/what-to-do\/"},"modified":"2024-09-13T12:42:06","modified_gmt":"2024-09-13T10:42:06","slug":"what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.albergovillagaia.it\/en\/what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t What to do\t <\/h1> <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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The villages<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Montepulciano<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Montepulciano, a charming medieval town located on top of a hill in the center of southern Tuscany and close to Siena, is an enchanting destination that is not to be missed. This unique village is home to elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, stunning squares, and hidden sights, providing a timeless atmosphere. From its elevated position, it offers an extraordinary panorama that embraces the Val d’Orcia and the Val di Chiana.<\/span> <\/span>The beating heart of the city is Piazza Grande, home to major events such as Il Bravio delle Botti, a barrel-rolling race which takes place annually in August, offering unforgettable moments and much more. Exploring the narrow streets of Montepulciano is the best way to discover its beauty, while also enjoying the spectacle of the vineyards that produce the highly regarded Nobile wine, which dot the entire surrounding countryside.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Pienza<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pienza is a beautiful place that opens up between breathtaking views and gentle undulations of the hills, a picture-postcard setting. Considered the ideal city of the Renaissance, it was founded at the behest of Pope Pius II, a native of these lands who was born to parents from a noble Sienese family. In 1996, it was recognized as a UNESCO site, an extraordinary testimony to Renaissance urban planning standards: the rational arrangement of its spaces and the magnificent perspectives of 16th-century squares and palaces catch the eye of anyone who visits it. <\/span>The result of an ideal of absolute beauty, Pienza remains a diminutive jewel capable of winning the heart at first glance.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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San Quirico D’Orcia<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Exploring the heart of the Val d’Orcia, it’s impossible not to stop at the charming village of San<\/span> Quirico, famous for being home to the most iconic and photographed cypress trees in all of Tuscany. Despite<\/span> Despite its small size, the village has a vibrant vitality in summer, with street parties<\/span> in the square and convivial evenings. Attractions not to be missed include the town’s two medieval churches,<\/span> but above all the charming hamlet of Bagno Vignoni, a renowned spa resort<\/span> distinguished by a thermal pool located in the center of the square. It is a truly<\/span> unique and evocative image.<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Radicofani<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Although access may be more challenging (being located in a particularly elevated area)<\/span>, Radicofani is a charming medieval village that offers the beauty<\/span> of the Val d’Orcia along with views of the Val di Paglia and Lazio, which can be reached<\/span> via the ancient Via Cassia. From this picturesque village you can even see Mount Amiata and<\/span> enjoy the majestic fortress of Ghino di Tacco, the legendary gentleman bandit<\/span> also mentioned by Dante. He kidnapped wealthy travelers and, before releasing them after receiving a<\/span> a ransom, organized sumptuous banquets in their honor, leaving an indelible memory. The center<\/span> of Radicofani is characterized by striking stone buildings, porticoes, courtyards, and arches, which are<\/span> already encountered<\/span> in the pretty little square of San Pietro.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Montalcino<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Montalcino is a delightful village that has maintained its beauty since the 16th century, surrounded by hills and evocative rural landscapes. Within its historic center, you can explore the Rocca built in 1361, offering a magnificent view of the splendid panorama of the Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi. Buildings of interest include the distinctive long narrow tower of the Palazzo dei Priori, overlooking the Piazza del Popolo, along with the Palazzo Vescolvile and the churches of St. Augustine, St. Egidio, and St. Francis.<\/span> Two museums are worth a visit: the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art and the Historical Museum of Bottles and Glass. A short distance from the village, in Castelnuovo dell’Abate stands the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, a place of considerable interest to explore. Montalcino is famous for its Brunello red wine, so a food and wine tour through the cellars of the area and a walk through the shops of the village are a must. You can take a tour of the city’s Friday market to find gastronomic and artisanal products such as ceramics.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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In addition to the two museums in Buonconvento, the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia and the Museum of Mezzadria, the center of this charming village invites a pleasant stroll among the typical red-brick architecture and various picturesque corners perfect for taking evocative photographs. Among these are the Municipal Palace, with its charming brick facade, and the imposing Taja Palace, built entirely of bricks in the second half of the eighteenth century by a noble family. On the south side, the fa\u00e7ade is embellished with a large balcony with a wrought iron railing and a sundial above. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, completely rebuilt, has origins dating back to the early 1100s and now boasts a pretty red brick fa\u00e7ade. It is the same building in which Emperor Henry VII died on August 24, 1313, while trying to mediate peace between the Guelf and Ghibelline factions.<\/span> Inside, several works of art, including one by Duccio di Buoninsegna, are exhibited in the Museum of Sacred Art, a short distance from the church.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Sarteano<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Sarteano is a must-visit destination for those who want to immerse themselves in Italian history, art, and culture. This ancient village, located in the green hills between the Val d’Orcia and the Val di Chiana, offers visitors a dive into the past, with its magnificent castle that towers over the city and the narrow medieval streets that beckon visitors to explore times of yore. Sarteano is famous not only for its rich historical heritage \u2014 the centerpiece of which is the civic archeological museum dedicated to Etruscan art \u2014 but also for its culinary traditions, with dishes that tell the story of a fertile, sun-kissed land. Here, nature lovers can enjoy landscapes that are perfect for hiking or cycling, while art enthusiasts can admire priceless frescoes and works of art scattered throughout the village.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Cetona<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This medieval village, surrounded by hills and lush olive groves, is a perfect destination for those seeking an experience far from the hustle and bustle of major tourist destinations.
Stroll through its cobblestone streets, admire the ancient stone houses, and let yourself be enchanted by the views of the Tuscan countryside. Cetona is famous for its warm hospitality, its restaurants offering typical local dishes, and the wine cellars where you can taste some of the region’s best wines. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Civic Museum of the Prehistory of Mount Cetona, a unique jewel that retraces the various settlement periods of the territory surrounding Monte Cetona, from the Paleolithic to the end of the Bronze Age. The Museum is closely connected to the Belverde Archeological\u2013Natural Park: The area features a union of historical, archaeological, and natural elements showing scant evidence of human activity. It is a sort of oasis that, along with the Belverde Archeodrome \u2013 with its settings, structures, and artifacts \u2013 provides a superb record of the territory’s two prehistoric periods.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Monticchiello<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Walking through the narrow medieval streets of Monticchiello, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of ancient stone buildings, silent witnesses to centuries of history. Every corner tells a story; every stone is a reminder of the past. The village is also famous for its “Teatro Povero” (“The Poor Theatre”), a tradition in which locals become the stars of theatrical shows that tell the story of life in the community and its traditions, providing visitors with an authentic\u00a0and engaging cultural experience. Don’t forget to visit the Parish Church of Saints Leonard and Christopher (Pieve dei Santi Leonardo e Cristoforo), an architectural jewel that houses priceless important works of art and frescoes, and to enjoy a tasting of typical local products, such as extra virgin olive oil and fine wines, which make the cuisine of Monticchiello a veritable culinary treasure. Monticchiello is the ideal destination both for those who love nature, history, and art, and for those who are just seeking peace and tranquility.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Chiusi<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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From the Etruscan civilizations, through the Roman Empire, until the Middle Ages: you can literally travel through time in Chiusi. A visit to the National Etruscan Archaeological Museum and the necropolis is essential, where you can discover unique artifacts that bear witness to the grandeur of these civilizations. After nourishing your mind, let nature enchant you: the hills that surround Chiusi offer postcard-worthy scenery, perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, perhaps as far as the captivating Lake Chiusi, the second-largest lake in Tuscany. It includes a WWF Oasis in its southernmost section. This area is the most interesting in terms of nature, due to the presence of a shallow-water area with abundant aquatic plants, and a hygrophilous forest with willows and poplars, but above all for its avifauna, including one of the largest colonies of herons in central Italy as well as several other migratory species.
To fully immerse yourself in local traditions, treat yourself to typical Tuscan dishes in one of the village’s cozy trattorias. Chiusi is a treasure just waiting to be explored.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Cortona<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Perched on the Tuscan hills, Cortona offers a unique fusion of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by Etruscan walls, this ancient village is a true paradise for explorers who wish to immerse themselves in centuries of history while enjoying the surrounding natural wonders. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a wealth of art and architecture that narrates the tales of bygone eras. The Basilica of Santa Margherita, located at the top of the hill, and the Diocesan Museum, with its works of sacred art, are just some of the local attractions. Cortona is also an enchanting showcase of Tuscan cuisine, with its hidden trattorias and restaurants serving traditional dishes in charming settings. Wine lovers will be keen to explore the local wine cellars with tours and tastings. For adventurers, the surrounding hills and valleys offer hiking trails with scenic views of Tuscan landscapes, a perfect setting for those who love photography or simply want to connect with nature.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Trails, Trekking, Hiking<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Trekking and hiking in our area is a fascinating journey through the green hearts of Tuscany and Umbria, where the experience of trekking blends with millennia-old history, tradition, and beauty.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Lake Trasimeno is definitely a great place for a short walk that’s not too strenuous. It’s a lake that’s extremely deep, with three islets and ten villages. We suggest visiting two: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno. The evocative village of Castiglione del Lago, overlooking the shores of the lake, contains centuries of history and culture. . Its cobbled streets and welcoming squares invite you to get lost in the alleys, breathing in the medieval atmosphere that still pervades this place. A visit to the majestic Castello del Leone, with its imposing walls, offers a spectacular view of the placid waters of Trasimeno. Passignano sul Trasimeno, another gem not to be missed, enchants visitors with its picturesque lakefront and panoramic view. The village retains its authentic charm, with colorful houses that are reflected in the calm waters of the lake. A tour of the historic center reveals artisan shops, cozy trattorias, and evocative corners, transporting visitors on a journey into the past.<\/p>\n\t <\/div> <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t

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