11 days
This trip may be booked as a vacation package or as a privately-guided tour.
Another option:
You may also request that any portion of this trip be guided and do the rest on your own. For example, some guests want to be completely on their own in Florence and Le Cinque Terre, but prefer to have transportation and a private tour for the Chianti portion of the visit (5 days) with private transport back to the airport at the end of the trip. Just let us know.
Days 1, 2, and 3 – FLORENCE
You will fly directly into the Florence airport with private transportation service from the airport to your 4-star hotel, where you will remain for 3 nights.
Sights to see in Florence:
• The Uffizzi Museum
• The Galleria (Michelangelo’s david)
• Duomo, Campanile, Battistero
• Bargello Museum – a former prison where executions took place reformed into a museum that holds, amongst other important works, the David by Donatello and Bacco (the god of wine) by Michelangelo.
• Orsanmichele – the garden of lost time, this used to be a market and was transformed into a church.
• Piazza della Signoria
• San Lorenzo church – several works by Michelangelo are housed inside
• Santa Trinity church – artwork telling the story of St. Francis of Assisi
• Ponte Vecchio
• Palazzo Pitti – this is the Medici palace in which you can view the art collection as well as the rooms of the house
• Boboli Gardens – the Medici gardens which contain an anfiteatro and other notable works.
Day 4 – LE CINQUE TERRE (with a stop in PISA or LUCA on request)
Bed & Breakfast ccommodations for 3 nights:
Days 5, 6 – LE CINQUE TERRE
Le Cinque Terre means ‘the five lands’ and is called so because they are 5 towns, all connected by walking paths (they are also connected by train and by ferry).
Paths completion times:
Riomaggiore – Manarola: 1,0 km. Completion time: 25 min.
Manarola – Corniglia: 2,8 km. Completion time: h 1,00.
Corniglia – Vernazza: 3,4 km. Completion time: h 1,45.
Vernazza – Monterosso: 3,8 km. Completion time: h 2,00.
Recommended itineraries for exploring the 5 lands:
One – go from Vernazza to Manarola on foot, starting off in the morning (wear your suit under your clothes in case you want to swim), and bring both a hat to block the sun and a jacket for your return by ferry or train. Take your time going from town to town, jump in for a swim when you get hot, shop when you’re inspired, and lunch before heading back.
Two – go from Vernazza to Monterosso and plan on staying the entire day; bring a beach towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothes. (You may also want to bring a change of clothes for the evening.)
Three – just hang out and be on vacation in Vernazza or Monterosso for the day, or, if you’re feeling more energetic, take a day trip to either Parma (30mins) or to Portovenere (60mins).
Day 7 – CHIANTI
Drive to the Chianti region, stopping at the Verazzano Castle to visit the wine cellar and do some wine tasting with a four-course gourmet lunch! (Giovanni Verazzano was a wealthy adventurer who sailed upon Brooklyn, amongst other places, and it is after him that the Verazzano Bridge is named.)
We will also stop at a private vineyard for more wine tasting along the way, before arriving at your villa accommodation.
Accommodations for 4 nights at a Villa in the countryside:
Day 8 – CASTELLINA in CHIANTI (daytrip)
With under 3,000 inhabitants, Castellina in Chianti is a quaint and absolutely lovely town nestled in the wine country of of Tuscany. With incredible views, intimate piazzas and some wonderful restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, Castellina makes a perfect base for a holiday in Tuscany and your villa is right nearby!
More so than some of the other towns in the region, Castellina seems to have more going on, in terms of night life and festivities. There are some quaint lounges and fun locals, making it an ideal place to enjoy a typical Italian “aperitivo” before the dinner hour. Some well known Tuscan artisans and artists display their work here regularly.
The town may have been inhabited before the area was dominated by the Etruscans, but most historians place its founding to as early as the 7th century BC. At Mount Calvario outside the town on the road to Florence, there is an Etruscan burial vault about 53 meters in diameter that testifies to these ancient origins. In the early 15th century, a formidable and severely architected castle or fort, La Rocca, was built along with defensive walls containing well-spaced towers.
Of interest in and near Castellina in Chianti:
• Rocca Comunale – 15th century – the town hall and museum with an impressive atrium, once the Captain’s Hall. Ascend to the top floor for a spectacular view of the town and surrounding landscape.
• Via delle Volte – an impressively arched passageway along the eastern walls. Originally open, it is now a vaulted “tunnel” formed when various structures were built above.
• Palazzo Ugolini - formerly Palazzo Squarcialupi – its wide facade, featuring three ashlar doors, bears the coat of arms of the Ugolini. Note the eight arched windows on the primo piano – the first floor above the main floor.
• Palazzo Biancardi – three stories with two tiers of sandstone framed windows. Above the entrance is the Medici coat-of-arms of Pope Leo X (Giovanni de Medici, son of Lorenzo il Magnifico and pope from 1513 to 1521) who stayed here when passing through in 1513.
• Chiesa San Salvatore – 16th century – neo Romanesque – mostly destroyed in WWII, but rebuilt. Contains a staccato fresco of the Madonna attributed to Bicci di Lorenzo and a wooden statue of San Barnabas, the town’s one-time patron saint. The present patron saint is San Faustus, and the church has a gold urn purportedly containing his remains. Other objects include works from the 15th, 16th and 17th century. The massive organ dates only to 1965.
Oh yes, and wine tasting of course!
Day 9 – SIENA (daytrip)
Siena is a small city divided into three neighborhoods and offers everything a city has to offer from art galleries and museums to churches and towers to bustling cafés, restaurants and bars – all worth seeing and doing. However, if you are to only spend one afternoon in Siena, Marena recommends seeking out what Siena does the best: arts and crafts.
During the Middle Ages creating the colors that we now take for granted required considerable expense and ingenuity. Blue was obtained by grinding down lapis lazuli, white was based on animal bone meal, and red, known as dragon’s blood, was made from the resin of a special palm tree. Siena and the surrounding area is a treasure-trove of art and traditional crafts. A wander through the city streets reveals myriad workshops that are still abuzz with creative energy: weaving, pottery, wrought iron work, leather goods, stone carving and other activities that make use of techniques handed down from one generation to the next. So after marveling at the tower that shadows over the main piazza, take every ‘viccolo’ (backstreet) you come upon and watch the artisans at work.
Day 10 – SAN GIMGNANO (daytrip)
San Gimignano rises on a hillside dominating the Elsa Valley with its skyline of towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began as a 10th century village taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved it from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the “Via Francigena” the trading and pilgrim’s route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries.
So why all the skyscrapers? Although dominated by the Bishop, control often changed hands with that of the Holy Roman Empire. To maintain control, the Bishop offered a tax break to the town for erecting yet a second set of walls to keep it protected from outside control. The tower-building became an intense competition, and a local ordinance had to be passed to prohibit the building of any tower higher than the 50 meter (165 ft) high city hall, known as the Rognosa. Seventy two such towers were built, of which only 14 remain standing today.
But one doesn’t visit San Gimgnano just to see the skyline; the town is one of the most well-maintained in all of Tuscany, with pristine streets, and its duomo without barely an inch of wall that’s not covered with important frescoes. It is also known for Saffron and for its Vernaccia wine.
We will also stop at a very special and entertaining vineyard and cantina for wine tasting with a yummy selection of meats and cheeses to accompany the many wines you will be offered!
Four-course farewell dinner at your villa!
Day 11 – Arrivederci! Transport to airport.
Price: varies depending on vacation package, fully guided or partially guided, and number of guests (with 6 guests: from euro 2690 to euro 3460)
Included on a fully-guided private tour:
• airport pick-up and drop-off in Florence in private mini-van with A/C, snacks and spirits!
• 10 nights accommodation 4-star
• daily guided tours explaining the art and history along the way
• all tickets and entrance fees
• wine tasting and honey tasting
• full-course welcome meal
• ‘un bel divertamento’ (lots of fun!)
• special Marena treats!
• A True Italian Experience
Included on a complete vacation package:
• airport pick-up/drop off in private vehicle (if you don’t rent)
• 10 nights accommodations 4 star
Not included:
• airline ticket (but Marena will help you to find a good ticket)
• meals not mentioned above
• gratuities
• insurance (see website for insurance link)
BIKE TOUR in wine country available! Please inquire.
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Five fabulous reasons to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Orvieto:
1. Umbria Jazz Winter Festival
Jazz concerts with famous artists take place in historical places in Orvieto! Two tickets per person included in your trip package (Send a note below if you are interested to receive the listing of all concerts so that you can choose your concerts). New Year’s Eve dinner and jazz show with champagne toast included in your packet as well!
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2. The Annual Nativity Scene in an ancient Etruscan Cave and Well
If you think the wax museum in New York makes you feel like your amongst the Hollywood stars, wait until you see this! You needn’t be religious to appreciate the ‘life’ that these artists give to all the characters of the Nativity, creating a very real setting in nature. And, to top it off you’re in a sacred well, used not only by the Etruscans (the very first people known to dwell in that part of Umbria) but again in the 1500s by the order of Pope Clement VII. Tickets included in your packet.
3. Orvieto is fabulous, with lots to do:
| The Duomo |
The Underground City
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Wine and Food |
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4. A lovely villa stay.
5. A great price.
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Vacation Package: Venice
A long weekend (3 nights): euro
A week (6 nights): euro
Arrive in the Venice airport for ferry taxi service directly to your hotel.
VENICE
Your 4-star hotel is conveniently located on the canal, boasting a spectacular view. Your accommodation offers a lovely breakfast buffet right on the canal.
Things to do and see while your staying in Venice:
MURANO (glass island)
Murano is the Venetian island of the famous Murano-blown glass. A private boat will take you to visit one of the most famous of the glassmakers for a tour to see how the glass is made and for shopping, naturally. This factory can make whatever you’d like. For example you may like one style of a chandelier or wine glass, but the color of another – tutto bene (all is ok) because you can order exactly what you’d like and they will ship it to you.
BURANO (lace island of colored houses)
Burano is the Venetian island famous for both its handmade, intricately designed lace and for its darling candy-colored houses. Bring your cameras and stay for lunch.
VENICE – Sites to explore on the main island include:
• the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal
• the Basilica of San Marco and Roge’s Palace in San Marco’s Square
• the Peggy Guggenheim gallery for modern art
• the Accademia gallery for 14c to18c Venetian art
But the best part about Venice is simply wandering around and letting yourself get lost strolling over the many little bridges and canal ways – don’t worry about getting lost (it’s part of the fun) because there is a ferry stop right next to your hotel, so when you are ready to go back just hop on ferry it will take you right ‘home’.
Organize with your hotel to have your boat taxi ready to take you to the Venice airport. Arrivederci!
or visit Venice after taking a tour of the surrounding area:
Friuli Venezia Giulia plus Venice!
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Your villa (photo above) is in the region of Molise (just south of Abruzzo). It is surrounded by greenery and vineyards and is just 15 minutes by car to the Adriatic Sea! The villa restaurant uses all of their own homegrown products or those of neighboring farmers. Your stay includes breakfast.
You can request lunch and or dinner at your villa on a daily basis (try to let them know the night before or at the latest in the morning so that they can gather your fresh products and begin preparations. You can choose from the following:
• complete menu (antipasto, first course of pasta, second course of meat, dessert) for 25 euro
• ½ menu (antipasto and either a first course or a second course with dessert for 20 euro)
• antipasto only for 10 euro.
Gestures will be useful. The owners are very kind and authentically country people with limited English.
NEARBY SITES AND THINGS TO DO:
‘Lido’ or beaches on the Adriatic with full beach service and lounge chairs, Italian style!
Tremiti Islands (of Puglia) are breathtakingly beautiful, natural islands that you can reach by ferry from a town called Termoli, just 20 minutes from your villa. They are well visited but remain without the commercialism and confusion of major tourist islands. Once you get to the main island, you can hire a local boatman at the main dock to take you to the other islands to explore.
Vasto is a must see and must do town. Once called Histonium when it was a part of the Roman Empire and a very elegant and powerful city, Vasto is a historical small city resting above the sea with incredible views. One can
visit the ancient roman baths, a castle, and a palace which now houses both the archeological and historical museum of the Frentani tribe as well as modern art. I can arrange a private tour for you in English, which is really well worth the time. Vasto is also famous for its seafood dishes, in particular a fish stew called Brodetto di Pesce. There is a lovely wine bar under the castle and a fabulous restaurant near the old tower (torre bassano). Most of all there is a lovely walkway called Loggia Amblingh that is lined with little caffés and restaurants and boasts the spectacular view that made Vasto popular with the Romans years ago.
Cost with airport transport: 10 nights:$1,400 / 20nights:$2,300
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This trip is 6 days of a guided tour in Friuli Giulia Venezia followed by 4 days of either:
a vacation package in Venice
OR
a Wine Tasting tour/holiday in Dolegna del Collio wine country!
With mostly flat land and cycling paths, this trip can be an excellent BIKE TOUR!
Itinerary
Day 1: GRADO ISLAND
Airport pick-up and transport to accommodation in the historical town center of Grado, an Island resort town with a lovely port, white sandy beaches, and thermal bath spas. While your bags are being arranged in your rooms, we will briefly tour the island and finish with a complimentary welcome lunch. In the evening you will be free to rest up, to explore and to dine on your own.
Grado is a town in the north-eastern Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, located on a peninsula of the Adriatic Sea between Venice and Trieste. Commonly known as L’isola del Sole (“The Sunny Island”) this town, once a fishing center and now a popular tourist destination, is famous not only for its spas, but also because it is located in the center of a lagoon of uncontaminated nature.
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.Day 2: CASTELLO del MIRAMARE and TRIESTE
The day will begin with a visit to the Castle of Miramare where Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg (later to become Emperor of Mexico) lived in the mid- to late- 1800s. The castle was designed by the Archduke himself to ‘feel’ like a ship; and the fact that it sits right on the Adriatic sea helps it to achieve its goal in all its splendor. The interior furniture and decorations are genuine period pieces. The extensive park is located on the seashore and was also designed by the Archduke. (a 2 hr ferry ride is also available from Grado Island to the Trieste port)
From the castle you can see Trieste where we will stop next (just minutes away).
Trieste is a port town featuring an immense piazza (town square) which looks out onto the sea and is the main attraction of the town. Why go to Trieste? For its Roman theatre? Because it was popular with the famous writers Italo Svevo, Vladamir Bartol, and James Joyce? No, silly. One goes to Trieste for the coffee, of course. Even if you don’t like coffee, it is to try and delight in here in Trieste where the coffee itself can serve as your dessert!
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Bikers: Grado to Trieste port – 2 hrs in ferry, then from port to Trieste – 15 mins
Trieste to Miramare Castle – 8.5kms / 35 mins
Day 3: AQUILEIA
The small and quiet but well known village of Aquileia lies in the plain of Friuli not far from the lagoon of Grado. It is surrounded by the greenery of the countryside which is reflected in the clear waters of the river Natissa. On its western bank, in 2nd century AD, the Romans built the town-fortress that became one of the most famous towns of the Empire, not only for its military, prowess and its economic wealth, but also for its cultural and spiritual magnificence. The archaeological remains easily found every where, bear witness of its illustrious past. The Roman forum was the lively centre of city life with its offices, temples, shops, porches and monuments. In the heart of the town the medieval Basilica, with its severe Romanesque – Gothic lines, next to a more modern steeple, in which the oldest and most illustrious memoirs of the Christian religion are preserved. Inside the medieval church you can admire the medieval mosaic floor which replicates exactly that of the Romans who had their church in the same place centuries before (the original Roman floor can be seen underneath the medieval church)! The town also has a pasticeria (pastry shop) which is out of this world – a stop for coffee and sweets is a must! Aquileia is also accessible by a bicycle path.
Bikers: Grado to Aquileia – 12 kms / 49 mins
Day 4: PALMANOVA (day of choice: biking or shopping or sipping wine with the locals)
This star-shaped town was constructed by Napolean during the war and served as a hideaway for his military camp (still today, some military bases remain in the outskirts of the town); it was a hideaway because the town can not be seen from outside of its walls as it sits low with much greenery all the way around. For this reason a walk or a bike ride around the town is quite pleasant for s/he who would like to take the 35-minute spin around. However the town is perhaps most famous for the locals (mostly elderly) who sip wine at the many wine bars all around the town and for its grand piazza in the center of the star which always remains empty because everyone is at the surrounding bars – they are happy if you join them! Just outside the town are the Italian outlet shops that we can stop at as well (I will poll the group to see who’s interested). We will finish with a lovely dinner also just outside of town where you can try the famous Friulian Frico (Frico is a mashed-potato pan cake surrounded by an outer layer of crisp, pan-fried Montasio cheese)…mmmmmmm…. And where you can drink the wine of the restaurant’s very own winery! (You can order wine tastings with your dinner as well!)
Bikers: Grado to Palmanova – 28 kms / 2 hrs – Beginners and holiday goers may opt for the private transport to Palmanova and you can pick up your bike rental in Palmanova and take a spin around the ’star’!
Day 5: GRADO – Isola di Barbana
The Isola di Barbana is the small island with a church on it that you will doubtless have seen across the lagoon. The church – a Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna – is a popular pilgrimage destination. Once a year, on the first Sunday in July, there is a religous festival on the lagoon when a procession of decorated boats heads across to the Isola di Barbana for a mass to celebrate Grado’s relief from a thirteenth-century outbreak of plague. The event is called the Perdon de Barbana.
In the morning we will take a boat ride to a sanctuary and then I will leave you on your own to enjoy your last day in this island town – Grado is just too lovely to not spend a full day either on the lido (beach) or strolling around town. Your beach chairs are included in your accommodation so you can relax Italian style! We will meet in the evening for your complimentary farewell dinner!
Days 6 – 10:
Option – Venice
Option – Dolegna del Collio – wine tasting (bike tour available)
OPTION VENICE
Day 6: VENICE transport to the ferry taxi
After a leisurely breakfast we will depart for Venice at around 10:30am. We will put you on your ferry that will take you directly to the canal entrance of your hotel in Venice where you will be greeted and well cared for at a 4-star canal-side hotel with Venetian glass chandeliers and a huge breakfast buffet right on the canal.
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Day 7: MURANO (glass island) – recommended
I will arrange with your hotel to take you to MURANO in the morning. Please let me know on day 6 if you plan to go. Murano is the Venetian island of the famous Murano-blown glass. A private boat will take you to visit one of the most famous of the glassmakers for a tour to see how the glass is made and for shopping, naturally. This factory can make whatever you’d like. For example you may like one style of a chandelier or wine glass, but the color of another – tutto bene (all is ok) because you can order exactly what you’d like and they will ship it to you.
Day 8: BURANO (lace island of colored houses) – recommended
I will arrange with your hotel to take you to BURANO in the morning. Please let me know on day 6 if you plan to go. Burano is the Venetian island famous for both its handmade, intricately designed lace and for its darling candy-colored houses. Bring your cameras and stay for lunch.
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Day 9: VENICE – enjoy your last day roaming around Venice. If you didn’t already see them on your first three days, sites to explore include: the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal, the Basilica of San Marco and Roge’s Palace in San Marco’s Square, the Peggy Guggenheim gallery for modern art and the Accademia gallery for 14c to18c Venetian art. But the best part about Venice is simply wandering around and letting yourself get lost strolling over the many little bridges and canal ways – don’t worry about getting lost (it’s part of the fun) because there is a ferry stop right next to your hotel, so when you are ready to go back just hop on ferry it will take you right ‘home’.
Day 10: Departure. Your hotel will have your boat taxi ready to take you to the Venice airport. Arrivederci!
OR
OPTION DOLEGNA DEL COLLIO – WINE TASTING
(with BIKE TOUR on request)
For the next few days, your home base will be at a villa in Dolegna del Collio, with daily excursions from here. On our way from Grado, we will stop at Udine before settling in Collio (bikers will stay overnight in Collio before settling in Collio).
Day 6: UDINE
Udine is the historical capital of Friuli and it is where the Far East Film Festival takes place every April. It also has a university and so it is quite active with lots to see and do. In the principal square (Piazza della Libertà) stands the town hall (Loggia del Lionello) built in 1448-1457 in the Venetian-Gothic style opposite a clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio) resembling that of the Piazza San Marco at Venice. And like St. Mark’s Square in Venice, it is a fun place to just hang out and people watch while enjoying something to drink. The center of Udine is dominated by the Castle, built by the Venetians from 1517 over a Lombard fortification that had been ruined by an earthquake in 1511. The castle houses one of the most ancient Parliament Halls of Europe, and it hosts different events throughout the year.
Bikers: from Grado to Udine – 48kms / 3.5 hrs – Beginners and holiday goers are recommended to arrive in our private van and rent a new bike when we arrive in wine country this same day. Serious bikers will stay overnight in Udine and take off for Collio in the morning! (24kms / 1.4 hrs)
Day 7: DOLEGNA DEL COLLIO (wine country)
Collio is the wine country of Friuli Giulia Venezia and it wins hands down for the most aromatic wines in all of Italy. It is most famous for the white wine called Friuliano (formerly called Tocai), but it also has some of my very favorite reds such as Refosco and Schioppettino, literally bursting with flavors that truly delight the palate! If the wines don’t interest you, intoxicate yourself instead with the views of the beautiful countryside and rolling hills of vineyards with the Alps in the background – it’s really a lovely drive!
Day 8: CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI
This little town is bursting with splendor, antiquity, history, and charm. A visit may include: an 18th century palace, a 12th century castle, a underground Roman prison, and the mysterious Devil’s bridge.
Bikers: from Collio – 8.5kms / 37 mins
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Day 9 GORIZIA
On your last day, walk, bike, or have private transport around the wine country with wine tasting in a few select vineyards.
In the afternoon we will take the private transport to Gorizia where we will enjoy a brief visit and a special farewell meal and wine tasting right in the castle!
Bikers: from Collio – 22kms / 1.35 hrs – Beginners and holiday goers will arrive in our pirvate transport. Serious bikers will stay overnight in Gorzia and depart for the airport from here.
Day 10: Private transport to the airport. Arrivederci! which means: to see you again! Smiles.
Prices
- with Venice: euro 2920 per person based on double occupancy
- with Wine Country (guided): euro 2920 per person based on double occupancy
Included:
• airport pick-up and drop-off in Venice airport (or Milan) in private mini-van with A/C, snacks and spirits!
• 9 nights accommodation
• daily guided tours explaining the art and history along the way
• all tickets and entrance fees
• boat ride in Grado
• boat ride to Capri
• 2 full-course meals (welcome and goodbye)
• ‘un bel divertamento’ (lots of fun!)
• special Marena treats!
• A True Italian Experience
Not included:
• airline ticket (but Marena will help you to find a good ticket)
• meals not mentioned above
• gratuities
• insurance (see website for insurance link)
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Older Entries
Drive to the Chianti region, stopping at the Verazzano Castle to visit the wine cellar and do some wine tasting with a four-course gourmet lunch! (Giovanni Verazzano was a wealthy adventurer who sailed upon Brooklyn, amongst other places, and it is after him that the Verazzano Bridge is named.)
With under 3,000 inhabitants, Castellina in Chianti is a quaint and absolutely lovely town nestled in the wine country of of Tuscany. With incredible views, intimate piazzas and some wonderful restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, Castellina makes a perfect base for a holiday in Tuscany and your villa is right nearby!
Siena is a small city divided into three neighborhoods and offers everything a city has to offer from art galleries and museums to churches and towers to bustling cafés, restaurants and bars – all worth seeing and doing. However, if you are to only spend one afternoon in Siena, Marena recommends seeking out what Siena does the best: arts and crafts.
San Gimignano rises on a hillside dominating the Elsa Valley with its skyline of towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began as a 10th century village taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved it from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the “Via Francigena” the trading and pilgrim’s route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries.
