The wonderful gardens in Tuscany

Nestled precisely between the renowned cities of Florence and Lucca, each just 40 km away, lies the charming city of Pistoia. Despite its historical significance and architectural beauty, Pistoia often remains an undiscovered gem for first-time visitors to Tuscany. We invite you to explore this city, once a robust ally of Pisa and Siena, and now a treasure trove of cultural experiences. From the vibrant Pistoia Blues Festival to the traditional Giostra dell’Orso, Pistoia offers a rich tapestry of events. Spend a delightful half-day exploring the city's historic center, visiting the Cathedral of San Zeno, the Baptistery, the Ospedale del Ceppo, Pistoia Sotterranea, the Piazza della Sala, and the Marino Marini Museum. Nestled in the Collodi Hills is the Historic Garzoni Garden, a national monument since 1912. This baroque garden, a testament to Enlightenment culture, is home to a diverse array of plants, flowers, and allegorical statues. The garden's Butterfly House, a favorite among children, houses equatorial and tropical varieties in a crystal building that blends seamlessly with the surrounding monument. The garden is managed by the Carlo Collodi National Foundation, known worldwide for its cultural initiatives for children through Pinocchio. We believe Pistoia, with its rich history and vibrant culture, will be a delightful addition to your Tuscan itinerary.

Once you've enjoyed your breakfast at the hotel, we invite you to explore the stunning city of Florence, often referred to as the Cradle of Renaissance. This is where Italian art, with the help of Michelangelo, reached its zenith. You'll be captivated by the numerous monuments, churches, and buildings such as the Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as the Duomo. Its impressive dome, constructed by Filippo Brunelleschi, and the 'Campanile', a tower partially designed by Giotto, are sights to behold. Don't miss the Baptistery with its bronze doors, which Michelangelo likened to the 'Gates of Paradise'. In the city's heart, you'll find Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Spend your afternoon wandering the charming cobblestone streets of Florence.

For us, there's nothing quite like a leisurely stroll through the avenues and terraces of the Boboli Gardens. Along the main axis, you'll find avenues, hedges, terraces adorned with statues and fountains, making Boboli a true open-air museum. There are also several significant buildings within the gardens. One of the first structures you'll encounter is the amphitheatre, inaugurated in 1637. It originally housed the Ocean Fountain, moved in the 17th century to the Isolotto for theatrical performances. Today, an exquisite Egyptian obelisk, introduced to the gardens by Grand Duke Peter Leopold, along with a massive gray granite basin from the Roman era, dominates the amphitheater. The waters that irrigate the Garden are held in the Neptune Basin, created in 1777, which is home to the Fountain of Neptune, affectionately known as the 'Fork Fountain' by the locals.

Welcome to Lucca, a city renowned for its hundred churches and stunning medieval walls. As you stroll through one of the seven gates leading to the historic center, you'll be greeted by the charm of the 'Amphitheater' marketplace, a testament to the city's Roman roots. Don't miss the San Michele Square, home to the Church of San Michele in Foro and Palazzo Pretorio. Your journey will end with a restful night in either Siena or Asciano.

In the heart of Lucca province, you'll find the grand Villa Reale di Marlia, a masterpiece largely credited to Elisa Baciocchi Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister. This villa has welcomed many distinguished guests, including violinist Paganini, American artist John Singer Sargent, and European royalty. The villa's park spans 16 hectares, showcasing two distinct architectural periods of Lucca's villas. One part of the park maintains its original seventeenth-century design with hedges, flower beds, and towering trees. The other part, designed in the style of an English landscape garden, features winding paths, scenic viewpoints, and shady groves. The park's rich tree heritage includes abies, quercus palustris, pines, holm oaks, and plane trees. The meadows, adorned with small undergrowth shrubs, create a unique landscape around the Bishop's villa that changes with the time of day and season. The park of Villa Reale di Marlia is particularly famous for its collection of camellias, considered among the most beautiful in the Lucca area.

Embark on a memorable journey to the Siena region, with a must-see stop at the Brolio Castle, nestled near San Regolo, within the Gaiole in Chianti municipality, in the province of Siena. The castle reopened its doors for the season on March 18th, offering a variety of tours complemented by tastings. The highlight of these tours is undoubtedly the tasting session, where you can familiarize yourself with the Ricasoli wines and experience the unique Sangiovese di Brolio grape variety in its various forms. The Brolio Castle's history traces back to the Early Middle Ages, when the Ricasoli family acquired it through a land exchange documented as early as 1141. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Castle's gardens between 10:00 and 18:00, which includes a glass of wine from the castle's cellar. (Please note, the Castle itself is not open for tours as it is the residence of Baron Ricasoli.) Next, explore the stunning city of Siena. The city's historic center is uniquely arranged in a three-star formation around the Palazzo Pubblico and its Torre del Mangia, standing 88m high. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the renowned Piazza del Campo.

Perched atop a hill, Pienza offers a panoramic view of the entire Orcia valley, a sight that will take your breath away. This enchanting village is renowned as the 'ideal' city of the Renaissance, a masterpiece crafted by the eminent humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II. Pienza is also famous for its delectable cheese, made from sheep's milk, a local favorite that is truly delightful. The village is dotted with quaint shops offering a variety of 'pecorin cheese', each with its unique seasoning. You can savor these along with other local delicacies such as exquisite wines, spices, Pici pasta, honey, and more. In Pienza, we recommend a visit to the Palazzo Piccolomini. This splendid palace, designed around a courtyard, boasts a stunning hanging garden that overlooks the Val d'Orcia and Mount Amiata. The garden, divided into four flower beds enclosed by double box hedges and laurel trees, features a central fountain. It is a perfect blend of art and nature, a concept cherished by humanistic thought, of which Pope Pius II was a distinguished interpreter and protagonist. The garden is bordered by an ivy-covered wall with three windows. Looking out, you'll be captivated by the surrounding landscape, a vista that appears to have been crafted by a master painter.

Join us on a journey to the charming town of Cortona. Nestled on a hillside, the Piazza della Repubblica is encircled by beautifully preserved walls. The east side of the square is graced by the Palazzo del Popolo, a 14th-century marvel that was reconstructed in 1514. The west side is dominated by the grand Palazzo Comunale, a structure dating back to 1241, featuring a battlemented clock tower from 1509 and a 16th-century staircase. Adjacent to the Town Hall, you'll find the Piazza Signorelli, home to the Palazzo Pretorio. This building, adorned with the coats of arms of former podestàs, now hosts the Accademia Etrusca and the Museum of Etruscan Antiquities. Piazza Garibaldi offers a panoramic view of the Val di Chiana, Lake Trasimeno, and Montepulciano, with an obelisk dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi at its heart. Take a moment here to soak in the stunning vista. Close to Cortona, in Valdichiana, the grand park-garden of Villa Tommasi Aliotti invites you for leisurely strolls among caves, fountains, wells, and sculptures. The park is a treasure trove of rare tall trees such as firs, horse chestnuts, hackberries, pines, holm oaks, sequoias, yew trees and elms, interspersed with statues and rustic artefacts. The villa, a 16th-century edifice, was transformed into an aristocratic residence in the mid-18th century, complete with a formal garden. The entrance aligns with a tree-lined driveway that culminates in a large oval pool, likely from the 19th century. The Gothic-style lemon house on one side of the villa also hails from this era. Behind the building, a ring of holm-oaks extends to the northern boundary wall, dividing the area into a park to the west and farmland to the east. The park surrounding the villa is home to a variety of rare tall trees, among which stand various statues and outbuildings.

Discover Arezzo, home to the stunning Archeological Museum Cilnio Gaius Maecenas, nestled within the S. Bernardo monastery. This impressive structure is built atop the remnants of a Roman amphitheater from the mid-second century A.D., with its vaults visible on the first floor. Established in 1823, the museum began as a collection of Natural History and Antiquities. The Etruscan section houses significant finds, including the exquisite jewels from the Poggio del Sole necropolis.

Experience the historical charm of Gargonza, known for hosting Dante in 1304 during a meeting between the exiled Ghibellines from Florence and the Arezzos. Gargonza is a beautiful representation of ancient rural and agricultural Italy, captivating visitors with its walls, towers, and medieval gates that collectively exude an elegance of a bygone era.

Compact yet rich in history, Gargonza can be explored quickly and effortlessly. It boasts structures worth visiting, such as the iconic castle and the 13th-century church, distinguished by its Romanesque architecture and towering bell tower. A stroll through Gargonza's alleys is a delightful experience, with traditional houses that have preserved their ancient charm.

Once you've enjoyed your breakfast and completed the check-out process at the hotel, your memorable stay with us comes to a close. We hope you had a wonderful time!