Agriturismo Tuscany

Discover Pienza and Bar Il Casello

The charming town of Pienza, located in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, is a Tuscan gem that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for good reason. The town has picturesque streets, cosy squares and panoramic views. A walk down the romantic Via del Bacio (the street of the kiss) is an absolute must. And then don't forget - while kissing - to take a photo under the famous street sign. For a nice cappuccino in the morning or a delicious aperitivo with a local wine in the late afternoon, I usually go to Bar Il Casello. This bar has a terrace with one of the most beautiful views of Pienza, over the undulating landscape of the Val d'Orcia and Monte Amiata in the distance. Especially at sunset, this is the place to be!

The Skipper Beach Club in Castiglione della Pescaia

The beach of Castiglione della Pescaia is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful on the Tuscan coast. Extensive sandy beach, surrounded by dunes and pine trees, with clear blue water. There is a nice relaxed atmosphere and good facilities. My regular spot is Beach Club Lo Skipper, where you can lounge on comfortable sunbeds with umbrellas and enjoy delicious food. My favorite time of the day? In the early evening, for an aperitivo. With a glass of prosecco and the enchanting sunset over the sea, it's ultimate enjoyment.

Lunchtip: La Sosta di Pio VII

I visited this eatery - La Sosta di Pio VII - after visiting an agriturismo nearby. There was a badly maintained sign along the road that was not very inviting. In fact, in Holland I would have immediately turned right around, but in Italy I know better by now. It was around 1 p.m., lunchtime in Italy, and in the parking lot stood a large number of white vans of local workmen. When local carpenters, masons, plumbers and farmers eat here, you eat well! Also this time it turned out to be a golden tip, because I had a great lunch with crostini, Tuscan cold cuts and a delicious plate of pasta Carbonara. And it was affordable too😉

Lunchtip: Amici di Campriano

For an authentic Tuscan lunch, my personal tip is Amici di Campriano, a cozy eatery just outside Buonconvento and directly opposite the train station. It is the perfect destination after a bike ride on the panoramic strade bianche from Siena, or an ideal stopover on the way to idyllic Montalcino or the breathtaking Val d'Orcia. Here you will be warmly welcomed by my good friend Ranuccio Neri, a passionate winemaker, who will serve you traditional Tuscan dishes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Where else these days can you find a plate of delicious pasta, like tagliatelle al cinghiale for only 8 euros? Or a refreshing Panzanella, a classic Tuscan summer salad, for only 5 euros? Of course, you can pair your meal with one of Ranuccio's own excellent wines.

Family adventure in climbing park Saltalbero

For an active day with the family, Saltalbero Adventure Park, located near Rapolano Terme, is a great choice. The park offers an array of climbing and adventure courses among the trees, suitable for all ages. While children have fun on the rope tracks and zip-lines, parents can enjoy the nature or relax in the picnic areas. There is also a kiosk for cool drinks, snacks and ice cream.

Walking the Via Francigena

Follow the ancient pilgrimage path of the Via Francigena, which runs through Tuscany and led thousands of pilgrims to Rome in the Middle Ages. Especially the stage from San Gimignano via Monteriggioni to Siena is breathtaking. As you walk among vineyards, cypresses and olive trees, you realize that you are walking in the footsteps of pilgrims who followed the same route centuries ago. The Via Francigena is not only a special historical experience, but also a unique opportunity to discover the peace and beauty of the Tuscan countryside on foot.

Eroica and the Strade Bianche

A unique way to discover Tuscany is to cycle the famous strade bianche, the distinctive white gravel roads over which the legendary cycling race L'Eroica is run. An annual event that brings classic cycling enthusiasts together. On vintage bikes you ride over rolling hills, along vineyards, cypress avenues and medieval villages. There are several routes, varying in length and difficulty, allowing both beginners and experienced cyclists to enjoy the event. Even outside the racing event, you can explore these routes. Bikes are available for rent at Anima Toscana in Siena, including vintage models for those who want the full experience.

Acqua Village Cecina and Follonica

Ideal for a refreshing day out in summer: with 7 pools and more than 2 kilometers of slides, you won't get bored here easily! The water park in Hawaiian atmosphere offers many different attractions, suitable for adults, teenagers and small children. For example, there are several large children's pools (up to 50 cm deep) with various water games for the little ones. But teenagers also have a great time in the huge wave pool, the relax pool or on one of the many spectacular slides. The Acqua Village has two water parks. For the northern part of Tuscany in Cecina. https://www.acquavillage.it/cecina

For those who have booked an agriturismo in the southern part of Tuscany, there is a similar water park in Follonica! https://www.acquavillage.it/en/acqua-village-follonica

The hidden little beach, Cala Violina

This special little beach in Tuscany can only be reached on foot or by mountain bike/ e-bike. Fortunately, because that is why it is still unspoiled. After a hike through a Mediterranean pine forest, a pearly white beach and azure blue sea awaits you. The name “violin” comes from the melody that the tiny quartz grains make as you walk along the beach. The most suggestive and beautiful route leading to Cala Violina starts at Il Puntone di Scarlino, near the restaurant Il Cantuccio. The approximately 4.5 km can be done on foot or by bicycle, and you will first pass Cala Martina beach. I walked this route with my family and really recommend it. But there is also a shorter route (1.5 km) to the bay and it starts from the Cala Violina parking lot. Both routes can also be walked by children. With a stroller you can only take the short route. 

Om de bezoekers aantallen te reguleren moet je in de zomermaanden (1 juni - 30 september) reserveren. https://calaviolinascarlino.it/it

Medieval castle of Monteriggioni

Florence, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, .... Tuscany has so many towns worth seeing that it's hard to choose. But the tiny town of Monteriggioni, 15 km from Siena, is not to be missed. The castle is located on top of a hill and the city wall of more than 500 meters with 14 towers and 2 entrance gates is still completely intact. You will imagine yourself in medieval atmospheres. Inside the walls are some terraces, bars and a leather store with colorful shoes. There are restaurants in Monteriggioni, but personally I like to go for lunch at Bar dell'Orso, 500 m. outside the castle. Make sure you get there around 12:30 because after that it gets very crowded with locals. I can recommend the Ribollita (Tuscan meal soup) or the traditional pasta from Siena, Pici al ragù senese.

Il Giardino dei Tarocchi

The Giardino dei Tarocchi near Capalbio in the Maremma area, is a very charming open-air museum where children can experience modern art. Other than in an art gallery, here they will not waste time wondering about the meaning of the 22 giant and colorful works of Niki de Saint, they will simply live them. The magnificent sculptures are made of steel and concrete and covered with mirrors, glass and colored ceramics. A unique experience for all ages! https://ilgiardinodeitarocchi.it

Amusement Park Cavallino Matto

In Marina di Castagneto Carducci is Cavallino Matto, the largest amusement park in Tuscany. The park is in the middle of a beautiful 100,000-square-meter pine forest and a few kilometers from the Tuscan coast. There are a number of picnic tables and bars where you can buy food and drinks. There are also several drinking fountains where you can refill your water bottles. There are 23 fantastic attractions and 5 great shows, suitable for children of all ages. A real Family Park for a fun day out! https://www.cavallinomatto.it

Shopping in Siena

Besides being beautiful to see as a tourist, Siena is also a great place to shop! I speak from experience😉 Many boutiques have some traditional collections, because Siena is a city of old money. If you are looking for something more trendy, you might find what you are looking for at Baraka (Via Banchi di Sotto, 18). I used to go there regularly and could always find something. There are now (fortunately!) more Baraka stores in Tuscany and Liguria. Like in Lucca, Pistoia and Follonica. More info: www.barakaeziggy.it/negozi 

If you come to Siena with teenagers, they will surely find something at Subdued or Degortes Outlet store, right across from boutique Baraka. The local youth buy their clothes there, so you're definitely in the right place. Also a regular stop on a shopping trip with my kids is Scout, who have several stores in Northern Italy. 

Another fashion brand in Siena, but located on the outskirts of town, is the GHN boutique at 54 Strada Massetana Romana. While you're there, at number 52 is Calzature Singolare, the shoe store where mothers from Siena buy shoes for their fashionable children.

Deli store and bakery

The Consorzio Agrario itself is also worth a visit. In this large deli store you'll find a wide selection of Tuscan wines, top quality olive oil, pasta, rice and much more. It also has a good bakery where many office- and store staff from the neighborhood buy bread for lunch. I go there especially for the delicious Foccacia: Italian flatbread with olive oil and salt. Please note, in Tuscany they also call this bread Schiacciata. Or as my kids call it: Ciaccino. It's all the same flat bread and all equally delicious!

Another fact, the bread in Tuscany is without salt. This dates back to a feud between the city of Pisa and Florence almost 1,000 years ago. When the Pisans blocked the supply of salt to the Florentines, they started making saltless bread. It has remained that way throughout almost all of Tuscany. 

Il Pulcino

There are an incredible number of eateries in Siena. Still, I keep going back to Il Pulcino. It is run by 2 brothers: one in the kitchen, the other behind the bar. Il Pulcino is beloved by employees of the nearby Monte dei Paschi bank. So to get a table, you have to be there before 12:30 or after 1:30 p.m. The menu is different every day and everything is freshly made! Il Pulcino can be found at Via dei Termini 91, next to the Consorzio Agrario in the shopping area.

Torrefazione Caffè Fiorella

I always drink my cappuccino at Torrefazione Caffè Fiorella on a street around Piazza del Campo. They still roast the coffee beans themselves using traditional methods. You can taste the difference! If you like the coffee, you can also buy the beans to take home. It is especially busy in the morning, because many Italians have breakfast in a bar and not at home. That explains the large choice of various croissants called Brioche. www.caffefiorella.it.

Vincigliata Adventure Park

This beautiful climbing park is only 10 minutes from Florence and has the longest courses in Tuscany. There are climbing courses for small children as well as teenagers and adults. There is also a Net Experience: sprung nets suspended 4 meters above the ground on which you can safely play and jump. No climbing harness is required for this. The Net Experience is suitable for children from 3 years old. For teenagers and adults with guts, there is the Salto Nel Vuoto (“jump into a vacuum”). From 15 meters high you will jump down! www.treeexperience.it

Pinocchio Park

When our son was born, my colleagues gave me a giant wooden Pinocchio as a gift. Because Italians are particularly proud of their own fairy tale. That is why in Collodi, the village where the story is set, there is even a Pinocchio Park. It was built between 1956 and 1987 as a theme park for children. It is not the usual modern amusement park, but rather a place that gives you the feeling of being in a living fairy tale. There are historic attractions, performances in the Marionette Theater and a route with statues retelling the story of Pinocchio. Meanwhile, the park also has modern play attractions and a playground. A special experience, even with young children. www.pinocchio.it.

Bakery Antico Forno Giglio

For fresh bread, you can wake me up at night. Every time I'm in Florence, I go to Antico Forno Giglio on Via Vincenzo Gioberti, 151R. This is in an elegant residential area outside the center. The stores, bars and restaurants are focused on locals rather than tourists. 

Good to know: in Italy, bread is sold by weight. The price you see is the price per kilogram. So feel free to buy half a kilogram of bread; they are used to it. Often bread in Italy is white and extremely fluffy, but not at this bakery. They have delicious rustic breads made from antique Tuscan grains ground on stone (maccinata a pietra). Also, be sure to try the Catalana. This is a focaccia with Extra Virgin olive oil called Schiacciata. During harvest time - in September and October - they have Schiacciata con l'uva. This is bread with fresh harvest grapes. You definitely have to taste it!