Explore
Discover the Best of Tuscany from Villa Il Corniolo
🏛️ Historic Towns & Cultural Gems
Montepulciano (20 min)
Known for its Vino Nobile wines, Renaissance palaces, and hidden wine cellars carved into the hillside. Ideal for leisurely exploring and wine tasting.
Pienza (30 min)
Known as the "ideal city" of the Renaissance, Pienza's picturesque streets and squares were featured in The English Patient (1996) and Romeo and Juliet (1968)
San Quirico d'Orcia (35–40 min)
Elegant and peaceful, with stone lanes, Romanesque churches, and the formal Horti Leonini gardens—a favourite stop on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route.
Siena (45 min)
A stunning medieval city famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the dramatic Duomo, and the world-renowned Palio horse race—a vibrant blend of history, art, and authentic Tuscan atmosphere.
Lucignano (15 min)
A rare oval-shaped medieval town with artisan boutiques, quiet charm, and the unique Tree of Love in its museum.
Arezzo (35–40 min)
A treasure trove of art and antiques, featuring Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, elegant architecture, and a vibrant monthly antiques market.
Florence (Approx. 1.15 hour via fast train from Arezzo)
Reachable in under 40 minutes by direct train from Arezzo, Florence is ideal for a car-free day exploring the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, shops, and street cafés.
Orvieto (Just over 40 min)
Ride the funicular up to this striking hilltop city and visit its stunning cathedral, ancient Etruscan wells, and a mysterious underground tour.
Perugia – (45–50 min)
Discover the Renaissance frescoes of Perugino in one of Umbria’s most refined historic chambers (the Collegio del Cambio), then explore the medieval town on foot.
Assisi (Just over 1 hour)
A serene and spiritual destination, home to the Basilica of St. Francis and frescoes by Giotto. Peaceful, beautiful, and inspiring.
🌿 Nature, Relaxation & Outdoor Fun
Crete Senesi (25–35 min)
A striking stretch of open, clay-rich hills—a dream for photographers and those seeking a slower drive through surreal Tuscan scenery.
Rapolano Terme – (25 min)
Choose from two welcoming spas, each with many pools, where Garibaldi himself bathed, with natural thermal pools, deckchairs, relaxing grounds, and wellness treatments amid the countryside. Children welcome, especially at Terme Antica Querciolaia.
Lake Trasimeno (35–40 min)
Visit Castiglione del Lago, take a ferry to the lake’s islands, or dine lakeside with stunning views.
Valle del Diavolo – The Devil’s Valley (Larderello) (~50 min)
A geothermal marvel with steaming ground vents, a geothermal museum, and dramatic volcanic landscapes—Tuscany as you’ve never seen it.
SentierElsa – River Trail & Wild Swimming (50 min)
A hidden gem near Colle di Val d’Elsa, this trail follows a crystal-clear river with natural pools and small waterfalls—perfect for wild swimming and a shaded summer adventure. Family-friendly and wonderfully scenic.
Bagno Vignoni – Roman Thermal Springs (35 min)
A picturesque thermal village where the central square is a steaming Roman-era pool; enjoy a soak in the nearby free open-air springs or indulge in private spa baths offered by local wellness hotels.
Walk the Via Francigena (30 min)
The ancient pilgrim route that connects Canterbury and Rome, still sees many pilgrims tread its route. Join them for a stretch between Buonconvento and San Quirico D’Orcia, for the most beautiful views and the chance to reconnect with history and nature.
🎬 Scenic & Cinematic
The Gladiator House (near Pienza/San Quirico)
The iconic cypress-flanked farmhouse from Gladiator, offering one of Tuscany’s most photographed vistas.
Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta (between San Quirico & Pienza – ~35 min)
A tiny stone chapel set among rolling fields—one of the most photographed churches in Italy, often appearing in postcards and film scenes.
Abbey of Sant’Antimo (near Montalcino – ~45 min)
A peaceful 12th-century Romanesque monastery nestled among olive groves and cypress trees, the Abbey of Sant’Antimo offers a deeply serene atmosphere and breathtaking views—perfect for quiet reflection or a scenic stop near Tenuta Fanti (our personal favourite Tuscan wine producer).
Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore (30 mins)
Discover the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a majestic 14thcentury Benedictine abbey famous for its stunning Renaissance frescoes and preserved pharmacy room. Wander cloisters, admire frescoed walls, and explore antique apothecary jars immersing yourself in centuries of monastic artistry and herbal tradition.
🍷 Wine & Food Experiences
Montalcino (40 min)
Famous for its rich, full-bodied Brunello di Montalcino. Visit award-winning wineries and don’t miss the Brunello Museum (Museo del Brunello) to explore the deep roots of wine culture in this region.
Trequanda (20 min)
A quiet village with excellent olive oil producers, warm hospitality, and family-run restaurants.
Montisi (25 min)
Small, authentic, and proud of its food culture—perfect for seasonal events and real Tuscan cooking.
Torrita di Siena (10 min)
Understated and charming, great for local shops, markets, and everyday Italian life.
Sinalunga (5 min)
Your closest town and not to be missed!
Stop in the old town square for what many call the friendliest coffee shop in the region, serving perfect panini and the best homemade gelato in the area. Take your own bottles to fill up in the market square from the finest spring water in Tuscany (restaurants from all over the area fill up here!)
Tenuta Fanti (40 min)
In Castelnuovo dell’Abate. This is Charlotte's favourite winery. Ask for the beggar's boxes and say Charlotte sent you!
Frantoio Mazzarrini (10 min)
Buy your local co-operative olive oil here in nearby Rigomagno! Also, bring your own bottles to fill with bargain local red and white wine (you will never drink so cheaply).
Osteria Le Botti (20 min)
Family-friendly place in Lucignano, perfect pizzas and pastas at a bargain price. Grab an outside table, even for big groups they are excellent.
Scroccazucche (15 min)
An excellent restaurant in nearby Rigomagno. Very well priced, well-ranging menu, excellent service, fast. We go here a lot.
Cugusi Silvana E C. S.N.C. (20 min)
Come here and picnic in the gardens. You buy your picnic from the shop, choosing the cheeses and meats you want. They pack it up in a basket for you, with all plates, cutlery and breads. Then you go and enjoy some of the best views in the region.
Voglie Di Pasta Snc (5 min)
The ladies that work here make 4-5 different types of pasta and sauce every day in central Sinalunga. Open every day apart from Mondays (and only Sunday mornings) this is the perfect fresh pasta shop. Just say how many people you are catering for and they will weigh out what you need.
Ristorante Tiziana (25 min)
A great family-run restaurant for kids in the summer in Tre Berte. There are shady spaces and outside play area and the food and wine is great. Perfect for family lunches. The pasta is all made in house.
Nuovo Ranch (50 min)
Need somewhere to lunch on the way to / from Florence. We think this place does the best Florentine steak in the area. Only open evenings, or lunchtime on Sundays; worth booking ahead if you can.
Fabbrica Dei Gusti Sinalunga (5 min)
In the UK you just can't get all-you-can-eat sushi at a price like this. For a fixed lunch fee, you get a bargain. Order via an app (take lots of phones) to your table and it just keeps coming. Really good quality too. Our kids love it.
Osteria dell'Oca Satolla (45 min)
If you are Arezzo way, then consider this place for a sunny lunch. The porchetta-style duck is the stuff of legends. Don't miss the sharing antipasti board either. Phone to book (they speak excellent English).
Saffron Tour in San Gimignano (50 min)
Saffron has been cultivated in the area since 1100. At nearby Cadanova di Pescille you can take a deep dive into the history of saffron use and have a lunch or dinner with saffron-based dishes to really bite into the feel of this part of Tuscany. If you are visiting in Saffron season (October/November) then this really is a must.
Wine Tasting at Palazzo Massaini (15 min)
A unique tasting experience in stunning surroundings. If you are tasting with children, they can set up beautiful tables in the outside spaces. Their Vin Santo also must not be missed.
Caffè Poliziano in Montepulciano (20 mins)
Serving coffee in Montepulciano since 1868, this cafe dazzles with its elegant Art Nouveau interiors, historic charm, panoramic terrace and pastries—perfect for soaking Tuscany’s rich culture and local wines. A great morning spot upstairs on the terrace with a book. This is Chris’ favourite coffee shop in the world.
Alessandro Piccinini Private Chef and Cooking Lessons
Alessandro Piccinini who runs The Tuscan Chef in neighbouring village Montisi, can come and cook a delicious feast for you at Il Corniolo. He can also run cooking classes for you at the villa where you can all learn to cook the delicious food he will later serve and clear away, or you can just relax, sip wine and let Alessandro bring the deliciousness to your table. See www.tuscan-chef.com for contacts and booking.
Paolo Berti, Private Chef and Sommerlier-at-Home service
Another fantastic local chef from Sinalunga is Paolo Berti. Paolo runs a chef, barman and sommerlier-at-home service and can bring all the best Tuscan flavours to Il Corniolo and cook for you and your guests. With multiple menus and wine pairings to match, you won’t be disappointed. See www.ostepaolo.it for contact details and then email Paolo to get menus and find out more.
Il Grillo e Buoncantore in Chiusi (30 mins)
For a fantastic restaurant that’s part of the Slow Food movement, prioritizing local produce on its menu, try Il Grillo e Buoncantore in Chiusi. This is authentic, unpretentious Tuscan cooking at its best. A husband-and-wife team run the whole thing here. Visit the Etruscan museum in Chuisi while you are here.
La Chuisa in Montefollonico (15 min)
An excellent option for those looking for outside dining in a beautiful setting. They often run BBQ or special nights and you can book and see what’s on via their website www.lachiusatuscany.com – if you want an outside table, make sure to call or message them with the specific request.
Castello di Brolio in Chianti (45 mins)
Castello di Brolio, near Gaiole in Chianti, is a stunning medieval castle offering guided tours of its halls and gardens alongside tastings of iconic Chianti Classico wines. They claim Chianti began here! Book at ricasoli.com.
Wine Tasting at Tenuta Licinia near Rigomagno (25 mins)
For a personal experience down some tiny single track chalk roads, try this homely winery. Laura, the host, is super generous with their tastings and snacks and so welcoming and kind. Garden space for kids and a homely living room for a tasting for 8-10 with sofas if you need to take iPads etc to keep the kids busy. Also, the wines are fabulous. Book in advance at www.tenutallicinia.com.
Osteria della Lodola (15 mins
Named by The Telegraph as one of the best restaurants in Tuscany in 2023, this evening-only restaurant remains beautifully unpretentious and is still family-run, using vegetables from their own smallholding. Drinks are at 18:30, dinner sharp at 19:30. You can book online at www.osterialodolla.com.
🛍️ Shopping & Leisure
Arezzo Antiques Market (First weekend of each month – 35–40 min)
One of Italy’s largest and most charming antiques fairs, filling Arezzo’s historic streets and squares with over 500 stalls offering vintage treasures, art, furniture, and collectibles. A must-visit for browsing and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere
Valdichiana Outlet Village (15–20 min)
A stylish open-air shopping destination with over 140 designer and high-street brands, offering great discounts and a range of cafés and restaurants—perfect for a relaxed day of shopping.
Tuesday Morning Market in Sinalunga (5 min)
A bustling weekly market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, clothing, and household goods—perfect for experiencing local life and picking up unique finds.
Saturday Market in Buenconvento (30 mins)
A stylish open-air shopping destination with over 140 designer and high-street brands, offering great discounts and a range of cafés and restaurants—perfect for a relaxed day of shopping.
👧🧒 Top Activities for Children Near Sinalunga
Saltalbero Adventure Park (Rapolano Terme – ~25 min)
Treetop obstacle courses, rope bridges, zip lines, mini-golf, and picnic areas—great for active kids of all ages.
Sentiero dell’Elsa (Colle di Val d’Elsa – ~50 min)
A wild riverside trail with natural swimming pools and impressive waterfalls perfect for summer hikes and refreshing wild swimming. Pack a large picnic. Buy some cheap rugs and towels and maybe a deckchair or two (buy these at Tedi next to the Coop in Sinalunga, please don’t use our pool towels) and make a day of it. Take sun cream. Take a book! It isn’t near shops so come prepared. Park off the Viale dei Mille ///uncool.incomers.flanked then cross the main road and enter the path (walk for at least 10 mins to find a good spot). Go early.
Laguna Park Water Park (near Lake Trasimeno – ~35–40 min)
A fun and safe water park for children under 12, with splash zones, gentle slides, and picnic areas.
Caseificio Nonno Benito (Sinalunga – 5 minutes)
Visit a working dairy farm, meet animals, and see how Tuscan cheese is made—engaging and educational.
Monteriggioni (near Siena – ~45 min)
A storybook medieval walled village where kids can walk the battlements and imagine life in a fortress.
Cavallino Matto (Marina di Castagneto Carducci – ~1.5 hrs)
Tuscany’s largest amusement park, nestled in a pine forest, with rides, shows, and activities for all age groups.
Lunch on Isola Maggiore (35 min then short ferry) followed by Zocco Beach
Ristorante Da Sauro on beautiful Isola Maggiore is the perfect spot for a relaxed lakeside lunch on Lake Trasimeno. Kids will love the fun ferry ride over from Passignano, and you can enjoy fresh lake fish dishes in their charming garden surrounded by stunning views. When you return to shore, Zocca beach is a lakeside hub for families with pool, umbrellas, play equipment, football, SUPs and volleyball. Book Zocco Beach in advance on sunny days: zoccobeach@libero.it
Perugina Chocolate Factory (40 mins)
Discover the Perugina Chocolate Factory in Perugia, where you can tour the historic museum, watch Baci chocolates being made, and enjoy delicious tastings an unforgettable experience for chocolate lovers of all ages. You need to book the English tour in advance via their website to be sure of space.
🏃♂️🚴♀️🎾 Sport & Active Life
Sinalunga Tennis Club (5 min)
A well-regarded club with real clay courts, hosting national-level tournaments and offering lessons for adults and children in a friendly, local setting. We have excellent contacts with the local coaches, if you want lessons.
TODA Padel & Pickleball Club, Sinalunga (5 min)
A modern indoor/outdoor facility with courts for padel and pickleball, equipment hire, and coaching—perfect for all levels. Book courts via the Playtomic app. We have 4 padels in the villa for you to use.
Strade Bianche & Val di Chiana cycling routes (From your doorstep)
Ride directly from the villa into Tuscany’s legendary white gravel roads, olive groves, and vineyard-draped hills—ideal for casual cyclists or serious riders. You can get mountain bike rentals that deliver to, and collect from, the villa.
💦 Wild Swimming – Diborrato Waterfall (50 min)
A magical wild swimming spot near Colle di Val d’Elsa with crystal-clear pools and waterfalls, perfect for a hot summer day and safe for adventurous families.
Tuscany Cycling House
Want to hire an excellent road bike for your stay? Andrea will deliver to the property and collect. Highly recommended and has been used by our family before. Then you can explore all the famous cycling trails around us.
🚗 🚖 Transport
Airport Transfers & Private Drivers
If you need a driver for a day, or for longer during your stay (for wine tours, airport transfers, or a nice evening meal out to enjoy a drink), please contact any of the following local companies:
www.givemytuscany.com, www.get-tours.lt, or the most local is Gian Marco Bianchi at www.3rdservice.net.
Golf Cart Around Florence
To explore Florence in a gold cart, contact Irena to arrange a gold cart tour of the city. She can pick you up wherever you like and arrange for the tour to end at any desired location. Contact Irena via Whatsapp +39 327 249 3567
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