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.
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.
🎬 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).
🍷 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!)
🛍️ 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.
👧🧒 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 pools and waterfalls—perfect for summer hikes and refreshing wild swimming.
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.
🏃♂️🚴♀️🎾 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.
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