Hidden Gems for Tuscany

1. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Antinori nel Chianti Classico

This place is not only known for its excellent wines also for his outstanding contemporary design. A terracotta-colored winery sits on top of a ridge overlooking surrounding area and nestled into the hillside with soaring staircases, glass walls, and lines of steel barrels. You can book wine tours in advance. A 90 minutes tour costs around 32€. Be sure to enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio with amazing views. Visiting this vineyard is definitely worth a day trip!

2. Hidden Gem Tuscany: La Ménagère

This place is not a normal restaurant. Back in the days it was a marketplace filled with tableware and other goods for home. Today La Ménagère has been transformed into a restaurant, with areas for flowers, fragrances and a home accessories. The fresh and sophisticated kitchen can be a nice change from the delicious traditional but often heavy food in italian restaurants. You can also stop by, just enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy your afternoon with a good book. I mean could there be anything better that flowers, shopping and food in one place? If you’re in Florence, head to La Ménagère.

3. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Pienza

The little town of Pienza in the Val d’Orcia of southern Tuscany is really worth a day trip. Winding country roads flanked by vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields take you to Pienza. Unesco listed the historic center of Pienza (with only 2000 residents) as a World Heritage Site. The town’s position high on a hill means there are awesome and unique views over the stunning landscape. Pienza is also well known for its sheep’s cheese, the pecorino. So don´t miss to buy one or to order a mixed cheese plates in one of the delicious restaurants.

4. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Local Food Market

This place is not really a “market” as much as a deli restaurant with excellent food in Lucca. It is a bit off the beaten track, situated in a cozy backyard. Perfect for a little break from exploring the city! While dining, you can sit on a beautiful terrace which is covered with lemon trees. They also offer a homemade lemonade made from their own lemons. Whatever you chose on the menu, it will taste delicious and might be your best meal in Lucca.

5. Hidden Gem Tuscany: The White Whale

It is no secret that the region of Tuscany is filled with a list of amazing spots to visit. The pools of the White Whale are easily on top of that list. This big calcium formation with a waterfall is not only beautiful to look at but even better to experience by bathing in its warm waters. They can reach up to 48 C so it is perfect for bathing either in fall or winter. And oh boy, they are truly refreshing and relaxing. The waterfall is a natural spa where people come to enjoy wellness baths and use the thermal mud of the pools as body masks to have a natural beauty treatment. This unforgettable place is located in the city of Bagni di San Filippo around 30 min away from Val d’Orcia.

6. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Monteriggioni

This commune in the province of Siena has delighted the likes of Dante Alighieri, writer of the Divine Comedy, and even has been used in films and videogames thanks to how beautiful it is. It was originally built between 1213 and 1219 as a defense post against the Florentines. This little village of about 172 meters in diameter is surrounded by circular walls totalling a length of 570 m. Monteriggioni will transport you back to medieval times and give you the opportunity to visit its squares and the famous church of Saint Mary. Thanks to its size you can actually walk the whole place in about a morning!

7. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Lavanda Della Tuscia

The beautiful lavender fields of Lavanda Della Tuscia are a must in Tuscany. The rich color purple together with the green landscape is hypnotizing. You can take incredible pictures thanks to the different color palettes and the wind turbines on the horizon. The fields are well maintained and you can even buy lavender products from the owners nearby! You can purchase oils, perfumes, creams and much more. This place is a true hidden gem that is definitely worth your time and attention.

8. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Crete Senesi Panoramic Point

One of the most beautiful views you can encounter in Tuscany is Crete Senesi’s Panoramic Point. The view is simply spectacular; the sea of grass and the hilly landscape will for sure captivate you. It is enhanced by the sun either at sunrise or sunset. You need to come here and sit down and just admire the incredible scenery. Maybe bring a bottle of wine with your significant other and relax. It is also worthwhile to traverse Crete Senesi’s roads by car, motorcycle or bike for an even more unique experience. If you want to see the best of what the Tuscany landscape has to offer, this is the place.

9. Hidden Gem Tuscany: Agrivilla i pini

If you love agriturismo, then don’t think twice about coming to Agrivilla i pini because everything they do is just fantastic. This beautifully restored old farmhouse offers delicious food worth every penny. All their dishes are plant-based, 100% vegan and organic! Even better, most of their ingredients come from their own garden. It doesn’t matter if you come for breakfast, lunch or dinner, their food, tasty wines and its elegant terrace will be one of the best eating experiences you will have in Tuscany.

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