Family Adventure in Montepulciano: Discovering Tuscany's Hidden Gem

A Day of Tuscan Delights

Today was a perfect encapsulation of why I love Tuscany. From exploring historical paths to marveling at architectural wonders, and indulging in the local cuisine, every moment felt like a scene from a postcard. It’s days like these that remind me why Thomas and I chose to make Europe our home, and why I'm so excited to share these experiences with Leela.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at La Corte Dell' Ulivo. The aroma of fresh coffee and Tuscan pastries filled the air, setting a cheerful tone for our adventures. The restaurant’s ambiance was warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot to start our day. I savored a cappuccino while Leela enjoyed a pastry, her eyes wide with excitement for the day ahead. Thomas and I appreciated the excellent value for money and the fresh, quality ingredients.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Corte Dell' Ulivo in Montepulciano, where delicious pizzas meet Tuscan charm.

Fueled and ready, we set off to explore the Punto di accesso al 'Sentiero della Bonifica'. This reclamation path winds along the banks of the Canale Maestro della Chiana, offering a serene and picturesque route for cyclists and pedestrians. The path is a flat, stabilized dirt track that stretches from Chiusi to Arezzo, about 62 km in total. As we strolled along the path, we were surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Tuscan countryside, with its rolling hills and verdant fields. I couldn't help but think of Nashik, my hometown, and the similar sense of peace I find in nature. Leela was particularly fascinated by the canal, asking endless questions about the wildlife and the history of the area. It was a wonderful way to connect with nature and learn about the region's past.


Discover the natural beauty of Tuscany at the Sentiero della Bonifica, a scenic hiking area in Castiglion Fiorentino perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Traveling is not just about seeing new places; it's about experiencing new perspectives and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Next on our itinerary was Valdichiana Living, an agency specializing in authentic tourism experiences in the Valdichiana region. We decided to explore some of the local artisan shops. Thomas was particularly interested in finding a unique souvenir, while Leela was on the hunt for the perfect gelato spot. We wandered through the charming streets, soaking in the atmosphere and discovering hidden gems. This agency offers a wide range of activities such as food and wine tours, guided visits to wineries and olive oil mills, cooking classes, and e-bike excursions. We learned about the history of the area and the efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. It was inspiring to see how much the locals cared about their traditions and how they shared their passion with visitors.


Discover the beauty and culture of Tuscany with Valdichiana Living, your premier tour operator in Montepulciano, Italy.

Our main destination for the day was Siena, and more specifically the Siena Cathedral. As we approached the city, the imposing silhouette of the Duomo di Siena, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dominated the skyline. Its history is rich, with construction starting in 1226 and continuing for nearly 175 years. The cathedral was built on Siena's highest point, a site believed to have once been a Roman temple. The exterior of the cathedral is striking, with its striped marble façade and sculptures by Giovanni Pisano. The lower half of the facade was designed by Giovanni Pisano in the Romano-Gothic style, while the upper half was added in the 14th century.


Discover Siena Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece in the heart of Siena, showcasing exquisite art and rich history.

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the interior's grandeur. The black and white marble, a reference to the city's coat of arms, created a dramatic effect. The inlaid marble floor, which took nearly six centuries to complete, is a masterpiece in itself, depicting biblical and mythological scenes. Leela was mesmerized by the starry dome and the vivid frescoes, while Thomas was captivated by Nicola Pisano's pulpit, a Gothic masterpiece blending classical and Christian themes. We spent hours wandering through the cathedral, admiring the intricate details and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.

After our visit to the cathedral, we took some time to explore the rest of Siena. We strolled through the Piazza del Campo, the city's main public space, and admired the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena's town hall. Leela enjoyed chasing pigeons in the square, while Thomas and I took in the sights and sounds of the bustling city. It was a perfect way to end our visit to Siena, leaving us with memories to last a lifetime.

Before heading back to Montepulciano, we stopped at Bottega del Rame, a copper workshop, in the afternoon. I’ve always been fascinated by traditional crafts, and this was a perfect opportunity to see artisans at work. We met the owner, a master craftsman who has been working with copper for generations. He showed us how he shapes and molds the metal into beautiful and functional objects. I was particularly interested in the therapeutic properties of copper, as the owner explained that drinking water from a copper jug is beneficial for health. Leela was fascinated by the tools and the process, and Thomas ended up buying a beautiful copper bowl as a souvenir. It was a unique and memorable experience, connecting us with the local culture and traditions.


Explore Bottega del Rame in Montepulciano for unique antiques and handcrafted treasures that embody Italian artistry and charm.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Montepulciano, where we had reservations for dinner at Rosso Rubino Trattoria. This restaurant came highly recommended, and we were eager to try their traditional Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that made us feel right at home. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. I ordered the pici al ragu, a local pasta dish, while Thomas opted for the steak with fresh mushrooms. Leela, of course, chose her favorite, spaghetti with tomato sauce. The food was simply divine, bursting with flavors and made with fresh, local ingredients. For dessert, we shared a panna cotta, which was light and creamy, the perfect ending to a perfect meal.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Rosso Rubino Trattoria in Montepulciano - where tradition meets taste in every dish.

As we walked back to our vacation rental, Leela was already fast asleep in Thomas’ arms, her face glowing with the memories of the day. I couldn't help but smile, feeling grateful for these moments of togetherness and discovery. Tuscany has a way of weaving its magic, creating memories that will last a lifetime. It’s these shared experiences that strengthen our bonds and make our family adventures so special.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Parco Villa Trecci, Abbazia di Sant'Antimo and Torre del Mangia. I'm particularly excited about visiting Abbazia di Sant'Antimo, as I've heard it's a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine