San Giovanni D’Asso itself is a very peaceful village set in the Crete Senese Hills south of Siena. It is an ideal location to have a tranquil holiday. However it is also a superb base from which to visit no end of beautiful locations.
Within half an hour you could be:
In Montalcino . . . supping a glass of the world famous red wine Brunello di Montalcino. Montalcino is a medieval town with its very own fortress. The Views of the Orcia Valley are amazing and can be seen from all parts of the town. Cobbled streets, beautifully maintained old buildings, a museum, an art gallery, numerous wine shops and some lovely boutiques … to name but a few of the attractions here.
In Pienza . . . tasting a selection of Pecorino Cheese. This small walled Renaissance village is immaculately kept with every house maintaining hanging baskets or terracotta pots full of flowers in all seasons. It is best known for two reasons. The first is for the Pope Pius II who changed one of the buildings in Pienza into a Papal residence in 1405. The second is for the Pecorino Cheese. Pecora is the Italian word for Sheep and Pecorino is Sheep’s Cheese. You can find it fresh, semi-aged or aged and each has its own distinct texture and flavor. In addition you will find Pecorino with nuts, or wrapped in vine leaves or with truffle inside.
In Bagno Vignoni . . . lunching in one of the many superb restaurants or basking in the sunshine at the edge of the bath in the middle of this tiny village. This area is well known for its spas and Bagno Vignoni is one of the top spots for taking a spa bath.
In Rapolano Terme . . . relaxing in a pool and/or taking a curative or beauty treatment in one of the Spas. We have an alliance with one Spa – La Querciolaia – where our guests can benefit from a reduced entrance fee to the Baths and a discount on all treatments.
In Buonconvento . . . meandering through the Mezzadria Museum of Farming. This small but very interesting and interactive museum will interest all those who are fascinated by the past. Buonconvento also offers some boutique shopping – hand made leather bags or painted frames or beautifully crafted silk scarves just as an example.
In Asciano . . . admiring the Etruscan and Roman buildings for which it is well known. Asciano has the 11th century Romanesque basilica of Sant'Agata which was built of travertine .
In Siena . . . people watching and sipping a coffee in a cafe in the Piazza Il Campo where the world famous horse race Il Palio is held twice a year., or shopping in this rich and historic environment. Siena dates back to medieval times and is not vastly changed since that period. The city is walled and is a World Heritage Site. Siena’s cathedral, the Duomo, begun in the twelfth century, is one of the great examples of Italian romanesque architecture.
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Within an hour you could be:
In Montepulciano . . . sampling a glass of Nobile di Montepulciano. This medieval and Renaissance hill town is well known for producing food and drink including the Nobile, Pici, Pork, Cheese, Lentils and Honey. Here you need strong legs to climb the winding medieval cobbled streets to the top, where you will arrive at the Piazza Grande and the Palazzo Comunale. Another famous church is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio on the road to Chianciano outside the city. This is unmistakable with its large blue round dome.
In Perugia . . . tasting chocolate for which this town is famous. This is actually the capital of Umbria but is on the border with Tuscany and just an hour’s drive from San Giovanni D’Asso. It is a notable artistic centre of Italy, known for its Renaissance painters and Architects. It is also the home of an annual Jazz festival, usually held in July.
In Arezzo . . . browsing for Antiques. This is a centre for antique lovers and as well as lots of antique stores open all year round, holds an enormous antiques fair on the first Sunday of every month. It is also said to be one of the twelve most important Etruscan cities, the so called Dodecapolis.
In Florence . . . strolling along the River Arno, perusing the gold stalls on the Ponte Vecchio or shopping in the myriad of streets in this, the Capital City of Tuscany. Florence is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its Art and Architecture.
In San Gimignano . . . meandering through the many art galleries and boutiques or taking in the amazing history of this walled medieval town. San Gimignano has managed to conserve fourteen towers of varying height which have become its international symbol. The town also is known for the excellent white wine, Vernaccia, grown in the area.
In Chianti . . . meandering the villages or enjoying a wine tasting of the world famous Chianti. There are no end of cute villages, Radda, Gaiole, Castellina, to visit. The winding country roads from Siena to Florence are full of beautiful places to stop and enjoy the Chianti countryside.
Outlet Shopping . . . for those of you who enjoy a bargain there is a new Shopping Village with Outlet shops at Valdichiana near Sinalunga (30 minutes away). Kitchen goods, designer clothes and much more. 200 plus shops with a 70% average discount all year round.
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