Swimming Pools - Thermal Spas:
There are numerous very nice reasonably priced swimming pools in the area, all within a short drive. All towns have one. Badicorte (5 mins. drive) is very popular with children as it has numerous slides etc. The nicest are Sinalunga, Trequanda (magnificent setting), Castiglion Fiorentino and Camucia. Foiano (5 mins) is rarely crowded.
Two famous thermal spas are nearby: Rapolano Terme (15 minutes) and Bagno Vignoni (40 minutes).
Local events and markets:
Market days (mornings): Monday: Foiano della Chiana; Tuesday: Sinalunga; Wednesday: Monte San Savino, Castiglione del Lago; Thursday: Lucignano, Camucia; Friday: Castiglion Fiorentino; Saturday: Arezzo, Cortona.
The antiques fair in Arezzo takes place on the first Sunday of the month (starts on Friday evening and continues Saturday and Sunday). Arezzo, Monte san Savino and Cortona have numerous antique shops.
Each village and town has local feasts: please inquire for details. The famous horse-race in Siena, the Palio, is held in early July and mid-August. The Maggiolata (May Festival) is held every weekend in May in Lucignano. Cortona has several historic processions and Arezzo has jousting competitions in medieval costume.
Each town/village often has open-air concerts and other musical events. Cortona usually has a few open-air operas, and there is a concert festival in Monte San Savino.
Places to see:
All are within one hour's drive. We can provide detailed itineraries and advice where to eat etc. FLORENCE. Leave your car at the small station of Castiglion Fiorentino and take the train to Florence, leaving and returning every hour; less than 1 hour’s journey. Avoid the traffic problems in Florence! SIENA is about 40 minutes away by car, driving through magical country side. Easy parking. Siena has the famous horse-race, Il Palio, and is perfectly preserved. CORTONA AND LAKE TRASIMENO. Etruscan remains at Cortona and Foiano. LUCIGNANO: spectacular medieval village; Church La Collegiata. MONTE SAN SAVINO: small market town with Loggiato in the main street and marvellous garden and amphitheatre. Nearby is the Castle of Gargonza. MONTEPULCIANO AND PIENZA. ABBEY OF MONTE OLIVETO. MONTALCINO: home of Brunello wine. AREZZO, SAN SEPOLOCRO, PERUGIA, ASSISI. And much much more! Wonderful walking. If you are tired of sight-seeing, or simply want to relax ... your garden awaits!
Other Activities:
Hot-air balloon trips over Tuscany; visit local vineyards; Explore hill-towns of Tuscany; Florence less than 1 hr. by train.
