C I T Y
SIENA
The Ideal City, as dreamed and realized by Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini) in the XVI Century, like a Renaissance image of beauty and perfection, the result of the harmonic mix between nature and human architecture. Come visit with a pleasant walk Pieve di Corsignano, the old Romanesque church where the Pope has been baptized, the village, World Unesco Heritage, with its palaces and the majestic Cathedral, co-designed by Pius II himself and the Florentine architect Bernardo Rossellino. You will discover a stunning panorama over Valdorcia and Mount Amiata where men and nature still coexist in harmony and beauty. This location is perfect to produce a tasty cheese, using only sheep milk: never heard about Pecorino? Absolutely you have to, so let’s go and taste it!
PIENZA
SAN GIMIGNANO
Siena is a wonderful city, and you will discover how rich and full of art. The Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, the beautiful churches, the old Hospital and a lot of amazing museums would introduce you to a centuries-long history that you can still touch with your own hands. But be careful, it's not a museum.
So you can have a walking tour touching the must-to-do sites and buildings, OR you can have this PLUS an exciting journey inside the real life of the Sienese people. I'm obviously talking about our food (our typical cakes are so delicious!), and most of all about the Palio, the horse race that enlights our hearts and lifes since XVII Century. That’s why we will visit a Contrada Museum - one of the 17 districts that fight for victory twice a year - and you will feel as a local!
Imagine a school test, they’re asking you a link between Middle Ages and Manhattan: if nothing pops in your mind, you have to come to San Gimignano. I will explain you why these amazing tower houses have been built, and most of all why they are still here, 14 giants like survived guardians over the city, ruins - but what a ruin! - of a past that was so prestigious and wealthy, as the several pieces of art can testify. Another treasure comes from Middle Ages, something that costs like gold, and it’s golden as well: saffron! We can learn everything about it, and if you’re interested, we can also visit a local farm which produces this expensive and delicate spice. Come with me!