The Borgo’s location offers access to a myriad of nearby hill towns as well as other attractions including cuisine, shopping, historical and artistic treasures, spas and stunning landscapes perfect for reconnecting with nature.
READ MORE ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES IN THE FOLLOWING GUIDES:
THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE CRETE SENESI
LOCAL FLAVORS, EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
The Hidden Treasures of the Crete Senesi: pdf
A day visiting the Crete is the highlight of many a visitor to Borgo Finocchieto. The variety and richness of the lesser-known towns and sites within kilometers of Buonconvento will surprise and delight, particularly if undertaken on a bright spring day when the wheat fields are bursting with green and wild flowers, in June and July when sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see, on an autumn afternoon with the warm colors of the harvest, or on a crisp winter day when the views are at their clearest.
FOR EXAMPLE:
- a morning visit to Monte Oliveto monastery where one can partake in a service or just tour the grounds and monks' apothecary. Be sure not to miss the spectacular frescoes by Signorelli and Sodoma in the cloisters
- lunch at the monastery, in the miniature hamlet of Chiusure, or in San Giovanni d'Asso
- a stop at the white truffle museum in San Giovanni d'Asso
- a self-guided visit to one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets, the Bosco della Ragnaia sculpture garden by American artist, Sheppard Craige
Hill Towns of the Val d’Orcia: pdf
One of the most picturesque in at of Italy, the landscape of the Val d'Orcia is quintessential Tuscany, studded with pleasant medieval towns of brick and stone, carefully ordered vineyards and olive groves, cypresses, and pastures of grazing sheep. Add to that equation a wealth of historical and artistic sites, vibrant cultural events, and some of the finest food and wine products in the region, and the richness can astound. There is certainly something to appeal to everyone in a day in the Val d'Orcia.
FOR EXAMPLE:
- a look at San Quirico's Romanesque Collegiata church and Orte Lionini gardens
- Pienza, a medieval town transformed into a Renaissance gem, the set of Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet. Stroll the picturesque streets and sample their world famous pecorino cheese.
- Montepulciano, home of Vino Nobile di Montalcino and a bustling downtown with regal palaces and a myriad of shops, as well as vineyards nearby worth visiting.
- additional sights like the perfectly picturesque hamlet of Monticchiello for a meal and a stroll or the impressive villa and gardens at La Foce (read more about La Foce in the dedicated guide below).
Local Flavors, Exceptional Quality: pdf
Tuscany is a paradise for gourmands, although not for its bevy of Michelin starred restaurants or any pretensions of haute cuisine. Here, rather, it is the outstanding quality of the products that elevates the simplest of meals to unforgettable gastronomic experiences. The humble plate of salami that makes up the antipasto toscano in nearly every restaurant will likely be the best cured meat you have tasted. Who needs elaborate desserts when there is a plate of fresh, fragrant pecorino di Pienza and chestnut honey from Monte Amiata? Of course, for those who cannot do without the daily dose of sugar, Buonconvento is home to one of Italy's most well-known boutique bakeries. Learning about, purchasing, and most importantly, tasting local products gives one a feel for the land that perhaps nothing else can offer. These recommended producers make wonderful stops in any day spent in Tuscany or with notice to our hosting staff, can be arranged into an itinerary devoted to the region's agriculture and products.
FOR EXAMPLE:
- hiking to a nearby farm to observe Cinta Senese, an ancient breed of pigs specific to the region of Siena, saved from extinction and raised to culinary heights in the last few decades.
- tasting ricciarelli and cantucci, among other special sweets which are prepared by Le Dolcezze di Nanni in Buonconvento and then sold at gourmet shops around the world.
- sampling rosemary and chestnut scented honey in Montalcino, especially during their annual Honey Festival.
- comparing the various ages and flavors of pecorino cheeses in a world-famous Pecorino di Pienza farm or in shops all over the region. Be sure to have an aged wedge vacuum sealed for the trip home!
- a trip to the white truffle museum in San Giovanni d'Asso and if the seasons and stars align, consider arranging for a truffle hunt with one of the local trifolau or take in the annual Truffle Festival.
See our Events section for a list of annual wine and food festivals that serendipitously coincide with your stay at the Borgo.
Nature and Nurture in Toscana: pdf
The word Tuscany brings to mind glorious old cities of art, connected by cypress-lined roads that wind through the neatly tended rows of vineyards and olive groves. Most do not realize that of all the regions in Italy, Tuscany is the most wooded. In fact, the area south of Siena is a nature lover's delight. This guide suggests a day spent outdoors, first hiking and then relaxing one's muscles in the naturally healing waters of one of the many terme, or thermal springs and spas in the area. For the nature enthusiast, there are many opportunities to explore, including several reserves in the near vicinity. Certain times of year, the Nature Train initiative makes it possible to travel through defunct tracks in Tuscany's less-touched areas by way of old steam locomotives.
FOR EXAMPLE:
- a rejuvenating soak in the restorative waters of Tuscany's naturally occurring sulfuric springs, either from the luxury of a pool at the Adler spa, or while communing with nature at the natural Terme San Filippo.
- a hike through the Tuscan countryside, either via recommended trails just outside our gate or further afield with a professional guide.
- a bike ride through rolling hills using our on-property mountain and titanium road bicycles. Our recommended courses can be as short or long as you desire and come complete with beautiful and culturally significant stopping places plus fabulous hidden lunch finds.
- a ride on the seasonal Nature Train to visit untouched, out of the way stops in old-fashion (steam-locomotive) style.
- a different side of Tuscany at the birdwatching center in Montepulciano.
Italian Elegance at La Foce: pdf
Anglo-American author Iris Origo saw Italy through a stage of incredible change, from Savoy monarchy through Mussolini and the Second World War, from the centuries-old peasant farming system to Italy's much belated Industrialization. She left a collection of literature, a personal account of German occupation and thrilling escape during wartime, a legacy of conscientious farming in a land hard to conquer, and a beautiful, manicured estate in the picturesque Val d'Orcia.
POSSIBILITIES AT LA FOCE INCLUDE:
- riding down picturesque winding roads through the Val d'Orcia, including the road made famous by The English Patient, on your way to the estate.
- a tour of the Villa la Foce, Origo’s Tuscan home during the Second World War, with the possibility of a chance meeting with owner Benedetta Origo.*
- a visit to the spectacular Italianate gardens, maintained by landscape architect Peter Curzon, who oversaw the gardens and landscape design of the Borgo.
*Tours at La Foce require a guide and are available only on Wednesday's from April to September.