FIRENZE: to 70 km. In the middle age Firenze was at the center of many trading, financial, economic and cultural interests. During the ”modern age” it was the main town of Granducato di Toscana, under the leadership of two important families such as the Medici and the Lorena. It has been the capital of Italy in the period between 1865 and 1871, just after the unification of the Country. It is still a very important academic center ,and the town has been declared World heritage from UNESCO. It is considered  the renaissance  place of origin, and it is recognized as one of the most beautiful town of the world for its architecture, the amazing number of monuments and its world known museums, such as the Duomo, Santa Croce, The Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Pitti.

PISA: to 60 km. Pisa gives its visitors the enjoyable experience of a town which can still be lived at slow pace. Take your time walking around; mix with the many students, gathering on the river borders. Pisa is one of the ancient Repubbliche marinare. It developed on banks of the river Arno. The ever-changing  riverside background ,with all its curves and historical buildings, can be enjoyed from the five bridges which cross the river in the downtown area. Pisa offers  much more than the famous leaning tower (Torre Pendente) and it deserves  long enough stay to allow the visitor to discover the many suggestive  and beautiful corners,  the small squares, the ancient middle age churches, just walking through its historical center.

SIENA: to 50 km. The town of Siena is known throughout the world for its historic monuments and buildings, and for its peculiar mediaeval urban structure. It is one of the most important gothic towns. In 1995 UNESCO has recognized its historic downtown as humanity patrimony. None among other middle age towns, has been so clever in the maintenance of its cultural  and historical heritage as Siena, with its famous Palio and the 17 Contrade, with its art masterpieces, and the historical downtown which appears an open museum. Every year the town of Siena organizes about 600 high quality events, which include summer music entertainments and numerous art expos.  Siena is worthwhile visiting also for  handcrafts, food and wines which reach a very high quality and reflect the local culture and tradition. Siena gives its guests rich emotional and unforgettable experiences.

VOLTERRA: to 12 km. Volterra and its suggestive surroundings  probably offers  one of the most diverse  variety of attractions in Tuscany. Historical traditions here are associated with a stunning nature. The landscape, flora and wildlife is truly impressive.  Volterra has still a conspicuous  historical heritage , from the Etruscans till the end of 19th   century. Beautiful monuments and traces of each peculiar period can be appreciated just walking through the small streets of the town historical center, or visiting its museums. Besides,  the nature is still uncontaminated, the quality of life is ideal for mankind and you can find here a unique artistic handcraft: the alabaster sculptures.

SAN GIMIGNANO: to 23 km. San Gimignano is located in the heart of Tuscany, in Siena’s area. It is known all around the world for its medieval towers that rise over the town. For this reason it gained the nickname of Middle age Manhattan. Of its 72 original towers, built during the golden historical period of The Comuni, 16 are still standing. Set in the middle of a countryside  among the most beautiful of Italy, between Florence and Siena, his territory is rich with ancient culture and traditions. From 2005  the cultivation of saffron, which has been recently restored, has obtained the certification of D.O.P (Protected Origin Denomination).

COLLE VAL D'ELSA: to 23 km. Colle Val d’Elsa is set within Florence, Siena and Volterra territory, in a strategic position,on the main road which in the middle age was used by travellers from north Europe to Rome.  The town developed from three different small villages: Santa Caterina , Castel Piticciano and Il Piano. Nowadays the town is still strongly characterized by  a middle age architectural structure. Therefore it can be considered as an open air museum. Colle Val d’Elsa is also famous for its crystal glass manufactures ; in fact it has been known as  “citta` del cristallo” (city of crystal) since 1800s. Nowadays it covers 15% of the world crystal production, and over 95% of the Italian one.