experiences in tuscany and florence · 2018-09-20 · golf with its mild winters and warm, sunny...

E X P E R I E N C E S

I N T U S C A N Y A N D F L O R E N C E

WITHIN OUR WALLS

3TUSCANYBELMOND CASTELLO DI CASOLE

WELCOME TO TUSCANY

Deep in the countryside, surrounded by 4,200 acres of rolling hills, sweeping valleys, vineyards and olive groves, Belmond Castello di Casole offers a true Tuscan escape. Enjoy a wealth of countryside pleasures in and around our lush estate. Cycle along picturesque trails, stride off on nature treks to spot deer and wild boar, explore fabled wineries or cook up feasts based on local delicacies, including prized truffles that you can unearth on a fun hunt. Further afield, enchanting towns such as San Gimignano, Montalcino and Volterra, and majestic cities including Siena and Florence await exploration.

C O N T E N T S

WITHIN OUR WALLS

EXPLORE THE TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE

DISCOVER TREASURES OF TUSCANY

VENTURE FURTHER AFIELD

SAMPLE LOCAL WINES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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F O O D A N D W I N E

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S H O P P I N G

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Within our walls


WITHIN OUR WALLS

The lesson ends with a delicious lunch based on your creations.

Each class is suitable for around six to eight people and lasts approximately 1 hour, starting at 17:30. Reservations required.

COOKING CLASSES

Learn how to prepare stunning Italian dishes using the finest local ingredients. We’ll provide all of the materials you need to create fresh pasta, mouthwatering breads, tiramisù and other local classics.

PIZZA MAKING AND BAKING CLASS

Join one of our expert chefs for a casual, hands-on class to master the art of preparing traditional pizza dough. You’ll choose delicious local ingredients for the toppings before baking your customised pizzas in the wood-burning oven. Culminating in dinner, the lesson is great fun for both children and adults.


WITHIN OUR WALLS

You’ll find a Spa Menu in your room or ask for one at the Spa reception.

Please ask our Concierge for details. Reservations required.

UNWIND AT ESSERE SPA

Pamper yourself in our serene spa in the dramatic, vaulted setting of the estate’s former wine cellar, surrounded by Etruscan statuary. Essere, meaning “to be” in Italian, is a place where you can simply be: savour each moment and focus on your wellbeing as you soothe mind, body and soul with therapies inspired by local Tuscan ingredients, such as rosemary, grapes and olive oil. All rituals are suitable for both men and women unless otherwise stated. All massages can be enjoyed as a couple’s treatment in our exclusive suite, subject to availability.

YOGA AT DAWN

Treat yourself to a calming and reviving yoga session in our Spa garden. Breathe in the stunning vistas of Tuscany’s rolling hills at dawn as an experienced yoga teacher takes you through poses that stretch, flex and strengthen your body.

1 1TUSCANYBELMOND CASTELLO DI CASOLE

WITHIN OUR WALLS

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Please book with our Concierge.

WATERCOLOUR CLASSES

Tap into your creative side in the inspiring setting of our grounds. Capture the verdant scenery during an art class outside, or in Sala Camino or our courtyard depending on the weather. We provide art supplies and basic tuition suitable for all ages.

ITALIAN LESSONS

Parla Italiano? Or would you like to learn? Enhance your existing skills or learn the basics of our rich language during your stay. Native Italian teachers are available for one-on-one or group tuition at every level.


WITHIN OUR WALLS

Reservations essential. Please book as early as possible, particularly for October activities. Inform the Concierge of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. Dress code: comfortable clothes, long trousers, sneakers or hiking shoes.

Advance booking essential.

TRUFFLE HUNTING AT BELMOND CASTELLO DI CASOLE

Our vast estate is a treasure trove of truffles. Join a professional truffle hunter to seek out the precious tubers, which are particularly abundant in September and October but available all year round. You’ll be met at the hotel or in a convenient spot in the estate and escorted through the countryside to hunt for the delicacies, aided by a highly trained Lagotto Romagnolo dog. Afterwards you can feast on your finds with the option of pairing the dish with a great wine (for an extra charge).

TRUFFLE HUNTING AT CASTELLO DI CASOLE

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WILDLIFE SAFARIS

As our hotel nestles in a nature reserve, there’s an abundance of wildlife to be spotted, including hare, pheasant, deer, wild boar and porcupine. Join our gamekeeper, Paolo, for a jeep and walking safari starting from the hotel at sunrise or sunset. We recommend you dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for country walking. Paolo, who speaks basic English, knows all the animals’ favorite foraging places.

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Explore the Tuscan countryside



NEW TREASURES OF TUSCANY

Embark on a thrilling art tour to see Tuscany in a new light. You’ll be driven through hills, vineyards and olive groves to discover hidden artistic gems. Visit Chianti Sculpture Park, where an enchanting 1km sculpture trail winds through a 17-acre oak wood.

Please book in advance.

CHEESE, WINE AND MERENDA AT AGRITURISMO ERTA

Visit winemaker Varno Spinelli at his enchanting farm in Casole d’Elsa to sample a selection of locally crafted cheeses paired with his own extra virgin olive oil, tasty jams and conserves. For an extra charge, sample his delicious organic red wines, Erta and Risala, or enjoy a rustic merenda (a traditional farmers’ snack) of bread with sugar and red wine, or bread with tomato and eggs. Ideal as brunch or an afternoon treat.

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HORSEBACK RIDING

Saddle up and set off through the majestic olive groves, sprawling valleys and lush vineyards of Italy’s most beautiful countryside. Enjoy a trek from an equestrian centre located 35 minutes from our hotel. You’ll be paired with a horse suitable to your skill and height, and provided with a cap and safety gear. First you’ll ride in the paddock so that your guide can tailor the tour to your level of experience.

Riders must be at least 9 years old. The duration of the ride is determined by the experience and age of the riders. Rides subject to availability and weather conditions.

BIKE TOURS AND RENTALS

Explore the heavenly countryside on two wheels. For guided tours, English-speaking guides are available, offering equipment rental and a wide range of itineraries for part- or full- day excursions. Should you prefer to ride on your own, our Concierge can recommend routes and arrange rental bikes to be delivered. Road bicycles, hybrids and mountain bikes are all available. Just provide each participant’s measurements in advance so we can secure the right equipment. Tuscany is famously hilly and can be a challenge even for seasoned riders – make things easier on yourself by renting an electric bike!

Tours are tailored to guests’ interests and abilities.

HIKING

Hiking in Tuscany is a pleasure not to be missed. Join a professional, English-speaking guide on a route embracing vineyards, olive groves, abbey ruins and hamlets, and relish the peace and harmony of the landscape. Tours can be tailored to various abilities and fitness levels, from the casual yet enthusiastic walker to the ultra-fit, experienced hiker. Should you prefer to go it alone, our Concierge can provide a map of the estate and recommended routes.

Advance booking required. Our Concierge will be delighted to arrange your transfer.



VISIT A TUSCAN CASTLE

Visit one of the fairytale, hilltop castles that dot the Tuscan landscape. Head to Castello di Celsa, which dominates the landscape in nearby Pievescola, for a private garden tour with an English-speaking guide. Explore the stunning Italian gardens, 16th-century fountain, charming English Wood and a fish pond with one of the most breathtaking vistas in the world.

PODERE PAUGNANO ORGANIC FARM

Sample typical Tuscan produce at this authentic sheep farm, which not only produces Pecorino cheese, but olive oil and vegetables that can all be tasted on site. The owners of the farm, which is located near Radicondoli, just 20 minutes from our hotel, will welcome you into their home, show you around the farm and provide an enticing array of cheeses and olive oils for tasting. On request, they can serve a light lunch in their kitchen or on their terrace using fresh farm ingredients. If you stay until 17:00, you’ll see them milk the sheep. They will also demonstrate how the milk curdles before it’s transformed into cheese.

Please note, the owners don’t speak English, but if you’d like to see how a farm in the Tuscan countryside is run you’ll have a lovely time.

CINTA SENESE FACTORY TOUR

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this factory where Cinta Senese – a rare, protected breed of wild black pig – products are made. Observe production through the windows before enjoying a tasting of the prized cured meats and hams. When the weather permits, you can also visit the breeding site. An English-speaking guide is available to lead the tour. Enhance the experience by pairing the tour with a tasting at a family-run cheese farm. Casual attire and appropriate footwear, such as boots, are recommended.

Advance booking required.

Please book your tour in advance.



LUXURY DRIVING EXPERIENCES

Ask our Concierge to book you a luxury supercar, such as a Ferrari, Aston Martin or Lamborghini, and then glide off into the Tuscan hills. Escorted by a pilot vehicle, explore the region’s winding, cypress-lined roads and charming villages on an exhilarating, unforgettable driving adventure.

HOT AIR BALLOONING

Take to the skies and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the glorious countryside on an aerial adventure. Flights start at dawn (approximately 06:00) and last around an hour. The pilot will pick you up at the hotel, take you to the launch point and return you afterwards. We recommend wearing casual, warm clothing, including sneakers and a hat. After your flight, a continental breakfast awaits near the landing. The hot-air ballooning season tends to be late spring to early autumn.

GOLF

With its mild winters and warm, sunny summers, Tuscany is a year-round destination for golf lovers. There are several courses within easy reach of Belmond Castello di Casole, the closest being approximately 30km from our property and 12km from Siena. Closer to Florence, enjoy the beautiful and challenging course at Golf Club Ugolino, which nestles in the Chianti hills.

For ages 12 and up. Tailor-made itineraries are available, subject to wind conditions. The flight usually lasts 1 hour; the whole experience lasts 3 hours. Available for six to eight people per balloon. Advance booking required.

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Discover the treasures of Tuscany

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DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF TUSCANY

IN OUR VICINITY

CERTALDO

Prepare to be enchanted by this medieval hamlet in the heart of the Elsa Valley. Its name derives from the Latin cerrus altus, meaning “a rise covered in oak trees” and its origins date from Etruscan times. Ancient gates – Porta Alberti and Porta al Rivellino – lead into the old town, which you can reach by walking up the steep streets or by hopping on the funicular in Piazza Boccaccio. A terraced garden and walkway along the town walls provide sweeping views from Val d’Elsa to San Gimignano.

SAN GIMIGNANO AND MONTERIGGIONI

Embark on a guided tour of San Gimignano, famous for its 14 majestic towers piercing the sky, and the smaller medieval town of Monteriggioni, enclosed within ancient walls and still boasting its original layout.

We can arrange for an expert tour guide to show you the highlights, including Museo San Gimignano, whose 10 galleries feature multi-media exhibits, street scenes and a ceramic recreation of the city as it appeared in 1300, handcrafted by Michelangelo and Raffaello Rubino. Learn why most of the original 72 towers collapsed, leaving just 14 standing.

The whole of Monteriggioni is an attraction in itself, encased in a perfectly circular, monumental wall, dominating a stretch of the Via Francigena pilgrim trail. Walk the ramparts, visit the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the armoury museum. The town is particularly lively in July, when the streets fill with musicians, acrobats and storytellers dressed in period costume for the annual Medieval Festival.

CRYSTAL FACTORY

Explore Colle Val d’Elsa, famous the world over for its crystal production. In Italy, it’s referred to as La Città del Cristallo (the city of crystal). Tour a sparkling factory and discover the secrets of the artisans’ work, escorted by an English-speaking guide who will explain the processes step-by-step. At the end of the visit you’re invited to browse the outlet shop.



SIENA

CITY TOUR

No trip to Tuscany is complete without visiting the UNESCO-listed historic center of Siena. Discover one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval cities, its narrow streets and alleyways, fascinating museums and cuisine. Be wowed by the magnificent Duomo, decorated in white and greenish-black striped marble and filled with treasures by Pisano, Donatello and Michelangelo, and the Piazza del Campo, the scallop-shaped heart of the city where, twice a year, the famous Palio horse race draws excited crowds from far and wide.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE PALIO

For centuries, Siena’s world-famous bareback horse race has been staged with unchanging pride and verve in the beautiful Piazza del Campo. Join a local guide for a privileged tour of the rooms where the horses are ceremoniously blessed before the event and where the Sienese are baptised. Admire the collection of coveted silk banners, painted by renowned artists to represent the city’s 17 districts, or contrade.

Three-hour tour



SIENA BY NIGHT

Explore the magical city after sunset. Admire the decorative street lights, enjoy window shopping and experience the tranquillity of the deserted alleyways. As you stroll, your guide will regale you with stories and legends about celebrated and little-known Sienese characters.

EARLY MORNING URBAN PHOTO SAFARI

Rise early to be inside the medieval walls by around 06:00, when the city is still asleep. Our guide, a local art historian, will lead you through empty streets and alleyways where you can photograph distinctive aspects of churches, palaces, towers and gates built between the 11th and 20th centuries. Soon the first workers will appear in the frame and the quiet streets will fill with buzzing crowds. At this point you enter a local bar for a well-deserved frothy cappuccino and croissant.

Two-hour tour

The tour lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes



FLORENCE

As the pride of the Medici and the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence remains an awe-inspiring destination boasting some of the world’s greatest art and architecture.

Combine a delve into its cultural riches with the pleasure of strolling through the charming streets. Explore the magnificent Uffizi Gallery, devoted to Renaissance masterpieces, and see Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Let us arrange a personalised tour of the city’s highlights:

PRIVATE VIEW OF THE DUOMO TERRACES

The iconic dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral was created by Brunelleschi in the 15th century. Today, the striking landmark dominates the skyline. Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the monumental church and private access to its roof terraces. Gain a close-up view of the famous cupola while absorbing one of the city’s most magical panoramas.

ITALIAN GARDENS

Visit the magical Boboli Gardens, encompassing around 75 acres of sweeping lawns, formal beds, elegant statuary, cool fountains and enchanting follies. Conceived in 1549 by the Medici family, the gardens continued to evolve throughout the 17th century and are considered to be the most famous Italian gardens in the world.


The boats are uncovered so we recommend this activity in the summer, starting at around 17:00. Please book in advance. Children must be 12 or older.


RIVER RAFTING ON THE ARNO

Glide along the Arno River, admiring the architectural beauties of Florence from a unique perspective. Expert rafters will guide you down the San Niccolò Weir, beneath the celebrated Ponte Vecchio, leaving you free to soak up the sights. Join the daytime tour or go by night to enjoy happy-hour cocktails or a glass of fizz. For added exhilaration, embark on a full-day excursion to the Sieve River for an adrenaline-fuelled ride down the rapids.

BOAT TOUR ALONG THE RIVER ARNO

Admire Florence from the vantage point of its iconic river. You’ll meet your captain near the Ponte alle Grazie and board the boat, a reconstruction of a vessel used during the Renaissance to cross the Arno. You’ll be propelled gently downriver as far as the Ponte della Carraia, observing the city’s ancient Lungarno – embankments and quaysides – along the way.

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CHILDREN’S MUSEUMS IN FLORENCE

Florence is home to an array of family-friendly museums. Inside Palazzo Vecchio, in Piazza della Signoria, exhibits bring the Renaissance city to life for little ones, showing how the Medici lived and ruled. Dynamic Palazzo Strozzi hosts a wide range of art exhibitions tailored to families, including educational programmes in English. The Galileo Museum also features exhibits designed to engage children, including extraordinary items such as the Renaissance scientist’s telescope and globes.

TREASURE HUNT

A perfect way for the entire family to explore Florence is on a hunt through its winding streets in search of hidden treasures. Choose either a half- or full-day tour with an English-speaking guide. The best hunter will be presented with a special gift.



APE CALESSINO TOUR

Hop into an Ape Calessino, the three-wheeled electric car that conjures up the dolce vita of the 1950s and 60s. Accessing areas that are normally out of bounds to motorists, you can visit the most famous sights of central Florence with ease in this bijou classic.

EXCLUSIVE FOOD TOUR

A must for foodies, this tailored tour takes you to gourmet hotspots favoured by locals. Start with a rich espresso or creamy cappuccino before heading into the Mercato Sant’Ambrogio, an authentic food market where your guide will tell you all about Florentine culinary traditions. Afterwards you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the freshest produce from the market with a wine tasting at the acclaimed Touch restaurant.

Ask our Concierge to arrange the Ape for you.

Available for a minimum of 4 people with lunch and wine tasting included.



ARTISANS OF FLORENCE

Discover the secrets of Florence’s artisans and the techniques behind crafts that date back nearly 500 years. Learn about the timeless skills used to create marbleised paper, jewellery, leather goods, oils and vinegars, on an engaging guided tour.

PRIVATE SHOPPING TOUR

Enlist the skills of a personal shopper and make the most of Florence’s finest boutiques. With a few initial details from you, your personal shopper will pave a trail to help you find everything you’re looking for and more. Using their intimate knowledge of the city, they can direct you to traditional styles and enduring classics as well as the latest avant-garde designs and Italian couture.

Tours usually begin at 10:00 and last up to 3 hours (visiting three artisans).



TOUR OF PISA

Discover the fascinating history of the Leaning Tower and its precarious pose on a visit to Pisa. The freestanding campanile, 185ft high and constructed of white marble, began to lean during construction due to the area’s soft subsoil. Today it’s sound enough for visitors to climb the 297-step spiral staircase to the top.

HIKE AND BIKE TOUR OF LUCCA

Lucca is a relatively unknown Tuscan gem whose historic centre reflects the city’s former incarnations as a Roman outpost, Lombard duchy, medieval mercantile power and proud independent republic. This tour on foot and bicycle is an excellent way to explore its treasures, including Renaissance walls, cobblestone streets, tree-lined pathways and the house-museum of composer Puccini.

WROUGHT IRON SHOP, PIENZA

Just a few kilometres outside of Pienza, a beguiling Tuscan village famous for its olive oil and cheese production, visit a beautiful wrought iron shop and observe the artisans at work. You can buy or order iron pieces forged there, as well as learn more about a trade founded centuries ago that is still practiced by skilled craftspeople in the countryside.

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Venture further afield


VENTURE FURTHER AFIELD

BOAT TOUR

Embark on a tailored boat trip or charter a yacht for a day to explore the beauty of the Tuscan Archipelago. Head to stunning Elba, the biggest of the seven islands, to relax on pristine beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters and stride off on excellent hiking trails. Or explore tranquil Capraia to switch off and chill out completely. You can even sail along the coast of the Parco dell’Uccellina, a nature reserve that’s home to wild boars, fallow deers, red foxes, porcupines, turtles and rare birds.

HELI TOUR

Take to the skies in a private helicopter or a private jet and explore in style. We can arrange tours based on your interests, for example a flight to one of the Brunello di Montalcino vineyards, such as Le Ripi, or a trip to the ancient Abbey of Passignano where the famous Antinori winery is based.

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Sample local wines


SAMPLE LOCAL WINES

TOUR OF LOCAL WINERIES

Spend a perfect day with family and friends among gently rolling hills and gorgeous landscapes, savouring fabulous wine and food. Let us organise a tour with a knowledgeable guide, who will lead you to some of the most fabled vineyards in the region.

We’ll open the doors to historic, family-run wineries, where you can hear the stories behind the legendary labels direct from the producers.

Visit Badia a Passignano, set in a picturesque abbey, to sample Tignanello, Guado al Tasso and the great Solaia; or Castello di Ama, where contemporary art installations and ancient stone buildings create an inspiring setting for a tasting. Enjoy a relaxing visit to Podere Le Ripi in the Brunello area to discover biodynamic production methods and unforgettable panoramas. Or be fascinated by the Avignonesi Winery, in the Nobile di Montepulciano area, tasting organic wines and visiting a unique Acetaia (vinegar cellar), open exclusively to our guests.

Please speak to our Concierge to organise your personalised tour.

July 2 and August 16 Palio horse race | SienaTwice a year, the sloped Piazza del Campo fills with excited crowds, ready to witness one of the most famous horses races in the world. Ten steeds and their bareback riders, dressed in the costumes and colours of their “contrade” (city districts), race round the medieval square amid much pageantry and ceremony.

July Bocelli Concert at the Teatro del Silenzio | LajaticoOpera star Andrea Bocelli returns to the open-air Theatre of Silence, set in the stunning Tuscan countryside, for the 14th year. He’ll perform Umberto Giordano’s Andrea Chénier, the first opera the tenor ever listened to, which made him fall in love with the genre.

Calendar of Events 2019

Events in Tuscany

experiences in tuscany and florence · 2018-09-20 · golf with its mild winters and warm, sunny...

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