Activities Archivi - Castello Gargonza

Typical products of Tuscany: come and taste them in Gargonza

Our region is one of Italy’s culinary jewels.

Indeed, thanks to its gastronomic delights, it is able to enchant visitors not only with its breathtaking landscapes and art cities rich in history and culture, but also with its culinary tradition. Food in Tuscany is not only nourishment, it is culture, life, a celebration of tradition.

At Gargonza, we are convinced that food and wine is a fundamental part of anyone’s experience in the castle. That is why we have selected a number of excellent local producers and typical products from Tuscany that well represent our history and gastronomic culture.

From salty prosciutto to finocchiona (a typical pork sausage enriched with fennel seeds), passing through pecorino, fresh cheeses and robust, structured red wines: at Gargonza we offer you a journey through the flavors of the typical products of Tuscany, in a magical and fascinating setting.

Typical products of Tuscany: what you’ll find in Gargonza

In our store we offer guided tastings of typical Tuscan products from the area around us. We love to go in search of local producers who passionately work with the best raw materials, and we make a point of letting you taste the products we consider the best. At the foot of the majestic 14th-century tower, you can enjoy cheeses, cured meats, wines and other Tuscan specialties that we have carefully selected.

Here are a few samples of what we can offer you.

Cold cuts from animals raised in the wild

The cured meats we offer in our tastings come primarily from the Basagni Farm in Monte San Savino. Basagni Farm raises pigs in the wild, living freely and feeding on what nature gives them, which are then processed into salami, hams and other delicious cured meats of excellence. The artisanal processing also involves no added phosphates to keep the taste and aroma of the meat intact.

Award-winning, flavor-packed cheeses

All the cheeses we use, not only for tastings but also in our restaurant kitchen, come from Andrea De’ Magi’s farm. Andrea, with whom we have been collaborating for some time, is an award-winning affineur who selects the best wheels of raw and pasteurized milk cheeses. You will be able to taste goat, sheep and cow’s milk cheeses, which are aged and refined at the Castiglion Fiorentino farm. Here they take on their characteristic flavor and texture-you’ll feel the true flavor of milk and aging done the old-fashioned way.

Come and taste the typical products of Tuscany in Gargonza

Of course, salumi and cheeses will be accompanied by typical Tuscan bread (without salt, strictly!) and a glass of local red wine. The wineries we have selected are all located in Tuscany and we have chosen them precisely because their wines are able to best accompany and enhance the gastronomic proposals.

For special needs, we can also prepare gluten-free bread and flat bread to accompany cured meats and cheeses.

If you would like to book a tasting of typical Tuscan products in Gargonza, you can write to us and we will be happy to arrange a personalized one for you.

Write to us!

An ancient castle in Tuscany: the history of Gargonza

Evocative and majestic, Gargonza is an ancient castle in Tuscany that has kept intact all the charm of medieval times. Thanks to the continuous restoration works and careful maintenance of it over all these years, walking through the streets of the village and entering the castle of Gargonza is a bit like stepping back in time.

In this article we retrace its centuries-old history of the village and the castle: it will be a truly fascinating journey through time.

The history of Gargonza over the centuries

It seems that the castle of Gargonza was built as a defensive structure around the 11th century. Specifically, the earliest records date back to exactly 1150: at that time, there was talk of a fortified castle on the road between Arezzo and Siena.

Over the years, Gargonza was transformed into a village where people were mainly engaged in wool processing and the care of the surrounding woods. In the seventeenth century, the castle would later be enlarged with a full-fledged farm: covering an area of about 900 hectares, the surrounding land was organized to be conducted on a sharecropping basis. Gargonza’s agricultural vocation lasted until the early 20th century.

After 300 years of flourishing agricultural life in the community, Gargonza was abandoned by its inhabitants but fortunately did not go into decline.

The Guicciardini Corsi Salviati family and the castle in Tuscany

The Corsi Salviati family has been the historic owner of Gargonza Castle since as far back as 1696, and since then has always dedicated itself to maintaining the original condition of the castle and village.

When Marquis Bardo Corsi Salviati died, all his property passed to Count Giulio Guicciardini, who added his surname to that of the original family. However, we are in the early 1900s, in the midst of a rural exodus: the hamlet is abandoned but one of the Count’s 8 sons, Roberto Guicciardini Corsi Salviati, chose to devote himself completely to the conservative restoration of the castle. The village was reborn and, from the 1960s, the houses and agricultural outbuildings were also restored. Gargonza was thus transformed into an accommodation facility, one of the very first in the region and in all of Italy, becoming a castle in Tuscany where people could stay as well as visit.

To this day, the castle of Gargonza is still owned by the Guicciardini Corsi Salviati family: it is the Count’s heirs, Neri and his wife Elisa, who carry on the activities of the hamlet and also the conservation and maintenance work, with the aim of preserving the hamlet’s medieval soul and appearance.

More than a castle in Tuscany, a real village

Gargonza is thus not just a castle in Tuscany but an entire medieval village. Around the tower there are stone-paved alleys along which we find numerous buildings maintained exactly as they were in medieval times: small peasant houses, with wooden beams and stone walls, have been converted into rooms and apartments that keep the medieval atmosphere intact.

Protecting the village we still find the original walls, preserved with great care.

What you will find today within the walls of Gargonza is therefore a perfectly preserved castle in Tuscany, a charming village and a luxury accommodation facility.

Want to visit Gargonza or book a stay in the castle?

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Typical Tuscan cooking class in the castle of Gargonza

Pappa al pomodoro, steak, meat sauces and fresh pasta are just a few of Tuscany’s world-famous culinary specialties . Of course, all accompanied by an excellent glass of red wine!

To help you experience all this, we organize a typical Tuscan cooking class for our guests who wish to have a unique culinary experience. During the course you will not only learn some typical Tuscan techniques and preparations but you will hear the history of the recipes, smell the most genuine ingredients and discover the gastronomic traditions of our region.

Here is how our Tuscan cooking class works.

Our Tuscan cooking class is a journey through the flavors and traditions

We have structured our Tuscan cooking class so that you can taste some typical preparations and to reveal some secrets of our culinary tradition.

The “Hands in Pasta” package.

We titled the course “Mani in Pasta” because the focus will be on making fresh pasta. In about two and a half hours, our chef will teach you how to make perfect typical Tuscan fresh pasta, using just a few simple ingredients, as per the poor peasant tradition. If you wish, you can also request to make gluten-free fresh pasta.

In addition to fresh pasta, you will learn how to prepare a typical traditional Tuscan sauce of your choice: from classic tomato to rich meat sauces, including vegetarian sauces made with mushrooms or truffles.

Finally, our Tuscan cooking class chef will teach you how to prepare a typical Tuscan appetizer or dessert, depending on your preference.

At the end of the Tuscan cooking class there will be lunch with what we prepared together! In this way the experience will be truly complete and you will remember it forever.

Discover the “Hands in Pasta” package

Cooking themed team building courses

For corporate groups looking to regain fellowship and create a cohesive and collaborative team, a culinary team building is the perfect experience!

We propose several culinary team-building proposals: participants will have to compete with each other in some way, but at the same time make it clear how everyone contributes to a unique project. Participants will make fresh pasta, pizza and bread baked in our ancient wood-fired oven, but not only that. We can organize a garden tour, where everyone will have to do their part, or a wine tasting or freestyle cocktail competition.

If you want to set up a culinary team for your corporate group, write to us and we will find the perfect solution for you!

Write to us to ask for information

Why take a typical Tuscan cooking class?

typical tuscan cooking course in gargonza

There are many reasons why you should take a Tuscan cooking class if you are vacationing in this region.

Learning the secrets of Tuscan cooking. Simple, genuine, and rich in flavor, the Tuscan culinary tradition is world famous, and taking a Tuscan cooking class will allow you to discover the secrets of authentic techniques and recipes that you won’t find in cookbooks.
Discovering new ingredients and flavors. Tuscan cuisine uses many local ingredients, which not everyone knows because they are typical of this region. These include salt-free bread, different kinds of cheeses, finocchiona and many other delicacies to be discovered.
Having fun and socializing. Tuscan cooking classes are also perfect for sharing an experience with colleagues and creating an atmosphere of sharing and collaboration. It is no coincidence that many companies choose Tuscan cooking classes as a team-building opportunity.

If you are passionate about gastronomy and recipes, a Tuscan cooking class is therefore perfect for discovering the culinary culture of one of the most beautiful regions in the world.

It will be an experience that will forever remain in your memories! Contact us to receive information.

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Tuscany in summer: 3 alternatives to the sea

Tuscany in the summer is not just about sea, beach and sun.

For those who do not like to find themselves in the heat among the crowds vying for a place on the shore, or simply for those who want to spend a different day than usual, there are many alternatives. Summer vacation in Tuscany can be fun but also interesting, rich in culture and relaxing.

In this article we give you three alternatives to experience Tuscany in the summer even while staying away from the beaches!

What to do in Tuscany in the summer without going to the beach?

Summer in Tuscany offers a thousand opportunities to immerse yourself in the history, culture and art of this land. You will discover hidden treasures and enjoy the tranquility of nature away from the crowds of beaches.

Here are three ideas for your summer vacation in Tuscany.

Casentino Forest National Park, for the adventurous

If what you are looking for is an experience in direct contact with nature, a day in the Casentino Forests National Park is ideal.

We are in the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines and the view is one of endless forests of beech, oak and fir trees, which provide pleasant shade and a cool breeze even on the sultriest summer days in Tuscany.

The Park of the Casentino Forests is dotted with more or less challenging trails, which will allow you to delve into the most unspoiled nature and discover truly evocative landscapes. Streams flowing between rocks and waterfalls, small natural lakes and ancient monasteries hidden in the woods. And as you walk, you might catch a glimpse of some wild animals living free in these forests.

All you have to do is to choose from the many trails of different lengths and difficulties and set off to discover the Tuscan nature.

Spas, for relaxation and refreshment

If you don’t like the sea, you better know that this is not the just way to have a dip. In fact, Tuscany is full of natural spas that allow you to cool off and relax without the stress of the beach. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, surrounded by lush hills and extensive vineyards, Tuscan spas offer the perfect opportunity to completely unplug.

Spa facilities feature outdoor and indoor pools, with more or less warm waters rich in minerals valuable to our well-being. In addition, most facilities offer many rejuvenating treatments and therapies such as massages, mud baths, saunas and whirlpools, designed to regenerate the body and mind. There is nothing better than experiencing a hot Tuscan summer day splashing around in rejuvenating waters.

If you want to learn about some of the most renowned spas in Tuscany, read this article.

The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore

The Val d’Orcia is a Unesco World Heritage region, and you only need to take a look at the views it offers to understand why! Rolling hills full of golden wheat alternate with rows of cypress trees on the horizon and vineyards as far as the eye can see, making for an evocative backdrop that has become the epitome of postcards from the Tuscan countryside.

Don’t let the heat discourage you because, apart from the drive, this area enjoys shady avenues and a gentle breeze that makes even the sultriest of days bear up without a problem. In addition, the small medieval villages that are scattered throughout the Val d’Orcia provide a cool respite from the heat of the Tuscan summer: shady alleys and stone buildings keep the air cool and make for pleasant walks.

The ideal way to visit the Val d’Orcia during your summer vacation in Tuscany is to prepare an itinerary made up of several medieval villages, perhaps a winery with wine tasting and a typical restaurant where you can enjoy Tuscan cuisine. Between stops, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

Summer vacation in Tuscany: where to stay

During your summer stay in Tuscany, you can sleep at Castello di Gargonza.

We are located halfway between Arezzo and Siena, so in a strategic position to reach Casentino, Val d’Orcia and some of the most renowned spas in the region.

Our hamlet has remained intact as it was in the Middle Ages, with its newly restored tower, cobblestone alleys and numerous houses that are now classic or superior rooms and apartments with every comfort. You will be cool, surrounded by the woods of the Val di Chiana, and you will have a store with typical products, a rich breakfast and a restaurant offering Tuscan cuisine.

What are you waiting for to plan your summer vacation in Tuscany?

Book a room now!

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Weekend gift packages: spend two days in beautiful Tuscany

Weekend gift packages are a great way to disconnect from everyday life and carve out some time to relax and enjoy new experiences.

If you want to give a special gift to someone or simply want to treat yourself to a weekend of relaxation and discovery, Tuscany is definitely the ideal destination. With its artistic and cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes and unique food and wine tradition, it is the perfect region for any traveler and offers many opportunities for recreation.

We have created several weekend gift packages to offer you a truly unforgettable stay in Tuscany, allowing you to live your passions and savor the wonders Tuscany has to offer.

Let’s find out about them!

Gargonza Castle’s weekend gift packages

Package for a relaxing weekend

If all you want is to unplug from your busy schedule, stress and tiring daily routine, there is nothing better than a relaxing weekend getaway. Our package includes two nights for two people with breakfast and a typical Tuscan dinner, which will be served in the panoramic dining room overlooking the hills of the Val di Chiana.

In addition, you will be pampered with a relaxing essential oil massage, which you can request either in your room or in one of our common areas with a fireplace. It will be 60 minutes of pure relaxation, accompanied by the intoxicating scent of pure essential oils and the enveloping movements of our experienced massage therapists.

Discover the Weekend Package with Dinner and Massage.

Gift box to put your hands in the dough

Tuscan cuisine is made up of peasant traditions, poor dishes, and simple, genuine ingredients. If you want to savor the authentic culinary tradition of our region, the Mani in Pasta gift box is perfect for you!

In fact, we offer you the opportunity to take part in a personalized cooking class for two people. In about two and a half hours of the course, you will learn how to make the best fresh pasta you’ve ever eaten, an accompanying sauce, and traditional Tuscan appetizers. Alternatively, you can choose to make a dessert, always guided and accompanied by our chefs.

Also included in the gift box is an overnight stay with breakfast and of course lunch!

Learn about the Mani in Pasta package.

Weekend package to savor Tuscan cuisine

The goodness of Tuscan cuisine is famous all over the world, and we are proud to faithfully reproduce some of the most famous recipes of our tradition. We choose only the finest ingredients and process them as they used to be done in the old days to enhance their taste and goodness.

If you love good food and drink more than anything else, we recommend our weekend gift package called The Flavors of the Castle.

You can enjoy a typical Tuscan dinner made by our chefs in one of the Castle’s panoramic rooms. In a romantic and charming atmosphere, we will accompany you during a typical Tuscan four-course tasting menu. From the wine list, we will choose together the 4 glasses to match the dishes, all strictly from the territory.

Also included in the weekend gift package is an overnight stay with breakfast.

Discover the The Flavors of the Castle package.

Romantic weekend package in Tuscany

This is the perfect weekend gift package to offer a little romance to your sweetheart. You will spend two days of quiet and serenity in the charming setting of Gargonza Castle and can devote yourself solely to your couple.

It could be a very romantic way to celebrate an anniversary, Valentine’s Day or birthday, or just an idea to remind your other half how much you love her! In any case, it will certainly be a welcome surprise.

The romantic weekend gift package includes an overnight stay with breakfast in a superior room and a welcome gift with a bottle of wine.

Learn about the Escape for Two package.

Choose your perfect weekend gift package now

Which of our weekend gift packages is the perfect one for you?

If you would like to receive more information or customize your gift box, please contact us and we will be happy to answer all your inquiries.

Romantic weekend in Tuscany: 3 tips for planning one

There are times when all you want is to unplug, escape from the routine and indulge in some pampering. Of course, in the company of one’s better half.

This article is dedicated to all those for whom that moment has arrived! However, not all experiences are suitable for a romantic getaway in Tuscany.

So we will give you all the useful info to organize a romantic weekend in Tuscany, the region that offers everything you need to spend a few truly magical days.

Choose the destination: where to go for a romantic weekend in Tuscany?

The first thing to do is to choose your destination.

Tuscany is a very diverse region so it depends on what you love to do and what you would like to see. The art cities, the countryside and the small medieval villages are definitely some of the main attractions so ideally you should choose a destination that gives you the possibility to reach these places relatively easily and quickly.

Among the art cities to visit are definitely Siena and Arezzo. On the other hand, we do not recommend Florence, not because it is not worth it but because it would deserve a separate trip because it is impossible to see everything in one romantic weekend in Tuscany.

Instead, the most beautiful medieval villages can be found in the areas of Val d’Orcia, Val di Chiana and Chianti, which are also hilly landscapes worth visiting.

Organize couple activities

Since it’s a romantic weekend in Tuscany, don’t forget to plan activities to do as a couple.

Here are some ideas for an unforgettable romantic getaway in Tuscany.

Natural spas. Being pampered by the gentle streams of warm waterfalls is one of the most romantic and relaxing activities you can choose. There are numerous spas in Tuscany where you can enjoy a wonderful and relaxing day.
Winery tastings. On the other hand, if you both love wine and good food, a guided tasting in one of the wineries in Chianti, Val di Chiana or Val d’Orcia is definitely a great way to spend the day. In fact, Tuscany is one of the most famous lands in the world for its wine tradition.
Forest therapy. Are you an active couple who love being outdoors? Then a walk in the woods is what will make your romantic weekend in Tuscany really special. It will be literally regenerating to immerse yourself completely in nature.

The accommodation: choose a romantic location

Finally comes the time to choose the perfect accommodation for a romantic getaway in Tuscany. It will have to be a location equipped with every comfort to allow you to spend your time in a pleasant way when you return after a day out.

Ideally, it should be a place with a romantic atmosphere, perhaps equipped with a nice pool and a restaurant where you can treat yourself to a candlelight dinner. The rooms should be furnished with attention to detail and in a comfortable way.

But the most important thing is the context in which the facility is located. Being on a busy street or in a suburban apartment building would have nothing romantic about it, right? Better a place out of the confusion, perhaps in the hills but still close to points of interest.

Gargonza’s packages for a romantic weekend in Tuscany

Gargonza Castle is the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend in Tuscany.

It is located on a hill between Val di Chiana, Val d’Orcia and Chianti, halfway between Siena and Arezzo. This will allow you to reach some of the most picturesque points of interest in Tuscany. And it is not just a hotel but an entire perfectly preserved medieval village, with its castle and many historic buildings where you will find rooms and apartments furnished in the traditional Tuscan style.

Gargonza also offers a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as the opportunity to stroll through the village’s narrow streets on a journey out of time.

In addition, there are packages designed for those who want to spend an unforgettable romantic weekend.

Weekend with dinner and massage

Our most relaxing package!

We offer you two nights in a classic room or apartment with a fireplace and a relaxing 60-minute couples massage. Plus, you’ll have breakfast and a typical Tuscan dinner to enjoy in our panoramic lounge.

Find out more about the weekend package with dinner and massage.

Love escape in Tuscany

The Love Escape package, on the other hand, is designed for those who want to spend just one night out.

We offer you an overnight stay in a superior double room with breakfast and a bottle of wine to sip at sunset with a beautiful view of the Val di Chiana. It will be a true romantic getaway in Tuscany!

Find out more about the Escape for Two in Tuscany package.

If you would like to learn more about our accommodation proposals, please contact us.

4 medieval towns in Tuscany to visit in Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana

Tuscany is a region famous throughout the world for its natural, artistic and cultural beauty. But it is also a land rich in history: medieval towns in Tuscany are the best way to take a real trip back in time to discover the past of this region.

In this article we made an overview of the villages to visit in Tuscany while now we focus on the most beautiful medieval towns in Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. We have chosen 4 of them that you can visit during a long weekend in this beautiful land.

Medieval towns in Tuscany: which villages to visit between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana

Among the Tuscan villages to visit in Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana, we have chosen 4 that we think best represent the medieval charm of this land.

Lucignano

Just 20 minutes from Gargonza is one of the most characteristic medieval villages to visit in Tuscany, an example of medieval town planning that has arrived intact to this day.

Lucignano is a fortified village strategically located in the Val di Chiana valley. For this reason it has been contested over the centuries by the cities of Siena, Florence and Arezzo. The walls of medieval origin were initially built as early as 1371, then the village was further fortified around 1558 with the construction of a Fortress ordered by Cosimo I de’ Medici.

The urban layout is characteristic of medieval villages: there is a “rich” street facing south, wide and bright with more imposing residential buildings, and a “poor” street facing north, where smaller houses and social housing rise.

Montalcino

Montalcino is a medieval town in Tuscany famous for the production of the famous Brunello wine, one of the finest in Italy. Situated atop a hill, it dominates the Val d’Orcia with its majestic fortress.

The village is surrounded by ancient walls and still retains many historic buildings maintained as they once were. We recommend visiting the Montalcino fortress, built in the 14th century and now home to the Civic Museum, and the Cassero Tower, which will give you a wonderful view of the Val d’Orcia.

And since you are in the land of Brunello di Montalcino, stop and enjoy a glass of this wine while accompanying it with a local dish such as pici all’aglione or ribollita. If you happen to be in Montalcino in November, you can enjoy the Brunello Festival.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is one of the most famous and best preserved medieval towns in Tuscany. It lies perfectly halfway between the Val d’Orcia and the Val di Chiana: situated on top of a hill like most medieval towns in Tuscany, it offers panoramic views of the two valleys it dominates.

In addition to being famous for the production of the noble wine of Montepulciano, this small Tuscan village is home to numerous historic buildings. These include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Palazzo Comunale, and the Church of San Biagio, considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.

In addition to these stops of interest, it will also be pleasant just to take a walk through the medieval streets, admiring the historic buildings and enjoying the view of the Val d’Orcia countryside. Also, don’t forget a food and wine stop at one of the many bars, restaurants and wine shops you will find in the village.

Radicofani

Among the villages to visit in Tuscany, Radicofani cannot be missed.

Less well known than other medieval towns in Tuscany, it offers some truly striking and fascinating buildings. Among them, the Rocca is undoubtedly the main attraction: it is a large medieval fortress that towers over the hill and dominates the entire valley. You will see it from miles away, and today it is home to the Cassero Museum, where some archaeological finds discovered in the area are preserved.

Other monuments worth seeing are the Praetorian Palace, the Church of St. Agatha and the Church of St. Peter, which dates back to Romanesque times.

Of course, Radicofani also offers great satisfaction in terms of food and wine: we are in fact in the area of noble Tuscan red wines, Chianina and pici.

Visiting medieval towns in Tuscany starting from Gargonza

Castello di Gargonza is strategically located for visiting the medieval towns in Tuscany that we have recommended. n fact, it is located halfway between Arezzo and Siena, a short distance from Val d’Orcia, Val di Chiana and Chianti.

If you want to organize an excursion to discover the most beautiful medieval towns and you only have a few days to spare, Gargonza is the ideal starting base.

Discover all our accommodations: we have rooms and apartments to accommodate any number of people.

Wedding locations in Tuscany: 4 ideas on where to have a magical ceremony

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in the world, and there are so many who choose to celebrate their most beautiful day in this land. Breathtaking landscapes, thousands of years of history, timeless culture and art – all this will make your day magical.

But how to choose the perfect Tuscany wedding location for your couple? From Renaissance villas to medieval castles and vineyards, there are so many options to consider.

In this article we will explore some of the best wedding venues in Tuscany to help you find the perfect venue.

Where to have a wedding in Tuscany?

The types of wedding venues in Tuscany are very different from each other, but all are magical.

Medieval castle

The ideal choice for those who want a fairytale, romantic and princely wedding is undoubtedly a medieval castle. At Gargonza we have hosted hundreds of beautiful weddings of couples from all over the world. Available to our guests are many outdoor spaces, frescoed indoor halls and even rooms and apartments if you want to accommodate your guests for the night.

The wonder of being inside an authentic, perfectly preserved medieval Tuscan castle will make your day truly magical.

Renaissance villa

One of the most sought-after and popular locations for weddings in Tuscany are historical villas. Our region is full of marvelous villas dating back to the Renaissance period that have been used as wedding locations and thus give the possibility to celebrate one’s ceremony inside. Gorgeous halls filled with frescoes and wonderful gardens with pathways, flower beds and fountains are the perfect setting for any elegant wedding.

Chianti vineyard

If you love the views and landscapes typical of the Tuscan countryside, it might be a suggestive idea to choose a Chianti vineyard as the location for your wedding in Tuscany. It will be an original and evocative ceremony, with the possibility of visiting the vineyard and offering your guests a guided tasting. If you love Tuscan wine, it will be a truly unforgettable experience, and the view from a Chianti vineyard is truly spectacular.

Alternatively, you can offer your guests a visit to a Chianti winery as a side activity to the wedding.

Art city

Finally, if you and your better half are passionate about artistic beauty and culture, the wedding venue in Tuscany for you is a city of art. You’ll be spoiled for choice between Siena, Florence or perhaps Arezzo, which is less well known but very rich in artistic wonders.

You can have the ceremony in a historic palace or a church and then stroll through the streets of the city, among history, culture and art.

How long before looking for wedding locations?

Of course, it depends on many factors including the time of the wedding, the number of guests, the type of ceremony, and the kind of venue. In general, however, we recommend that you move between 6 months and 1 year ahead of the date to make sure you find the perfect place for you. This means that if you are getting married in the spring, you should already find the location for your wedding in Tuscany between September and October of the year before.

If you want to book your wedding ceremony at Castello di Gargonza, we recommend that you contact us at least a year in advance of your big day.

Spring in Tuscany: what to do and what to see

Spring in Tuscany is a perfect season for discovering small villages, visiting art cities and experiencing fun outdoor activities. In fact, the weather is getting milder, the days are getting longer and it’s the perfect time to spend a weekend away discovering the beauty of Tuscany.

Here are some tips on where to go and what to do in spring in Tuscany.

Where to go in spring in Tuscany?

Spring is the perfect season to go just about anywhere!

Here are our top 3 destinations to go to in spring in Tuscany.

Medieval Villages. Tuscany is literally full of small villages dating back to medieval times so you are spoiled for choice. In this article you’ll find lots of ideas for organizing a tour to discover medieval Tuscany.
Art cities. This region is home to some of the most splendid art cities in the world: Florence, Siena and Arezzo are some of the destinations you should definitely put on your agenda if you’re in Tuscany, but Lucca and Pisa also have plenty of beauty to offer.
Mountains. From the Apennines to the Apuan Alps and the Casentino forests, spring in Tuscany is the best season to enjoy the pure mountain air and devote a day to trekking or hiking.

5 things to do in spring in Tuscany

Depending on your passions and the type of vacation, whether it is with a couple, friends or family, there are many different activities you can organize.

Visiting a winery

Wine is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of Tuscany! Tuscan wines are famous all over the world, and if you are a wine lover, it will be a pleasure to let yourself be guided on a tasting tour to one of the wineries in Chianti or Nobile di Montepulciano, or in the Val di Chiana, particularly in the Cortona area to taste the Cortona DOC Syrah wines. Often, in combination with the wines, you will also be served typical Tuscan products and can take a tour of the vineyards and winery.

In this article we give you some ideas on the best Chianti wineries to visit.

Going on a trek or a walk

LSpring in Tuscany is also the perfect time to spend a day outdoors hiking or walking. From the Via Francigena to the Via degli Etruschi, there are trails of all durations and levels of difficulty so you will have no trouble finding one suitable for you.

In addition, there are also organized treks in several mountain locations that will take you to discover some very impressive woods and forests.

At Castello di Gargonza, in Val di Chiana, you can take advantage of a hiking trail for some beautiful walks, starting right from the village.

Relaxing at the spa

Tuscany is full of spas where you can spend a day of relaxation and wellness. From Rapolano to Chianciano, you only have to choose the best place to pamper yourself among springs, mud baths and beneficial hot waterfalls.

Read our article dedicated to spas in Tuscany to find the ideal place for your relaxing weekend getaway.

Taking a tour of festivals and village fairs

One of the most authentic traditions you will find in Tuscany are the village festivals and celebrations. You will have no trouble finding any because, during the spring, any village or town in Tuscany organizes some. The focus of village festivals is, of course, food: there are festivals dedicated to virtually any typical food, from tortelli to truffles.

Often the festivals are also accompanied by stands with games for children and sales of typical products.

Discovering villas and gardens

Another pride of Tuscany is its splendid villas, usually surrounded by wonderful gardens. The majority of these buildings date back to the Renaissance or Baroque period and were built for the noble families of the time, so they have truly architecturally and artistically beautiful rooms.

Noble villas can be found in every area of Tuscany.

Spring in Tuscany: where to stay?

Castello di Gargonza is strategically located in Tuscany so you can explore the region in the spring season. Halfway between Siena and Arezzo, it will allow you to visit medieval villages, go on outdoor excursions and enjoy the festive atmosphere of village festivals.

Discover our accommodations and book your stay.

What to see in Val d’Orcia in a weekend

Tuscany is a region full of wonderful places, and the Val d’Orcia is one of them. With rolling hills, centuries-old cypress trees and small villages that seem to have come out of the Middle Ages now, the Val d’Orcia really does look like a painting. If you are thinking of planning a weekend or vacation in Tuscany, here are some tips on what to see in Val d’Orcia, where to go and what stops to make.

Where the Val d’Orcia is located

The Val d’Orcia is located in the province of Siena, on the border with Umbria and immediately north of Mount Amiata. The valley is crossed by the Orcia River, from which it takes its name, and borders the Crete Senesi, almost reaching the province of Grosseto. The entire Val d’Orcia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, a beautiful natural park dotted with cypresses, vineyards and hot springs.

What to see in Val d’Orcia

The entire Val d’orcia is a must-see! If you want to plan an itinerary that allows you to discover the most beautiful places in a single weekend, we recommend some must-see places.

PIENZA

Pienza is one of the most characteristic villages of the Val d’Orcia, to be seen and discovered. A real jewel designed by Bernardo il Rossellino, under the guidance of architect Leon Battista Alberti. The Cathedral, the Piazza Pio II and the Palazzo Piccolomini are some of the must-see stops.

Strolling around Pienza you will find beautiful historic buildings, narrow streets and postcard views. And of course, don’t miss the chance to taste the famous Pecorino di Pienza cheese.

SAN QUIRICO D’ORCIA

What to see in the Val d’Orcia still? Undoubtedly the small village of San Quirico d’Orcia: as you arrive, you’ll see it standing out from the top of a hill, just as it did centuries ago. This ancient village is located along the Via Francigena and has Etruscan origins. Unmissable stops include the 16th-century gardens, the main square, the fortresses and the Pieve. Also worth a visit is the Cassero Tower, the remains of which are still visible.

ABBEY OF SANT’ANTIMO

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is one of the most fascinating things to see in the Val d’Orcia. It is a monastic complex dating back centuries: legend has it that Charlemagne, in 781, was returning from Rome along the Via Francigena. His army and retinue were struck by the plague during the journey, and Charlemagne had the Abbey built as a vow.

Today all that remains of the ancient Abbey is the Carolingian Chapel and the remains of the chapter house and cloister. It still remains one of the most distinctive Romanesque buildings in Tuscany.

CASTIGLIONE D’ORCIA

A small village nestled among cypress trees, with a series of architectural and artistic wonders to discover. The Piazza Vecchietta, dedicated to the painter, sculptor and architect Lorenzo di Pietro (nicknamed precisely the Vecchietto and originally from here) is the town center. From here you can leave to visit the Tentennano Fortress, the San Giovanni Art Hall and the church of Santa Maria Maddalena.

CHAPEL OF VITALETA

The Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta is located in the hills that lead from San Quirico d’Orcia to Pienza. If you’re wondering what to see in Val d’Orcia, this is definitely a must-see. It is a charming little chapel framed by rows of cypress trees, built on the exact spot where Mary appeared to a local shepherdess.

BAGNO VIGNONI

Bagno Vignoni is known as the Spa of the Val d’Orcia. A small town of ancient origin that has a feature that makes it truly unique: a pool, right located in the Central Square, filled with hot thermal water. The pool is a full 49 meters long and 29 meters wide so it offers a particularly impressive sight.

Val d’Orcia: where to sleep?

So what to see in Val d’Orcia we have discovered (and these are just some of the wonders to see), but where to sleep?

Castello di Gargonza is located a stone’s throw from Val d’Orcia, immersed in nature, the ideal starting point to set out to discover small villages, natural landscapes and churches surrounded by cypress trees.

The castle is an ancient medieval village that we have preserved intact and perfectly preserved. Each building houses a room or apartment that we have decided to keep just as they once were.

If you would like to know about availability and our accommodations, please, write to us.