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

tuscany in summer at the spa

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

summer in val d'orcia in tuscany

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!

Weekend gift packages: spend two days in beautiful Tuscany

pacchetti regalo weekend toscana

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.

Contact us for information

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.

Weekend with massage

This offer includes an overnight stay for two people with buffet breakfast served in our former oil mill with adjoining garden and a relaxing massage with essential oils for two people.

Overnight stay in our superior accommodations with fireplace in the living room (in some apartments the fireplace is in the bedroom). The offer includes a relaxing massage to be performed directly in your room or in one of our common areas.

The technique is that of a relaxing massage. The massage lasts 60 minutes. Before the massage, the client will be made to inhale a series of pure essential oils. The combination of rhythmic and enveloping maneuvers of this treatment will give an unforgettable and fragrant relaxing and well-personalized moment.

Upon purchase of the box, a gift envelope will be sent by post with the personalized voucher inserted.
The package can be used upon reservation with the reception of Castello di Gargonza and subject to availability. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. To book your stay call 0575/847021 or write to info@gargonza.it. Check‐in is generally expected between 3pm and 7.30pm as reception hours are from 8am to 8pm without night concierge.

Price €500.00 for two people per night, massage included.

Buy weekend with massage

HANDS ON COOKING CLASS

Treat yourself or give the “Mani in pasta” box set. For those who want to discover the secrets of typical Tuscan cuisine, this package includes an overnight stay for two people with breakfast in a superior room, 1 cooking class for 2 people for approximately 2 and a half hours where you can make fresh pasta with a sauce to accompany it and some typical Tuscan appetizers or a dessert depending on the period or your desires.

Lunch will then be provided, again for two people and a free Gargonza apron.

Upon purchase of the box, a gift envelope will be sent by post with the personalized voucher inserted. The package can be used upon reservation with the reception of Castello di Gargonza and subject to availability.
The cooking lesson takes place at the restaurant and is preferable to take place in the morning with lunch to follow. In the evening according to availability.

The voucher is valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. To book your stay call 0575/847021 or write to info@gargonza.it.
Check‐in is generally expected between 3pm and 7.30pm as reception hours are from 8am to 8pm without night concierge.


Price €500,00 for two people with breakfast, lunch, activities and VAT included.

Buy now hand on cooking class

The flavors of the Castle

For those who love good food and good wine, this package includes an overnight stay for two people with breakfast in a superior room, 1 typical Tuscan dinner for two people with a 4-course tasting menu and pairing with 4 glasses of local wine. From our wine list we will choose together the pairings to give to the 4 courses of Tuscan cuisine.

When you purchase the box, a gift envelope will be sent by post with the personalized voucher for your gift inserted.
The package can be used upon reservation with the reception of Castello di Gargonza and subject to availability. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the day of purchase.


To book your stay call 0575/847021 or write to info@gargonza.it. Check‐in is generally expected between 3pm and 7.30pm as reception hours are from 8am to 8pm without night concierge.

Price €410,00 for two people with breakfast, dinner and drinks included, VAT included.

Buy Now The flavors of the Castle

Escape for two

Treat yourself or treat yourself to an escape for two at Castello di Gargonza. We will offer you an experience of serenity in the quiet and romance of this little corner of paradise by staying in the Case di Gargonza and rediscovering the scents of a forgotten tranquility.

This package includes an overnight stay for 2 people with breakfast in a superior room (possibility of requesting suites with a fireplace in the room), a welcome gift/ 1 bottle of wine.
Upon purchase of the box, a gift envelope will be sent by post with the personalized voucher inserted.

The package can be used upon reservation with the reception of Castello di Gargonza and subject to availability. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. To book your stay call 0575/847021 or write to info@gargonza.it. Check‐in is generally expected between 3pm and 7.30pm as reception hours are from 8am to 8pm without night concierge.

Price €250,00 for two people with breakfast, VAT included.

Buy now Escape for two