Blog

3 things to do when it rains in Tuscany

When most people envision a trip to Tuscany, they imagine beautiful sunny days and slow, romantic sunsets. Unfortunately rain can somewhat damper a trip but not to worry, there are plenty of fun, exciting activities that will take your mind off the weather.

Here are our 3 top things to do when it rains in Tuscany. 

1. Find your inner art critic: Visit a Museum!

Find your inner art critic and visit one of the many interesting museums in Tuscany. In our corner of the Mugello Valley, there are many wonderful museums and historical houses to visit including the Casa natale di Giotto – Giotto’s Birthplace, Museo di arte sacra e religiosità popolare – Museum of Sacred Art and Popular Devoutness {both in Vicchio}, Museo delle genti di montagna – Museum of the mountain folk { Palazzuolo sul Senio}, Museo del paesaggio storico dell’Appennino – Museum of the historical landscape of the Appenines {Firenzuola}.

 

2.  Indulge in your sweet tooth!

One way to cure rainy day blues is to find some local really good pasticceria shops that will delight your need for sweets. Tuscany makes some of the best desserts {obviously we are biased} so try a ciambella, the classic biscotti with mandorle, an elborate chocolate cake, schiacciata fiorentina, frittelle and why not order a classic espresso coffee to go with your dessert. You can thank us later.

 
 

3. Discover the joys of olive oil with a tasting or tour

Olive oil is life to us in Italy and no one knows this better than us at Villa Campestri Olive Oil resort, this is our livelihood and we adore any chance to share our passion for this product with you. Why not book an olive oil tasting to awaken your senses? We can show you the difference between what makes olive oil great from the many choices out there. Find out more info here, and we look forward to sharing this experience with you.

 

What to do in Siena in the rain

Imagine leaving for Siena for a tourist trip but suddenly it starts to rain.

Don’t worry, there are lots of interesting outdoor activities to do, just bring an umbrella, boots and leave for one of the main and most beautiful Tuscan cities.

Siena hosts every year many tourists coming not only from all over Italy but also foreigners.

Famous for the Palio and the wonderful historical events, it is very interesting to visit even in bad weather. The first thing that comes to mind is visiting museums such as Duccio’s Maestà in the Opa Museum.

Then you can go to the Palazzo Pubblico where the famous frescoes by Lorenzetti are located.

Opposite the Cathedral, the Santa Maria della Scala Museum is worth a visit, where you can admire the marvelous frescoes in the Pellegrinaio hall.

Before becoming a museum, the Santa Maria was the ancient hospital of Siena, which remained a hospital until the 1990s. The Pinacoteca di Siena is a concentration of Sienese art, even if it is not well known it is still a very prestigious destination.

If you have an appetite, the Sapordivino Wine & Bar is a must, it is located inside the Hotel Continental in Banchi di Sopra but is also open to outsiders.

Four places not to be missed on a gloomy day

The Palazzo Publico is a structure dating back to the period between the end of the thirteenth century and the beginning of the fourteenth century.

It is located in Piazza del Campo, one of the best known structures in Siena. Next to this structure is the elegant Torre del Mangia.

In addition to being the seat of the municipal administration, it also houses the Civic Museum. This museum is located throughout the first floor of the building, then there are some rooms on the second and third floors.

Among the rooms to visit there is that of the Renaissance and the Sala del Mappamondo with the wonderful frescoes by Simone Martini. A marvel of Siena that you must not miss is the Duomo.

Majestic and imposing, it was built between about 1220 and 1370, inside it is full of frescoes, chapels and paintings that will leave you breathless. Its facade is divided into two parts: the first was built in the thirteenth century by the sculptor Giovanni Pisano, the lower part was built in the early fourteenth century and is the work of Camaino di Crescentino. The dome and its bell tower stand out for their grandeur and particular beauty.

Inside, the Cathedral is divided into three naves and the plan in different bays with cross vaults on all the naves. What amazes is certainly the ceiling which depicts a beautiful starry sky, literally breathtaking.

The Pinacoteca Nazionale develops inside two historic buildings: Palazzo Brigidi and Palazzo Buonsignori. The itinerary to visit will show you Sienese artistic works over the centuries. On the first floor you will find works from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. On the second floor, the 14th and 15th centuries and on the top floor, i.e. the third, the contemporary works of art.

Quick Booking snippet


  • Arrival Date:

  • Nights:

  • Rooms:

  • Adults:

  • Children:

Guide to UNESCO Sites in Tuscany

Tuscany, an Italian region renowned for its cultural and historical wealth, is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites represent not just the architectural and artistic beauty of the region but also its significant historical heritage.

A Guide to Italian Cuisine

Italian cuisine, celebrated globally, is a mosaic of flavors and traditions. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bustling streets of Naples, each region contributes its unique essence to what we recognize as Italian cuisine. This culinary journey explores how history, culture, and regional diversity have shaped the renowned gastronomy of Italy.

Guide to Wine Tasting in Tuscany

Tuscany is world-renowned for its rich winemaking tradition, a heritage rooted in centuries of history and culture. In this detailed guide, which is like a true oenological journey, we will discover not only the fine wines of the region but also the traditions and landscapes that make Tuscany an unmissable destination for wine lovers.

A Guide to Tuscan Vineyards

In the heart of Italy, Tuscany stands out as one of the most emblematic regions for wine production. Famous for its landscape of gentle hills, cypress trees, and picturesque villages, this region is also a paradise for wine lovers. Tuscan vineyards, nourished by fertile soil and an ideal climate, produce wines that are appreciated worldwide […]

Horseback Excursions Mugello

For those looking for a firsthand experience, the Agricultural Tourism Company Badia di Susinana offers horseback rides and trekking and riding courses with a guide, in addition to hospitality for horses and riders, located in Palazzuolo sul Senio. Alternatively, the Farm I Cavalli del Vento allows crossing beech forests and vast chestnut groves, with rides […]

Sport Fishing in Tuscany

Sport fishing in Tuscany offers a wide range of opportunities due to the abundance of inland and coastal waters in the region. Specifically, the province of Pistoia, with Lake Nievole in Serravalle Pistoiese, is renowned for trout fishing and other fish such as carp, grass carp, tench, and sturgeon, with a catch and release rule. […]

Where to Eat Chianina in Val di Chiana

In Val di Chiana, to savor an authentic Chianina steak, there are several renowned restaurant options: 1. Ristorante Casa Cecco: Offers the chance to taste a Chianina steak in a farmhouse dating back to 1600. 2. Agriturismo di Trequanda: Here, Chianina meat, raised in local pastures and processed by the company’s trusted butcher shop, becomes […]

Artists of the 1400s: The Most Famous Italians and Florentines

The Italian Quattrocento was a period of extraordinary artistic effervescence that produced numerous world-renowned artists. Among them, some of the most influential were: 1. Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506): A painter and engraver from Padua, famous for his frescoes in the Camera degli Sposi in Mantua.