After spending a few weeks in Florence, I packed our bags and picked up our rental car and we headed for the rolling hills. Our first stop: Volterra.

Volterra, Italy

Volterra, somewhat off-the-beaten-path is known for its Etruscan origins and Roman ruins. Inhabited since the Iron Age, the town dates back over 3000 years and offers visitors a unique ancient atmosphere with intriguing tiny streets and alleys and main landmarks: Palazzo dei Priori, Vallebuona and the Etruscan Acropolis. Stroll the grand Etruscan walls and well-preserved gates into the city and be sure to stay for lunch in one of the town’s trattorias.

Where to Stay: Borgo Pignano, the Tuscan haven 

This 5-star property sits on a 750-acre estate where 70% of all produce are consumed by the hotel (swipe for the most amazing salad of my life).  Panoramic views, beautiful grounds, and a pool area facing the sunset. It’s charming, luxurious, and still inviting (family-friendly). 

I took a stroll around the grounds and then a buggy tour to see some of the villa options (let me know if you have any questions). I fell in love with the maisonette options, with beautiful yards, kitchens, and space to enjoy the rolling hills. We booked a 2-hour painting class with a local artist and ending up painting for 5…one of my favorite experiences of the trip.  

Highlights: 

• Accommodations range from single rooms to entire villas
• Resort activities include yoga, painting, cooking and wine tasting
• Sustainable practices integrated into every aspect of the property
• Explore the organic farm which provides food, wine and more
• Natural spa treatments draw inspiration from the surroundings
• The picturesque heated pool was carved from an ancient limestone quarry

A short drive from the hilltop towns of Volterra and San Gimignano and within easy reach of the cities of Florence and Siena and the vineyards of Chianti.

• Florence: 1 hour 15 minute drive
• Pisa: 1 hour
• Siena: 40 minutes
• Volterra: 20 minutes

Their focus on sustainability is noteworthy: much of the heat is generated from wood chips; solar panels supplement the electricity supply; rainfall is captured in underground storage tanks; grey water is recycled in reed beds and e-vehicles can be recharged in the parking lot.

Melted&Moved Perks:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to our availability
• Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
• $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability

Siena & San Gimignano

After a few days poolside or exploring the grounds of Borgo Pignano, I’d recommend day tripping to Siena. I highly recommend a guide when visiting these hilltop towns as cars need special permits and you really need a guide to envelope you in the stories of past and present Siena. When you’re ready, work with Melted & Moved to plan your custom trip and book your driver and private tour. 

Siena used to be one of the largest cities in Europe. The whole town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This medieval city is nestled on a hill and feels frozen in time.

Visiting Tips: 

• No cars unless resident or special permit 
• Most sites open at 10am 
• 17 neighborhoods in Sienna (depicted by animals) 
• Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours but you can enjoy strolling, cafes, for much longer! 

What to Do: 

• Siena Cathedral
• Stroll the Piazza del Campo
• Reserve a nearby wine tasting
• Climb the Torre del Mangia 
• Visit a neighborhood Museum 
• Visit the Duomo 
• Try their signature sweet, Ricciarelli

Twice a year, the Piazza del Campo hosts the Palio di Siena. A famous horse race where jockeys race around a track created along the edges of the piazza.

The neighborhood museums have videos of these races, and rooms full of banners from past wins. The neighborhood of the goose has done the best! We visited the turtle.

Considering we’re in Tuscany, we decided to do a wine tasting for lunch on our way to San Gimignano. With so many incredible wineries, we let our driver/guide take us to his favorite and it did not disappoint. What I thought would be a light sampling quickly turned into 10 glasses of red, each delicious but it’s the lasagna I’m still dreaming about. Arriving in San Gimignano, I had one thing in mind: Gelateria Dondoli or as some would call it, the best gelato in the world! This world champion gelato in Piazza della Cisterna was simple but done so well. I went with a classic favor, Stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate strands).

Where to Stay: Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel

One of the most storied Tuscany resorts, Castello di Casole is alive with history. Spread across 4,200 acres, this 10th-century estate is the perfect place to experience the wonders of rural Italy. I’d recommend visiting a local farm or hunting for rare truffles during your stay and then retreat to a world of comfort, elegance and world-class dining. 

We had lunch had at Bar Visconti and ordered classic pasta dishes. I believe it is always a true sign of an exceptional chef when even the most simple pesto pasta tastes so amazing that I almost ordered one to go. While there are various fantastic dining options, the pool bar and ice cream cart is the place to go. For an unforgettable moment, the chef can prepare a picnic in the gardens.

While I believe this hotel lends itself to romance, they provide children’s menus, highchairs, coloring, babysitter services, and cooking lessons, making it ideal for family enjoyment!

Highlights: 

Stay in Style: 39 suites, 2 villas, a classic Tuscan atmosphere, luxurious bedding, but what really demonstrated their thoughtfulness was the tempur-pedic floor mat under the bed to step on, stating Buonanotte (Good night). Sometimes it’s the little details.

Melted & Moved is part of the Belmond Bellini Club, a select group of travel advisor who can pass on exclusive perks to clients. Book your stay with us!

• Wood-fired pizza & alfresco dining options
• Relaxed but attentive staff 
• Spa and fitness center 
• Heated infinity pool (April – November) 
• Walk the vineyards, cycle the trails, enjoy a garden tour or go stargazing

Perched among the rolling hills of Tuscany between Siena and San Gimignano, in the heart of the countryside.

• Chianti: 30 minutes
• Siena: 45 minutes 
• Florence: 1 hour 15 minutes 

A restored castle and cypress-lined road. If you’ve had a busy itinerary with city hotels and people, this place is an invitation to step outside and connect with nature; where the birds chirping will greet you good morning and the sounds of the countryside will lull you to sleep under a blanket of twinkling stars.

Pienza & Montepulciano

Riding Vespa’s through Tuscany…Lizzie McGuire moment complete! Travel is all about making new memories and this one felt like it was a once in a lifetime trip. We rented two vintage Vespa’s for the day to explore Pienza and Val d’Orcia. There are some great tours from Florence with scheduled winery visits.

Our final booked activity of the trip was the one thing you MUST do when visiting Italy, a cooking class!! We cooked ourselves pasta, pork, and cookies. All while enjoying wine and cheese at an organic farm/restaurant. The perfect rainy countryside day. More family joined us in Tuscany and this was the best activity when traveling with a large group.

Where to Stay: Lupaia

Imagine your drive in on a gravel road surrounded by vineyards up to this farming estate dating back to 1622. Swipe to see the dining room, originally stables. You can’t build this kind of history or character. 

Spend your day at a cooking class, organize a picnic in their olive grove, wine tasting, or enjoy the pool and heated Jacuzzi. In the summer, some rooms have outdoor showers so you can take in the view on your private patio. 

I highly recommend a sunset Negroni hour. If you’re looking to getaway with your significant other and you prefer something off the beaten path – this is the perfect intimate and romantic hideaway. 

Interested? I’d love to VIP your stay at this charming estate.