Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/471535
Tuscany 37 BORGO DI CASTELVECCHIO, CONTIGNANO O O O O Set in the beautiful and tranquil landscape of Radicofani and Ghino di Tacco's legendary fortress and surrounded by vineyards, Castelvecchio offers new opportunities for artistic and cultural discoveries in a marvelously intact landscape. The Villa and the village's eight farmhouses offer 32 rooms, two grand salons, two swimming pools, and innumerable opportunities for gourmet cooking lessons and photography and painting courses. CASTELLO DEL NERO HOTEL & SPA O O O O O This authentic 12 th century castle luxury hotel, is located in the Chianti wine region, 30 minutes from Florence and Siena. The 50 elegantly restored rooms and suites—some with original frescoes—are finished with the latest technology. La Torre Restaurant offers a distinctive gastronomic experience with Tuscan flavors, and the ESPA spa offers personalized treatments using extra virgin olive oil. A fitness suite, tennis courts, heated pool, and free shuttle to Florence or Siena are available for all guests. See ad on page 38. GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL, SIENA O O O O O The Grand Hotel Continental is an impressive historical residence from the 17 th century, located in the heart of the medieval Tuscan city of Siena a five-star deluxe hotel, and member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. Fully refurbished in 2001, it offers 51 elegant rooms furnished with antiques of exquisite design and detail. TUSCANY RENAISSANCE TUSCANY IL CIOCCO O O O O Recently renovated, this hotel is situated within a 600-hectares private estate in the Serchio Valley. This first Renaissance resort in Europe and Tuscany is an iconic venue where classic and elegant Italian style meet the brand new chic design in 180 guestrooms. Step inside the beauty spa and our wellness area to pamper yourself, or find action in the sporting facilities from horseback riding to soccer fields. The kitchen schools teach how to prepare typical local dishes and pastries and offer a wine tasting/show with their sommeliers. Tall Italian cypresses stand guard just outside the cities of Tuscany, while red-roofed farmhouses and fields of sunflowers, lazily bobbing their heavy heads, add pops of joyful color. A food-lover's paradise, this region that stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines is a veritable cornucopia of some of Italy's finest gourmet exports, from fresh olives and their golden green oil to perfect rows of grapevines, waiting to be turned into wines meant to be savored. The former breadbasket of the Roman Empire, little in this regard has changed in those thousands of years. Tuscany's cities remain wonderfully preserved as well, with Florence, Siena, and Pisa remaining the frontrunners for the most visited cities in the region. All are renowned repositories of visual and culinary art, offering delectable dining, lauded museums, stunning architecture and elaborate frescoes. But that's not to say that to visit one is to visit all. Siena's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Etruscans, has traditions that go back almost as far. For instance, the twice yearly race around the Piazza del Campo, run by horses that represent each of the medieval wards of the city, attract visitors like bees to honey—a fitting analogy for a town whose confectionery contributions include the precursor to fruitcake, gingerbread, noto and more. Nearby, Pisa's oft-photographed Leaning Tower is unmistakable; the town's Square of Miracles and many palazzos near from the River Arno have provided millions with pictures that still can't manage to do this ancient city justice.