TRAVEL
If you are arriving from an international location, we recommend flying into Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP).
We also recommend renting a car during your stay in Tuscany; for the most part, there is limited transportation linking you to the various sites and cities in Tuscany. A car rental will save you time, and inconvenience.
If flying into Rome (FCO):
Rome Airport (FCO) to Villa La Selva (252km) is a 2.5 hour drive if you decide to rent a car out of Rome airport.
You can take the train from Rome Airport to Arezzo (2 hours) for $50-80CAD/person. And then from Arezzo, rent a car for your time in Tuscany. Villa La Selva is 40km from Arezzo train station, or a 40 minute drive.
If flying into Milan (MXP):
You can rent a car from MXP, however the drive is significantly longer; 420km or a 4 hour drive.
We recommend taking the train from Milan Airport to Arezzo (3.5 hour transit time, $70-$100CAD/person) And then renting a car out of Arezzo for your stay in the Tuscan region.
Car Rental from Rome Airport (FCO):
https://www.autoeurope.ca/car-rental-fiumicino-airport/
Car Rental from Florence Train Station (Santa Maria Novella):
https://www.autoeurope.ca/car-rental-santa-maria-novella/
Car Rental from Siena Train Station:
www.autoeurope.ca/car-rental-siena/
Car Rental from Milan Airport (MXP):
https://www.autoeurope.ca/car-rental-malpensa-airport/
The Orcia Valley was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
Located in southern Tuscany, the Orcia Valley or Val d'Orcia is definitely a one of a kind landscape: if you’ve never been there, take a postcard from Tuscany and you’ll quite certainly find the Val d'Orcia represented through its gentle rolling hills that seem to disappear in the horizon with an elegant succession of soft colors, from green to ochre and brown and rows of cypress trees.
Nestled amidst this endless valley, you'll find the historic villages of Montalcino, Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, magnificent testament to the old rural tradition and local culinary specialties.
Scenes from the Gladiator were filmed in the Val D'Orcia!
59km from Villa La Selva (approx. 50-minute drive).
This is where we got engaged!
Cortona is a small charming town in the Valdichiana, or Chiana Valley, in the province of Arezzo in southern Tuscany. The city, enclosed by stone walls dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, sits on the top of a hill about 600 meters (about 1968 feet) above sea level. This dominant position over the valley offers a spectacular view from all over the town of the surrounding valley and even Lake Trasimeno.
48km from Villa La Selva (approx. 40-minute drive)
Standing high atop a hill in southern Tuscany not too far from Siena, Montepulciano is a medieval town of rare beauty highly recommended visiting in Tuscany. The city, full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, charming squares and hidden corners, boasts vast panoramas all over the wonderful Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys that surround it.
Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile amongst the best in Italy.
28km from Villa La Selva (approx. 25-minute drive).
Siena is likely Italy's loveliest medieval city. Siena's heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo. The famous horse race, the Palio, is run in Il Campo twice a year.
Movie audiences worldwide can see Siena and the Palio in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
Siena is said to have been founded by Senius, son of Remus, one of the two legendary founders of Rome. Rebuilt during the rule of the Council of Nine from 1287 to 1355, the nine sections of the fan-like brick pavement of the piazza represent the council and symbolizes the Madonna's cloak which shelters Siena.
40km from Villa La Selva (approx. 40-minute drive)
Arezzo boasts a wide range of sites to see including fortresses, monuments, churches, and museums which all offer visitors a chance to step back into history. There are even the remains of a Roman amphitheatre!
The Church of San Francesco is probably the most famous in Arezzo, with the incredible Early Renaissance fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca depicting the Legend of the True Cross. Followed by the impressive Piazza Grande, where they hold a jousting match twice a year.
You might recognize some of Arezzo’s streets and landmarks from Roberto Benigni's Oscar-winning film La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful.)
Get a bird’s-eye view of the Tuscan countryside on a hot air balloon flight.
Departing from various locations in Tuscany, an expert captain will lift you 2,000 feet (609 meters) into the air.
Soak up unparalleled views of Tuscany’s olive groves and vineyards spread out below, as well as historic villages and stunning palazzos. Then toast your adventure with a complimentary glass of sparkling prosecco wine after descending back down into the countryside.
17km from Villa La Selva (approx. 19-minute drive).
The mineral waters in the swimming pools at Terme San Giovanni Spa in Rapolano flow from the source at a temperature of 39° C. The natural elements that they contain are mainly composed of sulphur, providing their distinctive odour, and calcium bicarbonate. Combined with the high temperatures of the spa water, these two components provide healing properties.
In addition to the feeling of relaxation and comfort that bathing in these springs provides, it also has a cosmetic effect on the skin.
You can even find various treatments such as massages and aromatheraphy.
Imagine a golf course which flanks an ancient park, where the fairway is undulated with the finest sand.
Imagine eighteen holes designed as only a world-famous player, Arnold Palmer, could design them: perfect lines of play, greens protected by insidious bunkers and strategic water hazards.
That’s why playing golf in Tuscany will be an unforgettable experience, whatever your level of skill.
3.6km from Villa La Selva, or a 5-minute drive.
The Berardenga Horse Riding Centre, in the heart of Chianti, is an elegant and professional riding school.
Sadio and Donatella personally assist and receive their guests and riders. They speak French and English. Sadio and Donatella have been running the Horse Riding Centre since 1992, and it is recommended by FISE (The Italian Federation of Equestrian Sports).
Horse treks can be organized for couples and larger groups.