Who hasn’t dreamed of living on a Tuscan hillside surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and breathtaking landscape that only this corner of the world can offer?
In the Levante Fiorentino, you can live the dream of rural Tuscany: sleep in a medieval castle, learn to prepare the area’s most traditional and delicious dishes, taste its wines right at the source, take long meandering walks through the region’s picturesque countrysideand so more.
Visitors can experience the best of both worlds by staing in the Agriturisms in the Levante Fiorentino hillside: the close proximity of Florence means an easy trip to the city’s museums and shops. At the end of the day, head back to the enchanting and peaceful Tuscan hillsides—and all the comforts and luxuries of a modern hotel—in an agriturism.
One of the main highlights of any agriturism stay is learning to prepare the area’s gastronomic specialties. At places like Fattoria Lavacchio and Casagrande, you will learn the kitchen secrets passed down through generations of Tuscan cooks. You’ll start by picking the vegetables from the garden and gathering the eggs from the chicken coop in order to prepare fresh pasta and bread using flour ground in the nearby windmill.
During the winter, learn the art of making prosciutto and other cured local meats. Finally enjoy the fruits of your efforts with a glass of the estates’ award-winning wines.
History buffs looking to escape the Florentine heat will delight in the opportunity to stay in castles and villas once the summer residences of bishops and nobility. Fattoria Selvapiana is just that. Explore the estate’s medieval mill, granary and villa; climb the old watchtower to have a glass of Selvapiana’s wine while taking in the sweeping view. More history is to be had at the intriguing Trebbio Castle, built by the infamous Pazzi family as a small fortress in 1184. Visitors to Trebbio can extend their exploration by touring the private twelfth-century cellars to enjoy wine and olive oil tastings.
If it’s peace and quiet you’re after, look no further than Fattoria Montalbano. Tucked into the Pratomagno hills, guests can enjoy the swimming pool, play boules on the lawn, hike, bike and horse-back ride through the vineyards, or simply read in the garden, surrounded by rolling hills, cypress trees, and medieval bell-towers. Relish in a glass of estate-bottled Chianti and a slice of fettunta dressed with the farm’s delicious extra-virgin olive oil.
Getting there:
Terre del Levante Fiorentino
Piazza S. Francesco D’Assisi, 16
50063 Figline Valdarno, Firenze
Tel. +39.055.9153879
Fax. +39.055.9155054
