Things to do in Tuscany

THINGS TO DO IN TUSCANY AROUND MONTALTO

Montalto's guests often divide their time between excursions to visit the beautiful towns in the area and relaxing around the pool or the fireplace, depending on the season; but there is no dearth of things to do in Tuscany for those who would like a more active vacation.

Tuscany Hills Siena Sunset

Our staff is ready to offer ideas and to help you book anything you wish; you won’t have to think about a thing. Read on and find out what you can do in the beautiful area around Montalto Castle.

Things to do right here at Montalto Castle

Included in every villa rental are:

  • SWIMMING POOL
  • BOCCE BALL
  • PING PONG
  • BARBECUE PIT
  • TRAILS THROUGH FIELDS
    AND WOODS AROUND THE CASTLE

Our swimming pool is 6x12 meters (20x40 ft) and has a deep end for diving. We also have a bocce court for sand bowling and a covered ping-pong table. For health and wellness, we have miles of trails and dirt roads for walking and jogging, on and around our 650-acre estate.

With a minimum of participants we can organize a barbecue dinner (extra charge) where you can chat with the friends you have just made and sample local fare such as sausages, chicken, grilled eggplant, Tuscan cold cuts, and plenty of wine. We can also arrange for cooking lessons or Italian language lessons upon request; contact us a few days ahead of time to book these.

And periodically throughout the summer we offer special activities such as painting or drawing workshops, music workshops and choral singing.

Things to do right here at Montalto Castle

Attractions close by

Outdoor enthusiasts will find many opportunities for fun things to do
 

>  Right on the border of the Montalto estate is an excellent horseback riding school and equestrian center, where lessons in English mount and jumping are available, and interesting guided tours through the countryside are organized daily. They also offer a summer camp for children.

>  The hilly countryside with little traffic provides challenging and rewarding roads for bicycle touring. Racing bikes and mountain bikes can be rented in Siena and in Montevarchi — contact us if you'd like us to help make arrangements in advance. Maps, itineraries and guides are available. Some guided tours offer also lunch or special stops at wineries or other points of interest.

>  Montalto is in the Chianti district and there are several excellent DOC and DOCG wineries offering winery tours in the immediate vicinity. Less than an hour’s drive will bring you to other top wine zones, where you can taste the Brunello of Montalcino, the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano, the white Vernaccia of San Gimignano. We can furnish you with advice and a map, make you a reservation, or engage a guide for a half or full-day tour including a castle or abbey and lunch in a fattoria.

>  There are two excellent golf courses at about an hour’s drive from the Castle and two nine-hole courses just half an hour away.

>  A polo club, less than ten minutes from Montalto, has regular matches.

>  Nearby parks and nature reserves: Tuscany is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor places. The Val d’Ambra is largely unspoiled and the Val d’Orcia has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is also a natural reserve near Cavriglia.

>  Sailing is possible on Lake Trasimeno.

>  Children might like an occasional day on the Acquapark waterslides, near Monte San Savino; and the Saltalbero Adventure Park in Rapolano offers activities such as agility courses, a climbing wall, mini-golf and other fun things to do.

>  Sport fishing is offered near Bucine.

>  Hunting for pheasant, deer and wild boar is possible in season but must be arranged in advance.

>  In winter there is an ice rink in Siena, open day and evening.

>  And what about a balloon ride at dawn, followed by a champagne breakfast in the field where you land? (advance reservations and a minimum number of participants are required).

Thermal waters and spas

If you want to experience a wonderfully relaxing day, in Rapolano Terme (just fifteen minutes from the castle) there are two spas where natural thermal water comes out of the ground at a temperature of 100°F (39° C). 

There are pools of various depths and temperatures, both indoor and outdoor. These waters are rich in sulfur and calcium bicarbonates and also have special properties for skin and respiratory problems. Regenerating in the hot water surrounded by rising steam is definitely special.

For an extra gift to yourself don’t miss a relaxing massage by highly qualified hands, or try the thermal muds… they are amazing. You will be accompanied to a peaceful room where the staff will apply a layer of therapeutic mud: it is a unique sensation, a pleasant feeling of warmth… and at the end your body feels deeply renewed.

You can decide to stay a whole day, or to go only for a few hours for a swim in the hot pools. Or take advantage of the night spa, which our guests always rave about: on some days of the week the spas are open until midnight. The pleasure of the heat of the water that relaxes tension and stress increases as the outside temperature drops, so going at night is a great choice. The intense colors and steam dissolving in the light of the stars, the sense of well-being that slowly takes over, will make this experience truly unforgettable.

You don't have to think about anything, just relax; if you want, we can even organize the transfer for you. Discounted prices for the treatments are available to our guests.



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