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Tuscan Mill, Rosiathe quiet side of Tuscany • 3 days’ cycle hire, routes & maps included
All apartments: • 1-2 bedrooms (sleep up to 5) • bathroom • open-plan living room • dining & basic kitchen area with 4-ring hob & fridge-freezer Activities/facilities available: • walking • cycling (notes included) • nearest shops & restaurants 5 minutes' drive
Cypresses, olive groves, honey-coloured stone houses and fields of sunflowers - the rolling landscapes south of the city of Siena hold a special allure. This is the Crete Senesi, the quiet side of Tuscany, a timeless region of great natural beauty.
Cultural gems such as the Renaissance towns of Pienza, with its wonderful piazza and cathedral, and Montepulciano, centred on the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill; the idyllic red-brick monastery at Monte Oliveto Maggiore; and the walled wine-making village of Montalcino, which produces the renowned dark red Brunello di Montalcino wine, are all within easy driving distance.
However, this is also a place for taking things slowly, for leisurely cycle rides and lazy picnics. In fact, this is such perfect cycling terrain that we include three days’ bike hire and provide you with two suggested routes: Rosia Circuit (21km): tracks lead out into the lush Tuscan countryside to visit the villages of Rosia, dominated by its imposing castle, and historic, charming Torri with its beautifully cloistered Vallombrosan abbey.
Set in peaceful gardens, the Tuscan Mill is a great base from which to explore. Your host, Andrea, and his young family live on site and have lovingly converted this 12th-century building into four simple but cosy apartments, retaining the original character and features of the mill, including the old wood-burning oven. Beamed ceilings, terracotta floor tiles and traditional wooden furniture emphasise the rustic charm.
Although the apartments are equipped for making basic meals, for more elaborate dinners, try some of the local restaurants - Andrea will be happy to make recommendations for dining out, along with excursions and other cycling routes. Prices & travel 2009:
Self-drive includes: P&O Ferries Dover-Calais > Got any queries? Let us call you back  |
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