Tuscany
Map
Tuscany Wine Tour
Tuscany is one of Italy’s most evocative destinations. This region, home to rolling countryside and dotted with antique farmhouses, is famous for being the home of the Renaissance, the beautiful ornate cities of Florence and Siena, and, of course, beautiful art.
But there’s one thing Tuscany is famous for above all else – wine. The area is one of the world’s most notable wine regions, home to the Sangiovese grape, where world-class DOCG wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, to name just a few, hail from.
The vineyards which line the hills are alive with activity and waiting for you to visit and discover more about this beautiful region and its delicious fine wines.
Itinerary
- 2 nights in Villa San Michele, nestled in the Fiesole hills, this former medieval monastery perfectly captures the romance of Florence.
- 2 nights in charming castle of Tuscany Belmond Castello di Casole, which stretches into the Tuscan sky as organically as the ancient vineyards and regal cypress trees at its base.
- Flight tickets on regular flight or private jet
- Luxurious or vintage car rental or personal driver at your disposal
- 2 fun-filled adventure days in Florence. Start the day with greet with Leonardo, continue it with Fresco classes and hidden stores, museum treasure hunt, ending with romantic garden dinner or… even rafting.
- 2 days spend in Tuscan fly you with a morning wind rustle through countryside vineyards, olive groves, oak forests and rapeseed fields. You will start your day with the charming life of rural Tuscany at Podere Paugnano farm. Join cheese-masters Giovanni and Giovanna, a husband and wife team, on a tour of the estate before feasting on delicacies produced here on the farm. You will learn how to cook stunning Italian dishes using the finest local ingredients, including fruits and vegetables from our own gardens. Biking, hiking will end with night star gazing. If its autumn – time for truffle hunting. Tuscany is home of the rarest and finest truffles on earth. Head out with your expert guide and experienced Lagotto Romagnolo dogs to uncover these elusive tubers.
- WINE, WINE, WINE. Private meetings with Tuscan wine makers, wine tasting.
- Dining experience in Tuscan Michelin starred restaurants.
Accomodation
Modern luxury meets Renaissance splendour. Nestled in the Fiesole hills, this former medieval monastery perfectly captures the romance of Florence.
Blending 14th-century artistry with the region’s ethereal beauty, Belmond Villa San Michele is as inspiring as the city’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. Our facade, attributed to Michelangelo, is hugged by lush woodland and terraced gardens. Step outside and gaze down across Florence and to the Chianti hills beyond.
Head high into the hills around Casole on an unassuming farm road. Between leafy banks and tall trees you will catch your first glimpse of our medieval castle, presiding over untouched landscape. As you rise towards our open doors, you’ll discover the irresistible spirit of rural Tuscany in each breath of fragrant, sunbaked air.
Step over the threshold into a thousand years of history, where our doorman greets you with a warm welcome. Inside the cool air offers a refreshing retreat from the Tuscan sun, while exposed beams and earthen tones harbour a glorious past that echoes the surrounding landscape. These grounds were once home to an entire Tuscan village, including a school, priest's house and limonaia. Today they have been thoughtfully, beautifully restored to lavish rooms and suites. Many still maintain their original chimneys, a throwback to the days of family gatherings and home-cooking.
Once settled in and suitably revived, head to the heated infinity pool for a spot of relaxation. Sunbathe in the balmy warmth or swim to the edge, gazing across the painterly rolling hills. For deeper indulgence, descend to the former wine cellar to unwind at our Essere Spa. You’ll discover a peaceful eden for sanctuary seekers, with a decadent menu of rejuvenating rituals featuring heavenly natural ingredients like rosemary, grape, olive oil and honey.
You may have heard whispers of Visconti’s legendary Hollywood parties hosted at the castle, during the times of La Dolce Vita. Our vibrant Bar Visconti rather gives the secret away. Of course, you’ll want to sample Tuscany’s world-famous cuisine, and we have the perfect spot for you. Our restaurant, Tosca, promises inspired dining with locally sourced produce served under the shimmer of Murano glass chandeliers.
Nestled deep within Tuscany’s tranquil heartlands, those seeking quiet bliss will not be disappointed, but Belmond Castello di Casole is also alive with activity. Anticipate an array of pursuits rom mountain biking and truffle hunting to exclusive tours of the Brunello di Montalcino vineyards—adventurous spirits will feel right at home.
The humble farming origins of Belmond Castello di Casole resonate firmly in our foundations, and we remain rooted to the landscape and traditions of Tuscany. However flashes of timeless heritage and luxury glamour can be found at every step. Stay here, and anticipate a feast for the soul.
Activities
Activities at Villa San Michele
Cookery School
Learn to recreate the flavours of Tuscan cuisine in your own kitchen
Anticipate the ultimate foodie vacations at Belmond Villa San Michele. Our Chef teaches “hands-on” lessons, which means you will be preparing, tasting and cooking alongside him. Small classes ensure that each student enjoys individual attention. In just a short time, our culinary school in Italy has established a worldwide reputation for excellence. Advance reservations are essential.
Garden dinner in Florence
Head to our lover’s corner to enjoy enchanting views over Florence. In this lofty romantic perch, we’ll serve you and your companion a specially created menu with wine pairings.
On the table you’ll find a map of the city below—a guide to the heart of Florence and all its tales of romance through the ages. Let us help you write your own love story with all the words you’ve always wanted to say.
The art parks of Tuscany
Combine your passion for art and nature with an exclusive tour of Tuscany’s art parks. At Enzo Pazzagli gleaming metallic sculptures surround the grounds, including a mighty winged Pegasus. You enter the realm of the surreal at Giardino dei Suoni (Garden of Sounds) where sculpture and music combine to create a feast for the senses. Discover how the landscape of Tuscany still inspires artists today.
Greet the day with Leonardo
Travel through time and walk in the footsteps of the great Leonardo Da Vinci. Trekking through Monte Ceceri park, you’ll reach the top of the very same hill where Leonardo tested his flying machine in 1506. It was here that humans first took flight according to Zoroastro Da Peretola, a legendary pupil of Leonardo’s. Gaze across the wooded valley and spot Il Duomo in the distance the views are truly inspiring.
Fresco classes
Master the ancient art of fresco painting with the guidance of local artisans. Take your class at the hotel, or step through the doors of a family-run workshop in the heart of Florence. You’ll have the chance to bring the Renaissance back to life with historic techniques and materials. Your handiwork can be shipped home, so you can own your very own Florentine fresco.
Cashmere in the Chianti hills
Head to a picturesque farm hidden in the stunning Chianti hills for this family-friendly treat. Meet the animals, and learn how quality cashmere is crafted. Top the day off with a tasting of the local Chianti wine.
Florence in an Ape Calessino
Hop into an Ape Calessino, the three-wheeled electric car that was so emblematic of Italy in the 50s and 60s.
Discover the city at sunset in this classic vehicle. Access the most famous sights of central Florence that are usually out of bounds to motorists. Please note that this experience is only available after 6pm.
Hidden stores of Florence
Explore the twists and turns of historic Florence to discover little-known boutiques and workshops. Visit a celebrated glass shop, savour sumptuous local delicacies or even pick up a pair of tailor-made shoes.
Museum treasure hunt
Uncover hidden gems on our lively walking tour, suitable for the whole family.
Follow your guide, listen to the clues and be the first to solve the riddle and find the treasure.
Rafting in Florence
Let expert rafters guide you down the San Niccolo weir, under the Ponte Vecchio, as you admire the urban sights. Or, for the ultimate thrill, join a full-day excursion to the Sieve River for a heart-racing ride through the rapids.
Activities
Activities at Belmond Castello di Casole
Rafting in Florence
Let expert rafters guide you down the San Niccolo weir, under the Ponte Vecchio, as you admire the urban sights.
Stargazing in Tuscany
The celebrated night skies over Belmond Castello di Casole provide a glittering display for star seekers.
Sip an aperitif at our enchanted table in a hidden glade of the forest. Then head to our open-air amphitheatre for a heavenly performance viewed through state-of-the art telescopes. Guided by a professional astronomer, you'll admire breathtaking views of the Milky Way, the Andromeda galaxy and the constellation of Orion
Traditional Tuscany
Immerse yourself in the charming life of rural Tuscany at Podere Paugnano farm. Join cheese-masters Giovanni and Giovanna, a husband and wife team, on a tour of the estate before feasting on delicacies produced here on the farm.
This is also the only place in the world where you can try the Pecorino Marzolino di Lucardo. It is still made to the original recipe found in a 14th-century Boccaccio novel.
Truffle hunting
Tuscany is home to the rarest and finest truffles on earth. Head out with your expert guide and experienced Lagotto Romagnolo dogs to uncover these elusive tubers.
After, return to the hotel for an exclusive truffle experience at Essere Spa followed by an irresistible four-course truffle-inspired dinner created by Chef Daniele Sera.
Cooking classes
Learn how to cook stunning Italian dishes using the finest local ingredients, including fruits and vegetables from our own gardens.
We’ll provide all of the materials you need to create fresh pasta, delicious bread, tiramisu and other local classics.
Watercolor class
Take part in a watercolor class either in the comfort of your suite or in the inspiring setting of your garden. While all ages are welcome to participate, the presence of an adult is always required for children’s classes. Classes are approximately two hours long, and include art supplies.
Tuscan tours
Belmond Castello di Casole is ideally located to uncover all the treasures of Tuscany. Speak to our concierge for expert recommendations on where to visit.
Idyllic Siena is just 30 minutes east, and Florence 60 minutes north. The coast is a scenic hour’s drive. The popular Volterra and Montalcino are all within driving distance. The walled fortress of Monteriggioni is a comfortable bike ride away. Our nearby neighbours are the hill towns of Mensano, Radicondoli and the namesake, Casole d’Elsa. In the distance, the legendary towers of San Gimignano rise on the horizon.
Biking
Set off on a romantic bike ride through the meadows and tree-lined roads that crisscross the estate. Mensano, Radicondoli, Casole d’Elsa and Monteriggioni are excellent mountain biking destinations. For the ambitious, San Gimignano and Colle di Val d’Elsa are favourite half-day trips.
For road riders, there is an exceptional biking centre moments from the Castello. Our concierge can arrange a tailored tour package, ready for your arrival.
Hiking
Hiking is the perfect way to see the best of Italy’s natural landscapes. Explore vineyards and olive groves, historic castles and hamlets as you relish the peace and harmony of the landscape.
Guided tours are available for every ability level. The concierge can also recommend the favoured hiking trails in Tuscany and provide a map for self-guided walks.
Wine SPA & wellness
Essere Spa at Belmond Castello di Cassole
You’ll find our tranquil spa at the heart of our hilltop estate. Housed in what was once the wine cellar, today it is a serene setting within one of the most dramatic spaces on the property.
Signature Experience Sweet as honey
This luscious treatment draws inspiration from locally-harvested ingredients. A royal jelly anti-ageing facial restores your skin’s luminosity. Then, a Millefiori honey-infused massage hydrates and nourishes.
We create homemade, organic beauty products that you are sure to love. Join one of our workshops and learn how to make them for yourself
Befitting one of the most enchanting Tuscany spas, our treatment menu is inspired by local ingredients such as rosemary, grape and olive oil. We also use luxury products from French brand, Carita and the Italian brand, Lajatica which uses only km0 ingredients. European spa and wellness experts offer an extensive collection of Etruscan, traditional and modern therapies and treatments.
Yoga
Find your inner balance surrounded by the beauty of the rolling Tuscan hills. A calming and reviving Yoga session in our Spa garden is the perfect way to start your day. The scenery at dawn is especially breathtaking.
Stretch, flex and strengthen your body. Our expert trainer will be on hand and happy to tailor classes to your interests and needs.
Dining with villa San Michele
Chef Alessandro CozzolinoExecutive
Originally from Caserta in southern Italy, Alessandro Cozzolino trained internationally with Michelin-starred chefs. Through each new experience he has relied on two qualities: passion and dedication. Combining his intuition with personal taste and well-honed skills, the result is a careful curation of dishes that wow on every mouthful.
A true taste of Tuscany
With the freshest produce in the finest location, dining with us is the perfect way to appreciate the true magic behind Italian cuisine.
Whether you’re sampling local wild boar, savouring our smoked rabbit lasagnetta or sipping Tuscan wine, gastronomes are spoilt for choice with our varied and unique culinary options. From the 15th-century arches of La Loggia to our avant-garde take on beloved dishes, both tradition and modernity inform our gastronomy. It doesn’t hurt that our hotel overlooks Florence’s most coveted view—the panoramic vista is as stunning as any painting hanging in the Uffizi gallery.
La loggia restaurant
At La Loggia, the menu both respects and reinterprets Tuscan gastronomy. Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino's dishes feature daring modern twists and unique ingredient combinations. The result? A one-of-a-kind flavour sensation that takes you both back in time and hurtling into the future.
Perched high in the Florence hills, our magical setting also has its fair share of history. A former monastery and now one of the most scenic restaurants in Florence, we’re proud of the stories that live on here.
Truffle delight
Head to La Loggia Restaurant this autumn for a delectable dinner inspired by the ‘gem of the earth’.
Choose from our carefully curated à la carte menu, with each dish a unique pairing to the sumptuous truffle flavour. Watch as the truffle is prepared before your eyes and ignite your senses with a sublime celebration of one of the finest earthly delights.
Cloister bar
This glamorous, fully-refurbished bar is the perfect spot to relax while sipping delicious signature cocktails. Ask our internationally acclaimed barmen for a timeless Negroni, or a refreshing Chartreuse Swizzle.
Set in the hotel’s historic Cloister, the bar’s design balances tradition, soft contours, leather, brass and marble with flashes of modern sophistication like the leopard-print cushions adorning gold-highlighted sofas.
The lovers’ corner
Head to our lover’s corner to enjoy enchanting views over Florence serve you and your companion a specially created menu with wine pa On the table you’ll find a map of the city below—a guide to the h romance through the ages. Florence is famed for its romantic histo poet Dante met his beloved Beatrice, who inspired his poetry as well you write your own love story with all the words you’ve always wanted to say
Leonardo’s table
Leonardo da Vinci embodied “unquenchable curiosity and feverish own predilection for culinary curiosity, we’ve crafted a special menu d his history is also our history—he tested his flying machine on the h hotel grounds. Inspired by his “Codice Atlantico”, each dish reveals a part of Flo accompanied by Leonardo himself, who will reveal tales about th culinary inventions.
Sunset picnic in the gardens
Take your sweetheart by the hand and find a peaceful corner in ou picnic basket filled with exquisite treats. Kick off your shoes, feel the g the magnificent sunset views over Florence.
Garden bar
Bursting with lemon trees, rose bushes and herbs, our fragrant garde glass of wine with friends. As blue skies deepen and night falls, be d piano for a relaxing alfresco nightcap.
The pool restaurant
With Florence a breathtaking web below, our hilltop Pool Restaurant day. Take a shaded seat on the terrace for a lazy lunch or toast the sundowner.
Wine tasting
Within our own oak-barreled wine cellar, allow our sommelier to tak Each wine is served with a delicious selection of local cheese and artisan confiture.
Olive oil tasting
Learn all about the history and health benefits of olio d'oliva with a monocultivar olive oils await to take you on a journey across Italy.
Shake and drink
Under the domed arches of the Cloister Bar, our expert barman is on perfect cocktail. Whether yours is a Chartreuse Swizzle or a Negroni earned creation as Florence stretches out at your feet.
Afternoon tea
In our chic Cloister Bar, the most decadent of afternoon pick-me-ups savoury treats and tea infusions in this historic setting.
Wine SPA & wellness
Dining with Castello Di Casolle
Every meal an occasion, every occasion memorable
Experience a true taste of Siena, Italy. Restaurants at Belmond Castello di Casole offer something for everyone.
The focus is on simple, rustic food that blends Italian tradition with modern innovation. Whether you choose to dine in the elegant restaurant or on the terrace with gorgeous views, each moment is one to cherish.
Tosca
Tosca mixes old world favourites with modern influences. The focus is purely Italian—homemade pasta, locally sourced meat, exceptional seafood and garden-fresh produce. Freshly baked bread pairs perfectly with our estate-grown extra virgin olive oil.
Bar visconti
Our cool bar is named after the illustrious Visconti family, former owners of the castello. Overlooking the serene pool area, it’s one of the best lounge bars in Italy to enjoy the sunset over the hills.
Classic marble details, a frescoed wall and built-in banquette seating invite intimate conversation. Or take a seat outside for a drink beneath the stars.
Pool bar
Sit back and stretch out as you savour a delicious cocktail paired with views of the rolling hills. Our bar is just steps from the hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool. Chase-up a cooling dip with a sip of your favourite refreshment—there’s no better way to soak-up panoramic views of Tuscany’s wild side.
Wine cellar
Located in the hotel courtyard, our cellar houses a rich collection of local and Italian wines. Allow our sommelier to introduce you to the region’s grapes and guide you through a tantalizing tasting. The ideal spot for an exclusive dinner or private wine tasting session.
Aperitif at the enchanted table
Enter the world of fairytales with an enchanted picnic in the heart of our ancient forest. Our floating table awaits in a secluded glade, lit with a grand candelabra and hundreds of twinkling lights. Savour a delicious selection of canapés and aperitifs as the sun sets over the Tuscan hills.
This magical setting is ideal for romantic occasions or a special celebration with an intimate group of friends.
For a family-friendly experience, book a traditional Tuscan 'merenda'—a magical experience little ones will never forget.'
Wine Experience
Tuscan wines are some of the best in the world. Let us be your guide.
With more than 100 acres of vineyards, Belmond Castello di Casole is made for wine lovers. We offer frequent wine tours and events, and an exquisite estate-grown red wine blend, SìdiSì.
