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Three days in Val d'Orcia and Crete Senesi: tasting and relaxation

a slow weekend surrounded by good wine and relaxing hot springs

With its nuances and atmosphere, every part of Tuscany knows how to impress, but some parts have a particular romantic touch. It is a place where the landscape becomes the backdrop for a beautiful and poetic two-person holiday. If one of you is a foody, or knows how to enjoy days full of relaxation, then a weekend in the Crete Senesi is perfect. The route from Motalcino to Rapolano can calmly be taken by car or on bike.

1.

The Montalcino landscape presents a fascinating journey which can be explored by all five senses. The alleys and squares of the medieval city are well adapted for a romantic escape for two; perfect for moments of tenderness and affection. Here, there are so many aspects to marvel at: arriving together at the fortress, the spectacular view of the Val D’Orcia and then lingering along the ancient roads. When toasting to love, wine is always the favourite choice, here the celebrated Brunello DOCG is the wine of choice,coming from the vast vineyards that cover the hills. The month of July is particularly apt for wine tasting, during the festival Wine&Jazz, where the aromatic notes of wine are mixed with those of music.

Dazzling and delicious scents lead up to San Giovanni D’Asso, home of the beloved truffle. Here the truffle is also celebrated in a museum and is guaranteed to make the mouth water.

The Montalcino landscape presents a fascinating journey which can be explored by all five senses. The alleys and squares of the medieval city are well adapted for a romantic escape for two; perfect for moments of tenderness and affection. Here, there are so many aspects to marvel at: arriving together at the fortress, the spectacular view of the Val D’Orcia and then lingering along the ancient roads. When toasting to love, wine is always the favourite choice, here the celebrated Brunello DOCG is the wine of choice,coming from the vast vineyards that cover the hills. The month of July is particularly apt for wine tasting, during the festival Wine&Jazz, where the aromatic notes of wine are mixed with those of music.

Dazzling and delicious scents lead up to San Giovanni D’Asso, home of the beloved truffle. Here the truffle is also celebrated in a museum and is guaranteed to make the mouth water.

2.

At times, the best way to be close, is to listen and stay in silence. Perhaps immersing yourself in the sounds of nature, with the wind as the only voice, could bring you closer to your travelling and life companion. The Crete Senesi gives lovers endless opportunity and moments to do this: you could dedicate an entire day to taking photos and photographing each other, from dawn to dusk, between different landmarks.

The sweetness and poetic nature of the hills could suffice, but there are at least two other magical places that need to be considered. In the midst of the olive groves of Asciano, rises the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a monastery where silence is key. Inside are beautiful frescoes and other artistic decorations. Another dreamlike place which offers plenty of space to walk and fall in love again, is the Bosco di Ragnaia, a large garden of oak trees, where elegance reigns amid the water games and sculptures.

As the sun goes down, move towards Rapolano, with a heart ready for a day of doing nothing.

At times, the best way to be close, is to listen and stay in silence. Perhaps immersing yourself in the sounds of nature, with the wind as the only voice, could bring you closer to your travelling and life companion. The Crete Senesi gives lovers endless opportunity and moments to do this: you could dedicate an entire day to taking photos and photographing each other, from dawn to dusk, between different landmarks.

The sweetness and poetic nature of the hills could suffice, but there are at least two other magical places that need to be considered. In the midst of the olive groves of Asciano, rises the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a monastery where silence is key. Inside are beautiful frescoes and other artistic decorations. Another dreamlike place which offers plenty of space to walk and fall in love again, is the Bosco di Ragnaia, a large garden of oak trees, where elegance reigns amid the water games and sculptures.

As the sun goes down, move towards Rapolano, with a heart ready for a day of doing nothing.

3.

The time has come to stop, to acknowledge the calmness of the day before and enjoy an entire day of relaxation. You can choose between two thermal resorts that each offer the best you could wish for, for a few hours worry-free

The Terme Antica Querciolaia has three springs, with waters ranging between 40°C and 20°C. To relax, you can choose to stay in the tranquil plant garden or immerse yourself in the hot tubs. History states that even Giuseppe Garibaldi came to the curing Querciolaia. At the Terme di San Giovanni, the sulphurous waters flow at 39°C, giving natural care. Its five pools, which are both inside and outside, are perfectly designed for a bit of relaxation. Between a massage and a hot bath, you just have to close your eyes, and try not to think that this fantastic weekend is now (unfortunately) coming to an end.

The time has come to stop, to acknowledge the calmness of the day before and enjoy an entire day of relaxation. You can choose between two thermal resorts that each offer the best you could wish for, for a few hours worry-free

The Terme Antica Querciolaia has three springs, with waters ranging between 40°C and 20°C. To relax, you can choose to stay in the tranquil plant garden or immerse yourself in the hot tubs. History states that even Giuseppe Garibaldi came to the curing Querciolaia. At the Terme di San Giovanni, the sulphurous waters flow at 39°C, giving natural care. Its five pools, which are both inside and outside, are perfectly designed for a bit of relaxation. Between a massage and a hot bath, you just have to close your eyes, and try not to think that this fantastic weekend is now (unfortunately) coming to an end.

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