Things to do in and around Montaione

As we also explain in this video, there are many experiences and activities that can be done here in our area, we are sure that you will find more than one interesting for you!

On this page you will find many ideas, both for outdoor activities and for those more “gourmet”. For any doubts we are always at your disposal, CLICK HERE for the contact page.

Outdoor activities

To immerse yourself and understand what a territory can offer, the bicycle is one of the most suitable solutions. We live in a hilly area, ideal for practicing a healthy sport and at the same time enjoying the splendid nature that surrounds us, with memorable routes both on and off the road. This is a possibility that is not precluded even to those who are not experienced and trained. The area is hilly and in many cases the climbs can be challenging, but with E-Bikes anyone can try this activity. It’s not even necessary to bring bikes from home, it’s in fact possible to rent them, even with delivery directly to your apartment and with the possibility to participate in guided tours. For all the information you can write an email to the Landhill company in Montaione, click here!

This is the slowest way to explore the area. On foot you cannot go fast or travel long distances, but you go at the perfect speed to grasp all the details, breathe the healthy air of the woods, immerse yourself in an incomparable countryside.

There are easily accessible paths, which can be traveled without problems. An interesting possibility is to rely on a local guide who knows the area in detail and who will be able to accompany you on unique paths that unfold in our woods.
 
The following is our selection of interesting activities that you can book:

1) Visit mystical Montaione

Montaione is located in the “middle ground”, halfway between Florence, Pisa and Siena. Once it was a border area, full of castles, military outposts and a destination for pilgrims and hermits. In this excursion we will depart from the Sacro Monte di San Vivaldo, known as the Jerusalem of Tuscany. In fact, in the sixteenth century a series of chapels were built there, some still present, which reproduce the topography and the holy places of Jerusalem.

A mystical place, full of charm. From here we will head towards the Sanctuary of Pietrina, built on the ruins of its ancient castle and from which we will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints in all of Tuscany.

Finally, we will descend into the gorge of the Pènere stream, not before passing in front of the Masso del Becco, a cliff used as a climbing school, but once a natural defence for the Pietrina castle.

Where: Montaione
When: All year round by reservation
Duration: Half a day
Path length: about 10.50 km
Total difference in height: D + about 230 m | D – about 230 m
Type of route: Ring route
Technical level: Medium

2) Visit Volterra

Let’s explore a path outside the normal tourist trail, in search of small historical curiosities. A different way of getting in tune with the territory, learning to know and appreciate its history and natural features. A real journey through time, we will discover an Etruscan necropolis, the remains of ancient Roman remains, the imposing medieval walls, churches, ancient palaces, old fountains, the Medici fortress… all surrounded by a rugged and magnificent landscape that makes this corner of Tuscany unique.

Where: Volterra
When: All year round by reservation
Duration: Half a day
Path length: about 7.50km
Total difference in height: D + about 260m | D – about 260m
Type of route: Ring route
Technical level: Medium

3) Secrets of Gambassi Terme

A wonderful trip to discover the territory of Gambassi Terme, rich in history and environmental biodiversity.

Where: Gambassi Terme
When: All year round by reservation
Duration: Half a day
Path length: about 9.50 km
Total difference in height: D + / D about 300 m
Type of route: Ring route
Technical level: Medium

These 3 activities are offered by Toscana Hiking Experience, for information and reservations these are their contacts:

info@toscanaoutdoor.com ~ +39 328 413 6156

These tours are other great ways to visit our area. In this case, in addition to the possibility of being able to immerse yourself in the landscape, you will also experience the thrill of driving these vehicles.

The Quad will take you easily on white roads that cross our hills, among woods, vineyards and cypress avenues. You are certainly familiar with the Vespa, an Italian icon famous all over the world. Travelling our roads with this nice scooter is really amusing, with the wind in your face and in front of you the fantastic views that our area offers us.

 
In both cases it is possible to go as a couple, obviously the driver must have a valid license. The vehicles will be delivered in order, fully functional and with a full tank of petrol. You will also receive a helmet, mandatory safety equipment for driving. A competent person with a deep knowledge of the area will accompany you on the tour, we are sure that this experience will be memorable!
To organize your Vespa or Quad tour, you can contact ZazaQuad, click here!

A fascinating way to immerse yourself in nature is to get on a horse, a splendid animal that is much more than a mean of transport. Riding the trails around Montaione is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try!

In Montaione, thanks to the “Il Gelsomino” riding school, it is possible to organize fantastic trips with specially trained horses, accompanied by professionals who know the area perfectly and will be able to accompany you on the best routes.
To organize your horse tour, please contact the Gelsomino Ranch staff by calling or whatsapp message on the number +39 347 320 0800 or contact us, click HERE!

These activities are organized by Mrs. Claudia Latino:

> Come alive with a relaxing massage

Treat yourself and relax all the tension in your body, say farewell to the accumulated stress and discover an inner harmony and peace. 

Place: Studio di Naturopatia a Montaione
Day: upon request
Hour: upon request
Duration: 50 minutes

>Yoga lessons in the garden of your agritourism. Re-energise with vital energy, abandon your stress, find beauty and harmony in yourself, create an inner peace and feel a sense of well-being and joy.

Place: your choice
Day: upon request
Hour: upon request
Duration: 1 h
Language: English or Italian

To organize these activities you can contact Claudia with a whatsapp message on +39 328 312 6685 or by email, click here!

 
Activities for gourmets

We have been collaborating with Fania, our trusted cook, for many years now. Thanks to her it is possible to organize lunches or dinners directly in the apartment you have rented. The cuisine she offers is the typical Tuscan one, now famous all over the world. Fania starts preparing the dishes at home (for example pasta sauces), and then finishes cooking in the kitchen of your apartment. So you will also be able to follow some stages of preparation.

Here you can see the current menu proposed by Fania, always available to agree on customizations. It is important to point out special needs, such as the presence of allergic people, vegetarians, small children, etc … Contact us to organize your lunch or dinner, click HERE!

Sure, tasting Tuscan cuisine is very nice, but what do you think of learning how to prepare some of our most typical dishes yourself?
The challenge is interesting. Furthermore, knowing the dishes of an area, learning how to prepare them, but also understanding the history behind these dishes, is one of the best ways to get in tune and really appreciate a territory.
If you like to try your hand in the kitchen, this is the activity for you!

In our area there is no shortage of opportunities, among the various we point out this one:

Tenuta Mercatilli:

Address: Sant’Andrea Gavignalla, 15/d – 50050 Gambassi Terme

Cookery class, a walk through the vines, visit to the cellar and tasting lunch, all in one package.

Come and cook a typical Tuscan lunch with a real housewife consisting of panzanella, fresh pasta and tart with homemade jams!

Together with each course you will have the opportunity to taste our seven labels.

The experience starts with a walk among the vines, where through various illustrative panels you can discover many curiosities about our vineyards and our territory!

Lunch will be served on our ‘Terrace on the vineyard’ from which it is possible to admire the Towers of San Gimignano!

The experience is also perfect for families; our donkey and our goats are ready to entertain your children.

Conditions:

Min two persons
From Tuesday to Sunday

Time: from 11 to 15

Reservation required at the following addresses:

info@tenutamercatili.it ~ +39 331 941 7748

Tuscany is one of the regions that boasts the best Italian wines and our area does not disappoint in this aspect either. We are part of the Chianti area, one of the most famous Tuscan red wines. We are also very close to what is the only Tuscan DOCG as regards white wine, that is the “Vernaccia di San Gimignano”.

But there are a lot of food and wine excellences: extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, spices (such as San Gimignano saffron), sausages and many others.

At our reception you can get the products that our small farm produces: wine and extra virgin olive oil. Moreover we can give you all the information to organize your wine and typical products tasting tour. We will be happy to give you all the details during your stay or you can contact us immediately by clicking HERE.