Italy has a fascinating history, and wonderful art, culture, nature and traditions. It also has places that are less well known, but that are attracting more and more tourists and to be visited at least once in a lifetime.
Staying in a smaller town to save on accommodation costs
If you travel by car it will be more comfortable and easier to visit the area surrounding where you choose to stay. For example, by choosing to stay in the town of Staggia Senese you will save money on your stay, despite being in the heart of Tuscany. You will be close to such popular cities as San Gimignano, Siena and Volterra, and Staggia Senese itself, though lesser-known town, has lots to offer!
Certaldo
The birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio and UNESCO San Gimignano
Starting from Staggia Senese you can visit Certaldo which is 26 kilometres distant and San Gimignano, just 18 kilometres away. Certaldo is believed to be the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio (the illegitimate son of a Certaldo merchant) and has numerous buildings of historical and artistic interest. San Gimignano, thanks to the unique medieval architecture of its historic centre, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Volterra
Into the world of the Etruscans in Volterra
Heading west you can visit Colle Val D'Elsa which is just 9 kilometres away and Volterra at 33 kilometres. Colle di Val d'Elsa is best known for its crystal production, but it also has a medieval atmosphere, interesting restaurants and a beautiful cathedral. Volterra has many magnificent attractions such as the Etruscan Museum, the Civic Art Gallery, the Museum of Sacred Art and the Alabaster Ecomuseum.
Tuscan wines and the Palio in Siena
If you fancy some good wines don’t miss Castellina in Chianti which is 13 kilometres east of Staggia, on a hillock at the crossroads of the Arbia, Elsa and Pesa valleys. Finally, heading south we find Monteriggioni and Siena which is just 30 kilometres distant. Monteriggioni is one of Italy’s most famous fortified villages and makes you feel you are stepping back into medieval days. Siena is universally known for its historic and artistic heritage, its beautiful landscapes, the famous Palio, and the historic centre which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
