Special dedication to our dearest friends!   A collection of local tips with travel suggestions, nice restaurants, unique experiences, and hidden treasures, and how to enjoy Tuscany like a local! Hope you will enjoy this “HELPFUL TIPS”, and looking forward to seeing you in the sunny Tuscany.   Mazzeschi Team

1. MAZZESCHI HELPFUL TIPS

2. Special dedication to our dearest friends!
A collection of local tips with travel suggestions, nice restaurants, unique experiences, and
hidden treasures, and how to enjoy Tuscany like a local!
Hope you will enjoy this “HELPFUL TIPS”, and looking forward to seeing you in the sunny
Tuscany.
Mazzeschi Team

3. Have you arrived in Tuscany to join the Mazzeschi
party this summer and have some time available?
Great! If you trust me, you will be able to tickle
your eyes and your palate enjoying one of the most
beautiful cities in the world: Siena!
I am a full-blooded Sienese, born and living in
Siena. I love this city and I am proud to share a
couple of tips with you.
I would love to make you spend some time in Siena
as an authentic Sienese – not as a tourist – and let
you follow the same rhythms and go to the same
places where I’ve been enthusiastically going with
my good old friends for years and years.
GIUDITTA D.

4. The meeting is in Piazza del Campo around 09.00 pm, when the summer heat gives you a break.
Piazza del Campo is the real heart of Siena, the most loved venue not only by tourists but also by the Sienese people.
The reason is obvious: the famous horse race, called Palio, is run in Piazza del Campo! You can have an aperitif at Liberamente Osteria
(don’t forget to reserve a table). Women usually order a glass of prosecco, while men usually ask for a spritzer.
You could share a Tuscan cold cuts and cheese plate, and if you look up you can enjoy the breathless beauty of Torre del Mangia.

5. After about an hour, you could move a little closer – still in Piazza del Campo – to the restaurant Osteria del Bigelli (please make sure
to reserve a table), which is really appreciated by the Sienese people. All the dishes are excellent and you’ll be pleasantly surprised
whatever you choose!
The dinner goes on with a slow rhythm, while you relax, take your time to chat and occasionally glance at the wonderful Piazza: you
might have seen it countless times, but it is so fascinating and beautiful that you will never be tired of looking at it.

6. If your clothing allows, don't forget to
end the evening with a tourist ritual
(which is also a habit of the Sienese
people): sit on the ground, in the centre
of the Piazza, and admire the
extraordinary harmony of what
surrounds you.
GIUDITTA D.

7. La Rocca di Staggia
I highly recommend taking the time to
visit the infamous Rocca Di Staggia, a
little castle very close to Monteriggioni
with a special place in history.
The man working as guide in the castle
definitely knows how to make the trip
funny and interesting, no chance you’ll
get bored!
Marco S.

8. La Maggiolata Lucignanese
This suggestion is probably biased by my
personal experience and nice youth
memories but I use to suggest this event
to all of my friends who happen to visit
Tuscany in late May: My hometown,
Lucignano, offers everyone the chance to
attend a folkloristic event that shouldn’t
be missed: La Maggiolata Lucignanese.
Marco S.

9. La Maggiolata: Carri Allegorici This festival is strictly linked to the local country
life and traditions: it celebrates the upcoming
spring with parades, folk groups in traditional
dresses, ancient folk dancing and popular bands
from all over Italy.
Most of all, you’ll have the chance to see the
parade of four carriages decorated with thousands
of flowers making their way in to the town center
among hundreds of people, in a challenge that will
last 2 weeks.
The Battaglia dei Fiori (Battle of the Flowers) will
take place at the end of the festival: upon a jury
decides which carriage is the winner, the designers
and all the people that contributed to creation of
these masterpieces will start a battle with the
thousands of flowers forming the carriages, ending
up with the carriages completely bare.

10. Hard Rock Museum in Florence
• A recommendation that I would personally
make is to visit the Hard Rock Museum in
Florence, which is less known than others in
the city, but does have a visually beautiful
collection of artifacts carved out from precious
stones and rocks.
• The museum is located at Via degli Alfani, 78 –
Firenze, and it is open Monday through
Saturday from 8.15 am until 02:00 pm. The
entire museum is quite extensive and you
might spend an entire morning or afternoon
there at your pleasing.
Daniele

11. Fisiocritici Academy
Another quite interesting and in some way hidden place is the Fisiocritici Academy in Siena. The Academy is one of the most
beautiful Natural History Museum in Tuscany. It is located in Piazzetta Silvio Gigli 2- Siena, and it is open Monday through Friday
from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. DANIELE

12. La Menagere
If you fancy a nice place where dining out
and breath some cosmopolitan yet Italian
atmosphere, the bistro restaurant cocktail
bar cafe named La Menagere might be for
you.
The place located Via Dè Ginori, 8/R
50123 Florence is opened every day from
7:00 am to 02:00 am offers a wide range of
beverages (coffee is the best), alcoholic
drinks (they have a wild selection of
wines), and food (with an international
modern flavour and taste – I personally
love the burgers).
Needless to say, that you might get really
lucky and have some music accompany
your meal time.
Daniele

13. La vecchia latteria
In the mood for a homemade ice-
cream?
Try out “La vecchia latteria” in Siena.
The gelateria is located at Via San
Pietro 10, Siena. They offer a small
but very delicious range of ice-
cream tastes. You will not be
disappointed whatever flavour you
will go for.
Daniele

14. IL GIARDINO DELLE ROSE
The Rose Garden in Florence is a place of
extraordinary beauty, where you can see for
free many different types of roses and other
plants. That's why it is the ideal place for a
romantic promenade or for a break in a green
oasis set in the heart of Florence.
The garden houses a collection of roses, lemons,
and other plants, as well as a Japanese garden,
donated to Florence by the twin city of Kyōto
and the Zen Kodai-Ji temple. In particular, it
contains about 400 varieties of roses for a total
of about 1,200 plants.
The garden was created in 1865 by Giuseppe
Poggi when the capital of Italy was moved from
Turin to Florence and is located just below
Piazzale Michelangelo. From there you can
admire an amazing view over the city.
Harpreet

15. Ristorante Del Fagioli
The best Fiorentine traditional dishes,
everything is super delicious but my
favourites are the meatballs cooked in
tomato sauce and the creamy cake - you
will not be disappointed, but be aware it
is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ristorante Del Fagioli, Corso dei Tintori,
47, 50122 Firenze FI.
Costanza

16. Fitti Fitti
Fitti Fitti, fish Restaurant in the
surrounding hills of Florence, managed
by an outstanding South Korean chef,
guaranteed high quality Chef. Believe
me, not the usual fish!
Check the website for further info and
location http://www.fittifitti.it/ - this is a
tiny restaurant, so booking very much
appreciated. One of my favourites!!!
Costanza

17. Amazing drives in Tuscany
We have some really amazing drives in Tuscany,
here is a couple I really love and I am lucky enough
to live just a few minutes away from them
From Poggibonsi to Barberino Val d’Elsa, stop just
after San Filippo on your left you’ll find a great
view, best recommended during sunset, you will be
grateful for the tip! Here is the location
https://goo.gl/maps/im7ZtqKtCc62
Once the show is over you can keep driving on the
same road, you will get to Barberino Val D’Elsa in a
few minutes, a tiny medieval town, very beautiful.
You can dine on a Terrace looking out the hills.
Costanza

18. Badia a Passignano
Another great drive is from the highway
exit “Tavarnelle Val di Pesa” to “Badia a
Passignano”, I can’t decide whether I
prefer the drive or the final destination
(“Badia a Passignano”) – both will leave
you speechless.
See directions from Colle di Val D’elsa
https://goo.gl/maps/nDrhD5xuWBk
Costanza

19. IL SentierElsa (Colle di Val d’Elsa)
• SentierElsa is a walking route running alongside the Elsa
river for a distance of 2 km (journey time: approximately 3
hours there and back). The way down is located at
Gracciano, south of Colle di Val d'Elsa, from the bridge at
San Marziale, until reaching a place called San Giorgio.
• Along the route, there are different kinds of animals, trees,
plants to be seen. Also, there are remains of ancient
hydraulic constructions and water jumps like that of the
“Diborrato” (picture on the left), a cascade 15 metres high
and over 10 metres deep, which in the last century was
used by local people for bathing. Proceeding along the
route, below the waterfall, we find the Grotta dell'Orso
(Bear Cave), so-called because they vaguely resemble the
shape of a bear.

20. SentierElsa
The path turns away from the river for 100
metres, before returning to it in the area
where there is a huge flat boulder. Next we
come to the “Gore Rotte”, where there is
another access point to park, with some
Tibetan-style miniature bridges and walkways.
The walk continues for around one 1 km
before reaching the zone of San Giorgio,
where there is a kind of rope-bidge across the
river.
Andrea

21. Le Caldane (Colle di Val d’Elsa)
Very close to SentierElsa way down (approximately
1.5 km distance) there are the “Caldane”, thermal
baths with warm water springs that have
therapeutic properties known since the Etruscan-
Roman period.
The water, clear and rich in mineral salts, with
beneficial properties, was known to remedy various
ailments, including rashes.
The baths were destroyed by Siena troops in 1260
and were partially rebuilt around the middle of the
15th century.
The floor of the tanks, originally made up of
mosaics, was partially restored at the end of the
19th century. Even today, these baths are a favorite
destination for the inhabitants of the area who are
looking for some refreshment from the summer
heat.
Andrea

22. Val d’Orcia and the Crete Senesi
This corner of the world, between Mount Amiata and the city of Siena, offers one of the most amazing
view of Tuscany landscape.
It is sprinkled with architectural jewels, from the abbeys (Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Sant'Antimo) to the
medieval urban centers, harmonious and perfect in their reduced dimensions (Pienza, Montalcino, San
Quirico d’Orcia).
This area is also well known for the high quality of the food and wine products.

23. The zone known as Crete Senesi, with its
white clay cliffs ("biancane" in Italian),
conceal the secrets of white truffles,
whereas on the hills of Montalcino, the
Sangiovese grape yields the most
renowned of all Italian wines, Brunello.
Pienza, a splendid Renaissance town, is
home of the most popular Pecorino
cheese in all of Italy.
The Val d’Orcia (Orcia valley) is especially
known for its green hills studded by the
rows of cypress trees leading up to villas
and noble family estates. In this area,
visitors can also enjoy the hot springs of
Bagno Vignoni, Rapolano Terme or Bagni
San Filippo.
Andrea

24. Cantine Antinori Chianti Classico
ARCHITECTURE, NATURE AND GOOD
WINE…WHAT ELSE?
I really recommend to visit Cantine Antinori
nel Chianti Classico, located along the main
road between Siena and Florence.
This winery was inaugurated in 2012 and its
project is based on low environmental impact
and maximum energy savings. Its innovative
architecture was built entirely with locally
sourced materials, respectful of the
surrounding environment and the Tuscan
landscape. Almost invisible from outside,
during the visit you can discover something
unexpected and surely unique in the world.

25. Cantine Antinori Chianti
Classico
What about wine? It’s very good!
The winery was designed for gravity flow
vinification and to guarantee ideal climatic
conditions for wine production and aging by
using completely natural elements. Don’t
miss the wine tasting experience and I really
advise to have lunch in the panoramic
restaurant Ferruccio 1180.
A good wine to taste? My favourite is Solaia!
Sara

26. Radicondoli
The village of Radicondoli is a perfect day trip
(or even half day trip) from Siena, but can be
easily reached also from the direction of Colle
di Val d'Elsa.
From Siena take the road SS73 to Rosia, until
you reach a cross and then take SP541 in the
direction of Casole d'Elsa and Florence.
Continue until you find indications to
Radicondoli on the left.
Radicondoli is on the top of a hill looking
towards a valley about 40 km east from Siena
in an area known as “Colline Metallifere” (an
area with a rich variety of minerary resources,
whence the name).
Looking at the hills you can notice smoke
rising from the ground in some points: it’s the
steam which indicates the presence of
geothermal energy sources in the area.
Giuditta P.

27. Radicondoli – Osteria La Pergola
Every Thursday for the month of July and August
the charming city of Radicondoli offers the street
art festival “Le notti di Giove” (Jupiter’s nights) with
art, food, and outdoor entertainment to best enjoy
the cool fresh evening air ( Facebook Page)
If you go to Radicondoli, don’t miss Osteria Pizzeria
La Pergola
https://www.lapergoladiradicondoli.it/en/home/ .
In the summer you can sit outside, under the
“Pergola”, and enjoy the beautiful view
I advise you try the “tasting pizza” (pizza
degustazione): the dough is made using mother
dough and different type of flour. The toppings are
made with excellent products coming from the
surrounding areas where possible and also from all
over Italy with an eye to seasonal availability and
direct contact with the producers.
Giuditta P.

28. GALLERIA CONTINUA – SAN GIMIGNANO
I really recommend to visit Galleria Continua in San Gimignano. An exposition of modern art located
in an ancient former cinema.
Many famous contemporary artists have exhibited their works here during the past years.
In 2004 Galleria Continua began a new adventure in Beijing, China and in 2007, Galleria Continua
inaugurated a new peculiar site - Les Moulins - in the Parisian countryside.
In 2015 Galleria Continua opening a space in La Habana, Cuba.
Vittoria

29. SAN GALGANO ABBEY - CHIUSDINO
Another charming and beautiful place that
definitely worth a visit is San Galgano Abbey.
The abbey of Saint Galgano with the
Montesiepi hermitage rise in the valley of the
river Merse, between the medieval villages of
Chiusdino and Monticiano, in the province of
Siena.
The original nucleus of the monastic complex
Cistercian of Saint Galgano was definitively
abandoned in the 1789.
From the beginning of this century, many jobs
of restoration and maintenance have been
undertaken, so that today the ruins of Saint
Galgano, by now without more traces of the
roof, are one of the most visited medieval
monuments in Tuscany.
Vittoria

30. Castiglione della Pescaia
After all this red wines and nice cypresses
roads, are you fancy to some sea-salt breeze
and a refreshing swim?
I highly recommend to reach Castiglione della
Pescaia regionally simply abbreviated
as Castiglione is an ancient seaside town in
Maremma, Province of Grosseto (116 km
from Colle di Val d’Elsa, 1 hour and half by
car).
Castiglione della Pescaia consists of a High
City built on the hill that ends a chain of hills
towards the sea, and of a Low City at the foot
of the former, straddling the drainage canal
and marina that form the central part of
town.
The hills that back the city slope into beaches
that front the town in its entirety.
WHAT TO DO: for a nice swim or just a
sunbath, the “Rocchette” beach and its clear
water is a must. (You can even rent a boat in
Castiglione, and reach it by the sea)
Martina

31. Castiglione della Pescaia
After all the sun, the best thing you can do to treat yourself, will be to have a great Gelato at “Gelateria Corradini”, near the
marina, at the beginning of the shopping road “Corso”.
You may try “Chianti Classico” ice cream or delicious Maremma’s Royal Jelly.
Once restored, you may be ready to reach the Fortress on top of Castiglione’s hill.
Best time to reach the Fortress (Castello), is late afternoon to admire an astonishing and romantic sunset over the sea. (Best
with a glass of white wine)
FOOD: The medieval city centre is full of Restaurants and Wine bar, but you may find them a little bit too “touristic” (as, in fact,
they are…). Frequently food is not good as the view you may have from your table sit.
Martina

32. Il Fanta Restaurant - Gavorrano
With just 32 minutes by car, you can reach “Il
Fanta” restaurant ( www.ilfanta.it ): a classy
location immersed in the vineyard of Gavorrano,
with a fantastic view on the coast.
As a vegetarian, I like to order Truffles dishes and
“Tortelli” (all pastas, bakery and desserts are
made by the fantastic chef’s team)
They have a great selection of great local wines
and liquor.
Martina

33. BADIA A CONEO - COLLE DI VAL D’ELSA
A very nice and not so well-known place to visit
near Colle di Val d’Elsa is the Badia a Coneo Abbey.
This is a medieval abbey built in Romanic style
during the 12th century.
The Abbazia di Santa Maria Assunta a Conèo is a
Romanesque structure that was founded by
the Vallombrosan monks at the start of the 12 C and
is one of the most interesting examples of religious
architecture near Colle Val d'Elsa.
Its plan is in the shape of the Latin cross, as is
typical of Vallombrosan churches, and the
intersection of the nave and the transept is
surmounted by a sectioned dome, which is
octagonal inside.
The internal capitals and the cornice which runs
round the outside of the building are decorated
with starred flowers and other geometrical devices,
of great artistic beauty.
The building possesses a number of pre-
Romanesque features, with numerous external
brackets in the shape of imaginary animals.
Francesco

34. DOMETAIA ARCHELOGY PARK -
COLLE DI VAL D’ELSA
Not so far from the abbey, you can also visit the
Dometaia Archeology Park.
Dometaia Archaeology Park presents a vast burial
area, one of the most important in the ancient
territory of Volterra. The necropolis, brought to light
in the last quarter of the 19th century following the
excavations by Bonaventura Chigi Zondadari, was the
subject of systematic surveys conducted between
1972 and 2010, which revealed 56 burial sites
spanning the mid 6th century B.C. to the early years
of the 2nd century A.D. The types of tombs found
bear witness to a diversified society, with aristocratic
nuclei (complex chamber tombs) used as a burial
place for many family generations, next to more
modest, also single tomb structures (trench,
rectangular niche and basin tombs).
Francesco

35. LE VENE - COLLE DI VAL D’ELSA
If you want to have some relax in the
countryside near Colle di val d’Elsa, I
recommend Le Vene, where the Elsa torrent
starts to be a river and where the inhabitants of
Colle use to relax when the summer turns very
hot.
There you can also find some ruins of ancient
factories along the Elsa river along with an
Ecomuseum, where you can visit, among other
structures, also a mill from the Grand Duke time.
Francesco

36. TERRALSOLE CANTINA -
MONTALCINO
If you are looking to venture off the beaten track
and go beyond the well-known Brunello brands and
search for something much more unique, I would
highly recommend to visit Terralsole – a small family
run winery based in Montalcino, it’s truly a magical
place.
Terralsole “land towards the sun” is a secret gem, a
true oasis surrounded by the typical rolling hills
covered with olive trees, wild brush, cypress trees,
and vineyards that go one for miles.
The Terralsole Villa and state of the art Cantina
adorn 12 hectares (30 acres) of some of the most
picturesque countryside in Montalcino.
It offers award-winning Brunello di Montalcino and
is the only estate in Montalcino currently using 600-
liter “Tonneaux” oak barrels exclusively from the
Allier forest in France (tight grained/old oak trees
by law) to age the Brunello.

37. TERRALSOLE CANTINA -
MONTALCINO
Terralsole is an inspiration of veteran winemaker
Mario Bollag and his wife Athena Tergis, two
artists who combined their love of visual arts and
music with their passion for winemaking, you can
see the passion not only within their amazing
wines, but also in their exceptional labels that
grace the Terralsole wine bottles.
Experience Terralsole for yourself, they offer wine
tastings and tour of the grounds, this can be
accompanied by a variety of authentic local
produces cheese, salame, prosciutto etc to taste
or full lunch and dinner.
They can also arrange cooking classes specializing
in local Tuscan cuisine. You can even stay at the
Villa Terralsole on the winery estate or stay at their
secluded Luxury Studio nestled within the
vineyards with full stunning views and private
swimming pool.
If you are lucky you may even get the chance to
hear Athena’s Irish fiddle playing (she also tours
the world as a successful Irish fiddle player). An
unforgettable get-away in one of Tuscany’s most
splendid and serene destinations, definitely worth
a visit!
Stephanie

38. THE GATE OF HEAVEN – SIENA
THE CATHEDRAL ROOFS AND ALL THE MUSEUM
BUILDINGS OF THE COMPLEX
This is a guided path to the upper attics and
crawlspaces of the cathedral that have been
closed off for centuries. From here, visitors will
have a beautiful, sweeping view of the cathedral’s
interior and the city.
(For more information:
https://operaduomo.siena.it/en/
Antonio

39. Lagoon of Orbetello
An oasis of nature managed by WWF, where
flamingos are aboundin
The Orbetello Lagoon is one of the most unspoilt
areas of nature in Tuscany and the habitat is
unique in its kind.
Over 1,500 hectares of swampland make up the
coastal lagoon, separated from the sea to the
east and west by two strips of land, roughly 6
kilometres long (the sandy Tomboli
della Giannella and della Feniglia) and is to the
west of the Argentario promontory.
A third strip of land extends into the center of
the lagoon and this is where the town of
Orbetello is located. An artificial bridge (the Diga
Leopoldiana) connects Orbetello to Monte
Argentario and divides the lagoon into two parts,
the Laguna di Ponente and Laguna di Levante
(Western and Eastern Lagoon, respectively).
Susanna

40. SMOKED EEL ORBETELLO
LAGOON
Smoked eel of Orbetello is an excellence of Tuscan
territory, delicious dish of fish whose recipe is traced
back to the seventeenth century.
The eel inhabits the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea
overlooking the Arcipelago Toscanoand its richness and
Spanish culture that dominated the Maremma made
sure this fish has always characterized the kitchen of
Orbetello and Argentario becoming one of the most
popular dishes.
I Pescatori di Orbetello – Centro Degustazione, Via
Giacomo Leopardi 9, 58015, Orbetello
Susanna

41. GROTTA GIUSTI THERMAL SPA
Experience the rejuvenating power of a hot steam bath.
Let the steam take over your senses in our unique thermal cave bath, a marvel of nature that stretches for more than two
hundred meters below the resort.
Divided into three distinctly named areas called Heaven, Purgatory and Hell, there’s a wonderfully exciting experience waiting
for you down under.
https://www.grottagiustispa.com
Via Grotta Giusti 141151015 Monsummano Terme (PT)Phone +39 0572 90771Fax +39 0572 9077200
info@grottagiustispa.com
Susanna

42. The Devil’s Valley
Steam is an intriguing local resource and the geothermal area, with Larderello and its museum, Sasso Pisano and its natural
phenomena, fumaroles, lagoni (gurgling mud puddles) and geysers, is a must waiting to be discovered.
You can do guided visits, guided excursions in a landscape that will leave you speechless and amazed.
http://www.volterratur.it

43. VOLTERRA
Volterra, a haven of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and
Rennaissance art, dominates the Cecina Valley, 550
metres above sea level, affording a spectacular view as
far as the sea.
The city still retains traces of its majestic past which
gradually unfurls as you wander through the narrow
streets and explore the Etruscan Museum, the Art
Gallery and Museum of Sacred Art. And yet Volterra’s
charm not only lies in its historical patrimony but in the
undefiled surrounding countryside, a slow traditional
way of life and its age-old tradition of alabaster carving.
This elusive stronghold requires careful and patient
attention for it takes time to absorb its timeless
atmosphere, treasured secrets, unique ambience and
culture. One of the most unspoilt areas in the region,
close to other important art centres and the coast, this
is an ideal choice for a holiday in Tuscany.
Susanna

44. Over a 3000 years of art in
stone: Alabaster
You cannot talk about Volterra without mentioning Alabaster, an artistic
handicraft that boasts a centuries-old history and a nobility of traditions that can
be felt in every nook and corner of the town.
Here still remain a few examples of the traditional alabaster workshop in
Volterra where it is still possible to experience that magic atmosphere, while you
watch the craftsman creating an artistic object or sculpture.
The alabaster art and craft is still today a relevant cultural and economic reality in
Volterra, notwithstanding today’s difficult times.
From the beginning of the 1980s, the alabaster professionals clearly realized that
the alabaster of Volterra and its products were unique the world over and that
they had to be protected and promoted and this same idea created the
Ecomuseo dell’Alabastro (Museum of Alabaster) that gathers and displays the
history, culture and folklore of this traditional art and craft over time.
www.alabastro-scali.com
Museum of Alabaster - Palazzo Minucci Solaini
Via dei Sarti 56048 - Volterra (PI)
Susanna

45. Fulfill your Asian food crave in Tuscany
You and I are travelers, and we are kind of used to
living abroad or traveling around. We can adopt to
new environments quickly. But still, sometimes our
Asian stomachs just craving for some hot noodle
soup or white rice instead of pasta and risotto.
That’s our food memories and it’s also part of our
identity. The taste, smell, and texture of food can
be extraordinarily evocative, bringing back feelings
and emotions of being home.
Now here we are in Italy, the kingdom of good
foods. But there are still times that we need to take
a break from Italian cuisines.
Well, it’s not always easy to find nice Asian
restaurants. You might end up eating in one of
those crappy Chinese restaurants where you find
only disappointments instead of satisfactions. As
an Asian expat living in Italy for 4 years, my
suggestion is to avoid those places , and follow my
Chinese food crave “survival tool kit” here below.
Lai, Ya-Hsin

46. The RAVIOLI WANG and its homemade dumplings
A family style Chinese restaurant with traditional home cooking of southern China, where the simplicity and hospitality of the owner - Chen and
Liya – a very friendly Chinese couple will make you feel like home in Siena! Chen and Liya are dedicated to the careful selection of products for
preparation of the recipes of RAVIOLI WANG, from local meats and fresh fish, to the purchase of Chinese indigenous vegetables grown in Tuscany
by Chinese farmers, in order to offer to customers of RAVIOLI WANG unique flavors and high-quality dishes. At RAVIOLI WANG there is also a
laboratory, dedicated to the preparation of the dumplings to be served in the restaurant, fresh every day. Ya-Hsin
RAVIOLI WANG 餃子王
Address: Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, 38 - 53100 Siena
Tel: +39 0577 286 288Website: http://www.ravioliwang.it/en/ Map: https://goo.gl/maps/edKHPvThKuA2
Opening hour: Everyday 11.00 – 15.00 / 18.00 – 22.30

47. The FULIN restaurant and its
luxurious Chinese cuisine
Fulin locates the east side of Ponte San Niccolo, a bit far
from the city center, which insures a better dining
environment. What on the outside is a classic end of 19th
century Florentine building, on the inside has a refined
and captivating atmosphere where it is possible to
experience authentic Chinese cuisine. Fulin embarked on
its adventure as the first real gourmet Beijing restaurant
in Florence. Chinese tradition is respected throughout,
from the choice of background music to the way the
tables are set. Fulin’s cuisine relies on Beijing flavours and
a fine selection of raw materials. It is not that kind of
restaurant, where you want to go every day for casual
meals. However, it is perfect for a special night, and a
friend gathering who are critical to food.
FULIN福临
Address: Via Giampaolo Orsini 113, 50125, Florence - Tel:
+39 055 684931
Website: http://www.fulin.it/ Map:
https://goo.gl/maps/6wwEtEUkavu
Opening hour: Everyday 12.30 – 15.00 / 19.30 – 23.30

48. The SAN TEA HOUSE and its
bubble tea from Taiwan
Not far from Ponte Vecchio, the SAN TEA HOUSE is a
place where you can sit down and enjoy some cool
Bubble Tea. Origin from Taiwan, the bubble tea is a
tea-based drink, mixing with fruit juice or milk and
the chewy jelly balls. There are many different
flavored bubble tea drinks. SAN TEA HOUSE runs by
two Chinese girls, they’ve been to Taiwan to learn
how to prepare this traditional drink, and furnished
the tea house by traditional Chinese furniture
shipped from Shanghai. The whole place is
decorated in a neat and clean style, you might think
it is a Japanese restaurant/bar at the first sight.
SAN TEA HOUSE 初三茶屋
Address: Via de’Barbadori 23, Firenze Tel: +39 055
684931
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/santea_house/
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/u3ibroEmW1z
Opening hour: Tuesday to Sunday 12.00 – 19.00 /
close on Monday

49. Dinner at Foresteria Villa Cerna
This is one of my favourite restaurants in the area.
Foresteria Villa Cerna is owned by the Cecchi family,
a Tuscan family running a very important local
winery.
It is located in a typical Tuscan villa that was
purchased by the Cecchi family in the early '60s.
The villa was restored and also a huge wine cellar
was constructed.
This elegant restaurant is at the feet of a vast valley
full of lines of vineyards that go up towards
Castellina in Chianti.
The vineyards have an excellent exposure to
sunlight, which can guarantee the perfect ripening
of grapes.
FILIPPO

50. The menu offers a unique wine and food
experience, a real journey through taste.
If you go there for dinner and choose one of the
tables by the lemon garden, you will eat your meal
on a terrace in front of the most beautiful Tuscan hill
with the best sunset ever.
When me and my friends are there, we usually order
“Taglierini al tartufo di stagione” or pasta with
typical Italian meat sauce and rosemary, and the
delicious “Tagliata ai pepi”. They also offer a
wonderful “Tartara di manzo” (beef tartare), and the
famous “Fiorentina”.
You could also ask Matteo – the young wine expert
who runs the restaurant with his father-in-law – to
be accompanied to the wine cellar for a quick visit,
and you could also shop amazing wines and
delicious cold cuts at the exclusive grocery that is
close to the restaurant.
https://www.villacerna.it/en

51. Lunch at Ristoro L’Antica
Scuderia
Antica Scuderia is a restaurant in Badia a
Passignano, a stunning little Tuscan village totally
immersed in the vineyards on the way from here
to Firenze.
The restaurant is owned by the abovementioned
Matteo and his family, and offers typical Tuscan
dishes with a modern twist.
The venue has been recently restored and is
elegant and friendly at the same time. You could
choose to have lunch on the terrace – under one
of the canopies with floating white curtains –
which faces a steep hill full of vineyards.
Filippo

52. One of their best dishes is “Tagliata all’aceto balsamico”, tender slices of beef steak with rock salt and
balsamic vinegar. If nature allows, you might be lucky enough to have the chance to order a dish of
“funghi porcini arrosto” (roasted mushrooms) or “tagliolini al tartufo bianco” (handmade pasta with
precious white truffle).

53. You will be amazed by the elegant barbecue placed on the terrace, where you can see the chef cooking your
meals on smoldering ember.
They also have a wide selection of wines. My favourite one is “Bolgheri Rosso - Il Bruciato”.

54. In case you are not interested in typical
Tuscan dishes, you could order a pizza, which
is really delicious because it is baked in a
wood-fired oven.
In front of the restaurant there is an ancient
abbey from the XV century (which actually
looks like a medieval castle) that hosts a
monastery.
Close to the restaurant there is also a shop
called “Bottega della Scuderia” where you can
purchase high quality typical products from
local producers: buy a pack of pasta
“spaghetti Pastificio Artigianale Giovanni
Fabbri” and cook it with tomato sauce when
you’re back home, and the taste will be like a
Tuscan memory!
http://www.ristorolanticascuderia.it/index
Filippo

55. Tuscan Cooking Class
The Italian food blogger Giulia Scarpaleggia will give
you a real taste of what it feels like to be a Tuscan
cook! Giulia teaches Tuscan cooking classes in her
family house in the countryside between Colle di Val
d’Elsa and Volterra.
She offers 6 different types of classes, but if you
choose the “Market to table Cooking Class”, you will
shop with her at the local market and at her artisan
butcher, and you will choose the menu together
during the morning shopping. Giulia’s cooking classes
are hands-on, so be prepared to eat a real Tuscan
menu totally cooked by yourself!
Here is the link to book:
https://en.julskitchen.com/tuscan-cooking-classes
Filippo

56. CERTALDO ALTA
My personal advice is CERTALDO ALTA, one of
the most beautiful Medieval village in
Valdelsa.
It’s a quaint and charming town with some
beautifully preserved Medieval architecture
and a relaxed atmosphere.
The town develops around the main street,
the charming Via Boccaccio, which still today
is the heart of the community . This street
takes his name from the famous Italian writer
of Decameron, Giovanni BOCCACCIO, who
was from Certaldo.
Sabrina

57. As you will come to Italy in July, just the week
before Mazzeschi’s party don’t miss the Street
Theatre Festival MERCANTIA. In this occasion the
town is filled with hundreds of artists who come
from all the world and stage numerous different
performances from dance and visual arts to street
band shows, parades and much more.
Sabrina
I really advice to have a walk in this ancient and
fascinating place and have lunch in my favourite
restaurant OSTERIA DEL VICARIO, excellent Tuscan
food with a wonderful view, very romantic!

58. Villa Bardini – Firenze
I love Villa Bardini in Florence. During the festival, in addition to visiting the garden, there will be exhibitions
dedicated to Isadora Duncan and Pietro Annigoni. It is possible to visit the exhibition and organize an aperitif
too. The wisteria will not be in bloom but the view of Florence is priceless. Antonella