When we heard that Jonathan Vargas, the head concierge at Borgo San Vincenzo in Tuscany had been honored with the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or ‘Golden Keys’ distinction, we immediately asked him what he recommends for family activities in Montepulciano and the surrounding region of Tuscany. Vargas, who is also the “experiences director” at the hotel, which is an 18th-century borgo comprising 21 studios and suites, gave us tips on the following:
- Enjoy horseback riding through the countryside to explore Tuscany.
- Attend a pizza-making class at a local outpost in the Val d’Orcia. A minimum of four participants are required for this experience.
- Visit a Cinta Senese farm to understand olive oil production and enjoy a simple lunch on-site together.
- Book a customizable “Taste of Tuscany Tour,” which goes beyond wine and takes visitors to a local pasta mill, a cheese farm, and an olive oil frantoio to understand local production and sample items at the source.
- Enjoy a picnic in the vineyard. Head to a nearby cheese farm for a DIY picnic with stunning views of Montepulciano (Beer and wine available for parents to enjoy).
- Take a bike tour of Tuscany. Explore the countryside by bike or e-bike (Hint: Be sure to talk with the Borgo San Vincenzo experiences team about rental options for smaller bikes for younger children).
There is also plenty for adults to do. Montepulciano, 10 minutes away from Borgo San Vincenzo, is a small medieval town with rich history, great restaurants and spectacular wineries. Hint: It’s quieter in the fall and just a short driving distance to a number of famous towns in the area, including Pienza, Montalcino, Orvieto, Siena, Assisi and Cortona, where the film "Under the Tuscan Sun" took place.
Borgo San Vincenzo also hosted a Wine Week in October as well as cheese and olive oil tastings from September through November. Truffle hunting with a guide is another fun option. Clients can also spend a day at the truffle market and festival in San Giovanni d’Asso.
Tip: Tuscany has the highest number of thermal centers in all of Italy. Chianciano Terme found at the base of Tuscany, offers an evocative scenery. Set between Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana, it’s a good thermal base for exploring the surroundings.
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