La Pyjamas Vita in Tuscany

The Pyjamas Guide to Tuscany 

HOTELS

Castello di Casole: a beautiful converted castle on top of a hill in the Casole d’Elsa area of Tuscany, with gorgeous views, charming rooms, fabulous food & excellent service. I had the best pizza of my life at the hotel’s pizzeria!

CHIANTI VINEYARDS                                               

Casanova: The winery has over 20 hectares of vineyard and farm in the heart of a cypress forest inside the natural park of Cipresseta Sant’Agnese, in the heart of Chianti, in Tuscany. The most charming thing about this place is Silvano, the owner’s, love for his land & passion for what he does. Silvano will show you the Casanova products, such as 30 year-old balsamic vinegar and organic extra virgin olive oil. Afterwards, enjoy a homemade lunch by his wife Rita and taste their best products.

Cecchi Winery: (established in 1893)

Villa Cerna: Chianti Classico wine estate

EXCURSIONS

FLORENCE

Galleria dell'Accademia (Academy of Fine Arts): see the most famous of Michelangelo's work; David. 

Mercato Centrale: top floor food hall, the perfect place to indulge in the sights and smells of this historic marketplace. You can have lunch in the food hall with a selection of foods from different stalls: pizza, sandwiches, meat, fish, and cheeses (like the traditional local aged sheep's cheese known as pecorino).

Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore): take in the Florence rooftops from the panoramic terraces of the Duomoas you visit this stunning cathedral.

Uffizi Gallery: book in advance & still be prepared to queue! There is a lot to see, including the world’s first & oldest museum.

Ponte Vecchio: stroll along the Old Bridge (famous for its jewellery shops) and view the impressive Piazza Pitti from the exterior.

Piazzale Michelangelo: the perfect spot to view the beauty of Florence from above with the beautiful lights.

SIENA

Piazza del Campo: this square is famous for the twice-a-year horse race Palio di Siena, held around the edges of the piazza

The Duomo: one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Italy

SAN GIMIGNANO

Collegiata: 15th century frescoes

Palazzo del Popolo: now the municipal museum containing Renaissance paintings

Church of Sant’Agostino 

Wander the narrow streets and admire the town's surviving towers

Continua Art Gallery: enjoy the fascinating collection

ACTIVITIES

A pasta-making class at an authentic cooking school/restaurant & enjoy the fruits of your labour over a delicious lunch.

Bike tour: the perfect way to drink in the stunning Tuscan countryside by bike.

Ferrari tour

RESTAURANTS

CASOLE D’ELSA

Tosca

The Pizzeria at Castello di Casole: the best pizza I've ever had!

Osteria del Borgo

Ristorante Il Leccio

FLORENCE

Ino: have the cheese & truffle panini

Enoteca Fuori Porta

SIENA

Antica Osteria Da Divo

Osteria Le Logge

WHAT TO BUY

Santa Maria Novella: this 400 year-old apothecary is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world. They are famous for their luxurious loptions & potions, originally made by Dominican monks. 

Florence Outlet: designer outlet just outside Florence, not to be missed! 

Food: Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Chianti, pecorino cheese…& last but certainly not least: NUTELLA!!!