Explore
Things to do in case you fancy exploring before or after the main event.
Make it a holiday!
Hopefully you can tell by now that we're essentially trying to emulate the atmosphere of a big family holiday, where we just so happen to squeeze a lovely intimate wedding in between.
With that in mind, and in a bid to 'sell it' to you, you might consider the wedding invitation as a happy addition to an extended summer holibobs in gorgeous Italy.
This side of the Italian countryside lends itself to copious vineyards and wine tasting, slow travelling and stunning views, and just generally a relaxing time. So we've compiled a list of places close by if you want to consider sandwiching the wedding into a bigger trip.
Note: we are quite clearly not travel agents, so we'll give a short description and let the photos do the talking! We haven't been to all these places, so further research is suggested at your own leisure. OR, alternatively, badger John and Romy as they are the resident Italy enthusiasts!
Siena
Siena is a proper medieval city with winding alleyways, steep streets and the iconic shell-shaped Piazza del Campo at its heart. It’s big enough to explore for a full day, but small enough to not feel overwhelming. It’s got a bit of grandeur, a bit of grit and a lot of charm. The plan is to actually go here on Day 5 of the trip!
San Gimignano
Famous for its medieval towers, San Gimignano is a beautiful walled town perched on a hill, with postcard views in every direction. It’s great for a day of wandering cobbled streets, tasting wine grown just outside the town walls and soaking up classic Tuscan atmosphere.
Val d’Orcia
More of a region than a town, but Val d’Orcia is where those rolling golden hills and cypress trees live... the ones you picture when you think of Tuscany. Perfect for slow drives, lazy lunches and pulling over to take photos. Very beautiful, even if you're just passing through.
Pienza
This town is the home of pecorino cheese (need we say any more?!). Pienza is small with views across Val d’Orcia, lots of little boutiques, wine shops and picture-perfect lanes.
Lucignano
Tiny and peaceful. Lucignano is a lovely hilltop town that is tucked away from the usual tourist routes. Quiet little streets and family-run trattorias. A good option for low-key, off-the-beaten-path exploring.
Chianti region
Chianti is Tuscany at its most drinkable! This region is renowned for its production of Chianti Classico wines, primarily from the Sangiovese grape. The landscape is all rolling vineyards, winding roads and charming medieval villages perched on hills. Great for tastings, countryside drives and long, lazy lunches with a view.
Montepulciano
This one's all about the wine. Montepulciano is a hill town with deep cellars under the streets and grand buildings above. You can visit local wineries, taste the famous Vino Nobile and reward yourself with a big bowl of pasta afterward.
Arezzo
Arezzo is a slightly bigger town with a more local feel. Less touristy than some of its neighbours, but still full of character. It’s got grand piazzas, Renaissance art and is known for its antique markets.
Florence
The pièce de résistance. The crème de la crème! Florence is a little louder and livelier than the countryside, but it’s grand, golden and endlessly beautiful. Known for its art and architecture, we’ll be swanning off here after the festivities.
Cortona
Perched high with sweeping views and terracotta rooftops, Cortona is known for its rich history, art, quiet lanes and sunflower fields that line its foothills. It's a hamlet that still holds on to many of its original remains from the Etruscan period.
Lucca
Lucca is one of Tuscany's most beloved artistic cities, with a history of silk manufacturing. It's nicknamed the town of a hundred churches on account of its incredible number of places of worship. You can explore Versailles-inspired gardens and even cycle around the medieval city walls.
Pin, pin, pinning away
We are slowly but surely amalgamating a Google Maps pin board of recommended eateries, vineyards, gelato bars etc in said locations. But best to check this board a little later down the line to access the full, curated list of recommendations.
You'll be able to save the board to your own device if you have a Google account.
