"Andar per borghi": a trip out of town in the surroundings of Florence

With the beautiful season advancing, taking the place of a winter that took its toll, giving us, however, also the joy of intense days of harsh weather, in a frosty Florence that glowed with beauty in the bright mornings of January and February, one can resume enjoying pleasant outings or trips out of town, perhaps right during the weekend.

Tuscany is an ideal destination for those who love to visit small towns and ancient villages: if you have planned a trip to Florence with favorable timing for your stay, after securing tickets to the most relevant attractions and museums in the city's historic center, carving out a moment to learn more about the surrounding countryside is really, always, a great idea.

Staying at Palazzo Castri, we will be glad and ready to provide you with advice and customized solutions, according to your tastes and time available, so as to make your out-of-town visit a moment of pleasure and well-being for your eyes, mind and heart.

The landscapes of Tuscany, in fact, when the first spring sun thaws the hills and gives way to coral-hued blossoms and sunsets, are a panacea to get rid of all possible worries and annoyances. Driving along the Florentine, Pisan or Sienese hills, one will have the feeling that time has crystallized into a world of absolute peace where only a glass of wine and good local food can enter to keep you company.

In this article we list three little gems of wonder, not far from Florence, not to be missed for anything in the world when passing through Tuscany: we are talking about Fiesole, Vinci and Scarperia.

All located in the Florentine province, the three locations are an excellent concentration of History, Architecture and Food and Wine for a combination of relaxation and culture that will allow you to learn by visiting, enjoy the pleasures of the table and take home a lasting memory.

• Whether you want to immerse yourself in the world of the ancient Etruscans (though not forgetting a visit to the sumptuous theater from the Roman era) by choosing to visit the very nearby Fiesole, just a 15-minute drive from the city center;
• Or whether you wish to retrace the steps and life of the great master and genius of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, in his home village, nestled among the soft hills of the Empoli area and home to a diffuse museum of exquisite beauty;
• Or if you'd like to spend a few hours in the Lands of Mugello, famous for their unspoiled peace, lush nature and variety of local food and wine products, visit one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Scarperia, founded in 1300 by the Florentine Republic, with its Palazzo dei Vicari, now home to the Museum of Cutting Tools;

Each of these destinations will be able to guarantee that you will spend a day learning and relaxing, whether you decide to discover them on your own or arrange for tours and guided tours specifically for the various attractions that can be visited.

But Tuscan villages and hamlets are indeed many: one could name at least twenty or thirty more. Once you are clear on your preferences, the Palazzo Castri team will be happy to build on you, and for you, a day of Arts and Leisure out of doors.