A Journey Through Siena and Florence
Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine, has long been a top destination for travelers seeking a blend of cultural immersion and gastronomic delight. My recent trip through the enchanting cities of Siena and Florence in the heart of Tuscany was an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking sights and culinary treasures.
Siena view from Grand Hotel Continental
Lobby of Grand Hotel Continental
Siena: A Step Back in Time
Our adventure began in Siena, a city where the past and present merge seamlessly. We stayed at the beautiful Grand Hotel Continental in the heart of Siena, a place that exudes luxury and history. The service and attention to detail were superb and I highly recommend this hotel.
Foie Gras creme brulee at Compania dei Vinattieri
Our arrival was later in the day so the first night we took the concierge’s recommendation and had our first dinner at Compagnia dei Vinattieri, where the crème brûlée foie gras was an exquisite start to our culinary journey.
Ricciarelli cookies at Nannini
The late morning espresso was sweetened by visits to Nannini, where the item to you need to try is the Ricciarelli almond cookies which were a delightful treat. I purchased the vacuum sealed cookies to bring home to the kids and they were just as delicious as the ones in the store.
Dei Vinyards
Through the hotel we hired a driver for a 1/2 day wine tasting in Montepulciano region which was about 1 hour from our hotel. Our driver arrived at 2:30pm and whisked us through the picturesque Tuscan hills to Dei vineyards, where the wine tasting was sublime. We sampled reds, rose and white wines along with their olive oils.
Caffe Poliziano in the town of Montepulciano
After our wine tasting we had some time to stroll through the beautiful town of Montepulciano and had an espresso overlooking the hills at Caffe Poliziano.
Taverna Del Capitano
Back in Siena, Taverna Del Capitano offered a rustic charm and sautéed chicken livers that were simply irresistible.
Top of the Fortezza Medici
Discovering Siena’s Soul
The subsequent days were filled with cultural immersion and culinary exploration. From our hotel we took a morning walk to Fortezza Medici that offered panoramic views and a historical backdrop and even had outdoor workout machines to work off the daily pasta and dessert.
Finished product from our cooking class, ravioli.
That evening we took a cooking class at Fontegiusta Academy allowed us to delve into Tuscan cuisine hands-on. Our cooking class included learning how to cook 3 different kinds of pastas, beef stew and fresh biscotti. After we cooked we were able to enjoy our meal in the beautiful restaurant owned by the chef a few doors down from the cooking school.
Piazza Del Campo in Siena
One of the most important sites in Siena not to be missed is Piazza Del Campo in the center of the city. We climbed to the top of the tower that provided breathtaking views of the city.
Dinner at La Taverna di San Giuseppe proved to be one of my favorite spots and offered gastronomic delights like parmesan soufflé and cannoli cream with chocolate chips. If you’re looking for some music after dinner, check out Un Tubo for some live Jazz music.
Florence
Florence: A Feast for the Senses
Next, we ventured to Florence via a quick train ride, staying at the chic Gallery Hotel Art, which offered proximity to the Arno River. We loved how it was close to all the sites, a few feet from the Arno River and some great outdoor cafes.
Osteria Lungarno was our choice for lunch, where the outdoor cafe was the perfect first meal on a gorgeous Spring day.
Prosciutto and cheese with honey at 4 Leoni
Dinner at 4 Leoni lived up to its reputation, offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes. After dinner head across the street to Gelateria della Passera for the most delicious and highly rated gelato in all of Italy (according to our excellent waiter!
Our days in Florence were a blend of art, culture, and cuisine. We started with brunch at Melaleuca that featured irresistible cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies. Be forewarned this is not for the local Italians but instead most of the people were US students studying abroad! And prepare for a very long line!
By now you’re sure to have heard about the infamous sandwich spot All’Antico Vinaio. This is a must spot for take out but beware the massive lines at all their locations throughout Florence.
Bags on display at the Gucci Museum
I had the chance to visit the Gucci museum which is a fashion maven’s paradise. The brand is rich with history and the retrospective is sure to having you swoon over the artifacts dating back decades.
View from the top of Piazzale Michaelangelo
Before dinner we walked to Piazzale Michaelangelo for breath taking views of the sunset. Grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the electrifying atmosphere as scores of people descend upon this historical site. If you go early you may be able to catch a table at the cafe and people watch as you enjoy an Aperol spritz!
Trattoria Garga menu
For dinner a good friend who visits Florence often recommended Trattoria Garga and we loved the quant interior and welcoming staff.
The next day we again walked to Piazzalle Michaelangelo for a morning walk but exploring further we found San Miniato Al Monte which had one of the most beautful churches I’ve ever been to.
After taking in the stunning views, we walked back to town and enjoyed casual yet delicious meal Le Antiche Carrozze. The rooftop garden of Hotel Hermitage's Osteria delle tre Panche offered both scenic views and delicious dishes. Our exploration of Florence’s marketplaces and the historic Pitti Palace was interspersed with gourmet stops like Gino Bakery for cannolis, culminating in a spectacular dinner at Trattoria Zaza, where the gorgonzola gnocchi and grilled artichokes were standouts.
Missed but Not Forgotten
While our itinerary was packed with incredible dining experiences, some renowned spots like Acqua Al 2, Il Latini, and La Giostra remain on our list for the next visit, promising more Tuscan flavors to explore.
This trip through Siena and Florence was more than just a travel experience; it was a journey through the heart of Tuscany, where every meal, every street, and every sunset told a story of history, art, and culinary excellence. Italy, with its timeless beauty and unparalleled cuisine, continues to hold a special place in my heart, beckoning me to return time and again to its alluring cities and landscapes.
