Activities beyond Villa I Busini

Tuscany is home to Italy’s most celebrated landscapes. The scenic backdrops of medieval hill towns, acres of vineyards and ancient olive groves, rows of cypress trees, and beautifully appointed villas, monasteries, and farmhouses, are all reminiscent of Renaissance paintings.

To this day, despite being one of Italy’s wealthiest regions, Tuscany remains largely rural and untouched, as it did more than 500 years ago in its Renaissance prime.

Villa I Busini is ideally located in the heart of Tuscany, just 30 minutes from the center of Florence—the birthplace of the Renaissance, with its exquisite Duomo Basilica, Ponte Vecchio bridge, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell'Accademia, and many other museums with priceless works of art—and its famous wine regions.

Nearby, the world-renowned Chianti wine region, quaint medieval towns like Greve, Siena, and Pisa, and the glamorous coastline of Livorno with its glistening Tyrrhenian sea, await. All easily accessible from Villa I Busini, we can arrange an array of activities for you to enjoy during your stay, from scenic day trips, to hot air balloon rides, and guided art tours, your options are virtually limitless.

Even a well-planned day in Rome is possible, with the high-speed train enabling transportation from Florence to Rome in just 90 minutes. 

Depending on the duration of your stay, and the season during which you visit us, we will advise and accommodate your activity requests and gladly take care of your sightseeing arrangements. Please contact us and we will prepare an itinerary for you.

For more information on the highlights of the region, please browse our list of recommendations below:

The birthplace of the Renaissance, the city of Florence is an open-air museum, home to numerous palaces, churches, galleries, romantic gardens, and many of the best museums in the world. 

Stroll over the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge that graces the Arno River, visit Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell'Accademia, observe the finest collection of Renaissance artworks at the Uffizi Gallery, and marvel at the Gothic Duomo Cathedral. 

In the heart of Florence’s bustling metropolis, the Piazza della Signoria attracts locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a cappuccino and savor your favorite flavor of gelato as you take in the bustling scenery, browse the art boutiques and explore some of Italy’s finest shopping districts, from fashion-houses to antique galleries. 

Let us know your interests and allow us to find the best guide for your perfect day in the Renaissance city.

Postcard-perfect views await you on the Chiantigiana (SR 222), the winding country road that connects Florence to the quaint hill town of Siena. Well known as one of the most beautiful driving routes in all of Italy, you will pass acre upon acre of serene vineyards that produce world-famous Chianti wine. 

Enjoy a stop at Greve to visit its Franciscan Monastery, or in Castellina to view its 14th century fortress and 16th century church of San Salvatore. Photograph the glistening Tuscan sun on the rolling hillsides lined with elegant rows of cypress trees. 

Explore the medieval cityscape of Siena—one of Tuscany’s most visited heritage sites—with its numerous museums, bell tower views, excellent restaurants, and vibrant plaza. 

Just 45 minutes from Siena, the medieval town of San Gimignano is encircled by 13th century walls and features a triangular town square called Piazza della Cisterna that is lined with medieval homes, and boasts a spectacular skyline of medieval towers, including the stone Torre Grossa.

Also nearby is the beautiful village famous for its production of crystal artifacts, Colle di Val d'Elsa, also known as “Città di Cristallo” or “City of Crystal.” 

Whether you prefer to drive and would like directions, restaurant, and sightseeing advice, or whether you would like us to arrange a driver, we are here to assist and ready to arrange your idyllic day excursion.

Three nearby Tuscan cities worth a visit are Lucca, Pisa, and Livorno. Lucca is the only Tuscan city never to be ruled by Florence and has a rich history behind its spectacular medieval walls. 

A short drive away, Pisa is home to the world-famous leaning bell tower and over 20 other historic churches, medieval palaces, and old-world bridges that cross the river Arno. 

 Between Pisa and the port city of Livorno lies a breathtaking coastline known as “little Venice” with its bustling harbor, fresh seafood, and countless beautiful beaches. 

We will happily design a getaway for you to visit these three gorgeous Tuscan destinations.

The enchanting seaside town of Forte dei Marmi gained its “Fortress of Marble” name in the 16th century, as the major shipping center for the marble mined in the nearby mountain ranges. The magnificent coastal destination is positioned between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the picturesque Apuan Alps. 

Fashionable resorts line seven miles of sandy beaches, where private cabanas provide a quiet resting place under the shadow of pine trees. The long promenade offers the chance for a leisurely stroll, while spellbound by the spectacular scenery. Dine at one of the numerous Tuscan seafood restaurants, enjoy high-fashion shopping, and visit the famous biweekly antique market or weekly flea market. 

Share your perfect day in Forte dei Marmi with us and allow us to arrange your seaside escape.

Experience a birds-eye-view of the rolling Chianti hills, Renaissance villas, world-famous vineyards, rows of cypress trees, abundant woods, and old-world castles of Tuscany in a hot air ballooning adventure. 

Choose between a sunrise or sunset experience and gently float hundreds of meters above ground to enjoy aerial views of Tuscany like none other. Take in the picturesque scenery while your experienced hot air balloon pilot points out famous landmarks and local farms, and shares little-known Tuscan facts. 

Our hot air balloon partners are the most reputable in Florence and will provide an experience unlike anything you have enjoyed before.