Rick Steves: “Tuscany is the romantic image of Italy”

Rick Steves’ love for Tuscany it’s no secret. He comes to Florence and Pisa very often, and he likes to wander about the vineyards and the countryside to find inspiration for his books.

Using Rick Steves’ own words:

       With its manicured fields, rustic farms, cypress-lined driveways, and towns clinging to nearly every hill, Tuscany is our romantic image of village Italy. Venture beyond the fringes of Florence and you’ll find a series of sun- and wine-soaked villages, each with its own appeal.

In the video here on the right, Rick Steves describes Tuscany with fondness, showing us beautiful images of the Siena and Florence countryside.

Rick Steves at the Siena’s Palio: an experience not to be missed

In 2016, Rick Steves came to Siena in July for the Siena’s Palio, to live in person the atmosphere of this incredible event that goes on for centuries twice a year, on the 2nd of July and on the 16th of August.

He loved to mingle with the crowd during the festivities, that goes on in the days after and before the race:

     The day before the race I joined a crowd in the main square, Il Campo, to see the jockeys — mostly hired hands from out of town — get to know their horses in a practice run called the “charge of the carabinieri.” At midnight that night, the streets were filled with eating, drinking, singing, and camaraderie, as neighborhoods gathered to pump each other up.”

Siena is just 20 minutes away from Borgo Argenina, the perfect location to stay if you want to experience the Palio like Rick Steves did!

Where to stay in Siena and Tuscany by Rick Steves

If you are looking for an accommodation near Florence and Siena, then follow the suggestion of Rick Steves “Tuscany & Florence 2017” guide.

Instead of staying inside the cities, experience the peace of the lush, peaceful countryside. If you are travelling by car, you can reach every point of interest easily and quickly while staying in one of the beautiful villas surrounded by nature.

And talking about where to stay near Siena, Rick Steves recommends Borgo Argenina:

        “Borgo Argenina has eight rooms & villas in a well-maintained splurge of a B&B, 20 minutes north of Siena by car in the Chianti region. Helpful Gabriele and Stefania offers cooking classes, can arrange wine tasting, and provides lots of thoughtful touches.

Follow his recommendation and come visit us! Stefania & Gabriele will suggest you what to see and where to eat in the stunning and magic Siena and Chianti region.