Located between Florence and Siena in an area rich in history and Italian traditions, L’Aiaccia is a perfect home-base from which to experience some of Italy’s most beautiful countryside and towns, unique spectacles, and fabulous food and wine. No one wants to spend most of their vacation in a car driving hours from place to place – that is not why you go to Italy.
Here are some of the many things to do, experience or discover a short distance from L’Aiaccia.
Hiking and Biking among the Castles
Hiking and biking can provide a different perspective and understanding of Tuscany along with some spectacular views otherwise missed.
There is a terrific network of hiking trails for those who wish to explore the spectacular countryside and history of the territory surrounding L’Aiaccia. The trails are marked and detailed trail maps are available at the tourist office in Gaiole. There are several nice walks of differing lengths leaving from L’Aiaccia as well.
Guests up for the challenge of Chianti’s hills can rent bikes locally in Gaiole. If you want or need a little less challenge, electric bikes are available and have become very popular making it possible for everyone to join in the fun.
And if you love bike events, either as a spectator or participant, a stay at L’Aiaccia could afford you the opportunity to experience up close one of the most unique bike events in the world, the amazing L’Eroica based in Gaiole. (see more details under the Festivals & Events tab.)
Cooking Classes
Whether you love to cook or would like to learn, taking a cooking class in Italy can be great fun. Classes are offered at several excellent local restaurants and there is a cooking school at the nearby Badia a Coltibouno. The school, established by the renowned chef and author Lorenza de’ Medici, is located in a stunning 1,100 year old monastery. Typically, classes are structured so you spend the morning cooking and afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labors for a leisurely lunch with wine.
Artisan and Designer Shopping
Whether you prefer to go to the famous Italian designer outlets or visit the workshops of local artisans or explore Arezzo’s monthly outdoor antique market, all are within easy reach from L’Aiaccia. These are a few of our favorites:
Ceramic Shops: Ceramiche Rampini & Radianza
These two wonderful ceramic workshops are close by. Both ship internationally.
Ceramiche Rampini, a ceramic workshop located on the road into Radda, makes some of Tuscany’s most beautiful ceramics. Founded in the early 1980s, the daughter of the founder, Tiziana, still runs the business and can often be found at the shop. Many of the larger ceramic pieces in L’Aiaccia were made by Rampini. www.rampiniceramics.com
Radianza is the small ceramic workshop of Lies Robbertsen, a Scandinavian artist. The shop is located in the tiny hamlet of Lecchi. Lies trained with Rampini for many years before establishing her own business. She has her own distinct, beautiful style and creates both classic and modern pieces. www.radianza.com
Ferro Battuto Biagiotti
An exceptional family-run wrought iron artisan workshop. Their main shop and workshop is located just outside Pienza. Many of the furnishings in L’Aiaccia were custom-designed and made for us here. www.Biagiottipienza.com/en/
Luxury Outlet Shopping: The Mall and SPACE
The Mall is a true luxury brand outlet mall. They sell the real deal here – not items made for the outlet store market. Every major Italian designer brand has a storefront here: Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Todds, Loro Piana, Zegna…. the list goes on and on. It is a lovely outdoor pedestrian mall with an excellent cafeteria-style restaurant with lots of food options including many healthy ones. Not only is the shopping great, but the people watching can even be better. Serious shoppers from Asia and elsewhere, dressed to the nines, arrive with empty suitcases to fill with their favorite brands. The Mall is an hour or so from L’Aiaccia, about 10 minutes off the A1 autostrada, and is open 7 days a week. If you have a later flight out of Florence, it is an easy stop on your way to the airport – just be sure to allot enough time (and some suitcase space). www.firenze.themall.it
In addition to the Prada store at The Mall, Prada fans can shop Prada’s huge stand-alone outlet called SPACE located in Montevarchi. (Prada has a large footwear production plant in the town.) Only 200 people are allowed in the store at one time. It is a bit of a challenge to find, but worth it. Previous season designer wares can be found up to 75% off. There is also a cafe.