Siena is one of the most beautiful and best preserved medieval cities in Europe with an absolutely stunning cathedral Il Duomo. The hospital of Santa Maria della Scala is said to be the oldest hospital in the world. The Piazza del Campo is a beautiful sight any day of the year but transforms to its medieval state for the famous Palio di Siena every 2nd of July & 16th August. Each contrada or section of the city battles it out for the famous bareback horserace around city centre.
Belvedere is also a fantastic location to base yourself for day trips to Florence and many other towns dotted around Tuscany such as San Gimignano, Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano. A trip to the abbey Monte Oliveto Maggiore for evening vespers followed by dinner in the quaint walled village of Buonconvento is highly recommended. Further afield are classic medieval towns such as Cortona, Perugia and Assisi and to the west, the Isle of Elba is a day or overnight trip.
Alternatively you can escape for days on end with only a few minutes’ drive or a 15 minute walk to the local shops for a coffee, an ATM or to top up the essentials – some local bread & milk, a bottle of Chianti, some fresh pasta or an array of regional cheeses. There are plenty of supermarkets only a short drive away if you are really stocking up or if you don’t feel like cooking there are many options for dining at a short drive.