ACTIVITIES
There are many things you can do beside sightseeing in the vicinity of the Chiancianello - biking, olive oil tasting, horse riding, cooking classes, playing golf - that will enhance your memories about Tuscany. All these activities are provided by our friendly locals with whom we have been cooperating for a while.You will find useful information how to organise these activities on your own or we can help you organize activities in the vicinity
At a nearby Chiarentana there is an opportunity to learn how the olive oil is produced. Agriturismo Chiarentana is a producer of a superb olive oils - blended or monovarietal , usually 4-6 types, all original Tuscan varieties - that you can also find at our Agriturismo (until we start producing our own in a few years). With a prior reservation, typically 1-2 days is enough, they offer groups of min. 4 people simple tasting or more elaborate one with some food as well. Cost of the tasting ranges from EUR 10-45 per person depending on the complexity of tasting. You can book your tasting at +39 0578 69100 or visit their website www.chiarentana.com. We have been their good customer, so mentioning that you are from Chiancianello typically helps on the arrangement.
About 3 km from our Agriturismo there is a horse riding facility that our whole family is enjoying year around. There are 6-8 horses and ponies available for visitors. For the experienced riders we can arrange the riding classes or excursions into the countryside. For the beginners or kids, classes by appointment are available, however, understanding a basic Italian is a must. Chiara, the horse riding coach from Sicily, loves horses and kids.
For a bigger groups (min. 6 people) there is an opportunity to organise a cooking class with local chefs directly at the premises of our agriturismo. Typically you would cook a full 3-4 course menu based on traditional local recipes.
You do not want to learn how to cook? That is still ok, they can cook the meals for the entire house. Prices for the cooking/class are subject to an agreement with the chefs but usually run at around EUR 40-90 per person, depending on the complexity of the menu, drinks are not included. If interested, please let us know in advance at least a couple of weeks so that we can arrange it for you.
There are few public golf course within an hour drive.
My favourite is GC Lamborghini near lake Trasimeno, takes about 45 min drive just across to Umbria (www.golf.tenutalamborghini.it). While it plays only 9 holes with wide fairways, the small greens make up for the challenge. Do not worry about the tee times, probably there will be only few groups on the course.
The nearest golf course is by the highway exit Valdichiana/Bettole called GC Valdichiana (+39 0577 624439). It is a bit shorter and not always in the best shape, but provides relaxing atmosphere and challenge with the trees.
By far the highest quality of the game can be played at Royal Golf La Bagnaia near Siena (about an hour drive, www.royalgolflabagnaia.com). The championship 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. provides excellent challenge even to the best of the golfers. Have a nice game!
If bicycle is not your popular activity, renting a Vespa is an excellent alternative how to explore the winding roads and hilltop towns with a romantic twist. And you do not have to worry about finding the parking for your transport mode. The nearest rental is in Chianciano Terme (about 11 km) with the friendly staff - www.pastrimotors.it, +39 0578 31125. The rental starts at EUR 55 per day. The Vespa in red color is really the classic one.
​
Alternatively there is a more commercial provider just outside Pienza on the way to Montepulciano. Their offer also includes veteran cars.
If you like pecorino cheese or would like an authentic tasting of this local delight, we have our friendly neighbour Beppe doing just that (3 km away, direction Pienza). A second generation immigrant from Sardinia, his family produces all sorts of pecorino from fresh to aged ones, also with a special flavouring. His sheep are still being left grazing around in the pastures, unlike many of the other producers. You can call in advance +39 347 911 7382 (Fattoria Pianporcino) or just show up. With a bigger group, Beppe will make your tasting personally. We guarantee you will be leaving entertained and with some loafs of pecorino in your bags.