Activities during a Stay at Podere Erica
There is something for everyone at Podere Erica. You can relax and rejuvenate while sipping wine by the pool or under the shady loggia or jump in the car to enjoy these nearby activities.
Details for all these activities are available at the Podere and in advance by request.
Touring the Area
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Visit the charming hilltop villages in the Chianti countryside
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Take a one-day tour in Florence (with a guide or with our self-guided walking tour)
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Venture further afield to Lucca, Cinque Terre, Cortona, Pienza, all in a day
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Take a self-guided tour of Volterra and other lesser visited cities using our complete guide
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All day tour of Southern Tuscany – Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino and Bagni Vignoni
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Hire a guide to take you to Siena to see its fabulous duomo and famous piazza where they hold the Palio horse race​
Activities Out and About
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Take a hot air balloon ride over the Chianti countryside
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Rent bikes for a scenic ride on the Chianti wine road
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Go horseback riding along the old Roman roads in Chianti
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Play golf at the highly rated Ugolino Golf Club just 30 minutes away
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Take a spa day at nearby Castello del Nero or the Thermal Spas in Southern Tuscany
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Follow our guide for wine tastings at nearby wineries or hire a “designated driver” guide
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Take a photography class so that you can get the best shots of your vacation
Activities on the Property
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Take a hike in our woods and visit our animals - chickens, donkeys and Mangalitsa pigs
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Take cooking lessons at nearby restaurants or in our fully equipped kitchen
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Make pizzas in the large wood-burning pizza oven
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Have dinners catered for you at the Podere and dine al fresco
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Organize a bocce ball tournament on our regulation size court
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Make a tasty Tuscan dinner with herbs from our garden and fresh eggs from our chickens
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Hike with a guide from the Podere to the nearby borgo of Olena and end the tour with a dinner featuring the famous Bistecca Fiorentina
Shopping
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Visit one of the weekend antique markets around Tuscany
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Shop for your groceries at a local farmer's market, buying directly from the growers
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Visit Greve, Radda and Castellina which have lovely shops selling local products
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Shop in Florence – our self-guided tour includes our list of favorite shops
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Outlet Shopping at The Mall, Prada, and the large outlet mall in Barberino di Mugello
Dining
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Everyone's favorite thing about Italy is the food. When you stay at Podere Erica, you are in restaurant paradise. There is an endless list of fabulous restaurants serving everything from pizza to local specialties to high-end gourmet fare. We provide our guests with our list of favorite spots.
Special Events
Visit one of the many festivals and sagras throughout Tuscany to learn about local culture and traditions. Often, the annual celebrations feature a local food tradition and have elaborate medieval parades or competitions.
