Podere Invidia Guide
For all the insider expert knowledge on all things La Dolce Vita near Podere Invidia, in the heart of Tuscany.
This guide is jam-packed with the best Italian Slow-food restaurants and local places to see and visit off-the-beaten track.
Restaurants Podere Il Casale - Slow food restaurant near Pienza with amazing view over the Val d'Orsia
Podere il Casale hosts a 0km restaurant. Sit in the cosy, inner room or my favourite spot, outside is a splendid panoramic terrace overlooking the entire Val d’Orcia. The dishes are prepared with great care, using fresh products from the organic garden
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Restaurants Osmosi - Slow food restaurant -Montepulciano
Slow food restaurant in a historic villa overlooking vineyards in Montepulciano, this restaurant offers some of the most interesting cuisine in the area. Although the menu features a few local specialities, the cuisine is mainly experimental, with a focus on imaginative dishes of the highest quality.
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Restaurants il Conte Matto - Slowfood restaurant in Trequanda with amazing view
The castle’s 14C hunting lodge has been converted into a showcase for Tuscan produce with a panoramic terrace overlooking the hills and glimpses of the surrounding countryside from the guestrooms. Specialities include pici pasta in a Chianina beef ragù, veal tagliata seasoned with three salts and herbs from the garden, and cantucci biscuits served with dessert wine.
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Activities Castello di Ama - Wine, Art, Enoteca & Restaurant
Castello di Ama is truly a unique place. Located in a medieval hilltop town just north of Siena in Chianti, this winery feels like a fairytale—one that's also a destination for contemporary art. Lush vineyards produce award-winning wine; gardens are a backdrop to 16 site-specific works and installations by international artists: a.o Anish Kapoor, Miroslaw Balka, Kendell Geers, Chen Zhen, Daniel Buren. ‘Ristoro di Villa Pianigiani’ offers tasting of the Great Wines, by the bottle and by the glass. Everything contributes to the uniqueness of Ama. The restaurant of Villa Pianigiani is open every day, except Tuesdays, for lunch from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and on Thursday, Friday and Staurday evening, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm, for dinner.
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Activities Rent a vintage Fiat 500 & picnic - Pienza
Another way to enjoy the Tuscan country side is on a vintage vespa scooter or vintage Fiat 500. A tour of the Val d’Orcia will take you through Tuscany that you are used to seeing on postcards. The road that takes you from Pienza to San Quirico is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Spellbinding views, well-cared-for roads nestled in the most famous valley of Italy, the Val D’Orcia. Here you will find the famous Chapel of Vitaleta and the house used in the film The Gladiator. Another beautiful route follows the road from Monticchiello to Montepulciano, all bends and cypresses…
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Activities Podere Alberese - wine-tasting
Podere Alberese has been rewarded by the “Slow Wine guide” (published by Slow Food) for several years. It’s a collection of the best Italian wineries, with their production philosophy, and a story behind each bottle. The focus is on the "winemaker" and on his productive identity, an essential element to understand his wine.
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Activities Rent a vintage Vespa Scooter, a drive along the strada bianca of Tuscany.
Another way to enjoy the Tuscan country side is on a vintage vespa scooter or vintage Fiat 500. A tour of the Val d’Orcia will take you through Tuscany that you are used to seeing on postcards. The road that takes you from Pienza to San Quirico is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Spellbinding views, well-cared-for roads nestled in the most famous valley of Italy, the Val D’Orcia. Here you will find the famous Chapel of Vitaleta and the house used in the film The Gladiator. Another beautiful route follows the road from Monticchiello to Montepulciano, all bends and cypresses…
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Restaurants San Martino - exquisite vegetarian restaurant surrounded by olive groves and a stunning view over Montepulciano
The exclusive plant-based vegetarian restaurant offers delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine as well as a high quality selection of organic wines and local beers. Guests can eat outside on on of the terraces with view either on Montepulciano or to the Tuscany hills, or inside. Since the dishes are entirely freshly made dishes it is essential to book a table before coming here. Fattoria San Martino is open for lunch and dinner
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Restaurants La Bandita Townhouse - Restaurant - Pienza
Our absolute favorite place to go in Pienza for lunch or dinner is La Bandita Townhouse, a small restaurant and wine bar with an open kitchen. There is also a gorgeous covered outdoor seating area inside the walled medieval garden. John Voigtmann is the owner and manager of La Bandita Townhouse.
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Activities L'Eroica - the beauty of fatigue and the thrill of conquest
Held in Gaiole in Chianti - Tuscany, on the first Sunday in October, L'Eroica bike race is a Tuscan tradition with a unique charm. Cycling down the strada bianca (white gravel roads) on a vintage bike, in a retro outfit, crossing the wonderful landscapes of the Sienese Chianti, Crete Sense and Val d'Orcia. For those who don’t have the chance to participate in the official event in October, fear not! You can ride along the permanent route every day of the year. The path is open to everyone and can be completed in one or more days by all those wanting to test their skills or simply explore the area by bike.
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Activities A day at the beach.... Sirolo
A day at the beach... The seaside town of Sirolo is beautiful and the Spiaggia di Due Sorelle, "Two Sisters Beach", is often included among lists of the best in Italy.
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Activities Authentic Italian Pizza Dough Recipe Straight from Naples
An original pizza which is available for all guest to use and learn the skills to make an authentic Italian pizza from the pizza chef or try it by yourself (see link) Pizza night at Invidia is one of our favorite nights!
Activities Italy Food Markets
Italy is one of the world’s great food cultures. It is an essential part of Italian life, and perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in the local Italy food markets.Markets in Italy are the beating heart of food and community, where locals shop for what’s fresh and friends gather over an espresso and pastry in the middle of the day.
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Activities Tuscan Chef Little Kitchen - Italian Cooking classes
Tuscan Chef Little Kitchen is a small cosy place where you can spend a few hours cooking and enjoying the company of other people. You will learn some of the secrets of Tuscan/Italian cuisine and can then taste the food which has been prepared together. The cooking school is located in via Umberto I, 140, in Montisi, a very pretty medieval hill top village near Siena, which is well worth a visit. The lessons are open to a maximum of 8-10 students and are totally hands-on. All the students will be involved in the preparation of each course. During the lesson, we will provide recipes to follow and drinks. There will be local wines paired with the meal. A fantastic experience with Tuscan Chef - Alessandro Piccinini
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Restaurants Chiavi d'Oro - Arezzo
Situated in Arezzo’s historic centre, this restaurant boasts an original, minimalist ambience with an elegant wood decor. The main focus here is on the cuisine, which is among the best not only in the city but also in the region. Skilful interpretations of traditional dishes, with a focus on Tuscany, where the gastronomic pleasure increases with each course.
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Restaurants La Grotta - Montepulciano
Restaurant “La Grotta” is set in an authentic and charming sixteenth century building with a garden terrace, directly opposite the Church of San Biagio (one of the best examples of Tuscan Renaissance architecture). La Grotta strives to offer a perfect balance between traditional Tuscan cuisine and modern gastronomy - its aim is to blend the authenticity of the region with innovation while, at the same time, respecting the centuries-old traditions. La Grotta's chef focuses on the quality of the ingredients, rather than on the complexity of the dishes. The wine list offers a vast range of locally-produced bottles alongside a wide choice of international labels
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Caffè Caffe Poliziano - Montepulciano
Not exactly a hidden gem... but still a gem. Caffè Poliziano is an elegant Caffè in the historical centre of Montepulciano and a fine example of Art Nouveau design. For generations visitors and local residents have been able to enjoy a glorious view of of the Valdichiana from the balcony.
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Culture Montepulciano
Montepulciano is definitely on the tourist trail but worth a visit for it’s stunning architecture – from the gracious elegance of San Biagio to the Piazza Grande with some of the best views in Southern Tuscany. Montepulciano is home to Vino Nobile – so called because the Vatican sent emissaries to this magnificent hilltop town for its local wine. The hill is honeycombed with tunnels and cantine where the vino nobile is made and stored in barrels and bottles. Plinius favorites: Caffè Poliziano (coffee / aperitivo), La Grotta (lunch/dinner), the Talosa wine Cellar, Fattoria San Martino (lunch / dinner)
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Culture Abbey Monte Oliveto Maggiore (1313)
Abbey Monte Oliveto Maggiore is located on the edge of the charming village of Chiusure. The Abbey itself was founded in 1313 and fully restored in the 19th century. It is considered to be one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance. Lunch is served at the vegetarian restaurant at the entrance to the abbey. The abbey is still in use by the silent monks, dressed in white robes who live here. To give the monks some privacy during the day, the abbey is closed between 12:00 -3:00pm Guest (religious or non-religious) are also more then welcome to attend the religious services; Mass on Sundays is in Gregorian Chant, which is a very unusual experience. Plan Your Visit to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore
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Culture Trequanda
The tiny historic village of Trequanda is a 20min walk, 3min drive from Podere Invidia. We love to start our day with a hike to the village and enjoy a good cappuchino together with the locals on the square at Bar Caffe La Torre. Trequanda also has a bakery, butcher, small grocery store, an historic castle and the excellent slow-food restaurant "Il Conte Matto"
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Activities Truffle hunting with Nico - Montisi
There are a lot of truffles around the Trequanda area and nearby San Giovanni d’Asso hosts a wonderful truffle festival in November each year. In Trequanda you can go truffle hunting throughout the year, hunt for black truffles in the summer months and white truffles in the winter. Truffle hunting takes place in the early morning and takes around 2 hours with a truffle breakfast to follow. Alternatively you can go in the late afternoon and make arrangements to have a truffle dinner afterwards.
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Activities A perfect day at Invidia...
A perfect day at Invidia... In the early morning, before it gets too hot, we set out on the path behind Invidia and walk to Trequanda. There we enjoy a few cappuccino's on the square with the locals. Then off to the bakery for some fresh bread and pick up a few items for lunch at the small grocery store. Drop by the butcher for a couple of cold bottles of Poderino to be enjoyed at lunch time. Back at Invidia time for a refreshing dive and lounge by the pool until lunchtime. The lunch is served at the covered terrace with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. On a clear day you can even see Monte Amiata. The afternoon is spend with a good book / podcast in a sun lounger by the pool. Aperitivo is served at the "sunset terrace" . An ice-cold Aperol spritz and the best sunsets in the world. Dinner at our favorite restaurant "Il Conte Matto" in Trequanda. We end the evening with star-gazing from the sun-loungers. A perfect ending to a perfect day
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Activities Bagni San Filippo - Hot springs
Bagni San Filippo is a beautiful hot spring in the forests of Tuscany and is among the insider tips of Siena region, far away from mass tourism. During a visit you will be amazed by the hot sulfur springs, which bubble directly from the earth into the midst of untouched nature. Of particular interest here are the white limestone deposits, which have created impressive rock formations and cascades over the millennia. With really pleasant water temperatures of about 25 °C you can have a wonderful swim in the river of Bagni San Filippo and enjoy a unique atmosphere in the forest.
Restaurants Monti Verdi - Restaurant
This town in the heart of the Val d'Orcia is pretty as a picture. The 900-year-old hamlet of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, off a winding gravel road that snakes across the hillside, was largely in ruins over a decade ago. Since then, it has been lavished with love and attention. Monteverdi is now a place where world-class musicians, artists, chefs and guests come together to create an experience all its own.
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Culture Bagno Vignoni
Famous for its wonderful thermal baths which have been in use since Roman times. This small town is just a half hour drive from Invidia. It makes a lovely half day outing or a full day if combined with nearby San Quirico d’Orsi
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Culture Tuscan Gems
A few of our favourite villages that are definitely worth a visit. Take a bicycle, vintage scooter or Fiat500 and set off along the Tuscan country lanes
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Culture English Patient in Tuscany
Monastero Sant'Anna in Camprena Steeped in history and spirituality, this monastry has bewitched some great artists. The Italian-American director Anthony Minghella, for example, chose Sant'Anna in Camprena to shoot some of the most famous scenes of his film "The English Patient"
Activities Learn Italian in Montepulciano, Tuscany
One of our Plinius founders has studied here with great results! Language school "il Sasso" offers many different courses, from individual, to group or culture courses. The school is in an historic building in the heart of the town. It has 8 large, airy classrooms for Italian language courses, individual tuition and culture mini-courses and a hall that's used for conferences, exhibitions and events. There's a terrace with a lovely panoramic view - a favourite place for students to take their class breaks during the summer months - as well as an Internet point, free wifi access and the opportunity to study the Italian language or watch a film at the school at any time throughout the day.
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Enoteca Vineria Porto Franco - Montisi
Fabulous little wine bar in Montisi. They also do great wine tasting and delicious cheese plateau. Cheers!
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