| In the heart of the charming Tuscan countryside, between Siena and Arezzo. |
The Castelletto di Montebenichi stands on the top of a hill at the far south east end of the Chianti hills, in Valdambra a place that has amazingly preserved the beauty and genuine aspects of its land. The small village that surrounds the castle is Montebenichi, halfway between Arezzo and Siena. This is an excellent starting point for discovering the artistic, natural and food and wine wonders of this area. From Montebenichi, Chianti road tracks wind around the woods, the olive groves and the vineyards and take you to medieval villages and imposing castles.
Along the roads you can find vineries that you can visit on guided tours, tasting wines, oils and other local produce. If you are wine enthusiasts, why not travel south west to Montalcino, a well-known area for its important Brunello wine, or south east to Montepulciano where it is possible to taste the no less well known Vino Nobile?
Slightly south of Montebenichi, the territori of the Crete Senese offers extraordinary, unique views and the thermal spa town of Rapolano, with its natural hot springs of sulphuric-calcium thermal waters that come out of the ground at 38°C.
Many cities of art can be visited from the Castelletto. Florence can be reached in one hour drive as well as some cities in Umbria, such as Perugia, Orvieto and Assisi. Driving to Siena or Arezzo will take less than 30 minutes. Other special places such as Cortona, Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino and San Gimignano are all within easy distance for a half day trip.
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You have to have your own transport to reach Montebenichi as there is no public transport. The nearest railway stations are Arezzo and Montevarchi (about half an hour away by car). The stations at Siena and Bucine are on minor railway lines and do not have trains passing through so frequently.
The nearest airport is Florence (about an hour away by car).
It is also possible to use Pisa airport (about two hours by car) and Rome (about two and a half hours away by car).
By car
GPS Coordinates: North 43° 24’ 21’’ - East 11° 32’ 39’’
· From the North: Highway A1 exit at Valdarno (the second after Firenze Sud). Drive in the direction of Montevarchi-Levane-Bucine. At the Levane traffic light, carry on for Siena-Bucine-Ambra and once past Bucine, carry on for about 15 km, passing by the villages of Capannole, Ambra and Pietraviva. About one kilometer after Pietraviva there are directions to the right for Montebenichi, which is at the top of the hill, another 4 km further on. Carry on to the end of the asphalted road, going past the hotel park's gates on the left and drive into the square in the town where the hotel is located.
· Another route from the North (more panoramic) is to come off the Highway A1 at Firenze-Certosa, carry on the Florence-Siena state road and then continue towards Arezzo-Perugia (SS 326 on the Siena-Bettolle link road) once you have reached Siena. Exit at Colonna del Grillo after about 18 km and then follow the directions for Bucine (SS540). You will find directions for Montebenichi after about 4 km on the left. The hotel is in the small square in the village center.
· From the south: Highway A1 exit Valdichiana. Drive in the direction of Siena (SS326 on the Bettolle-Siena link road) and carry on for about 30 km until you pass the exit for Rapolano Terme on the left and for Armaiolo on the right. Exit at Colonna del Grillo after about 4 km and then follow the directions for Bucine (SS540). You will find directions for Montebenichi after about 4 km on the left. The hotel is in the small square in the village center.
By train
You can catch a train that stops at the Montevarchi station (32 km) and at Arezzo (40 km). From here it is possible to reach Castelletto di Montebenichi by rented car or taxi.
The railway stations at Bucine and Siena are not recommended. It is easy to travel to Siena from Milan or Rome by coach.
By plane
To reach Castelletto di Montebenichi you can land at Florence airport "Amerigo Vespucci" or at Pisa or Rome airports. You can hire a car or take a taxi at the airport.
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