Tuscany offers a wide range of cultural, recreational and sporting activities for the more active visitor  who may wish to explore further afield than the more popular centres such as Florence, Siena and Pisa.

Cycling, Walking, Riding and Skiing: Tuscany’s spectacular and varied landscape is a hiker’s dream. Situated in the centre of the region, the San Martino properties provide an ideal base for exploring the area on foot, cycle or horseback. The Cinque Terra, Europe’s longest coastal walk is barely an hour’s drive away on the Mediterranean coast.

Art courses taught by a local artist who also lectures in the University of Florence: Carlo Romiti has been painting for years using earth which he himself collects from the local area. Following an ancient technique, the dried raw earth is pounded in stone mortars and sifted, mixed with water, egg or different glues, or even flax oil, to create paints with their own natural ‘brightness’. These are used to create incredible original canvases which express the wildness and movement of nature, which is mirrored in Carlo’s sculptures in stone, bronze, wood and ceramic. His favourite subjects are those that surround him: horses and dogs, roe-deer and wild boars in the nearby woods, and the local landscape.

Cooking lessons from Bruno Staccioli: starting his cooking career in famous restaurants in Italy and Paris, he later opened his own restaurant in Colle which was favourably reviewed by international food critics. He now  lives in the countryside near Poggibonsi, where he has his studio, and works as head chef at an organic food restaurant. Bruno is happy to visit San Martino to teach you the basics of Italian cooking or, for more experienced cooks, advanced techniques and recipes.

Golf is a relatively undiscovered pleasure in Tuscany: There are a number of visually stunning and challenging courses in the region, seven of which are within an hour’s drive of the properties. The nearest, Castelfalfi Golf and Country Club, is just 15 minutes’ drive away and presents a tough but fascinating test. In contrast to many better known venues, most golf courses in Tuscany are not overplayed and are readily accessible to both the casual visitor and organised tour parties. The location of San Martino means that you are in the ideal place to experience seven of the best courses in Tuscany. A driver can be arranged to suit your requirements. Click through below to access further details.

Horse-riding is available within 15 minutes’ drive. Hack in the spectacular countryside, or take lessons from beginner level to advanced dressage, in the capable hands of qualified instructors. Both Western and English styles are catered for on a variety of highly-trained, quality horses.

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