San Gimignano

San Gimignano is the ultimate Tuscan hiltop town, and one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Italy. It is only a 15 minute drive from Casa Quintino, but visitors are advised to wander around the charming alleys in the early evening when the bus loads of tourists have gone and the locals claim their own town back.

The shops are open until 7.30 every evening, selling local leather goods and painted ceramics, the eating places are outstanding and there are frequently events in the main square during the summer. Opera lovers should watch out for full italian spectacolo in front of the main Duomo (cathedral).

There is something for every taste: a climb to the top of the towers, a gruesome dip into medieval nightmares at the torture museum. For the more refined, on Snday mornings there is an antique market and for church goers can catch an English Mass at St Angostino.

Everyone will enjoy a cappuchino and paste in the square or sample one of the many delicious ice creams on the steps of  the ancient pozo (well) in the centre of this historic town.