Day Trip to Certaldo, San Miniato and local crafts

Meet your driver at the hotel lobby and depart for Certaldo. Today, you will embark on an authentic journey to discover the hidden gems of Tuscany. Leave behind the crowds and long lines at tourist attractions and immerse yourself in the true Tuscan atmosphere.

Certaldo, a charming ancient village with roots dating back to Etruscan and Roman times, sits atop a hill near Via Francigena. Take your time to explore the historical center, strolling along the main street called “Via Boccaccio,” which is adorned with the town’s principal buildings. Certaldo is the hometown of Giovanni Boccaccio, the renowned author of “The Decameron” and a prominent figure in Renaissance literature. His house, which has been rebuilt after World War II, now serves as a museum. At the end of Via Boccaccio, you’ll encounter the impressive Palazzo del Pretorio, which has hosted a long line of Vicars since the Florentines’ conquest. The facade of the palace is particularly evocative, adorned with numerous coats of arms, many of which were created by the Florentine ceramic craftsman family, Della Robbia.

Your day trip continues to another hilltop town along the Via Francigena: San Miniato. This town, with its strategic position from Roman times to the present day, boasts a rich history and is known for its traditional craftsmanship in leather and local delicacies, such as the renowned truffle known as the White Gold. Explore the picturesque streets and marvel at the impressive buildings surrounding Piazza della Repubblica. From there, you can make your way to the Duomo, featuring a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements. If you’re up for a short climb, you can also visit the Rocca of Frederick II, which was rebuilt after World War II.

As you make your way back to Florence, you have the option to choose from the following activities:

• Horseback riding in the countryside.
• Visit a pottery workshop and its showroom.
• Take a pottery lesson and create your own ceramic object.

At the end of the tour, a comfortable drive will return you to your original location.