Villa Cicolina is an elegant and historic small relais set among gardens, vineyards and olive groves. Formerly a house of nobility, this ancient villa is a hidden jewel, featuring objects d'art and luminous frescoes in an intimate and relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere. The property features a state of the art wine cellar and an impressive infinity pool set among the olive trees, overlooking the Tuscan countryside. The special attention to detail in the décor and service will make any trip to Villa Cicolina a special one.

Separate from the beautiful main villa are the restored apartments; there is one two-bedroom unit and two one-bedroom units. All apartments are distinctly and skillfully decorated and feature separate living rooms, air conditioning/heating, satellite TV, and an equipped kitchen area with oven and dishwasher. After a wonderful night's sleep in one of the apartments or bedrooms at the villa, you and your guests will enjoy a plentiful buffet breakfast, with Tuscan cheeses and cold cuts, fresh fruit and home-baked cakes.

Villa Cicolina is only one mile from Montepulciano, which is famous for its wine production. Guests can enjoy wine tasting on the premises of the villa and plan day trips to the beautiful villages of Montalcino, Pienza, and the famous and historic towns of Siena and Florence. Horseback riding and the famous Chianciano hot springs are nearby.

What to do in the southern region of Tuscany
While visiting the famous wine producing town of Montalcino and the artistic jewel of Pienza, you will be fascinated by their charm and history. In 1555 Montalcino became the last bastion of the proud Sienese Republic before it succumbed to the Florentines and was absorbed into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. This accounts for its imposing fortress and the wealth of superb paintings and sculptures that make its beautifully renovated museum such a remarkable attraction. Pienza was built between 1458 and 1462 at the behest of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who decided to turn his hometown into a jewel of Renaissance architecture when he became Pope Pius II (hence the name "Pienza").

While other parts of Tuscany have developed industries that have done much for the economy but little for the landscape, the "Crete Senesi" area and the neighboring "Val d'Orcia" have largely remained true to their early agricultural vocation. Today this means local products of outstanding quality, made with traditional methods and skills that are handed down from father to son. The best-known of these are doubtless Montalcino's distinguished Brunello red wine and the Vino Nobile of Montepulciano, both of which are the perfect complement to dishes based on the wild game of the area: pheasant, quail, hare, and wild boar. Likewise, the Pecorino cheeses made with ewe's milk from the Pienza pastures are now in great demand.