Italy is the most romantic of destinations and Tuscany a jewel in Italy. But not all Romantic retreats are the same - here is a list of our five best Tuscan romantic retreats with notes.
Some are best for relaxing with champagne and romance, others perfect as bases for long walks in the hills, returning to a simple meal in front of a stunning view.
Ameglia, La Spezia | For romantic walkers Casa Guelfi was selected by Conde Nast Traveler as a special placeThis little honeymoon cottage with a private pool is on the slopes of a National Park, close to the village of Ameglia and within perfect reach of some fantastic walking paths around the cliffs and coves of the coast just south of the Cinque Terre. The paths and villages around Montemarcello, are special because they are just as interesting and beautiful as those on the Cinque Terre but far, far quieter. Should you decide to go to Portovenere and walk the 5 village of the Cinque Terre, there is an excellent bus and train service. And when you're not walking, the villa has its own private pool.
Civitella in Val di Chiana, Arezzo | For Tuscan explorers Guardiano has the best-placed pool for seeing amazing sunsets An old farmhouse transformed, this villa is normally rented for 4 but is an ideal choice for 2 people too. It's position half-way between Florence, Arezzo and Siena makes it perfect for those who want to explore the sights of Tuscany. When you return to the house the pool has one of the best night views ever, set with an infinity pool looking over an empty forested valley, at night the stars seems to go on for ever, the milky way sprayed with dots of light above you.
Ambra. Siena | To really get away from it all The pool is deep and refreshing, surrounded by a tall hedge
A short way outside Ambra, between Siena and Arezzo, this house is one of a handful of typical Tuscan stone houses situated in the tiny hamlet of San Martino, nestled between the Chianti hills and Valdichiana. The owners live next-door but the garden, pool and outdoor spaces are all private, making this the perfect spot for a relaxing Tuscan honeymoon.
San Giovanni Valdarno, Florence | For Tennis lovers Treggiaia is a rare find, a small villa with a Tennis court and poolThis little house has a swimming pool directly in front of the house and a tennis court just to the right, making it perfect for those who love to stay active on holiday. If Tennis and swimming aren't enough, there are stables nearby that will allow one to discover the surroundings slowly on horseback and shopping outlets within 1/2 hr. for those whose preferences turn to Italian styling and a good bargain. When you want to explore the famous cities there is a train station at the bottom of the hill with easy access to Florence, Arezzo and Rome by train.
Roccatederighi, Grosseto | For food and history loversScuderia is one of the apartments on an ancient convent and farming estate called Pieve di Caminino, south of Siena close to a village called Roccatederighi. The family that owns it are architects and have done a wonderful job of restoring the ancient buildings and carving out a variety of apartments in the ancient structure. This is our favourite, a spacious open plan apartment in the old stables, with a four poster bed as the centerpiece. The coast is nearby, with a charming port of Castiglion della Pescaia a 25 minute drive away. The estate makes its own olive oil and wine and the owners are wonderful hosts.
Scuderia is one of the apartments on an ancient convent and farming estate called Pieve di Caminino, south of Siena close to a village called Roccatederighi. The family that owns it are architects and have done a wonderful job of restoring the ancient buildings and carving out a variety of apartments in the ancient structure. This is our favourite, a spacious open plan apartment in the old stables, with a four poster bed as the centerpiece. The coast is nearby, with a charming port of Castiglion della Pescaia a 25 minute drive away. The estate makes its own olive oil and wine and the owners are wonderful hosts.