Starting in September, the rolling hills of Tuscany transform into a play of gold, red, and brown. In many regions, the grape harvest begins now, and late October brings the olive harvest. At the same time, truffle season gets underway. In the Maremma in particular, the "caccia al tartufo", the search for truffles, is a centuries-old tradition. In earlier times, people used pigs for this purpose; today, dogs such as the Lagotto Romagnolo or mixed breeds are the preferred helpers.
Park Hotel Marinetta: A Tuscan Getaway with Sea Views
Situated directly on the Tyrrhenian Sea in Marina di Bibbona, the Park Hotel Marinettais a family-run 4-star hotel with 149 rooms and suites and a spacious private beach. In autumn, the sea is still pleasantly warm from the summer months, and the sun provides a gentle, long-lasting tan. Many locals rave: "September is the new August." It is the ideal time to enjoy the landscape, the sea, the sun, and Italian hospitality to the fullest.
Between Super Tuscans and Italian Cowboys
Just a few minutes from the hotel lies the medieval village of Bolgheri, famous for its cypress-lined avenue. From here, cycling tours through vineyards that belong to some of Italy's most prestigious estates are well worth the trip: Tenuta San Guido, home of the legendary Sassicaia; Tenuta Ornellaia, producer of the world-renowned Ornellaia ; as well as Tenuta di Biserno, Tenuta le Colonne, Rocca di Frassinello, and Petra.
Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings that can be booked through the Park Hotel, along with cycling tours and excursions in a 1996 Alfa Romeo Spider, quintessentially Tuscan in style. The hotel's restaurants provide true culinary highlights : Crudo di Mare, featuring fish and shellfish, and Granace, serving Bistecca Fiorentina from Chianina cattle, one of Italy's oldest breeds. A living piece of tradition, the Butteri are the cowboys of the Maremma. They herd and tend cattle and horses, wear wide-brimmed hats and sturdy cloaks, and guide their animals with the Mazzarella, a long stick. Those who are confident in the saddle can ride out alongside the Butteri. The hotel arranges such experiences for guests.
Antico Podere San Francesco: Tuscany for the Self-Sufficient Traveler
About a 20-minute drive away in Rosignano Marittimo lies Antico Podere San Francesco. This former country estate offers 34 one- to three-bedroom apartments with their own kitchen, surrounded by olive trees and fruit and vegetable gardens. The fresh harvest makes its way to the breakfast buffet at the "Honesty Bar." The property features a large pool, heated during the off-season. Beaches are just a few minutes away. For those looking to deepen their knowledge of the Italian language, Italian courses are available on-site. Pisa and Volterra are reachable within 40 minutes by car, Cecina is 10 kilometers away, and Bolgheri is 25 kilometers away. A day trip to the island of Elba is also highly worthwhile. Regular ferries connect it to the mainland. Boat tours along the coast can be arranged through the Park Hotel's concierge or the San Francesco team.
Quick Profile
Park Hotel Marinetta A 4-star hotel in Marina di Bibbona on the Etruscan Coast. Family- and couple-friendly, situated directly on the sea with a private beach, two pools, four restaurants, three bars, a large spa, and a fitness center. Day trips available to Elba, Isola del Giglio, Pisa, and Volterra, among other destinations. Antico Podere San Francesco A relais in Rosignano Marittimo offering one- to three-bedroom apartments, a large pool, and breakfast featuring regional products. Close to the wine route of the Etruscan Coast, five minutes by car to the beach, and near Pisa and Lucca.