Tuscan Villas So Charming, You'll Never Want to Leave

Tuscan villas and farmhouses offer travelers to Florence and surrounding areas an alternative to staying and dining within the region’s city centers. Many villas in Tuscany have not only been converted into hotels or home rentals, but also, they are now open to visitors as restaurants, wineries, and even olive oil fabriche. To discover another side of the richness, beauty, and history of Tuscany, stay at or visit a villa or farmhouse!

Villa Panna: Exploring a former Medici hunting reserve in the Tuscan Hills

Villa Panna (Photo: Kirsten Alana)

In the hills of Tuscany, protected by reserve statues and hidden by ancient trees, deer roam wild and a spring – with water so fresh it was the preferred source by the famous Medici family – flows for 15 years before emerging to become the perfectly balanced liquid you drink when you open a bottle of Acqua Panna.

The ancient Villa Panna, on the same property and once a hunting reserve for the Medici family, is just one of many villas hiding away in the hills of Tuscany with a fascinating history.

Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier in the World 2007, walked me through a tasting of water and wine in the Villa’s main dining room after which Carlos Cracco taught me how to make true Italian risotto in the kitchen. I rode in an antique jeep, far into the 1,300-hectare reserve and looked at the source which produces Acqua Panna water and somewhere in there I determined that Villa Panna would not be the last Tuscan villa I visit.

Borgo Santo Pietro: Classic-luxe Tuscan villa

Borgo Santo Pietro (Photo courtesy of Mr & Mrs. Smith)

This boutique hotel in Tuscany captures all that is good and great about the Italian way of life: refined furnishings in a restored 13th-century period property; gorgeous grounds punctuated by cypress trees and stone fountains; fabulous food and wine; warm family welcome; and a pleasing menu of gentle outdoor activities and sensual spa diversions. Borgo Santo Pietro is perfect for bone idle aristocrats and bohemian urban escapees.

Set in what was once a bakery, the now-sumptuous spa offers an excellent selection of top-to-toe pampering treatments. Kick off with a Vital Legs treatment to combat post-flight puffiness, then move on to a massage ritual or anti-ageing facial.

(More from AFAR – The AFAR Guide to Florence)

Fontelunga Hotel and Villas: Grand guesthouse

Fontelunga Hotel and Villas (Photo courtesy of Mr & Mrs. Smith)

Fontelunga Hotel and Villas, near Siena and Florence, is located among tranquil rolling hills and peaceful olive groves. Vintage Italiana is flawlessly blended with modern flourishes to provide the perfect mix of style and comfort. The hotel prepares rich, traditional cuisine, served in the beautiful gardens in the summer. Be schooled in la cucina povera (peasant cooking) with a cookery class at the villa. Learn how to make traditional treats including stuffed tomatoes, pasta al ragu, beef in truffle sauce, and so on; then toast your newfound skills at the celebratory dinner that follows. Amble among the 14th-century homes and ancient olive-tree woodland of Isola Maggiore, the only inhabited island on Lake Trasimeno, half an hour away. The 10-acre patch of land was the site of St. Francis of Assisi’s hermitage in 1211.

(More from AFAR – If You Only Have Three Days in Florence)

Castello Nipozzano: Rich history and terrific wine

Castello Nipozzano (Photo: Kirsten Alana)

Castello Nipozzano is the most celebrated and historic of the properties that belong to the Frescobaldi family, wine makers in Tuscany for 700 years.

Castello Nipozzano, along with a villa and ancient chapel, is open to the public for touring when a reservation is made online — and a shop on the premises will allow you to buy that perfect bottle of award-winning wine to take home as a souvenir.

Certosa di Maggiano, Siena

Certosa di Maggiano (Courtesy: AFAR Magazine)

There is an intimate hotel in the hills of Tuscany near Siena called Certosa di Maggiano. It is pure magic. Tranquil and filled with old Italian charm, this is a place to go and chill out. Star Danish chef Rene Redzepi chose this as one of his favorite places.

Villa Pipistrelli: Rent a Tuscan farm house and pick olives

Villa Pipistrelli (Photo courtesy of Sucheta Rawal)

For an authentic Italian countryside experience, rent Villa Pipistrelli located near Siena. This two-story magnificent 17th-century Tuscan farmhouse is restored with modern-day amenities while maintaining the architectural integrity of Tuscan architecture. It has five large bedrooms with attached luxurious baths, a spacious living area with fireplace, private indoor and outdoor dining rooms, fully equipped kitchen, and lots of balconies to enjoy the picturesque views.

During your down time, go hiking, walking, biking, olive oil tasting, lounge in the rocking chair, pet the donkey, visit the farm and mingle with other guests. The best part about the stay is you get to meet and interact with the owners, the Donati family.

(More from AFAR – The Best of Lucca)

Agritourism hotels: Villa Campestri in Florence

Villa Campestri (Photo: of Elaine Glusac)

The olive reigns at Villa Campestri, a Renaissance villa built around a 13th-century fort. Activities include grove tours, oil tastings, seasonal cooking classes, and olive oil massages. The restaurant L’Olivaia serves farm-fresh Tuscan food with Campestri olive oil front and center.

See the original guide on AFAR.com, the experiential travel guide—where you can save any of these experiences to plan your own trip.

WATCH: Castello di Brolio: Birthplace of the world’s finest wine

Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.