Discover Le Tolfe: Olive Oil and Chianti

Le Tolfe combines the peaceful character of a Tuscan estate with culinary experiences, historical traces and distinctive gravel roads. Those who choose a holiday apartment in Le Tolfe as a base for varied days of holiday will encounter olive growing, a wine region, regional cuisine and cultural attractions in the surrounding area.

Olive Oil and Tuscan Cuisine

At the centre is La Torre alle Tolfe, a diversified estate covering 50 hectares. Of this area, 17 hectares are dedicated to organic olive cultivation. The olive oil tasting and walk through the olive grove focus on organic extra virgin olive oil – from tree to bottle. The “Hands-On Olive Oil Harvest & Olive Oil Picnic” experience is offered on selected days in October. In addition, the Ristorante Torre alle Tolfe offers seasonal menus rooted in Tuscan tradition. La Torre alle Tolfe welcomes both day visitors and overnight guests who wish to take part in the seasonal activities.

Chianti, History and Estate Character

The La Torre alle Tolfe estate is located in the Chianti Colli Senesi wine region. It owes its name to the 8th century: Tolfo dei Gricci, one of Charlemagne’s knights, built a watchtower there to defend Siena. In this compact thematic setting, winegrowing, olive oil and a long history come together.

Gravel Roads with a Sporting Past

Le Tolfe also offers a distinctive connection to cycling for those planning a more active day of holiday. The final 1.1 km gravel-road segment of the route ends in Le Tolfe. The Le Tolfe gravel sector also includes a 500 m ramp with an 18% gradient. Historically, this gravel sector was among the final off-road sections of the Strade Bianche. The different route characteristics help you choose how to plan your day between culinary discoveries and sporting challenges.

Culture and Gardens in the Surrounding Area

Several cultural and historical attractions are located around Le Tolfe: Palazzo Spanocchi, a palace; the Museo dell'Acqua, a museum; the Bandini Piccolomini Palace, a palace; and Castellare degli Ugurgieri, a castle. The Giardino Emilio Montagnani and the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena are also nearby, both of them gardens. This gives you a range of options for planning excursions, from historic buildings and a museum to botanical gardens.

Mountains and Choosing Your Holiday Apartment

Monte Maggio is a mountain in the area around Le Tolfe. Poggio Cavallari is a mountain in the wider regional area. Together with the gravel roads, the olive grove and the cultural attractions, they offer various holiday focuses. When choosing a holiday apartment in Le Tolfe, you can therefore consider whether you would like your days to be shaped more by regional cuisine, history, gardens or active routes.

Other destinations in the same area: Il Piano, Costalpino, San Rocco A Pilli

To the higher-level travel overview: Siena.