Things to Do While Staying in Sogna
Walking — There are numerous walks directly from Sogna either along roads or trails, and pick up our copy of Walking in Tuscany and head off for the day. There is a 9-km walk from Sogna to two surrounding communities (link). If you’d like a guide, try Walking in Etruia or Walk About Italy.
Biking — There are many bike and eBike rental shops in Tuscany, especially near the more popular tourist destinations. In addition, a number of shops will deliver bikes to you. We will soon have a bike rack and bikes to use at Sogna, but not yet. You might try either Tuscany eBike Rental in Gaiole in Chianti or Bike Riding Tuscany in Rapolano Terme.
Cultural Tours — It is hard to know where to start, if it’s your first visit to Tuscany try starting in Siena, and then consider other destinations such as Arezzo, San Gimignano or Pienza. If you’re looking for a guide, take a look at this association of guides (link).
Restaurants — As you might expect there are lots of options for eating out in Ambra ( a 10 min. drive): For morning coffee in Ambra try Bar Della Piazza or dinner in Ambra at Alla Corte Di Bacio which is excellent. Just five minutes from Ambra in the small community of Duddova, the family run Enoteca/Osteria “La Bottega di Duddova” is enjoyable. More elaborate and pricey is Il Verreno (www.ilverreno.it) located just on the outskirts of Ambra. Ristorante Pizzeria Il Bivacco di Mori, a roadside option between Sogna and Siena, in Colonna di Grillo. While it may not look charming, the food is good and the pizzas are excellent. 20ish minutes via Rapalle. There are several good options in Castelnuovo Berardenga: Anonima X, Ristorante Quei 2 and La Taverna della Berardenga. 30 minutes via Rapalle. A little more of drive is a place we loved: Locanda nel Cassero in Civitella Marittima (a 60 min. drive).
Wine Tasting & Cooking Lessons — There are lots of wineries to visit and you’ll find a full list at the house, a number of these wineries also feature restaurants and cooking lessons, one example is Badia a Coltibuono just a 50 minute drive from Sogna.
Vintage Vespa or Fiat Rentals or Tours – Located near Pienza, a lovely community about an hour away, Vintage Tours Toscana has a range of vintage Vespa scoters and Fiats 500’s for rent. In addition, they offer tours as well. https://www.vintagetours.it/web/.
Shopping — No shortage of places to shop whether you enjoy going full bore at the Mall Luxury Outlet with numerous designer brands 50 minutes by car, a bit closer are outlets in Montevarchi (25 minutes), or Siena has plentiful shopping including a nice shop featuring artisanal products:
Antique Markets — The Fiera Antiquaria held in Arezzo every first Sunday of the month is one of Italy’s best antique fairs. The 500-plus vendors on site offer just about everything: violins, Roman coins, former church candelabras, vintage watches, Art Deco objects, nineteenth-century dining tables, and Murano glass vases. Arrive early to get first dibs. There are other markets throughout the region (see list at the house).
Music and Cultural Festivals — During summer there are numerous music and cultural festivals in Tuscany, and given the changing calendar it is best to search and find events that coincide with your visit.
Birding & Nature Walks — Aside from walking the roads and paths around Sogna, there are several nature reserves in Arezzo Province, including Valle dell’Inferno e Bandella along the Arno River (30 minutes) or Riserva Naturale Lago di Montepulciano (1 hour). The company Walking in Etruria has natural history and birding guides available for day trips.