Tuscany culture holiday

Planet

We are committed to promoting holidays that actively reduce operational carbon emissions. Our programme has incorporated several measures to minimise the carbon footprint of the trip, particularly focusing on sustainable transport and eco-friendly accommodations.

Public transport is used extensively throughout the itinerary in Tuscany. This includes regional trains between Florence and Siena, and between Siena and Chiusi, as well as a local bus service from Siena to Monteriggioni.

Accommodations have been carefully selected for their environmental credentials. Our stays include Poggio del Pero and Podere Molinaccio, both properties implement energy-saving measures and environmentally responsible operations. Podere Molinaccio integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations. The farmstead has been restored using local materials and traditional rural architecture, preserving the historical heritage while minimising environmental impact. It is fully energy self-sufficient, thanks to solar panels providing heating, lighting, and air conditioning, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The extensive park surrounding the property is designed with native plants and sustainable landscaping techniques, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.

Regarding meals, we offer traditional dishes prepared using local and seasonal ingredients, sourced directly from the surrounding area. This approach helps to limit food miles and supports regional producers. We also ensure that accommodations have policies in place to manage food waste responsibly.

Both the wine and the olive oil produced at Agriturismo Poggio del Pero are certified organic. The farm has been producing organic extra virgin olive oil for over 20 years. The olive groves are cultivated on terraces in the hills surrounding Lake Trasimeno, at altitudes ranging from 350 to 650 meters, with soils rich in marl and sandstone. The farm also produces IGP Umbria wines, adhering to organic farming practices. Both the olive oil and wine are certified organic by ICEA (Istituto per la Certificazione Etica e Ambientale), ensuring that no synthetic products are used in any agronomic phase, promoting healthier and more sustainable agriculture.

Through these combined efforts, we strive to provide a holiday experience that is both authentic and mindful of its environmental impact.
In our daily activities, we separate plastic, paper, glass, tins and organic waste in different waste bins that are collected separately becoming part of the recycle system. Siena is committed to environmental sustainability, and has implemented a comprehensive waste management system to ensure that the local community remains clean and vibrant. The city has designated different types of waste to facilitate proper recycling, and your participation as a visitor is invaluable. Siena also prioritizes the recycling of paper and cardboard. As you enjoy your meals or shop at local markets, remember to dispose of newspapers, cardboard boxes, and other paper products in the paper recycling bins. Additionally, plastic bottles and containers can be placed in the dedicated plastic recycling bins, while glass bottles and jars should be disposed of in the glass recycling containers. As you explore the city, keep an eye out for the color-coded bins that are strategically placed throughout Siena. Each bin is clearly labeled to guide you on where to dispose of different types of waste.

People

We are a local company and we cooperate with local businesses and local professionals. The guides who will accompany you are professional people passionate about their work and who will share unique details and stories which you cannot find on guidebooks. The transportation is provided by a local company, the drivers are friendly and happy to show you around. Hiring local people means that the economic benefits will impact directly on the local community. We establish partnerships with local suppliers because in this way we are directly supporting the local economy and people.

We invest a lot in the relationships with the local providers because it is important for us that our guests feel welcome and are able to enjoy their visits not as tourists but as travellers. For this reason we partner with small businesses that focus on providing a personalized service and not on making big numbers. Our aim is that both the providers and the visitors enjoy a mutual exchange of their experiences and benefit from their knowledge. In order to achieve this we work to establish relationships with our providers that are based on respect and fairness and we highlight the importance of sharing with their visitors their daily life and cultural background.