Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Della Picca, Italy's Hidden Gem
Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Della Picca - Is This Italian Dream Really Real? A Review (That's Actually Useful)
Okay, so you're dreaming of Tuscany, right? Rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, pasta that dreams are made of… and you're staring at Locanda Della Picca, this supposed ‘Hidden Gem.’ Let’s be honest, I was skeptical. Hidden gems are always a gamble. But after my stay? Well, let’s just say my credit card is breathing a sigh of relief after what I've spent on the flight. (And the gelato. Oh, the gelato…)
(This is my disclaimer: I’m no travel influencer. I'm a regular person who’s obsessed with finding the perfect escape. And I paid for this trip myself, so this is the real deal.)
First Impressions & Getting There: The Devil is in the Details (and the Airport Transfer)
Finding the Locanda was… well, let’s say my GPS had a moment. But the hotel provided an airport transfer (score!), which, after a long flight, was a godsend. Airport transfer sorted. Boom. Car park [free of charge] on-site? Check. Taxi service available? Yep. Look, getting there wasn't a breeze (typical Italian roads!), but the hotel made it as easy as humanly possible.
Accessibility (Because, Let's Be Real, It Matters):
Okay, this is where I get a little… anxious. I’m not personally a wheelchair user, but I traveled with someone who is, and accessibility is crucial. The website promised things, but let’s see what it actually delivered. The good news? Facilities for disabled guests are actually there. Not just a token ramp. Specific features like accessible rooms are available. Elevators? Yup. The Elevator did its job, and the hotel was on the first floor. The Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] were useful.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not a perfectly flat, everything-is-wheelchair-friendly paradise like a Disneyland ride. Some areas require assistance, but the staff – bless their hearts – were incredibly accommodating and helpful. I would say it is not a fully accessible destination.
The Room: My Tuscan Fortress
Okay, the room. I went for the balcony option, and I swear, I spent half the time just staring at the view. Window that opens? Check. Blackout curtains? Thank God for those. Air conditioning was a lifesaver, too, because, let's be honest, sometimes Italy gets hot. Wi-Fi [free] in the room? Yes, and it actually worked. This is a big deal.
The room itself was lovely. Linens were crisp, the bed (king size, thank you very much) was incredibly comfortable, and there were even little touches like a complimentary tea/coffee maker. Mirror? Plenty. Closet? Enough to unpack my entire wardrobe (which I, of course, did). The bathroom was good. Separate shower/bathtub? Yes! Toiletries? The good kind.
And a little secret? They left a bottle of water on your nightstand every day. That's just next-level hospitality in my book.
Dining: Pasta, Wine, and… More Pasta? (Spoiler: Yes, and I loved it.)
Breakfast [buffet]. I am usually not a fan of breakfast buffets. Something about lukewarm eggs and sad-looking pastries just depresses me. The Locanda did an international twist! The pastries were light and airy, the fruit was ripe and the coffee was delicious. Coffee/tea in restaurant. Check. Eggs to order, even. Breakfast in room if you'd prefer.
Also, let me tell you about the restaurant. Think: rustic charm, candles, and the aroma of garlic and basil wafting through the air. The food? Divine. A la carte in restaurant means you're ordering individual dishes and I highly recommend it. The pasta? Handmade, of course. The wine? Local, and plentiful. I had soup in restaurant, and it was perfect.
The absolute best part? Alternative meal arrangement available. I went for a vegetarian diet, and they were amazing at accommodating. My meat-loving friends? They raved about the steaks. It was the perfect blend of casual and classy.
Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Poolside Dreams (and Maybe a Little Exercise)
Okay, here's a confession. I was on a serious relaxation mission. The Locanda delivered.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Absolutely gorgeous. A pool with a view over the Tuscan hills? Yes, please.
- Spa: Ah, the spa. I indulged in a massage. The masseuse was incredible – I would say she was the best I've ever had. I'm talking total bliss. I also had a foot bath, which was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. They also have a sauna and steamroom, but I was so thoroughly blissed out from the massage I didn't even make it.
- Fitness Center: Gym/fitness. They had one. I didn't go. (Hey, a girl can only relax so much, right?)
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Protected (and Healthy-ish)
This is a big one, especially post-pandemic. Did I feel safe? Absolutely. They seemed to do all the right things. The staff was incredibly attentive to safety. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Individually-wrapped food options. Yep, and they did not make things look cheap. Rooms sanitized between stays? Almost certainly. It was more than just a checklist; it was a genuine commitment to guest safety.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Concierge: They were fantastic, especially when my attempts at speaking Italian went hilariously wrong.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were always spotless.
- Laundry service: Essential, because I was traveling with children!
- Cash withdrawal: They have the facility, and it's useful.
- Gift/souvenir shop: They had some lovely local products.
For the Kids (or the Kid in You)
I don't travel with kids. I'm glad I didn't. Babysitting service? They have one. Family/child friendly, but don't expect a Disneyland.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool… Which Somehow, is Hard
Okay, you're in Tuscany. You have to explore. The Locanda is perfectly positioned for day trips. They have lots of options for local things to do!
Internet: Stay Connected (or Disconnect, if You Prefer!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I've already gushed about this. It's fast, reliable, and perfect for those work emails, Instagram, or just generally staying connected with your friends and family. Internet access.
Room for Improvement (Because Nothing is Perfect, Right?)
Honestly? I'm nitpicking here. Maybe a wider variety of pool-side snack options. But really, I can't fault them.
Overall: Was the Locanda Della Picca a Hidden Gem? YES!
This place is truly special. It's the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and genuine Italian hospitality. It’s not without its flaws, but that’s what makes it real. It's not overly manicured or pretentious; it's simply… beautiful.
My Honest Recommendation: Book it. Now. Before everyone else discovers this Tuscan paradise. This is the kind of place that stays in your memory long after you've checked out. It's a solid 9.5/10.
Halong Bay Luxury: Capella Cruise's Unforgettable Voyage (Lyra Collection)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't gonna be your sterile, pre-packaged tour guide. This is my messy, joyous, slightly-obsessive account of a trip to Locanda Della Picca in Citta della Pieve, Italy. And trust me, it'll be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival & The Glorious Gloom of a Tuscan Town
Morning (or what passes for morning after a red-eye): Landed in Florence. Florence. Freaking Florence! Always promises so much, delivers a crushing wave of tourists. But hey, the sun was shining, and that Tuscan air… well, it was a promise of good things to come. Managed to fumble my way onto a train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme. Tried to look sophisticated while wrestling my suitcase onto the overhead rack. Fail. My inner klutz was already rearing its head.
Mid-day (AKA "When will I eat?"): Picked up a rental car. Driving in Italy is a contact sport. I’m pretty sure I aged five years in that first hour navigating the roundabouts. Finally, found the road to Citta della Pieve. The landscape unfolded before me, like a painter's dream. Rolling hills, cypress trees, the works. Pulled over to take a picture. Almost clipped a herd of sheep. Note to self: Sheep are surprisingly fast.
Afternoon: Locanda Della Picca - THE Moment: Arrived at Locanda Della Picca. Found the place… And breathed. Seriously. The quiet! The charm! It was a medieval hug. The owner, Antonio (who looked like a kind, weathered Michelangelo), greeted me like an old friend. He actually remembered me from my email, which I attribute to their superior memory. Checked into my room—simple, elegant, with a view that made me want to weep. This wasn’t just a room; it was a sanctuary. Unpacked. Felt a wave of utter bliss.
Evening: The First Dinner - Oh. My. God. Wandered into Citta della Pieve - the town. I’d seen photos, sure, but this place… it felt old. Real old. Like, Roman, maybe even Etruscan old. Wandered around until the hunger pangs hit. Found a tiny trattoria called "Il Ricciolo." Sat outside. Ordered the pici with wild boar ragu. I’ve had ragu before. But this… this was an explosion of flavor in my mouth. The pasta was homemade, perfect. The boar was tender, rich, and probably whispered in my ear "You're in heaven." A glass of local red wine to wash down the meal. Sat there, feeling a little drunk on the wine, a little drunk on the beauty, and entirely drunk on the feeling that I had, finally, properly, arrived.
Post-Dinner Ramblings: Walked back to the Locanda. Stargazed. Tried to remember the constellations I'd learned in elementary school. Failed miserably. Felt profoundly happy. Maybe I should go back and say thankyou Antonio.
Day 2: Saints, Ceramics, and the Deepest Purple
Morning: Holy Haze: Woke up to a light rain. That rain and the fog made the town more mystical than ever. Explored the Duomo. Admired some of the art. There was a painting by Perugino – a man who painted angels like no other. The light in that church… It was a spiritual bath.
Mid-day: A Crash Course in Ceramics: Met up with a local artisan, a woman named Emilia, and watched her work with clay. I was fascinated. She’s got that magic touch. Emilia patiently showed me how to mold a little bowl. I ended up with a lopsided, misshapen thing that looked more like a prehistoric egg than a bowl. Emilia, bless her heart, smiled and said, “It has character.” I think she was just being polite.
Afternoon: Locanda's Bliss: Wandered around. Found a little café. Ordered a cappuccino and people-watched. Seriously though, Citta della Pieve is so quiet that its blissing.
Evening: The Sunset, the Wine, and Maybe a Tear or Two: Went back to Il Ricciolo. Sat in the same spot. Ordered the same pici. This time, I savored every single bite, knowing I couldn't eat it again. Then, the sunset happened. The sky exploded in shades of orange, pink, and the deepest, most glorious purple I've ever seen. I think I actually shed a single tear. It was that beautiful. More wine. More bliss.
Day 3: The Road to the Valley of the Shadow of Death and Back
Morning: Exploring, and almost forgetting my camera: Decided to venture out, a little road trip. Took the winding roads to the valley of the shadow of death. The road was empty. Every bend revealed something stunning.
Mid-day: Lost, and Found Again: Got gloriously lost on a gravel road. Panic flared. My rudimentary Italian was useless. The car started making a weird noise. Okay, deep breaths. Eventually, a kind farmer, who looked like he'd stepped straight out of a storybook, helped me out. Turns out it was nothing, just a bit of gravel in the wheel arch. He pointed me in the right direction. After that, I bought him a coffee.
Afternoon: The Healing Power of Food (and Maybe Some Retail Therapy): Back in Citta della Pieve. Needed a pick-me-up. Found a little bakery. Had a panini and a pastry that tasted like pure sunshine. Went to a shop that sold local olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Bought far more than I needed. No regrets. It was the best buying the olive oil and balsamic in my life.
Evening: Farewell Dinner, and the Promise to Return: Went back to Locanda Della Picca for a private dinner. Antonio’s wife, Maria, cooked. The food… words fail. It was an intimate, magical experience. I felt like I was leaving family. Sitting, talking, laughing, and eating the whole night. As I left the Locanda and the town, I knew. I would be back.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of panic, a few wrong turns, and probably too much pasta (is there such a thing?). But that's what made it real. It was a journey into beauty, into history, and, most importantly, into myself. Locanda Della Picca and Citta della Pieve will forever hold a piece of my heart.
Uncover the Hidden Gem: La Goélette Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France!
So, uh, what *is* this thing we're talking about, anyway? The Big Mystery, I mean.
Alright, alright, you got me. Trying to define this... thing... is like trying to catch smoke. It's... well, it's about... *everything.* It's the grand narrative, the small moments, the stuff that makes you wanna scream into a pillow one minute and giggle like an idiot the next. Think of it as a cosmic soup, and we’re all just floating around in it, occasionally bumping into each other and wondering what the heck we’re doing here. I suppose I'm referring to the general human condition. You wanted defining things, right? Fine. I'm just trying to find the words, okay? Don't judge. It's messy, and it's beautiful, and it's utterly, irrevocably... us. It's *everything* that is, was, and will be. Or not be, who knows? *Deep breath*. Okay, moving on.
Wait, are you serious? How is that even *helpful*? I wanted answers!
I *know*, I know! And honestly, I can't promise you all the answers. Look, I'm just a person, stumbling through life just like you are. Trying to pretend I have everything figured out would be a total lie. My brain is full of cobwebs and half-formed ideas and the lingering aroma of burnt coffee from this morning. But maybe, just *maybe*, the lack of concrete, laser-focused answers is the actual answer. We're all winging it, yeah? And that's kinda what makes it interesting. It's less about the destination, more about the glorious, face-plant-into-the-mud journey. Don't even get me started on the 'journey' thing...
Honestly? I'd love to have a manual for all of this. "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Existence". But... yeah. I should check my expectations a bit. Right, right.
What's your biggest pet peeve about all of this?
Ugh, where do I *begin*? Okay, here's a big one: when people act like they *know*! Like they've got this whole "life" thing completely figured out and are just patiently waiting for the rest of us to catch up. Please. We’re all just making it up as we go along, right? I mean, have *you* ever felt like you had a clue? I haven't. That constant, nagging feeling of "Am I doing this right?"... It gets old, fast. And the smugness, oh the smugness! It makes me want to... well, let's just say I'm working on my inner peace. Also, people who chew with their mouths open. Totally unrelated… but you asked.
What gives you hope? Come on, give me *something* positive!
Okay, okay, you got me. I *do* have hope. It's just buried under a mountain of existential dread sometimes. Here's the thing that keeps me going: the tiny, unexpected moments of connection. A shared laugh, a genuine act of kindness, seeing a toddler discover a bug... These little sparks of pure, unadulterated *humanity*. A while back, I was feeling completely lost and useless, which is normal by the way, right? I was walking home in a downpour, miserable, and I saw a little kid, maybe five years old, dancing in the rain. No umbrella, just pure joy. He looked at me, smiled, and splashed a huge puddle right at me. It made me laugh in spite of myself. It was a reminder. A reminder that even when *everything* feels heavy, there's still beauty. And joy. And sometimes, just a damn good puddle-splash to reset the clock. That kid, wherever he is, gives me hope.
Ok, but like, what about the *bad* stuff? Is it all just rainbows and sunshine?
HELL NO! Anyone who tells you it's all rainbows and sunshine is either lying or hasn't been paying attention. There's the dark stuff, the crippling anxieties, the gut-wrenching losses, the moments when you just wanna curl up in a ball and disappear. And sometimes, it all just... comes crashing down. I recently had a week where EVERYTHING went wrong. My car broke down, I got a terrible review at work, and my dog ate my favorite shoes. (No, really, he did. Don't judge him, he's a good boy, but also... those were expensive shoes.) I cried for a solid three hours. There was a point where I seriously considered running away and joining the circus. What's more, I *still* think about it. And sometimes, the weight of it all feels unbearable. But then... you pick yourself up. You dust yourself off. You buy new shoes. You realize most of these experiences are shared. See? A little mess is OK.
So, how do you actually *deal* with all this? Got any coping mechanisms?
Okay, get ready for a laundry list of half-baked strategies! First off, therapy! Seriously, if you can swing it, do it. Talking things out, getting an outside perspective... it helps. Also, writing. Like, just rambling on and on in a document (or, you know, *this*). Getting all the crazy thoughts out of my head and onto paper... or the screen in this case, gives me a little space. I'm terrible but I try to meditate, even though my mind immediately goes, you know, *everywhere*. I exercise when I can, which, let's be honest, is not always. And food. I eat food. Chocolate, mostly. And I try to spend time with people I love, even though sometimes, people are exhausting and you just have to be alone. Also, I'm getting more comfortable with saying "no". And remember that kid I mentioned before? There's always a tiny bit of that splash-in-the-puddle joy somewhere, and I try to look for it.
What are your favorite things?
Oh, that's easy! Books. The smell of old books, the feel of paper, the stories that transport me to other worlds... I could talk about books all day. Also, music. Loud music, quiet music, music that makes me dance like a fool, music that makes me cry. I love a good cup of coffee in the morning, and the feeling of sunshine on my face. The ocean. The color blue. MyHotels Near Your
