Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Della Picca's Hidden Gem in Citta' della Pieve
Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Della Picca - My Love Affair with Citta' della Pieve's Hidden Gem (and the Quirks That Make it Real)
Alright, let's talk Tuscany. Not the postcard-perfect, Insta-filtered Tuscany you think you know. We're diving headfirst into the real deal, the messy, glorious, slightly imperfect Tuscany that whispers secrets from ancient stones. And the key to unlocking that secret? Locanda Della Picca in Citta' della Pieve. Trust me, it's more than just a hotel; it's an experience.
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First Impressions (and a Slightly Embarrassing Moment)
Getting there… well, it's Citta' della Pieve, so expect winding roads and breathtaking views that make you hyperventilate in the best possible way. Forget GPS; just follow the "paved road" signs and trust the Italians. My rental car, bless its little engine, almost didn't make it up some of those hills. I swear, I heard it groan more than my own knees! Arriving at Locanda Della Picca, though… pure magic. The exterior? Rustic charm oozing from every terracotta tile. The lobby? Warm, inviting, with a hint of that classic Italian charm – and a surprisingly modern check-in process. Contactless check-in/out? Score! Less fumbling with keys, more time for Aperol Spritz-ing.
But let's be honest, my first memory? Tripping on a slightly wonky cobblestone while trying to look cool, instantly losing all dignity as I fumbled for my hand sanitizer. (Gotta love that hand sanitizer placement everywhere – feeling safe is a big plus these days, eh?)
The Room: My Cozy Tuscan Nest (and a Few Minor Quibbles)
I snagged a room with, and it's a delight. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Double check, triple check! More importantly, the Wi-Fi [free] held strong, even for those late-night Netflix binges. The bathrobes were fluffy, the towels were plush, and the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were lifesavers after those long days exploring.
Now, I'm not gonna lie – the room wasn't perfect. The desk was a bit small (hardcore writer problems!), and the mirror in the bathroom was a little…vintage (read: not the greatest for detailed self-grooming). Also, the window that opens was a bit tight and I would have wanted a better view.. But honestly? The charm of the place easily outweighed the small imperfections. This wasn’t a sterile hotel chain experience; this was a proper, lived-in, characterful place that felt like I was staying in a beautiful Italian home.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Adventure (with a Side of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up. The food at Locanda Della Picca is… well, it's why you come to Tuscany, isn't it? The restaurants themselves are a treasure. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant too.
- Breakfast [buffet]? Glorious. A spread of pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses – everything you could want to fuel your Tuscan adventures. (Pro-tip: sneak an extra croissant for later. I see you.) Western breakfast was, as expected, good, and the, Asian Breakfast was just as good, I am always a fan of the food!
- Lunch and Dinner: A la carte in restaurant, Oh, the flavors! I swear, every dish was a masterpiece of fresh, local ingredients. That salad in restaurant was a work of art. The soup in restaurant was a hug in a bowl. They had a great desserts in restaurant.
- Poolside bar: The drinks here are a must have!
- Poolside bar: They had poolside bar, just the kind of experience that can only be had here.
- Happy hour: Do not miss it
- Bottle of water: Always available!
Anecdote Alert: One evening, I was attempting to order a complex pasta dish, butchering my Italian with the enthusiasm of a toddler. The waiter, bless his heart, just smiled and patiently helped me navigate the menu (and my pronunciation). He ended up recommending something I would have never chosen myself, and it was the best meal of the entire trip. That's the magic of this place – real, honest, and utterly charming.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and Pure Bliss (with a Tiny Dose of Awkwardness)
This is where Locanda Della Picca truly shines. The Spa/sauna and Swimming pool [outdoor] are breathtaking.
- Spa/Sauna: I'm a sucker for a good spa day. The place had a Body scrub and a Body wrap, I definitely want to try these for my visit.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The Pool with view is also just too perfect, I want to enjoy some time here.
Anecdote Alert: The Accidental Sauna Escape:. One afternoon, I decided to brave the Sauna. Now, I'm not exactly a sauna aficionado, so I cautiously tiptoed in, not quite sure what to do. I sat, I sweated. Then, I got a bit too relaxed, and the next thing I knew, I was stumbling out, slightly disoriented and practically dripping with sweat. Turns out, I'd been in there much longer than I thought! The staff, seeing my state, just chuckled and offered me some water. It was mortifying, but also hilarious. The place is so forgiving.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Breathing Easy)
Post-pandemic, cleanliness is more important than ever. Locanda Della Picca nails this. The place is spotless. I saw professional-grade sanitizing services, staff trained in safety protocol, and hand sanitizer everywhere. They even have anti-viral cleaning products. I felt completely safe and at ease. The daily cleaning and fresh towels was on point. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes, please! They really made an effort.
For the Kids, Families, and Everyone Else:
While I was traveling solo, I noticed how family-friendly the place is. They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. The place is a Family/child friendly.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Be Prepared)
This is where things get a little tricky. Locanda Della Picca isn't perfectly Wheelchair accessible. The building has an elevator but some areas have narrow doorways and uneven surfaces. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, so it's worth contacting them in advance to discuss your specific needs.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Need (and More!)
The Concierge was incredibly helpful, the Daily housekeeping kept everything spotless, and the Luggage storage was a lifesaver. They have Air conditioning in public area, which is so important in the Tuscan sun.
Getting Around: Car, Car, Car! (and Maybe a Taxi)
You pretty much need a car to explore the area. The Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus. They also have Airport transfer which is a great service.
The Quirks and Imperfections: Because Perfection is Boring
Here’s the truth: Locanda Della Picca isn't a five-star, cookie-cutter hotel. It's got character. It's got history. And yes, it's got some imperfections. Maybe the water pressure isn't always perfect. Maybe the Wi-Fi drops out for a few minutes occasionally. But it's those little quirks that make it so memorable. It’s real. It’s human. And it's utterly charming. Also, the smoke alarms were really loud!
The Verdict: Go. Just Go. (But Book Ahead!)
Locanda Della Picca is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to the heart and soul of Tuscany. It's the perfect base for exploring Citta' della Pieve and beyond. It's a place where you can relax, indulge, and create memories that will last a lifetime. I give it a resounding five stars! Go, and fall in love. You won't regret it. But do book in advance… this hidden gem is no longer a secret!
Okinawa Paradise: 7-Hour Private Pool Villa Escape (Onna, Main Island)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-curated travel blog entry. This is the raw, unfiltered, glorious mess that was my trip to Locanda Della Picca in Città della Pieve, Italy. Prepare for delicious food, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of me, unapologetically.
The Locanda Della Picca & Città della Pieve: A Hot Mess (But In the Best Way Possible)
(Day 1: Arrival - Or, How I Almost Died of Delight)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at… well, I'm not even sure where I arrived. Somewhere near Florence? The train was delayed (surprise!), the connection was a blur of frantic Italian hand gestures, and let's just say my luggage and I almost ended up in the wrong region entirely. Managed to survive though. The gods of travel were smiling (or perhaps just laughing at me).
- 1:00 PM: Finally, finally made it to Città della Pieve. The locanda itself, Locanda Della Picca, is tucked away on a cobblestone street, and the building… it's centuries old, with these walls that seem to whisper stories. The front desk? A charmingly frazzled woman named Maria who greeted me like I was a long-lost relative, which I secretly loved.
- 2:00 PM: Room unpacking. I will say, I wasn’t necessarily prepared, but I was definitely ready to start. I had the standard room, and was prepared for basic, but what I got was perfection. Okay, it was a little cramped, and the shower seemed to have a mind of its own (switching from scalding to freezing at random intervals, which, fun), but the view from my window? Oh. Em. Gee. Rolling hills, vineyards… it was like a Renaissance painting come to life. I may have sat there, slack-jawed, for a solid hour just breathing.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch. This is where things went from "charming" to "pure bliss." Started with the antipasto – a plate overflowing with cured meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. Seriously, I think I moaned aloud. Then came the pasta, handmade, of course, and tossed in a truffle sauce so rich and earthy, I almost wept (okay, I maybe did). The waiter had a kind of quiet smirk, as if he knew he was serving a masterpiece.
- 4:30 PM: Walk in the town. I was desperate to do everything, and the town itself is a maze of narrow streets and hidden piazzas. Città della Pieve's charm is that it’s not overrun with tourists. I wandered around like an idiot, got hopelessly lost (twice), and stumbled upon a tiny gelato shop that served the most absurdly wonderful melon and pistachio gelato. I decided to keep this information a secret even though I'm writing about it now.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the locanda. This where I had my first truly Italian experience. Sitting out on the terrace, with the stars popping out, surrounded by the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. I ordered the wild boar ragu, which sent me into a food-induced coma, waking up to the waiter’s gentle suggestion to “go to bed, signora”. He was right.
(Day 2: Truffles, Terrazzo, and a Nearly Disaster)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Locanda's breakfast? Not a continental nightmare. Good coffee, fresh bread, and the best damn prosciutto I've ever had. It's the simple pleasures, people.
- 10:00 AM: TRUFFLE HUNT! I booked a truffle hunting experience. This was the highlight of the trip, as it turns out. I have never had so much fun while being entirely covered in mud. The truffle hunter, a scruffy, charming man named Marco with a dog named Gaia, was amazing. Gaia, a skilled truffle sniffing machine, bounded through the woods. I, on the other hand, stumbled, tripped, and generally looked like a clumsy idiot. (I even got stuck behind a bush at one point. Don't ask.) But then, we found them! Several gloriously pungent black truffles. Marco cooked them with eggs and pasta on the side. I was in heaven.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Okay, I’m obsessed. I had lunch on the hotel terrace. The views were spectacular. They’re charging me for every meal, but I’m okay with that.
- 2:00 PM: Free time. I took a siesta, then got ready to get lost again.
- 4:00 PM: Wine tasting. I was with another family who also loved the truffle hunt, and we visited a winery. The wines were phenomenal, and the vineyard owner was happy to sit with us. It would prove to be a very happy place. We talked for hours, shared stories, and laughed until our bellies ached.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Locanda. I was already in a state of perfect happiness, when I had dinner. The weather was perfect, the food was perfect, and my company was perfect. I will never forget it. The waiter even smiled at me.
- 8:30 PM: Nearly disaster. This is where things got interesting. After the wine tasting, which, let's just say, flowed freely, I was on the way back to my room when I stumbled, twisted my ankle, and promptly fell. Luckily, I was fine.
(Day 3: Learning and Leaving (With a Heavy Heart))
- 9:00 AM: I wanted more breakfast, but my ankle was sore, so I had a light breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: I went to the local church and spent the whole day there. I spent a lot of time at the church and learned about the town's history and art. The stories these walls hold… wow. I will never forget it.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. A final, lingering lunch at the locanda, savoring every last bite of pasta and every last drop of wine. The waiter had a knowing smile as if he was sad to see me go.
- 2:30 PM: The packing. I was sad to leave. This was some of the most authentic and best times I’ve ever had.
- 4:00 PM: Goodbye. As I waited for my transfer back to the train station, I felt a pang of sadness. Città della Pieve had gotten under my skin, in the best possible way. I will never forget it.
The Verdict:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were delays, a near-disaster, and a few questionable fashion choices on my part. But it was real. It was messy. It was filled with laughter, delicious food, and moments that took my breath away. And that, my friends, is what truly makes travel memorable. Go to Locanda Della Picca. Go to Città della Pieve. Just go. And don't worry about being perfect. Embrace the delicious imperfections. You won't regret it.
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Escape to Tuscany: Locanda Della Picca's Hidden Gem - Ask Me Anything (That I Remember... Which Isn't Always Much!)
Okay, so, Locanda Della Picca in Città della Pieve. Is it *really* that good? Because, you know, travel blogs can lie. A LOT.
The food! Tell me about the food! Was it…authentically Tuscan? And also, tasty? (Important distinction.)
The rooms – what were they like? Rustic charm? Or actually just…rustic?
What’s the vibe? Is it romantic? Good for families? Or just a chilled-out getaway?
Città della Pieve itself… what is there to *do*? Besides, you know, eat.
Any downsides? Be honest! (And don't tell me about goats again…)
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