San Gimignano is the quintessential Tuscan walled hilltop town with its ‘fine towers’, winding streets, historic piazza, and famously well-preserved medieval architecture. Its historic centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town has become a popular destination for day trippers from nearby Florence and Siena (both around 1 hours’ drive away), meaning that its streets are bustling during the day, but tend to empty out in the evening. It is nonetheless a pleasure to wonder around and soak up the atmosphere and there are more than a few cosy restaurants offering hearty Tuscan cuisine.

Teatro del Silenzio

The Teatro del Silenzio is an amphitheatre on the outskirts of Lajatico (30 km from San Gimignano), the hometown of Andrea Bocelli. Bocelli played a big role in the construction of the venue, which opened in 2006 and hosts his annual homecoming concert every year around the end of July. The event is a special one as it is the tenor himself who decides on the theme, which changes year to year. Some years a full opera is performed, while others a more traditional concert is held, where Bocelli sings a selection of his own songs and favourite arias, often accompanied by famous special guests.