This is a former Benedictine monastery near Montalcino about 40 minutes from Podere Sant’Angelo on the north side of Monte Amiata. Earliest records date the first abbey here from 813. The abbey buildings are located in a beautiful Tuscan setting. From Podere Sant’Angelo a visit to the abbey can be tied in with a day trip to nearby Montalcino, famous for its Brunello wine.

Pitigliano is one of the Etruscan villages at the confines of Tuscany just a few kilometres from the border with Lazio. It has a stunning location on top of a rocky outcrop. In the past Tuscany’s Jewish population were banished here, it’s still possible to visit the small ghetto with its recently restored synagogue. Pitigliano’s kosher wine is worth trying too. Pitigliano is 35 minutes south of Podere Sant’Angelo.

This beautiful nature reserve has a wonderful 7 mile long beach without a single bar or row of ‘ombrelloni’. A word of warning – there’s very little shade. Take the shuttle bus from the park office in Alberese. There’s a small car park near the beach but it fills up really early! 75 mins from Podere Sant’Angelo

Inspired by Guadi in Barcelona, Niki de Saint Phalle created this amazing collection of giant multicoloured statues on a hillside near Capalbio. Località Garavicchio, Capalbio GR, Italy 65km from Podere Sant’Angelo