Two Paths, One Incredible Day in Tuscany – Montecatini Terme

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Some of us opted to stay close to our Tuscan home base and dive into the elegant charm of Montecatini Terme, a town famed for its healing waters and Belle Époque style. With our guide leading the way, we wandered the streets on a half-day walking tour, learning about Montecatini’s rise as a 19th-century wellness destination. The highlight? A visit to the historic Tettuccio Spa, a masterpiece of architecture and serenity. Built in the late 1700s and frequented by royalty, writers, and composers, the spa still flows with mineral-rich waters that are said to aid digestion and overall health. Whether sipping from a cup or simply soaking in the history, it was a refreshing experience in every sense of the word.

A guided tour group walking along a tree-lined street in Montecatini Terme, with elegant historic buildings in the background
The grand facade of the Tettuccio Spa in Montecatini, featuring neoclassical columns and detailed stonework under a blue sky
A close-up of a hand holding a small ceramic cup under a flowing mineral water fountain inside the Tettuccio Spa
Narrow cobblestone street in Siena lined with Gothic buildings, with tourists walking under colorful flags representing a contrada
A vibrant mural depicting the Palio horse race, with jockeys riding bareback and a cheering crowd in Siena’s Piazza del Campo.

Meanwhile, others chose the full-day adventure to Siena, a medieval jewel nestled among Tuscany’s hills. With its dramatic Gothic architecture and deep-rooted traditions, Siena offers a different kind of magic. Our walking tour took us through winding alleys and sun-drenched piazzas, past striped marble cathedrals and soaring towers. We stepped into the heart of a contrada, one of the 17 fiercely proud neighborhoods that make up Siena’s social fabric. It’s in these contrade that the city’s most passionate event—the Palio di Siena—comes to life each summer in a thrilling bareback horse race that unites and divides the city like nothing else.

Ornate interior of Tettuccio Spa in Montecatini, with marble columns, frescoed ceilings, and natural light streaming through large windows
A quiet, narrow street in Siena lined with tall brick buildings and colorful contrada flags hanging from windows
“A vintage red Fiat 500 parked on a narrow cobblestone street in an Italian hill town.
A sleek red Ferrari speeding along a scenic coastal road overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
A breakfast spread with fresh croissants, espresso, and orange juice set on a rustic wooden table overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
A yellow Lamborghini Aventador on display under bright lights at an international auto show.
Traditional Palio horse race memorabilia on display in a Siena contrada museum, including jockey uniforms and decorative banners
“A panoramic view of Montecatini Terme with terracotta rooftops, tree-lined streets, and rolling Tuscan hills in the distance.
“A panoramic view of Montecatini Terme with terracotta rooftops, tree-lined streets, and rolling Tuscan hills in the distance.
“A panoramic view of Montecatini Terme with terracotta rooftops, tree-lined streets, and rolling Tuscan hills in the distance.

Whether relaxing in Montecatini or exploring the vibrancy of Siena, today was about choosing your own rhythm—and either way, it was unforgettable.

Breakfast was included, and trust us: nothing beats starting a day of Italian discovery with a strong espresso and a fresh cornetto.