Tuscany is getting a longer hotel season this year. Belmond has extended the opening dates of two of its properties in the region, giving travellers more options to visit outside the peak summer months.
Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence, will remain open until January 3, 2027, marking the first time the property has stayed open through autumn and the festive period. Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany, will operate until November 29. The extended dates also come with seasonal programmes at both properties.
Set in Fiesole, Villa San Michele will focus its autumn programme on Florence’s craft and cultural heritage. Its Masters of Savoir Faire programme includes private visits to historic ateliers and meetings with local artisans.
Wellness is another part of the programme. The Spa by Guerlain will offer treatments inspired by the property’s Renaissance setting. There will also be mindful movement sessions and guided walks around Fiesole.
A four-day Energy Raising retreat, developed with Milan-based lifestyle brand La DoubleJ, will take place from September 3 to 6 and be co-hosted by founder JJ Martin.
Food programming will also change with the season. At Antesi, Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino will focus on seasonal ingredients through menus that follow their availability. The hotel will also run its Epicurean Circles: Meet the Producer series, which brings guests together with local growers and producers.
About an hour south of Florence, Castello di Casole will continue operating until November 29. The 10th-century estate covers 3,200 acres, with activities including hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Its autumn programme also includes truffle hunting, chestnut roasting, cooking classes and botanical workshops.
At Essere Spa, guests can take part in treatments, meditation, sound healing and forest bathing. Guided hikes will also be offered during the season.
Autumn is also a busy period for the estate’s vineyards, olive groves and kitchen gardens. These ingredients will feature in Executive Chef Daniele Sera’s menus, which change according to the weekly harvest.
The estate has three dining venues. Tosca serves contemporary Tuscan cuisine, Emporio del Castello focuses on regional dishes, and Bar Visconti offers cocktails made with botanicals grown on the property.
Alongside the longer opening periods, Belmond has introduced two new packages for stays at Villa San Michele and Castello di Casole.
For a minimum two-night stay, both packages include private return transfers from the airport or railway station, a guaranteed room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out, and a €200 spa credit per stay.
With the two properties extending their calendars, Belmond is positioning autumn as a longer window for exploring Tuscany, rather than simply a shoulder season between summer and winter.
