The Serchio Valley is one of the sleepiest corners of Italy. This is where dense forests meet ancient Roman villages — covered in equally ancient ivy with plenty of wine around every corner.

The Serchio Valley is one of the sleepiest corners of Italy. This is where dense forests meet ancient Roman villages — covered in equally ancient ivy with plenty of wine around every corner.

To really take in the area, it’s best to post up at a place like Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa which is perched right in the middle of it all. From there, you can hike through the woods to all five villages that make up the “Cinque Borghi” or “five villages.” Each one is a sleepy mountain Tuscan town that’ll feel more like home than a tourist destination. Plus, you can easily walk to all five villages in one day on a loop and end up back at the resort for a restorative massage