An insider tip for Tuscany with kids filled with family time, adventure and togetherness!
The Novanta is a special little gem, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany. It’s not your typical hotel, but a lovely little village that has been brought back to life. For us as a family, it’s a truly special place, full of wonderful community, beautiful nature and exciting adventures! The best thing about it is that we’re all together! We share so much together! We share rooms and meals, but also precious moments. These are the kind of encounters that stay with you forever, etched into your heart as beautiful memories. It’s a place that calls for peace and revitalises the senses. Imagine sipping a delicious cappuccino with a view that glides over the rolling hills, embracing the Italian ‘dolce far niente’ lifestyle.
Here, far away from everyday life, you can enjoy life in its purest form. You arrive and are immediately welcomed by the community. The holiday begins as soon as you breathe in the scent of Tuscan nature for the first time.
Tuscany is calling!
But let’s start from the beginning. From Munich, we’re off on our next adventure, heading south over the Brenner Pass! We even get to take a little break on the beach in Ravenna! Our toes in the sand, a delicious plate of pasta at Aloha Beach and our first ice cream! Later on, as the road gets more and more winding and the hairpin bends take us higher and higher into the Tuscan hills, we can’t wait to get there! When we arrive at the car park, we’re picked up by an off-road vehicle for the last few metres. As soon as we arrive, we’re welcomed by warm atmosphere of Novanta, who throw a party for their 10th anniversary! We enjoy a delicious, crispy stone-oven pizza with the celebration.
A magical morning and a new favourite pastime
On the first morning, we are greeted by a breathtaking view that leaves us speechless. Rolling hills and dense forests are glowing in the morning sun, creating a truly magical scene. We have breakfast together at a long table where guests and the team come together. It’s a bit like a small, lively village community where experiences and stories are shared. The plates are filled with delicious produce straight from the local farms! There’s ripe fruit, crusty bread, handmade cheese, and creamy yogurt. It’s clear that the Novanta is a special place, not just somewhere you pop in for a quick visit.
During the day, the first adventure awaits the kids: archery. They had such a blast that it quickly became a firm tradition! As the children transform into little Robin Hoods, they not only get to socialize with bows and arrows, but also with the other kids. It’s so lovely to see the line between “us” and “them” becoming blurred so quickly!
Magic rocks and homemade tagliatelle
On the second day, we set off on a lovely hike together! The path takes us along narrow paths and through enchanted forests. Every so often, we stop to check that we’re still on the right path. But when we reach the “Magic Rocks,” all doubts disappear! The kids are absolutely thrilled by the huge rocks in the Corsalone River, the turquoise-colored pools, and the natural slides. They just can’t get enough of them!
In the afternoon, we head off to the pasta workshop, where the kids are immediately filled with excitement. In the open air, we knead simple ingredients—flour, egg, and a little water—until we have a smooth, delicious dough. We learn some great tips and tricks from the professionals that make the dough particularly good. Then it’s time to roll out and cut the dough before the fresh tagliatelle finally land on our plates.
A relaxed day in a small Tuscan town
After the excitement of the first few days, we take it easy on the third day. We go on a short trip to Bibbiena, where we enjoy a delicious Italian gelato and stroll through the winding alleyways. The atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, especially in autumn. It’s such a treat!
For longer excursions, Arezzo is about an hour away and is a delight. It has shops and a charming city life.
Spooky fun and magical moments at Novanta!
You’ve probably already noticed that Novanta really emphasizes togetherness, and we think that’s one of the best things about it! There are always fun activities that bring everyone together, and lots of special offers just for kids! There are lots more options during the high season, but the kids are also lovingly catered for in autumn. When the team noticed how excited the little ones were for Halloween, they spontaneously put together a great programme: from spookily painted stones and pumpkin carving to a small campfire with the story of the ghost ‘Jack’. It is these warm and genuine experiences that make a stay at Novanta so special.
A visit to Fabrizio
On our last day, we made the kids’ wish come true and went back to the Magic Rocks one last time. After a long climb and a refreshing swim, we hike on to Fabrizio, a long-time friend of Novanta. Fabrizio runs a small pig farm where the animals live freely and in a species-appropriate environment. We get to sample his homemade sausage and meat products on site and take a few treats home with us—for that extended Italian feeling at home.
Ciao Novanta
The Novanta gave us a feeling that goes far beyond the typical holiday – it has planted a piece of Italian way of life in our hearts. It was not just the mere discovery of Tuscany; it was the togetherness, the sharing of moments and the true enjoyment. Now, back home, we often think about our last evening – the glass of Chianti, the setting sun and the laughter of the guests in the background. Thank you Novanta!
