What’s it like to take a road trip through Italy in the off-season? Letting an electric car guide your journey, stopping at trattorias, boutique hotels, and authentic Italian restaurants without the usual crowds of tourists?
Absolutely magical.
Christian and Isabel began their adventure in Munich. Crossing the Brenner Pass, they headed straight down to Emilia Romagna, to the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. The names of the towns and villages here? Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena or Bologna. This valley is famously known as the Food & Motor Valley. Ferrari and Maserati have their headquarters here. And the food? It’s some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world.
So, let’s start with a little extravagant recommendation for an unforgettable stopover: Arrogant Pub, located at Via Luca Della Robbia, 24, near Reggio nell’Emilia. It’s an incredible spot with creative dishes, excellent wines, lots of locals, and a fantastic atmosphere.
And just a 30-minute drive west, you’ll find the first Pretty Place of this journey.
Nestled in the rolling hills at the edge of the Apennines, Julia and Giuseppe Prestia acquired the historic Venturini Baldini winery in 2020 and transformed the estate into the charming boutique hotel Roncolo 1888 – a true gem in the Pretty Hôtels collection.
What do you do here? Start by visiting the historic Acetaia di Canossa located in one of the ancient buildings of Roncolo 1888, home to 400 barrels of balsamic vinegar. Some of them dating back to the 17th century. Take a leisurely walk to the pool, enjoy a picnic with locals at the winery (you can walk down), and, of course, sample their various Lambrusco wines. Or perhaps a Metodo Classico sparkling wine. (Our favorite.)
By the way, the balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Traditionale) produced here is thick and luscious, and locals have a delightful tradition: they drizzle it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. A small, indulgent taste of heaven.
At Relais Roncolo 1888, guests can choose from 18 luxurious accommodations: twelve elegantly designed rooms in Dimora Ancini and Dimora Acetaia, and six spacious suites in the historic Villa Manodori.
Dining Like Royalty
The restaurant of the estate, the Limonaia, is a truly special venue, perfect for a festive occasion. What’s on the menu? Dishes like Cappelletti in 24-month-aged Parmesan cream or Tagliatelle with a trio of meat ragù, served with understated elegance. Pair these culinary delights with wines from the estate’s own vineyard or selections from nearby regions such as Bolgheri, Valpolicella, and Piedmont.
Prices
Double rooms start at €395, including breakfast, a wine tasting, and a balsamic vinegar tasting for two guests.
Booking & Contacts
From Emilia Romagna, the journey with the NIO EL6 continued southward into Tuscany. The next stop: the exclusively vegan Agrivilla i Pini, run by Benjamin and Franziska. A true highlight and an extraordinary place in every sense of the word.
Agrivilla i Pini is nestled in the northern half of Tuscany, just an hour south of Florence. Perched atop a small hill, the property exudes timeless charm. Yet, beneath its serene exterior lies the forward-thinking vision of Benjamin and Franziska, who are shaping the future in ways one might not immediately expect.
i Pini is one of the rare estates that takes sustainability seriously. Respect for the environment and promoting a healthy lifestyle are its top priorities. This philosophy begins with the food: from breakfast to dinner, everything is entirely vegan and crafted with ingredients grown on the estate’s own farm or sourced from carefully selected regional producers.
What did Christian and Isabel love most? The absolutely authentic charm and philosophy of this guesthouse. Something countless others have tried in vain is a reality here. There’s no flashy marketing concept or pseudo-cool logo pretending that your stay is somehow saving the planet. At i Pini, it’s simply a gathering place for people who choose to forgo eating animals.
The Agrivilla offers eleven rooms across five categories: Elemento, Pergola, Torretta, Loggia, and Botanica. Each is minimalist and free from unnecessary frills, perfectly aligned with the house’s philosophy.
Dinner
In the evening, both guests and visitors to the estate gather in the Agrivilla’s authentic restaurant. What’s on the menu? Stunning, house-made sourdough pizzas or filled ravioli with a creamy pumpkin filling, delicately seasoned with regional spices and served in a light sauce. It’s nothing short of a culinary experience.
Price
Double rooms, including breakfast and dinner at around €390 for two people.
Booking & Contacts
From San Gimignano, the journey continues south, passing the picturesque towns of Monteriggioni and Siena on the way to Montepulciano. Think of fine red wine, stunning sunsets, misty hills lined with vineyards, and rustic stone alberghi.
A fantastic recommendation is a little extra turn to Caffè Poliziano in Montepulciano. Since 1868, this café has been a symbol of elegance and culture—a place where history, art, and breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia blend seamlessly. A century ago, renowned writers and poets gathered here, and even today, it’s easy to understand why they chose this sophisticated spot.
From Montepulciano, it’s just a 12-minute drive to the final destination: the Agriturismo Follonico, run by our friends Susanna and Fabio. A dream hotel straight out of a storybook.
You can’t help but fall in love with Follonico. It has everything we adore about Pretty Hôtels: warm and welcoming hosts (Susanna and Fabio) who greet you personally, vibrant plants scattered across the property, colorful chairs in the lounge, and a large kitchen where something delicious is always cooking. Add to that the stunning accommodations – four suites in the main house and two rooms in a neighboring building – and a swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Ciliano hills.
What makes it so special?
It’s the unique blend of outstanding design and the authentic charm of a Tuscan farmhouse. Staying here gives you a glimpse into the way people have lived – and continue to live – in this beautiful region. For a moment, you become part of an Italian family, experiencing Tuscany not as a tourist, but as a true guest.
Follonico is open from April to October, welcoming guests aged 10 and older.
Dinner
Dinner at Follonico is offered on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The menu features what Fabio harvests from his own farm or sources from nearby farms. Expect plenty of pasta dishes – tagliolini, ravioli, gnocchi, or pici – accompanied by antipasti and dessert, often with a vegetarian focus. Simply wonderful.
Prices
Double rooms around €260, and suites around €310, for two people, including breakfast.
Booking & Contacts
Many thanks to NIO Germany for making trips like this possible with their modern electric vehicles. The NIO EL6 is also available through a convenient subscription model, allowing you to rent it for a set period, pay monthly, and avoid any additional costs. You can even sign up for a test drive here.
Alle Fotos: @Christian Nardin / Isabel Tramontano
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