A January visit to Florence – yay or nay? It depends on what you’re looking to get out of your Italian holiday. Florence in January is cold, and the beginning of the month is crowded and expensive, as Christmas and New Year’s celebrations wrap up (yes, the Christmas trees stay up in the city until
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Florence in September is the stuff movies are made of… cool morning strolls, sunny days wandering across the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno, and enjoying evening aperitivo and meals in lively piazzas. You can also feel the energy of the surrounding Tuscan countryside as the grapes are harvested and local sagre and festivals are
FLORENCE IN SEPTEMBER – A Local’s Guide (+ Free Printable Packing List) Read More »
The Tuscan countryside around San Gimignano is a popular base for families exploring Tuscany. And it makes sense – from San Gimignano, you can be in Florence, Siena, and Chianti in less than an hour, and you can be at the beach or in the Val d’Orcia in less than 90 minutes. And, we can’t
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If you’re in Florence, Lucca, Pisa, or the Tuscan countryside and are looking for a beach break, you may want to take a day trip to Marina di Pietrasanta. Marina di Pietrasanta is often overlooked for chic Forte dei Marmi to the north or bustling Viareggio to the south, but this stretch of sandy beach
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If you’re heading to Tuscany, you’ve likely heard of our ‘Medieval Manhattan’ – San Gimignano. And, as you drive up, you’ll be impressed by the 17 towers rising above the hillside town. Lovely. But, once you’re there – what should you do? I live about 40 minutes from San Gimignano and we often visit when
THINGS TO DO IN SAN GIMIGNANO – Tried & Tested! Read More »
Ciao! Are you day-tripping to Florence and feeling a little stressed about driving in and parking in the city? Does the thought of navigating Florence’s streets, trying to find parking, and avoiding the dreaded ZTL make you sweat? If you answered si (yes) to either of those questions, don’t fret! I’m a Tuscan local and
HOW TO PARK OUTSIDE FLORENCE & TAKE THE TRAM TO THE CENTER – Villa Costanza Quick Guide Read More »
Are you wondering if it’s worth visiting Florence in November or if you should save your visit for another time? If you’re looking to save some Euros, walk the Florentine historic center without hordes of other visitors, and you don’t mind bundling up for cold, rainy weather – Florence in November will work for you.
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Are you trying to decide if you should visit Florence in October? Or perhaps you’ve already booked your flight, and want to plan your visit. I’m a mamma of three living just outside Florence and we’re exploring in the city twelve months of the year. I’ve also worked in Florence, lived in Florence, and spent
FLORENCE IN OCTOBER – A Local’s Advice + Printable Packing List Read More »
If you’ve wandered through the Uffizi, said hello to David at the Accademia, and gazed at other masterpieces in Tuscany’s museums, it’s time to head outdoors! Road trip through the countryside, take a day trip to a nearby city, or go for a walk and discover some of Tuscany’s arte. I’m a mamma of
OUTDOOR ART IN TUSCANY – Where to See It! Read More »
Are you in Florence (or heading there soon) and dreaming of a day trip to the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre? The colorful cliffside villages, breathtaking views from the hikes between the five villages, freshly baked focaccia and handmade pesto… I’m a mamma of three living in Tuscany and I’ve been helping plan trips
HOW TO TAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE CINQUE TERRE FROM FLORENCE – 4 Ways Read More »
