Are you looking at a map and trying to decide if Radda in Chianti would make a good stop? Perhaps you’ve heard about the ‘Chianti’ villages, but aren’t sure which one (or two, or three…) you should visit. Radda in Chianti is one of five ‘in Chianti’ villages – the others are Greve in Chianti,
RADDA IN CHIANTI – My Guide to the Chianti Hilltop Village Read More »
Forte dei Marmi, Italy has been attracting wealthy Italians and foreigners to its prime seaside location for more than a century. What began as the ‘it’ beach town for the Italian aristocracy is now the place to be seen for Italian and foreign soccer players, movie stars, wealthy businessmen (and women!) and more. You can
FORTE DEI MARMI, ITALY – Planning Your 2026 Visit to the Luxe Seaside Town Read More »
Are you thinking about visiting Montepulciano but aren’t sure if it’s for you? Do you want the inside scoop on what to see, where to eat, and where to stay? In my many years guiding cycling trips in Tuscany, Montepulciano was always a guest favorite and I’ve continued exploring with friends and family who come
MONTEPULCIANO, ITALY – Your Complete Guide To The Hilltop Tuscan Town Read More »
Thanks to local Tuscan and Giglio Island expert Suzanne Talenti for this guide to the island! Dreaming of going to a small island in Tuscany? Isola del Giglio (Giglio Island) is breathtaking to behold. It has charming towns, mesmerizing clear water and a dramatic coastline with hidden coves and clean beaches. Here’s what you need to know
GUIDE TO GIGLIO ISLAND – By a Frequent Visitor Read More »
Thanks to local Tuscan and Giglio Island expert Suzanne Talenti for this guide to Giglio Island’s towns! It may be famous for its incredible seascapes and dramatic coastline, but Giglio Island (Isola del Giglio) in Tuscany has three charming villages to discover onland as well. Giglio Porto (harbor), Giglio Castello (castle) and Giglio Campese are three very
GIGLIO ISLAND’S TOWNS – A Look at All Three Read More »
Are you planning a visit to the Val d’Orcia (aka Valdorcia, Orcia Valley) on your Tuscany road trip? Perhaps you’ve seen a photo of a cluster of cypress trees and you want to recreate it. Either way, it’s helpful to know some of the basics about traveling to the Val d’Orcia, like: I’m happy to
VISITING THE VAL D’ORCIA IN TUSCANY – Where to Go + Helpful Tips Read More »
Are you visiting the Val d’Orcia and wondering if Monticchiello deserves some of your precious vacation time? Maybe you’re in neighboring Montepulciano and loving it – but are craving a visit to a ‘real’ Tuscan village that isn’t full of souvenir shops. Either way – Monticchiello is worthy of a visit. I’ll admit it –
MONTICCHIELLO – My Guide to the Southern Tuscan Treasure Read More »
Pienza makes an excellent stop on any Southern Tuscany itinerary – but I know that it’s not always possible to spend a few days (or even one night). If you’re anywhere nearby, it would be a mistake to miss out on Pienza. Where else can you find a post-card perfect hilltop town that’s a UNESCO
ONE DAY IN PIENZA – The Best Things to See & Do Read More »
Are you planning to visit Tuscany’s Tarot Garden (a.k.a. the Giardino dei Tarocchi)? If you’re anywhere close by, you should! The colorful sculptures entrance the young and the old and will brighten everyone’s day (literally and figuratively). We’re a family who lives in Tuscany who recently visited the Tarot Garden while on a long weekend
TUSCANY’S GIARDINO DEI TAROCCHI (Tarot Garden) – Quick Guide + 2 Mistakes We Made Read More »
Grazie to local Tuscan Suzanne Talenti for this Castiglioncello itinerary! Want a beach day? Need a break from cities and sightseeing in Tuscany? Looking for a good day trip by train from Florence or Pisa? Here’s how to spend a day in Castiglioncello, a chic beach town on the Tuscan coast where many Italian movies
CASTIGLIONCELLO (TUSCANY) – A Local’s Guide Read More »
