where to go

You’ve heard of the the Saturnia hot springs (aka Cascate del Mulino), Tuscany’s photo-friendly hot springs that draw scores of Italian and international visitors.  But, you’ve probably never heard of Bagni San Filippo, the smaller – but still dramatic – hot springs nestled in the woods far from any major tourist landmarks. Because Bagni San

While I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time seeing David at the Accademia Gallery and checking out the incredible art in the Uffizi Galleries, make sure you save some time for exploring gardens in Florence.  We’ve got some beautiful gardens in Florence – and they’re excellent places to see plants and flowers (especially in the spring!),

Have you ever collected anything?  Beanie babies, stamps, thimbles (me), shot glasses, Pokemon cards? Frederick Stibbert, a longtime Florence resident born to an English father and Italian mother, had a thing for armor.  He took the meaning of collecting to a whole new level – so much so that his collection of armor, costumes, weapons,

Are you heading to Tuscany on your honeymoon? Perhaps you’ve just started planning a romantic vacation to Tuscany with your partner? Or maybe you’re looking for ideas for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway to Italy? I’m based in Tuscany and have been helping others visit the area since 2004.  Here’s some romantic inspiration for you

Are you touring Tuscany’s hot springs? Perhaps you’re planning your Tuscan honeymoon and you’re looking for an intimate, romantic village to add to your itinerary. Or, maybe you’ve finished your hiking trip along the Via Francigena and you’d love to soak your tired feet in thermal waters. The tiny village of Bagno Vignoni is well

If you’re visiting Tuscany, you may not have ‘visiting a zoo’ at the top of your list. But, the Zoo di Pistoia (Pistoia Zoo – you’ll hear it called by both names) is a small, intimate zoo worthy of a visit. It makes a nice break from visiting Florence’s famous museums and stomping around the

Sure, it’s not talked about like San Gimignano, Montepulciano, or other Tuscan villages, but the charming village of Cerreto Guidi has plenty to see for a couple of hours and is the home of one of my favorite restaurants in Tuscany. Where is Cerreto Guidi? Cerreto Guidi is a tiny village in Tuscany.  It sits

Montefioralle is officially one of Italy’s borghi piu belli (most beautiful villages) and if you have a chance to visit, I’m sure you’ll agree. Though it’s less than 30 kilometers from Florence, in the Chianti region, it seems like it’s in another world.  Its stone buildings and cobblestone walkways are decorated with flowers, and it

The Leonardo Interactive Museum in the historic center of Florence, Italy is a permanent exhibition (there are traveling exhibitions around the world).  Leonardo – the Renaissance Man – was a painter, sculptor, inventor, architect, musician, and more. Leonardo’s museum in Florence contains wooden models of his inventions that you can interact with.  In fact, the

You’ve climbed the Torre Grossa in San Gimignano, stared at Michelangelo’s David in Florence, and explored Siena’s contrade (neighborhoods).   These places are gorgeous, interesting, and… full of visitors. If you’re looking to see a small Tuscan village (like you daydream about, or see in films), enter ‘San Donato in Poggio’ into your rental car’s GPS