Uh oh! An email from the owner of the hotel I was to stay at in San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy. He needed to close the hotel early for the season (summer) as his wife was about to have a baby. What did this mean for me and my reservation made a month ago? Well,…
I said I would be back and here I was. The first time I saw the Alpe di Siusi region of the Dolomiti (Dolomites), my mouth fell open…jaw-dropping holy s*** this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. It really is that gorgeous. It was mid-June, it was green, the sky was blue and…
As I drove down the gravel road I could see the cluster of buildings and the hills covered with trees beyond. This agriturismo, Antico Borgo di Tignano, was indeed remote – off the beaten path (I’m surprised I didn’t get lost finding it!). This is the type of accommodation I was looking for in Italy…
More love of the Val d’Orcia, Italy – this special region of Toscana that is definitely a favorite. Yesterday I drove to Sant’ Antimo, a church and abbey that dates back to the late 1100’s. It began to decay in the 15th century, but restoration began in the 1870’s. It’s a stunning place, simply decorated, yet…
Everyone falls in love with Toscana. What’s not to love – fortressed towns perched on hills, vineyards with world class wines, beautiful churches, the cradle of the Renaissance. I, personally, love Tuscany. But, my favorite piece of Toscana (so far) is the Val d’Orcia. This UNESCO world heritage site is the valley that sits just…
As I drive from the far north to the far south over these weeks, I truly get to see, and more importantly, experience, Italy in all its diversity. I know I’ve written of this before, and I can guarantee I’ll write about it again. But, it’s true. Italy is incredibly diverse. Close your eyes. Go…
