Peacocks in Val d’Orcia

Ginger Pozzini, Newport, Rhode Island “Bird’s-eye view of the Val d’Orcia. Taken while enjoying lunch on the panoramic terrace of a producer of organic pecorino cheese. The peacocks freely roam the grounds and feed on insects and small creatures. This one is enjoying the view as much as I am!”

Springtime on Elba

Tuscany’s largest island is a paradise of white beaches and clear waters, with some fabulous walking routes thrown in. It can be packed-out in summer, so Fleur Kinson nips over nice and early… In travel as in life, journeys should be as interesting as destinations. And my long, convoluted voyage to Elba – a plane, […]

A Spa Weekend at Castello di Casole

A weekend away at the Castello di Casole offers you luxurious relaxation at the Essere Spa as well as fine Tuscan food and, if you like, a spot of truffle hunting… It’s winter, the leaves have fallen from the trees, the weather is still getting colder and wetter, and it’s already dark by the time […]

Tuscany’s Top 10 Beauty Spots

Tuscany is rightly recognised as being one of the world’s most beautiful regions – here we highlight ten of our favourite destinations that justify this claim… 1. BAGNO VIGNONI HOT SPRINGS, VAL D’ORCIA While traditional towns may have a main town square in their centre, in Bagno Vignoni it is simply a huge thermal pool. […]

The Olive Harvest of Tuscany

As she heads to Tuscany to learn about the traditional olive harvest, Rachel Beckwith uncovers the simple pleasures of rural Italian life and, once she gets a taste for it, is fully converted… I arrived at La Vialla in October, the Tuscan sun a little shy behind the clouds, ready and willing to help with […]

Tuscany Review

Find your way around beautiful Tuscany with this extensive guide… TUSCANY by Rebecca Ford, Footprint, £13.99 (paperback) Tuscany has an embarrassment of riches for the visitor, and so it’s no surprise that this exhaustive guide book runs to 320 pages. It features in-depth advice and tips for all the major parts of the region and […]

Hotel Highlights in Tuscany

This month we showcase the most stylish retreats in the popular region of Tuscany, starting with a traditional family run hotel that offers a slice of slow Italian living? LOCANDA LE BOSCARECCE (HOTEL) A sparkling star in Tuscany?s firmament. Susanna is full of life and laughter, and her daughter Swan is equally warm. Susanna, or […]

Tales from Italy: Restoration Project

Tim Elster had long dreamt of a property abroad, but once he found Tuscany his mind was made up. Now he has ample advice for others looking to take the plunge?   Can you tell us about your restoration process? My farmhouse is about three hundred years old and had been modernised about forty years […]