Gelaterias, thin crust pizzas, truffles, prosciutto platters, Chianti vino, creamy burrata and pasta carbonara, are a few reasons why I have made Tuscany my home away from home.
During a recent 5-day trip to Tuscany, I discovered the most enchanting off-the-beaten-path hotels and spectacular restaurants to add to my Italian repertoire. Therefore if you happen to be traveling to Italy any time soon, get ready for the itinerary of a lifetime. Also, check out the bottom of this article for our favorite looks for Tuscany and some of our fave pieces of clothing.
* Keep in mind that I changed hotels every day, in order to visit as many properties as possible. I suggest staying in each hotel 2 to 3 days.
3:00pm Check-in to Portrait Suites Hotel in Rome. It is an elegant 14-suite hotel located in the heart of the fashion district, above the Ferragamo store and surrounded by Valentino, Versace, and Hermès. For another awesome hotel, click here.
Another great place to stay in, is a full-serviced luxury apartment called Casa Manni. The striking decoration, fully equipped modern kitchen, and personal concierge will make you never want to leave the chic Roman lifestyle.
If you are more of a Four Seasons/St Regis kind of travelers, try Hotel de Russie. This former Russian Embassy is perfect for travelers searching a true luxurious comfort.
8:30pm If you are in the mood for Italian, try the delicious restaurant, La Pergola. It is a culinary experience with an unbeatable view of Rome.$$$$
Another one of my favorite spots is Il Pagliaccio. * The pasta with salt cod and chili is delightful. $$$$
Dal Bolognese is a great alternative from the first two restaurants, if you want a casual and scene-y atmosphere with great food. $$
10:00am Breakfast at Café Angelina, or should I say coffee and a pastry. $
11:30am Drive (2.5 hours) or take the high-speed train (1.5 hours), Italiarail to Florence.
1:00pm Check-in to Villa La Massa. Built in the 16th century, it became the countryside manor to the Medici family. It was turned into a hotel in 1948, and since then it has received iconic names like Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and Madonna.
3:00pm Wine tour to the Chianti Classico Wine Region. The hotel can organize a private tasting.
8:00pm Dinner at Il Verrocchio Restaurant at Villa La Massa. $$$
12:00pm Depart Villa La Massa and drive 15-minutes to Il Saviatino, also located in one of the hills surrounding Florence.
12:20pm Check-in to my favorite hotel in Florence, Il Salviatino Hotel. It is a gorgeous Italian villa set in the rolling hills of Florence. The best part is that it is only a short 10-minute shuttle ride from the city center, so you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the vibrant city, but have the privacy of a hotel in the middle of Tuscany.
2:00pm Lunch at Vini, it is the smallest and most enchanting trattoria I have ever been to in the heart of Florence. The food is simple and delicious. *Order the crostini, prosciutto and cheese platter.
8:00pm Dinner at Il Santo Bevitore for a modern Italian experience. This was the second best meal in Florence by far. Book a few weeks ahead! $$$
10:00pm If you have not yet entered a food coma, enjoy a glass of vino at The Savoy. If you want more privacy, head back to Il Saviatino´s terrace for a drink.
12:00pm Check-out of Il Salviatino and drive 20-minutes to Fiesole. This picturesque town is located in a mountain near Florence.
Check-in to Villa San Michele. The former monastery built in the 15th century, is now an Orient Express hotel. The experience is uber romantic and luxurious, which explains why they receive only a few privileged guests at a time.
1:00pm Lunch at the hotel´s restaurant, La Loggia. The views are breathtaking. *Order the simple potato and spinach dumplings with lobster sauce. $$$
If you want a more casual lunch by the pool, the prosciutto pizza is unbelievable. $$$
8:00pm Take the shuttle down to Florence (20 minutes) for dinner. The best meal in Florence was at La Giostra. This rustic Italian ristorante might look like a tacky celebrity-photos-hanging-in-the-wall kind of place, but before you judge it: *Order the stuffed ravioli with pecorino romano cheese and pear. Pair it with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino and you will be in heaven. I still crave it to the day. $$
10:00am Cooking class at Villa San Michele. The lessons are all “hands-on” and at the end of the 2-hour class you get to enjoy your creations.
2:00pm Check-out and drive to Sienna (1.5 hours). Check-in to Grand Hotel Continental. The Suite will be like your own personal museum painted with colorful frescos and decorated with the most exquisite 16th century furniture. No wonder it is considered one of the most important cultural treasures in Siena.
7:00pm I am all about finding the most typical restaurant wherever I go. So as my fiancée and I were walking back from Piazza del Campo, an aroma of cheeses and prosciutto was coming our way.
We then got closer and closer, walked through a curtain and discovered the most amazing cheese, prosciutto and wine shop called Antica Pizzicheria al Palazzo della Chigiana (quite a tongue twister) . It is so small, only 6 people can be inside at a time. The owner pulled down a tiny wooden table from the wall (no chairs) and brought us the most delectable assortments of cured meats, cheeses and wine.
7:00am Drive back to Rome Airport (2.5 hours) and hope you restrain yourself from drinking the Chianti bottles you are bringing back to friends while you wait for your flight.
*I suggest renting a car so you can enjoy the landscapes, as well as explore the most remote hotels. This way you do not limit yourself by train stations and airports, but whatever you do, do not rent a Panda. My lawnmowers engine is more powerful than the Panda.
