Magical Italy – this was our seventh time visiting this country. I guess it's needless to explain how much we both love it! If we had to choose another place to live in Europe, it would definitely be Italy.
We flew with @airbaltic on a direct flight (2h 30min) to Pisa. This time, our goal is to enjoy, experience, and savor the Tuscany region!
Our first day went like this:
📍 We made a quick stop at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as it wouldn’t be a place we’d visit specifically, but since it was so close, it was nice to take a look.
📍 Next, we headed to the charming town of Vernazza (almost two hours from Pisa). Since we plan to explore several places in this area, I’d say it’s definitely worth it. Vernazza is a small, colorful, beautiful town, surrounded by colorful boats, warm-hearted people, delicious cafes, and, of course, gelato pitstops!
The next day in this region was just as packed but so beautiful! We explored more of the Cinque Terre area:
📍 We started the day at the Mediterranean beach – Monterosso Beach. Swimming here was a treat for the eyes and the soul. The water was neither too cold nor too warm. A magical view. And the waves kept the kids entertained for hours! Swimming here required a €40 fee (for a spot with two chairs and an umbrella).
📍 Then we headed to Manarola, where we ate, strolled around, and enjoyed the breathtaking views. The colorful town was stunning from every angle. There were also wonderful swimming spots here.
📍 We ended our day in Riomaggiore – possibly my favorite spot in this region.
All of these locations are worth visiting. Extremely beautiful, delicious, and all have epic swimming spots, so make sure to bring your swimsuit everywhere!
The next two days we spent in the enchanting countryside of Italy – now in the Tuscany region. We stayed at the villa @casafrassi_chiantiemotions – an authentic place that helped us disconnect from the outside world. Horses, pool, vineyards, cypress trees, and grandmothers singing along to Italian ballads at breakfast.
Also let me share about the most beautiful place we’ve stayed in. This place offers so much. A magical stay. The most delicious truffle pizza I’ve ever had. The property gives you a full taste of Tuscany. A pool, a playground for kids, cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards, a garden, a pen with goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens, and alpacas, who would come to watch us - during breakfast in the greenhouse. The service was top-notch. The place @terredibaccio has thought of everything. From here, we could also visit many beautiful spots in the Tuscany region.
Now, onto my favorite day in Tuscany!
I’ll start by saying that almost all of my favorite locations aligned on this one day – I thought my heart might shoot off into space!
📍 Podere Il Casale – we started the day here, having breakfast with a view of the Tuscan countryside. Definitely the most beautiful cafe in Italy. The food wasn’t cheap, but it was outstanding! Everything on the menu was ‘organic.’ Afterward, we walked around the property, which was magical!
📍 The small town of Pienza – to be honest, of all the towns we visited on this trip, this one is probably my favorite. The city also offers an epic view! I also want to mention that the road from the morning cafe to Pienza, and then to the next location, was pure magic. We stopped multiple times to pull over, get out, and just say “wow.”
📍 Podere Belvedere – we stopped here for a few photos. The dry, sun-baked land had turned the hills and mountains a beautifully golden color.
📍 Farmhouse Poggio Covili – an absolutely stunning cypress alley!
📍 Agriturismo Baccoleno – we ended the day here – the last epic sunset spot, visible in the first photo. It was a perfect stop with views of cypress alleys and villas!
I thoroughly enjoyed this day and would recommend adding each of these locations to your list!
Our last full day in Italy was spent in Florence. This time, we didn’t have much of a plan – we simply wandered around the city and enjoyed everything it had to offer. We were also a bit tired from the journey and the heat. But here’s what we recommend in Florence:
📍 Shake Cafe – a great spot for breakfast.
📍 Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
📍 I think if you’re in Florence, you must see Michelangelo’s David at least once in your life. I recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid standing in long lines in the heat. Tickets for the gallery cost €16 per person, with no charge for children.
📍 Ponte Vecchio – a view of the famous Florence bridge.
📍 Palazzo Vecchio – the main square with impressive buildings and sculptures.
There’s so much more to see and enjoy in Florence!
Thank you for following along, reading my stories, and see you in the next one!