Dreamy Tuscany

Please visit Tuscany. It is an absolute dream.

Galleria Academia to see David. You just have to. Order your tickets in advance.  

Stop for lunch at SandwiChic. They have the best paninis, expect a line out the door. The owners are so sweet and put a lot of love into their food.

The Ponte Vecchio is breathtaking. Looks like an actual painting. HIGHLY recommend taking your paninis and maybe a bottle of wine down there to have a little picnic sitting on the bridge. 

THEN, PLENTY of gold shopping all along the bridge. My sister and I did all of our shopping at a store called “Gold & Silver”. They had the most beautiful pieces and the salesgirl had flawless style. She was so helpful with picking out pieces! Sadly, I have lost her name but she had a cute short bob and large frame glasses. I will say that my chain ended up being too flimsy and broke on me. I would stick to pendants, rings, and earrings.

We stayed at the most charming Bed and Breakfast (link here) in Bettolle, Tuscany, a couple hours away. I felt like a princess. It was quiet, relaxing and so beautiful. Miles of country to look out on over the terrace. The pool was perfect, my sister and I laid with our feet dangling in the water all day. There is a restaurant on-site but the host also directed us to a restaurant downtown called Betulia that was one of my favorites of the entire trip. A little mom and pop bistro where they force feed you in the best way. We loved the balsamic chicken and the carbonara was chefs kiss.

The second day we visited Ricasoli Winery which was about an hour trip. I would recommend staying right at the winery or nearby because we did the sunset tour and I would have loved to indulge more. The wine is so delicious and fresh but I had to drive us back to our B&B so I had to refrain sadly. I’m a scary driver to begin with let alone in a different country. They give you SO much and it is all so good!

A note on driving in Italy: Make sure you get the automatic transmission upgrade if you can’t drive shift. Majority of Europeans drive manual so it won’t prompt you to elect automatic. Also, in the city centers there are zones called ZTL zones where you cannot drive. Pay close attention for these signs or you will receive tickets in the mail much later! This didn’t happen to me but it did to a friend! So just avoid heavy city centers and be aware for signs!

If you want to be relaxed, day dreaming and eating the most delicious, fresh food in the world then definitely book Tuscany.