From the category archives:

Tuscany

Pienza: A Beautiful Little Renaissance Town in Tuscany

Pienza is a beautiful little Renaissance town in Tuscany with a fascinating history.  It’s located between Montepulciano and Montalcino, and is less than an hour’s drive or bus ride from Siena.
As a perfectly preserved Renaissance town and a UNESCO world heritage protected site, Pienza is a favorite for [...]

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Wonderful Place to Stay in Lucca

With 26/28 five star reviews on TripAdvisor.com, Locanda S. Agostino appears to be a sure bet for a wonderful place to stay in Lucca.
One reviewer admits that she would “prefer to keep this little gem of a place all to myself – but I just can’t, as I think that everyone should have the chance [...]

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Montalcino

While you’re in the Siena area, you’ll want to make a side trip to Montalcino. Montalcino is a walled hilltop town in Tuscany that has wonderful views of the surrounding valleys.
Located 27 miles south of Siena, Montalcino is where the famous Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines are made.   It’s a small town and you can [...]

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Where to Eat in Tuscany: Insider Tips

Looking for restaurant recommendations for the hilltowns of Tuscany? I’ve gleaned some insider tips from Ferenc Mate’s delightful memoir A Vineyard in Tuscany.

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Ristorante Nello La Taverna in Siena, Italy

Looking for a Tuscan cafe that serves vegetarian food in Siena, Italy?  I’ve got a great suggestion for you.
Nello La Taverna
Nello La Taverna is sometimes referred to as La Taverna di Nello.  This is a Tuscan restaurant that serves a good number of vegetarian dishes.  It’s on the Via del Porrione 28 and the phone [...]

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Why You Can’t Trust Travel Guidebooks

If you just read reviews of Antica Torre hotel in the Italy travel guidebooks, you’d be forgiven for thinking it would make a great place to stay in Siena, Italy.
For example, both the Frommer’s guidebook and the EyeWitness Guide to Florence and Tuscany provide glowing reviews of Antica Torre hotel in Siena:
From the Frommer’s [...]

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