I Grew Up Listening to My Father’s WWII Tales About Italy—Now I Plan Dream Journeys There

Because the youngest youngster of a WWII veteran, I grew up listening to about the fantastic thing about Italy, the place my father spent nearly all of his time within the military. Whereas he by no means shared particulars of the battlefield, he would usually inform me concerning the wonderful locations and other people he met whereas stationed there.

I first visited Italy in my 30s, and it continues to name me again a long time later; I now have a house within the mountains of northwest Tuscany, simply north of Lucca, and have been within the luxurious journey enterprise for almost 4 a long time.

As a journey advisor, I assist folks plan their dream journeys, and Italy is the highest vacation spot they want to head to. When selecting the place within the nation to ship them, Tuscany is a straightforward selection: It has historic cities and villages, stunning land and seascapes, unimaginable meals and wine, gracious residents, and unmatched artwork and tradition. 

Under, discover an 11-night itinerary to Tuscany that showcases the easiest of what this area has to supply.

Days 1-4

The journey begins in Florence, the place company can keep at Palazzo Portinari Salviati—the childhood residence of Cosimo I de Medici, the previous Grand Duke of Tuscany. The property has simply 13 suites, every of which showcase a bit of historical past with embellished ceilings and marble accents. Within the metropolis, a former prime Italian trend mannequin, Massimo Russo, who’s now constructing his personal trend and residential furnishing model, will probably be your private information. This leg of the journey will conclude with a reservation at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a advantageous eating restaurant within the metropolis’s heart.

Days 5 & 6

After exploring town of Florence, you may escape to the coast. The chosen lodging is Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux, a restored 18th-century watermill with simply eight unique rooms and suites. Right here, professional guides will take you below their wing; find out how marble is extracted in a number of the world’s most well-known quarries, that are then crafted into artworks. 

Day 7

To finish the primary week of the journey, you may journey to Montaione, a small commune the place the luxe Castelfalfi is positioned. This property is often named by readers to Journey + Leisure’s World’s Finest Awards, and it is no shock why: Set within the countryside, it boasts a spa, an indoor and outside heated pool, sprawling vineyards that produce natural wine, and a 27-hole golf course. 

Day 8

Day eight is an exploration of Volterra, a metropolis recognized for its Alabaster (a finely carved mineral), adopted by a wine tour at Badia di Morrona, an property positioned in Terricciola within the wine area of Tuscany. This property, which facilities round an Eleventh-century Benedictine abbey, produces wine just like the well-known Chianti DOCG.

Days 9 & 10

From there, you’ll journey south to Castello di Vicarello, an historical Twelfth-century fort turned award-winning lodging. for just a little reset. Whereas it is set in an remoted medieval fort, the service has a contemporary contact. Plus, the on-site restaurant’s terroir-based menu, centered on natural elements from native small producers, is a standout; company can take part on family-run cooking courses, attend wine tastings within the winery, or go truffle searching. Situated halfway between Rome and Florence, this 5 star retreat boasts a travertine infinity pool with huge panoramic views.

Days 11 & 12

To finish the journey, I like to recommend staying at Il Borro, the property of considered one of Italy’s most trendy households, the Ferragamo household. Right here, Vittoria Ferragamo will personally welcome you and full—what I hope—is without doubt one of the most outstanding and memorable travels of your life.

Keith Waldon is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Listing and Journey Advisory Board. He focuses on Italy journeys. You may create a tailored itinerary with Waldon by contacting him at [email protected].