ITALY | AWE-INSPIRING VIEWS FROM PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO, FLORENCE.

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ITALY | CAFFÈ GIUSTI RESTAURANT IN MONTECATINI ALTO.

My husband is from a little town in Tuscany called Montecatini-Terme. Famous for its thermal waters, it is considered one of the biggest “spa towns” in Italy.

Located at the highest point of Montecatini-Terme, right on top of a hill, is a small medieval village called Montecatini Alto, which offers a panoramic vista of Montecatini-Terme. To get there, you can either drive, hike up to the village, or take the Funicular railway. The latter dates back to the end of the 1800s but is still functional and fun. Our son is a big fan of it. Read more

ITALY | PORTO SANTO STEFANO AND PORTO ERCOLE IN MONTE ARGENTARIO, TUSCANY.

ARGENTARIO OSA VILLAGE

This summer, the boys and I spent a splendid week at Argentario Osa Village in Talamone. We couldn’t have chosen a better base from where to explore Monte Argentario and its neighboring towns.

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ITALY | A WALK THROUGH THE CHARMING FISHING VILLAGE OF TALAMONE, TUSCANY.

This summer the boys and I spent a splendid week at Argentario Osa Village in Talamone. We couldn’t have chosen a better base to exploring Monte Argentario and its neighboring towns.

I was truly enamoured of Talamone. This charming fishing village in Maremma, Tuscany is a Jewel. We enjoyed taking evening strolls through the village’s narrow streets and stone houses all the way to the Aldobrandeschi fortress.

The fortress was built in the 13th century and stands on top of a rocky hill dominating the port and offering delightful panoramic vistas and gorgeous photo backdrops. Just under the fortress is a beautiful waterfront beach establishment called Bagno Delle Donne.

Talamone is also linked to Giuseppe Garibaldi, one of the greatest Italian generals that contributed to the Italian unification and the creation of Italy. En route to Sicily Garibaldi stopped over in Talamone to stock up on water and weapons.

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RISTORANTE LA CANTINA DA CAINO IN MONSUMMANO TERME, TUSCANY.

La Cantina Da Caino is one of my mother in law’s favorite restaurant in this part of Tuscany. Naturally over the years it has also become one of our favorite so much that we always look forward to eating here once or twice during our visits back to Italy.

Their indoor is warm and woody with a countryside vibe. Their outdoor is cozy and inviting especially during summer months. We often enjoy dinner al fresco because kids can play around as they wait for their pizza to be served. Food is delicious and their service has always been pleasant. My favorite is their juicy and tender mixed grilled platter. If you are pescatarian, do not hesitate to try their spaghetti with clams. Read more

ITALY | ROAD TRIP IN TUSCANY

psx_20161002_202308.jpgDiscovering Tuscany made me fall in love all over again with Italy. Although I have been to this Mediterranean paradise more than once, Tuscany was just a completely different experience. This hidden gem dazzled my eyes, and made my soul dance with inexplicable joy. Now I understand why Giuseppe Verdi said, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” Read more