PS Travel Diaries: Tuscany
So, while some of us are casually in Russia for the week (wtv Krishna), the rest of us are throwing back to last summer in Italy. It’s been a while, people of the internet, but finally, we are back with our favourite PS Travel Diaries series!
This trip, we covered Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. Starting with Pisa, this town is mostly all about the photo opp. The 18 quid to get up the leaning tower is definitely not worth it but since it’s the arrival destination for most cheap international flights, when in (or close-ish to) Rome right?
Florence is a magical town filled with parks, views and secret midnight bakeries (yes you read that right). The Duomo is an architectural marvel for all the nerds out there and unlike the wonky tower of Pisa, the view is definitely worth all those steps. For all the art lovers out there, Uffizzi is free on the last Sunday of every month. If you’re overwhelmed by all the culture, laze about at Le Cascine Park and for a bit of shopping, check out Florence The Mall, an outlet with ridiculous deals on Prada, Gucci, and other designers.
From there, we headed straight to Villa Le Calvane, an estate that sits in the heart of Tuscany. Only 20K from Florence, the drive through the rolling hills and vineyards is unbelievable. This place has got quite the history, it has been the home of renowned painting, “Madonna and Child” by Benivieni and in 1942, works of Botticelli and Michelangelo were hidden there during the war. German troops even used a circular Ghirlandaio as a dining table when they passed through. History aside, our main reason for visiting was for the Merlot and Cabernet (obvs). When we weren't drinking, we ate at Ristorante Da Delfina and La Cantinetta Di Passignano.
Cinque Terre, the five islands on the Italian Riviera, have to be on your bucket list. We especially recommend Manarola and Monterosso (the later is actually two towns in one). It’s right on the cliffs beside the ocean, so everywhere you go is a workout but if you are into hiking and swimming, then this is the perfect vacation spot for you.
Italy has so much to offer and there’s only so much you can do at a time, if you’re not OD’ing on gelato then really, have you ever been?
