YOU AND STYLE
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Interior design
  • Updates
  • I love Budapest
  • Tour Guide
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Sources
 

Under the Tuscan sun - My travel diary II.

3/31/2019

0 Comments

 
Join me for the next chapter of my Tuscan round-trip, when I'm discovering some famous, medieval towns in the heart of the region! Spring is my favorite season, it's the perfect time for planning your Italian trip at this breathtaking place.

Picture
Picture

San Gimignano - The romantic little town

The cute place is about halfway between Florence and Siena. You will immediately notice the high towers that rise above all the other buildings. San Gimignano is famous for its brilliant medieval architecture. Before discovering the place, I checked in at my hotel.  

Agriturismo love

In Tuscany what else to choose if not a countryside-style accommodation, that features traditional and modern elements as well. Podere Bellavista is a typical "agriturismo" right next to the city. What can you expect here? Warm Italian welcome, magical surroundings and fine wines. Your breakfast will be served from fresh ingredients right from their own garden: vegetables, local products, olive and cheese.
Picture
Picture
You can enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. At summer time the pool is pretty amazing in the middle of the quiet valley surrounded by vineyards. You can enroll for wine tasting and dinner, where Italian dishes are served with their house wine. I loved that evening, give a try! You either walk through a path (about 30 minutes) or take a taxi to San Gimignano. 
Picture
Picture


Medieval discovery

The place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, it feels like you step back in time. If you only have one day here, I highly recommend you visiting the Torre Grossa,  the tallest medieval tower  that was built in the 14th century and it's a museum today. It used to serve as a watchtower as well, but originally rich families built more than 70 towers in the center during the medieval times, these buildings became the symbol of power and richness. Entrance ticket costs 9 EUR, you can climb to the top on old stairs. You will notice frescoes on the walls and temporary exhibitions on the way. The most exciting part is reaching the top, you will be blown away by the view of the town, the forests and the vineyards.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
If you are looking for a nice place for dinner, here is something special for you. Le Vecchie Mura offers the best view and the most delicious Italian food in town. You have the feeling, that you are seating in the middle of a rose garden, while sipping a glass of wine. Look at that unfiltered view by sunset!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Tiramisu & Limoncello
Picture


Greve in Chianti

In the heart of the wine region, there is a cute, tiny place I stopped by for an hour. Greve in Chianti is just a good 30 kilometers away from Florence. Piazza Matteotti is the main square, that hosts the organic farmers' market every month and it's also known as the "Chianti capital", In September a wine expo is organized where all the best local wine types are available. Chianti Classico is my absolute favorite one when it comes to red types. The place is great for a quick walk and lunch. Dreamy location with the vineyards, olive groves and old castles around.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Piazza Matteotti
Picture


Siena - A town full of life

The historical city is the capital of the province Siena, it's mainly known for its medieval architecture and the main square, Piazza del Campo. This is the market place where the famous horse race takes place. If you have a closer look at the square, you will notice its shell shape. The city has Etruscan origins, they were the first tribes who settled down here.  Today it's popular among tourists.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Siena cathedral is a gorgeous masterpiece of Gothic architecture, it's a combination of white stones and marble design from outside. The floor inside is featuring esoteric symbols and there are beautiful frescoes above the altar. This kind of style is very typical at the whole Tuscan region: rich decoration and medieval mood.
Picture
Picture
If you have a few hours here, have an ice-cream at the main square and discover the little streets. Getting lost is sometimes the best way of getting to know the neighborhood. Explore the local shops as well! Their leather goods are representing an amazing quality at an affordable price.

In May I'm showing you the beauties of Cortona and Florence, that will be the end of my Tuscan tour. This is the place I keep going back time to time, there is always something to explore here. For fresh, spring inspired fashion accessories go HERE and get ready for a lovely picnic and gardening HERE!
0 Comments

Under the Tuscan sun – My travel diary I.

3/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Tuscany is the place I find myself keep returning over and over again,  I’m blown away by the ultimate Tuscan lifestyle. What comes to my mind first:  picture-perfect landscape, culturally rich spots, friendly people, endless vineyards and Chianti classico, my favorite red wine in the world. Treasure life's little pleasures, just how Italians do, it's part of their mentality. While traveling, I observe the locals and try to go beyond the surface. Spring season will be entirely dedicated to Tuscany, join me for a round trip and let's explore the best of this region together!

Picture
Picture


The pretty Pisa

Are you ready to go? You can always find cheap flights to Pisa, so start your discovery in this cute little town!

The two favorite sights of mine in Pisa were the leaning tower and the harbor. You can admire the great structure even from the top, see the view from there, it’s pretty, right? 40 people are allowed in the tower at the same time, getting there requires to climb about 300 stairs and a pass a strict security check.

Picture
Picture
View from the top
Picture
Climbing the stairs

The tower was completed in the 14th century as a bell tower of the church. As soon as the construction started, the tower was leaning in the first phase already due to the soft ground.  Right next to it, you can also visit the Duomo, entry is free.  It’s a medieval Roman Catholic church with imposing Romanesque architecture. If you have a moment, lean on the grass right in font of the cathedral, beautiful surroundings!
Picture
Picture


Marina di Pisa

The marina is a great place to grab a cocktail and enjoy the sunset. I love walking on the beach and getting sand between my toes, it’s always relaxing. With my friends we chose to stay at the harbor. The accommodation called Villino Ermione was so lovely, the place offers a nice, clean room and great view of the sea. The house used to be a private residence in the beginning of the 20th century, later on it was restored as a romantic, cozy accommodation complex. The charming little pink house was more than perfect for a night. The hotel features an elegant style with its special fresco decorations and old-style furniture.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Selfie at the beach

Enjoy the sea breeze and have a lovely dinner at one of the restaurants on the  promenade! This is the place where you cannot miss the chance to eat seafood accompanied by a good glass of Prosecco.

Picture
Picture


The white beach and its dark secrets

After leaving Pisa, we stopped at the White Beach (Spiagge Bianche)  of Rosignano - Solvay, where the sea reflects special turquoise colors, the place is called the Caribbean of Tuscany. However white sand and unique blue colors are not typical in the region, that’s why I wanted to visit the place. While talking to the locals, I figured out,  that the whole area is polluted and the chemicals, namely Calsium Chloride from Solvay Factory used to cause this unnatural scene, hence white sand and unbelievably blue sea. Even if it looks stunning at first sight, the result is caused by pollution.

Picture
Picture
Picture


Bolgheri

Before heading to our next accommodation in the famous San Gimignano, I wanted to make a short stop at a historical village. Less than 10 kilometers away from the coastline of San Vincenzo you can admire the little village of Bolgheri. Before actually arriving to the place, you will drive through the Cypress Avenue, the road is bordered by ancient , centuries- old cypresses both sides. What a picturesque view! I wish I could once more discover this place by motorcycle, that would be a dream come true.
Picture

Park your car outside and walk through the huge brick walls of the old castle! When entering, you will immediately notice the coat of arms of a noble family called  Gherardesca, they owned the castle since the 13th century.  This place was dominated by the Etruscan in the ancient times and it's famous for its old wine-making traditions. When you look around, you will see a tiny center full of typical stone houses and small taverns. In the shops you can taste local specialties and the best wine in the region, since consortium Bolgheri DOC guarantees the highest quality. The whole village is tiny indeed, but perfect for a hour program or a lunch break. We had a pleasant afternoon walk here and enjoyed the medieval atmosphere so much.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

April's chapter will be dedicated to the popular Tuscan towns: San Gimignano and Siena, with a short stop in the heart of the Chianti wine region. In May I'm showing yo what I discovered in the marvelous Cortona, where I also visited a winery and last but not least the Renaissance Florence. 

For vibrant spring fashion trends, check out FASHION. Bring a touch of Tuscan charm to your very own home, get inspired at INTERIOR DESIGN!
0 Comments

    Archives

    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Interior design
  • Updates
  • I love Budapest
  • Tour Guide
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Sources