My 20 year-long love affair with Italy started with an archaeological dig in Tuscany after graduating from university. Even after all this time, the history of this rich land, its cultural and gastronomic traditions and beautiful art and architecture still leave me in awe. Inspired by my passion for the area, I am always so excited to show people the Tuscany I know and love. I want to help transform a guest’s special visit into an outstanding experience they will not likely forget.   

My perfect day in Tuscany would start with a stop for breakfast (a quick Italian espresso and a fresh baked cornetto pastry) at a local torrefazione coffee bar, then off to a friend's nearby small winery (while enjoying the drive and the view of the famous Tuscan landscape) to taste some local wines. Then we'd lunch at a simple trattoria for some fresh, hand-made pasta with Tuscan meat sauce, usually made of wild boar. I love visiting historic towns, so after lunch, I'd head to a local favorite, which would include una passeggiata – a nice walk to a museum or art gallery or just some window shopping. Checking out local artists is always a fun way to really see the area's special character, and you might even discover the Michaelangelos of the modern world! Afterwards, we'd have another espresso for our afternoon spuntino!  For dinner I would definitely say that Siena is a destination not to be missed. The grand square, Piazza Del Campo, with it's medieval backdrop of the illuminated city hall and tower is dramatized by the night sky. To spend the evening enjoying dinner al fresco in the square with this monument as your view is nothing short of magical. Siena really is like stepping back into the 15th century.  

After my previous life as a travel consultant, it was a natural transition to work with Hosted Villas, and to be able to share my love and knowledge of the local history, nature, food and wine with guests makes it all worthwhile!  

I truly feel Tuscany is a place that every Hosted Villas Guest should visit because of its history and natural beauty. Florence alone has the highest concentration of master works of art in all of Italy, and maybe even the whole world.  And the landscapes are beautiful! Just a very short distance outside the large cities there are agricultural fields and a bounty of wonderful local products from these lands.

I'm looking forward to sharing some special memories with you in la bella Toscana!