A Love Letter to Tuscany
There are few places in the world that encourage slow travel quite like Tuscany. Here, the roads are as memorable as the destinations themselves, winding through landscapes painted in shades of green. Every hill seems crowned by a medieval town, every piazza tells a centuries-old story, and every meal feels worthy of a Michelin star.
Our eight-day road trip began in Siena, one of Italy's most captivating cities and the perfect introduction to Tuscany's architecture. After a heart breakfast at Villa Ermellina, a beautiful boutique hotel on the border of the city, Siena invited us to wander rather than sightsee. Its narrow lanes twist unexpectedly towards hidden courtyards and sun-drenched squares, eventually spilling into the magnificent Piazza del Campo.
From the top of Fortezza Medicea, the city unfolds in a sea of terracotta rooftops framed by rolling countryside. Looking out across the landscape, the appeal of a Tuscan road trip becomes immediately obvious. Beyond the city walls lies a region designed for exploration, where every drive promises another unforgettable view.
Leaving Siena behind, we followed quiet country roads towards Cortona. Cortona offers a different rhythm from Siena, smaller and more intimate. Medieval streets climb steeply towards panoramic viewpoints, revealing centuries of architectural history along the way. The elegant Palazzo Comunale dominates Piazza della Repubblica, while the Basilica of Santa Margherita watches over the town from above.
And of course, no Tuscan road trip would be complete without a daily search for gelato. Every town seemed to have its own favourite gelateria, each claiming superior pistachio, stracciatella or hazelnut flavours. Afternoon walks routinely evolved into gelato missions, with cones enjoyed from church steps, hidden squares or scenic viewpoints overlooking the countryside. Food, naturally, formed the backbone of the entire journey. Tuscany excels at simplicity, transforming humble ingredients into unforgettable meals. Every meal felt connected to the landscape outside, from local olive oils and regional wines to seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms.
The final chapter of the journey took us south to Port Ercole, where Tuscany meets the sea. The route offered one last spectacular drive through changing landscapes before arriving at the harbour town's colourful waterfront. Here, the atmosphere softened. Fishing boats replaced vineyards, and basking in the Italian sun took precedence over sightseeing schedules.
A visit to the iconic Hotel Il Pellicano allowed us to fully relax and experience the La Dolce Vita way of living. Sitting on one of the many terraces hidden within the cliff side, it is there we planned our return to this beautiful part of the country.
And now, back in London chaos, I reflect on what the real beauty of Tuscany is. It isn't found in any single landmark, restaurant or viewpoint. It's found in the spaces between them. The winding roads, unexpected discoveries, leisurely meals and unhurried afternoons that transform a holiday into something far more memorable.