We just returned from a trip to Europe: England and Italy, specifically. The catalyst was my mother-in-law's birthday celebrations in Yorkshire, England. But last year, over a few bottles of wine, my sister's family and mine decided it was a great opportunity to tag on a week in Italy.
So after a few days in Jolly England, we flew from Gatwick to Florence, Italy, to meet up with my sister, brother-in-law and niece. The next morning our adventure on the Italian Autostrata (delayed by a drive down the famous 222 Highway, known as the Chianti Road) began and eventually led us to our destination deep in the hills of Tuscany. We rented a beautiful, no, breathtaking villa in Montanare, just outside the Etruscan hilltop town of Cortona, in southeast Tuscany, and named after the owners, Guisi and Dario. The couple have a large property filled with olive groves to support olive oil production, a rental villa and their own home.
Here is the website:
http://www.classictuscanhomes.com/
Here is the website:
http://www.classictuscanhomes.com/
Just as a brief background, Guisi is an accomplished Tuscan chef who many years ago, rented accommodations to Frances Mayes. It was this experience that inspired her novel "Under The Tuscan Sun". They remain friends and Mayes owns her own villa in the area. The pictures above gives you an idea of the inspiring views, tranquil and relaxing vibe of the place. I definitely did well choosing the property after hearing my husband say daily - "I could live here." And guess what - I could too!
Our time at Guisi and Dario's was wonderful. We were able to relax and take in the beautiful scenery, coupled with banning indoor eating, as we had a stunning covered deck that overlooked the hills around Cortona and sights of Montepulciano, a famous wine region in Tuscany. We also enjoyed day trips to nearby Umbria - specifically Perugia and Assisi as well as Montepulciano, Pienza and Cortona. What a week! We crowned our stay with a wonderful multiple course Tuscan meal, made by Guisi while sitting under the Tuscan sun. I could make this a yearly pilgrimage.
Our time at Guisi and Dario's was wonderful. We were able to relax and take in the beautiful scenery, coupled with banning indoor eating, as we had a stunning covered deck that overlooked the hills around Cortona and sights of Montepulciano, a famous wine region in Tuscany. We also enjoyed day trips to nearby Umbria - specifically Perugia and Assisi as well as Montepulciano, Pienza and Cortona. What a week! We crowned our stay with a wonderful multiple course Tuscan meal, made by Guisi while sitting under the Tuscan sun. I could make this a yearly pilgrimage.
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