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From Tuscany, with love, but without our kids. (With guilt, though. But just a little.)
From Tuscany, with love, but without our kids. (With guilt, though. But just a little.)

Boston Globe

time2 days ago

  • Boston Globe

From Tuscany, with love, but without our kids. (With guilt, though. But just a little.)

Here's the airplane. Here's us on the airplane. We landed! The kids are in the front of my mind all the way to Florence when they're forced to the back seat. I've discovered the cheapest rental car place in all of Italy: Ace Rental . Months earlier, we reserved a Fiat 500, a classic Italian car that fits neatly in your pants pocket. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'You need extra insurance. And an international driver's license. And 459 more euros.' Advertisement I looked at the man, you scab, you thief, I said with my eyes. 'OK, 400,' he said. I looked at my wife, 34 weeks pregnant, fanning herself in the airless office, and gave the man my credit card. Inside a church in Siena. Bart Tocci We drove to Siena, a beautiful city of just over 50,000 people, famous for Palio Di Siena, the biannual lawless horse race. Inside the Duomo di Siena, the city's massive cathedral, it's cool, quiet, the intricate dark stonework revealing details inside details. ' We built this,' I whisper to my wife, holding up an eyebrow, the corner of my lip, and my Italian stone mason's hands. The boys would love this , I thought. They would hate everything else; the flight, the six-hour time change, the no sleep, the long hike, the line to get in … but they would love this moment. Advertisement We drove to Poppi for our friends' wedding. 'Everything is sepia colored here,' I remarked to my wife, driving through the Tuscan hills, the late afternoon sun playing off long grass.' Or maybe it's because I'm wearing sepia-tinted sunglasses!' I removed them, laughing at myself, looking for a reaction, her eyes on the road. Siena, Italy. Bart Tocci Our comfortable logistics conversations had no place here. The kids didn't need to be here at this time, there at that time, we were not all out of milk. And without our schedule and to-do lists, what did we really need to talk about? We reached a tacit agreement that we wouldn't bring up the boys every time we thought of them. But this got easier: Once we arrived at the venue, put our belongings in the room, and stepped into the gathering reunion, the kids again slid to the background. Friday, we lounged by the pool. Taylor's belly buoyed by the cool water, my spirits buoyed by old friends, one couple moved to a shaded corner to Facetime their child. Should we do that? No, they're in daycare. 'Another Moretti?' Someone asked. Yes. This is vacationing in your waning 30s: most of us drinking spritzes like we're in our 20s, a few of us now sober, the rest of us pregnant. Would you look at that view? The foliage? The cypress, the olive tree, the castle on the hill? Built a thousand years ago, would you appreciate it, dammit? And look around you, see all these friends that you've known for 20 years? You better enjoy this or so help me. The cliches don't lie. Advertisement It goes by fast. Enjoy every moment. The pressure to enjoy parenting, like the pressure to enjoy a sunset or an expensive meal or a wedding in Tuscany with old friends. Blink and it's over. The view in the Garfagnana region of Italy. Bart Tocci After three nights of wedding joy, an extrovert's dream, I drove my introvert wife to the mountains. We stopped in Florence, just to see everyone else in the entire world. We walked. 'I'm tired,' I said, 'you must be tired. How are your feet?' 'They are swollen, thanks for asking.' Buy me leather. Feed me gelato. I ate pasta with meat sauce, varieties of which I could simply not stop consuming. Taylor had a basil-mint pesto fusilli with crumbled toasted almonds, capers the size of olives, some kind of cheese. Baby loved it. We drove northwest: the Apuane Alps. Goats, small vineyards, those little three-wheeled trucks that I could carry up my front steps like a stroller. Our agriturismo had a restaurant and breakfast and a pool where Taylor soaked her feet. What are you most looking forward to about having a girl? We asked each other. And Taylor said I don't know why I'm crying, it doesn't make sense. Her body is doing things without her command again. How do you think parenting will change? What will life look like? Significant time with the two of us so rare it feels loaded. Should we be having a significant moment right now? How about now? Advertisement A day trip to Carrara, famous for its marble, the Italian stone from which Michaelangelo brought David. An outdoor museum in the mountains, with old giant cutting tools and marble livestock and more places for a toddler to critically injure themselves than one could count. We traced the marble's story from the mountain, where whole blocks of the white stone were cut, slabs the size of Volkswagens loaded onto carts pulled by oxen, driven through treacherous mountain roads — roads that did not seem less treacherous these several hundred years later — all the way to Florence and Rome. We stopped for lunch and 2½ hours later, we left. 'No cappuccino? No dolce?' Our server asked, a little miffed. 'No, grazie.' We had already stayed two hours longer than our kids would have allowed, and total peace. No spilling, no crying, no hitting, no asking about that man's buttcrack, clearly visible from the back of his seat. This is a place where you take your time. Except on the road: Everyone is in such a hurry because they took so long to eat. I drove the stick shift Fiat 500 as if I paid 400 extra euros for the car. Hard on the gas, hard on the brakes, hit the apex of the turn, my wife holding onto something, anything, not saying a word, not mad, just concentrating like me. 'It's a good thing I trust you,' she said. Despite my deftness, I was passed multiple times in the most appalling ways, on the most dangerous roads with the most fruitless outcomes. Whipping around a corner, a tiny minivan on my tail, now at my window, a man with white hair and four passengers rips past me, over a hill. Advertisement Naturally I thought about death. Who would take care of the boys? Would they remember us? We made recordings on their Yoto player so they could hear our voices. Wild that my last words to these boys could be me reading, 'Goodnight Brew: a parody for beer people.' Maybe I should have picked a more serious book? I would simply have to return alive. We stopped in Forte dei Marmi, a beach for rich folks, dipped our toes in the Mediterranean, the mountains behind us, you'd think they were snow-capped — it was Carrara marble. 'Are you glad we came?' It was our last dinner in Italy, the week we had looked forward to for a year was here and gone. Guilt asks a simple question: Why do I feel guilty? And my initial answer was, because I left my kids so I could have fun without them. But now, I feel motivated, refreshed, excited to return to our normal, chaotic life. Of course we were glad we came; but now we were glad to be going home.

All About Castelfalfi Tuscany Resort Where Malaika Arora And Arhaan Are Holidaying
All About Castelfalfi Tuscany Resort Where Malaika Arora And Arhaan Are Holidaying

NDTV

time2 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • NDTV

All About Castelfalfi Tuscany Resort Where Malaika Arora And Arhaan Are Holidaying

Malaika Arora recently dropped a postcard worthy photo dump of her Tuscany vacation diaries which witnesses her having the time of her life with her son, Arhaan Khan. The mother-son duo were seen posing for pictures together in the Italian landscape while the sun was setting in their background, they cycled around Tuscany to explore the picturesque locale, went vineyard exploring and wine tasting, took peaceful walks in the lush gardens, indulged in plates full of gnocchi, tiramisu, risotto and flatbread pizza slices. What's more, they did all this while staying at the Castelfalfi Tuscany Resort. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial) If you are wanderlust stricken by witnessing Malaika Arora and Arhaan soaking up the Italian sun and hospitality, here's all you need to know about Castelfalfi Tuscany Resort. Castelfalfi Tuscany Resort is a super picturesque and luxe resort located off the SP26 provincial road and 5 km from the Convent of San Vivaldo in Localita Castelfalfi, 50050 Montaione, FI, Italy. It is a property nestled in the rolling Tuscan hills and consist of a main building and a converted tobacco warehouse, hosting a total of 146 rooms and suites. It is set on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside housing quarters ranging from restored farmhouses, elegant villas and contemporary rooms. All of these are equipped with minibars, televisions, Wi-Fi and room service 24 hours a day. The dining options include 8 chic restaurants and bars along with a sprawling golf course. Other amenities include 4 pools, a luxe spa and a gym. Plus, there is a kid's club for children. But that is not all, the property is set on a vineyard and hence offers endless opportunities of tasting the in-house produced wine and oil. Wellness activities such as yoga, archery and tennis are on offer for when you want to work out. Malaika Arora and Arhaan Khan have a rather fabulous mother-son holiday in Tuscany, Italy.

30 Walmart Products To Improve Your Yard
30 Walmart Products To Improve Your Yard

Buzz Feed

time2 days ago

  • Lifestyle
  • Buzz Feed

30 Walmart Products To Improve Your Yard

A pack of lupine seeds to mix up your flowerbeds, because sometimes rose bushes just aren't enough. While these colorful blooms will certainly make your neighbors jealous, at least you'll be sure to win Most Beautiful Yard on the Block! Promising review: "The colors on the label are not nearly as beautiful as what the actual flyer is. I was very happy with how vibrant these flowers are. They bloom for about 10 days, and they start blooming late July to mid-August." —AnonymousPrice: $1.96 A set of solar powered landscape lights that will not only light your way in the dark, but also brighten up your garden at night. The best part is they're so low maintenance, you won't even have to remember to charge them. Instead, you can just come home to your very own runway so vibrant even Tyra Banks will envy you as you strut your stuff. Promising review: "Found some at the store. Put them around the house. Liked them so much, I ordered 10 boxes! Set them 4 feet apart! Lights up my entire house! I live in the country with no street lights and can see my house a 1/2 mile away!" —JosePrice: $14.77 for a four-pack A brushless push mower so you can give your outdoor space a fresh upgrade. Your lawn will be trim and sharp like the boss babe she is, and you can do it without changing batteries or breaking a sweat. Promising review: "It's lightweight. The battery charge lasts a good amount of time. I have a large yard and got this to make it easier to get around things like planters, swing sets, etc., that the big mower is hard to work around. I even mowed part of the main yard when I had a flat on the rider. It does exactly what I wanted." —DarlenePrice: $198 A garden-edging kit because sometimes your yard just needs a little shaping. The best part is it's sturdy, easy to use, and gives your outdoor space that fresh clean look she's been needing to enter her confident queen era. To the salon! ;) This kit comes with 20 feet of lawn edging and 24 8-inch anchoring review: "Sturdy, flexible, easy to position around curves, and strongly secure with the enclosed 'spikes.' Great produce should last for years. Excellent quality and value. Highly recommend!" —JenniferPrice: $19.29+ (originally $29+, available in four sizes) A fast-growing cypress tree that won't just add a green touch to your yard — it'll basically transport your home to the Tuscan hillside. Now you can feel like Italian royalty wrapped up in a Van Gogh painting, and your yard will thank you for it! Promising review: "The little tree came well packed and in a planter with enough soil to last for a couple of days if one can't plant them immediately. Nice-sized tree. Looks healthy. I'm pleased with the purchase." —ValeriePrice: $22.40+ (available in two sizes) A solar-powered mushroom house statue so cute, Thumbelina herself just might move in, and who could blame her? After all, it may transform your house into a cozy cottage from the outside in, but it'll also give your garden a nice little glow at night. Promising review: "I love garden gnomes and anything cute for my garden, so this is perfect. It's solar-powered, so I just have to set it outside, and the sun does the rest! It's a lot larger than I thought it was going to be and is super cute! Lights up really well at night too! Would recommend!" —AmberPrice: $13.97 A white rocking chair that's equal parts cozy and homey. Now your house will have a comfy outdoor seating area perfect for sitting with a book, eating breakfast on the porch, or entertaining your guess who are just dying to know where you're getting all this cool stuff from. And who are you to gatekeep? ;) Promising review: "Quality and comfort, we purchased two of these for my parents, and they're everyone's favorite chairs when we all get together. They are comfortable, well-made, easy to assemble, and stand up well to the outdoors. They are also ranging from people 5 feet to people over 6 feet tall sitting comfortably." —SheriPrice: $67+ (available in six colors and a two-pack) A bottle of liquid lawn fertilizer because sometimes your grass just needs to have her roots touched up so she can slay the annual lawn competition. Give her a few highlights with this stuff and she's ready for her close-up! Promising review: "Gives your lawn a more pleasant look." —JamesPrice: $17.90 An outdoor coffee table that makes a cutesy centerpiece for your patio. Now you won't have to hide your wine and charcuterie indoors, instead you can feel confident and fabulous while impressing the neighborhood HOA with your amazing new setup. Party Host of the Year, who? Promising review: "***Beautiful*** I was holding out for a large round modern coffee table to match my outdoor vibe! I was originally looking at much higher-end pieces, but stumbled upon this table from Walmart. I wanted a nice large table that was a little higher, and we could enjoy a light meal at. Even better in person!" —AnonymousPrice: $97 (originally $198) An autumn starburst azalea shrub because you can pot it for a beautiful front porch decoration or plant it in your flowerbed for a gorgeous pop of pink and white. And — contrary to its name — it stays blooming for spring, summer, and fall so your yard can stay slaying (almost) year-round! Promising review: "When I saw the picture I really loved the color, very unique, I have not seen this color in azaleas plants in my area. I truly was surprised at how healthy the plant looked upon arrival. I was able to divide the plants in to two separate plants and cut some of the branches to root for additional plants. So, I feel I got my money's worth with this plant. I love it!!!" —CindiPrice: $25.97+ (available in three sizes) A precious mason jar hummingbird feeder that's not just eye-catching to the average homeowner — it impresses the hummingbirds too! Buyers can't seem to get enough of these, and you won't either once your yard is buzzing with little birds like a Disney princess cottage. Alexa, play "Once Upon a Dream." Promising review: "I was always told that hummingbirds were really only attracted to red, but these were the perfect size for my deck, so I brought two. To my surprise, they were a hit! So I bought more. Then more. I am now up to seven of these cute teal jars with the pink flowers. They are so very popular, I'm refilling them every day with the natural nectar. Nothing that I could imagine could prepare me for their popularity! They are easy to clean and come with replacement flowers. If you loop the hanger through both rings of the curled wire, it gives added stability so you lessen the chance of losing nectar with the wind." —LoriPrice: $7.48 (also available in a three-pack) A mix of perennial wildflower seeds because sometimes we don't have time for perfectly trimmed shrubs and flower bushes. Now your flowerbeds can look beautiful and untamed at the same time, just like your gorgeous self. The best part is these are great for attracting butterflies and bees so you can feel right at home in nature like the Greek goddess you are. Promising review: "Love these seeds. Easy to spread and the ones I planted last year grew and came back this year also!" —ColeenPrice: $7.97 A pillow top hammock perfect for chillaxing, relaxing, and slaying the entire block with its comfy yet beautiful design. Whether you're sipping mojitos, reading your favorite romance novel, or kicking your feet back for a nap, you'll be living your best life and looking good while you do it like a true unbothered queen. Just don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray! Promising review: "We are really happy with this! It is soft and so big! Two people can fit easily. We've had several hammocks over the years, but this one has the wooden bar across both ends so it doesn't fold in around you and it was a great price." —KellyPrice: $49.97+ (normally $59+, available in two colors) A pair of striped tiki torches that'll give your outdoor space some ambient lighting and even get rid of pesky mosquitoes. Now you can host your next HOA meeting without worrying about bugs, and your space will feel like a luau, too! Who's down for Hawaiian barbecue? ;) Promising review: "These are very expensive looking. Really easy to fill with the wide-mouth top. I sprayed mine with a clear coat spray to preserve the finish. I am in Florida, and we use them all year round. Will buy more." —BonniePrice: $28.96 per tiki torch A bag of white marble pebbles so bright and inviting they'll be sure to make your plants pop in the sunlight! Just don't stare for too long in the sun or your eyes might regret it. Better yet, just bring your sunglasses because there's no way you can resist! Promising review: "Best marble stones for your landscaping needs. Great service from Walmart." —PrashantgPrice: $31.70 for a 40-pound bag A fringe patio umbrella to keep you cool and shaded in the afternoon sun, but also look effortlessly chic while you do it. Put one of these up and soon they'll be popping up all over your neighborhood. After all, imitation is the best form of flattery. Promising review: "This is such a cute umbrella! Already so many compliments. And the button to get it up and down is so easy to use compared to some umbrellas I have. Also, the 7-foot size is great!" —MollyPrice: $29.94 A set of willow tree string lights that will not only lighten up your yard, but it'll pretty much transform your space into a romantic fairy garden as soon as the sun goes down. Just turn on some tunes and you'll have all your neighbors swaying to "Dancing in the Moonlight" underneath these glowing lights. Each string is 9.8 feet in length, so you may want to stock up on two (or three) depending on your yard decorating review: "I bought a set of these to try, and they are just magical. I have them for a week to make sure they hold up, then went and bought another set. The charge on them lasts most of the night and adds so much to our backyard. I will definitely order a couple of more sets." —StaciPrice: $7.03 A wooden wagon planter box to give your patio a rustic vibe and look perfectly charming while doing so. Whether you use it to show off your best blooms or even plant some spices, you won't be able to resist reaching for an old fashioned with this gem taking up space in your yard. Price: $49.99 A steel garden border so regal it basically belongs on an episode of MTV Cribs. Because who has time for boring fencing when you can be the envy of the neighborhood with just a simple touch? This time when you roll up to your local cookout, you can feel like Snoop Dogg while you do it. Promising review: "These are good quality metal fence pieces. Made it through winter with no rust or paint loss. They have some heft and stay put. Easy to put in the ground and keep my dogs out of the flower beds." —GenaAnn43Price: $8.97+ (also available in a four-pack) A bag of brown mulch that's great for accentuating your gorgeous blooms and keeping the weeds away at the same time. And not only is it totally affordable — it also covers 12 square feet of yard space and can be used for flower beds, tree walls, walkways, and gardens. So feel free to share with the rest of the block, because they definitely won't say no! Promising review: "This is a good product and I have used it for years.. It is very low priced, works very well, is easy to spread, and is quite attractive. It does not really have a smell. It comes in Black, Brown, and Red, but Brown works best for me. It is pretty color stable." —AnonymousPrice: $2.47 (originally $3.47) A raised wooden planter suitable for all uses, whether you want to place some on your lawn for a raised veggie garden or keep it outside your kitchen window for some fresh herbs and spices. Promising review: "Very easy directions to follow, I put them together super quick! I bought six. They take two bags of dirt each. They look so nice. Love them!!" —JenniferPrice: $65 A white vinyl picnic table so picturesque it'll be the perfect backdrop for all your gorgeous sunset photos. Why just enjoy a family picnic when you can slay in your pics and let all the haters know how much fun you're having? #Baddie Promising review: "The table makes a nice addition to my patio furniture. The kids like it better and it is a crisp white that looks clean and attractive. Good quality." —HotelPrice: $399.09 A lighthouse bird feeder that'll bring all the birds to your yard and give it that quaint New England feel at the same time. Just leave some seeds out for the birds while you toast your lobster rolls in the oven, and everybody's happy! Promising review: "This Lighthouse bird feeder is the perfect size. It also looks easier to clean than our previous one. I think the birds love it already!!!" —KathyPrice: $17.97 A glazed pot water fountain so priceless-looking you can fool your neighbors into thinking you shelled out thousands for it. This way you can relax to the sound of waterfalls in your garden and sleep peacefully at night knowing your wallet is seriously thanking you for this one. Promising review: "Love this, it's a beautiful addition to our deck! The blue color is perfect, and the added light makes the soft sound of the water even better." —JILLPrice: $115.34 Or! A cascading stone water fountain that's sure to transport your guests to a villa garden in so maybe not, but you can blast "Waterfalls" by TLC while stunning your guests with your Italian grandma's Bolognese recipe that you totally didn't find on Pinterest. Same thing, right? Promising review: "This fountain is awesome! I love the way you can see the lights so well at night, just beautiful. The screens over the water pools are a great feature. They collect loose leaves, bugs, whatever, and keep them from getting in the water and clogging up the pump. The steady soothing sound of the water flowing is wonderful! We have had so many compliments. We have ours in the corner of the front porch right outside the door. Highly recommend it!" —BeatriceBoopPrice: $133.11 A jubilation gardenia shrub to give your yard even more life while looking effortlessly timeless and elegant at the same time. At this point, you may as well call yourself Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Princess of Genovia, while you stroll through the flower gardens in your favorite sundress. Just don't fall for any princes (or into the water fountain). Promising review: "Got it into the ground within a week of receiving. Must've had a dozen blooms over the last couple of weeks, and they smell so nice. Planted her in a partially/majority shaded area with some added good soil and let nature do the rest. Make sure to water daily if you aren't getting rain!" —KPrice: $12.97 A raised garden bed that will have your house feeling like a farm-to-table bistro in no time. Because if we're being real, she's perfect for planting veggies in the summertime and convincing all your neighbors that you were practically born with a green thumb. Promising review: "I am very pleased with my Lifetime 4x4 Raised Garden Bed purchase. I was able to assemble them myself, I like the color, I like the size. Perfect to have my little grandson help me plant and water too. I purchased four of them and am looking forward to harvesting my vegetables this season! If I am ambitious, I plan to buy more next season!" —LRose999Price: $74.91 A circular firepit so homey it'll be a great addition to your unofficial therapy sessions among friends, because we've all been there, right? As if that's not comforting enough, this bad boy doubles as a grill! So, when you're all up in your feels like the Breakfast Club, you can still bust out your emergency snacks and roast some emotional support s'mores. Promising review: "I absolutely love love love it! I can grill on it and of course use it as a fire pit. I use charcoal and wood to give the food a campfire flavor!" —AnonymousPrice: $198 An ember gray planter that's definitely giving Grecian urn. Whether it goes on your patio or by your driveway, it'll definitely give your outdoor space a welcoming atmosphere, and your guests won't even know it's super budget friendly. With a thriving pothos, this planter would absolutely SLAY. Promising review: "Wow! This planter is huge and looks very high-end. It's resin so it's lightweight but looks like it's concrete. Smaller ones that are similar (not as nice) are 2-3 times more expensive everywhere else." —MelissiaPrice: $22.96 A vinyl trellis because sometimes to feel like a real cottagecore princess, you just need a climbing plant or two. Wrap a grapevine on it and not only will you be Googling how to start making homemade wine, but you'll low-key feel like you're starring in The Secret Garden too. Promising review: "Easy to assemble and looks great! I just bought my second one because the first one held up so well even after being outside for years." —Jlo87Price: $59.98+ (available in two sizes) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and clairty.

'Exceptionally beautiful' city named the world's most walkable
'Exceptionally beautiful' city named the world's most walkable

Metro

time2 days ago

  • Metro

'Exceptionally beautiful' city named the world's most walkable

If you're the type of traveller who loves nothing more than going for a stroll and getting lost, Florence is officially the place to be. In new research, the Italian city – often known simply as 'The Beautiful' – has been named the most walkable city in the world, thanks to a compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets that are perfect for a good old wander. Financial website Insider Monkey analysed factors like the distance between the top five tourist attractions, air quality and crime and safety statistics across a range of major cities. The Italian hotspot beat the likes of Sydney, Madrid, Porto and Hamburg to take the crown, winning points for its convenient landscape, clean air and low crime rate. Not only are Florence's most popular landmarks – like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza del Duomo – within 0.5 miles of each other, it takes just 10 minutes to walk between them, meaning you can pack a whole lot of culture into your trip. The report praised its offering of 'history and timeless architecture with each step,' noting that the entirety of Central Florence can be explored in as little as two hours — with a number of hidden gems that are only accessible on foot. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Visitors are just as enamoured with it as well. On Tripadvisor, JorjaWr07 said: 'I've been here three times and I fall in love with Florence all over again every time. It's such an experience just going around the small quaint shops lining the streets.' Jacques D claimed it very much lives up to its reputation as the 'birthplace of the Renaissance,' while AvaVanGoth wrote: 'I have never seen such beauty in my life, speechless! The food is amazing people are very friendly and helpful.' Another reviewer, Ron09, added: 'Florence never fails to amaze, visually stunning. Even having been there many times, you get impressed by the history, art and great restaurants.' Ready to get your walking boots on for a Tuscan getaway? Here's what to expect. Florence's historic centre is UNESCO-inscribed thanks to '600 years of extraordinary artistic activity', and a trip there would be remiss withoutseeing some of it. Head to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's iconic David sculpture, and to the Uffizi Gallery for Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation. Just make sure to pre-book, as the queues can get long. There's also Palazzo Pitti, home to the Medici family treasures, Museo Galileo, which showcases the work of the Florentine polymath, and Museo del Bargello, where you'll find Italy's most comprehensive collection of Tuscan Renaissance sculpture. The city's isn't just confined to museums galleries though: the Duomo Cathedral, with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and bell tower by Giotto, is a work of art in itself. Similarly, Ponte Vecchio is as impressive as it is distinctive: this three-arched bridge, lined by shops, dates back to 1345, and is the region's only one to have survived WWII. The options for art, culture and history are endless, but don't forget to make time to take it all in. Both Boboli Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo are perfect for a relaxing pitstop. Grab yourself a drink, snap a few pictures of the stunning views across the city, then just watch the world go by. Want to make the most of your visit? Tripadvisor users have some handy advice: Your best bet for great food and reasonable prices are the smaller, family-run restaurants on the side streets. — Murphy5708 If you're going to be in Florence for at least three days, get a three-day Firenze Pass for entrance to museums. The easiest place to get one is Palazzo Vecchio. — Manatee27 Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk everywhere, but if you poop out, don't be shy about hailing a cab. — OkArtist My hidden gem is the Della Fortezza Fountain and park; quiet tranquil, nice fountain and near the main train station with the fort walls, but hardly any goes there. — Hammercounty Florence is famous for its gelato, so sampling some is a must, alongside signature local delicacies like the negroni cocktail, bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and ribollita (a soup made with bread, beans and vegetables). In terms of shopping, you're spoilt for choice, with options including San Lorenzo's Mercato Centrale, the open-air Mercato del Porcellino, and Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio, the oldest covered market in the city. @triggtube Before you travel to Florence… If you want to get outside the city, this place fills up quickly, but check out The Accidental Tourist for some pasta classes, wine tours, and overnights in the Tuscan hills. Florentine steak and great local dishes are all around, but my fave spots are definitely @ituscani and @osteriadelcinghialebianco … the Florentine steak meatballs at I'Tuscani are a TOP 3 dish in the city. Amazing. Vin Santo is an awesome local dessert, and pappa al pomodoro is a nice local tomato soup. And if you insist on Antico Vinaio, the train station serves the same sandwiches without a line. But truly EVERY shop I've been to has been amazing. It's much more about ordering the right sandwich than choosing the right restaurant. I recommend stracciatella as a topping. Safe and happy travels! #florence #italy #travel #summervacation ♬ A Summer Place – Hollywood Strings Orchestra With around 9 million visitors every year, Florence is very much on the beaten track. But this popularity isn't necessarily a bad thing — at least when it comes to flight availability anyway. According to Skyscanner, there are 69 flights a week from the UK to Florence-Peretola Airport with major airlines like Vueling and British Airways. The journey takes just over two hours each way, and return fares start from a very budget-friendly £44. Many people see 'shoulder season' – April to June and September after the holidays – as the best time to visit, as temperatures remain warm but aren't too hot. Plus, it's less expensive than high summer. More Trending In August, daily highs typically reach 32°, and some businesses even close up entirely so locals can escape the heat. Another benefit (or not, depending on your constitution) to visiting in June is that you can catch Florence's Calcio Storico tournament in the Piazza Santa Croce. Each weekend, different neighbourhoods compete in a game described as a combination of football, rugby and wrestling, watched on by 4,000 braying spectators — it's brutal, but nonetheless a unique tradition you'll never forget witnessing. Florence, Italy Riga, Latvia Hamburg, Germany Porto, Portugal Madrid, Spain Edinburgh, Scotland Tallinn, Estonia Stockholm, Sweden Sydney, Australia Boston, USA This ranking was compiled by Insider Monkey, using data from sources such as Tourlane, WalkScore, IQAir and Numbeo. Do you have a story to share? 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I'm a perfectionist planner. My husband is not. For our 25th anniversary, we took a whirlwind trip to Italy with a bare-bones itinerary
I'm a perfectionist planner. My husband is not. For our 25th anniversary, we took a whirlwind trip to Italy with a bare-bones itinerary

Hamilton Spectator

time2 days ago

  • Hamilton Spectator

I'm a perfectionist planner. My husband is not. For our 25th anniversary, we took a whirlwind trip to Italy with a bare-bones itinerary

On a sun-drenched April afternoon in the hilltop town of Cortona, my husband, David, and I are sitting, pistachio gelato in hand, on a wooden bench just off the piazza that Dutch violinist André Rieu dubbed Italy's most romantic square. We're overlooking the 13th-century town hall, which evokes a castle with its balcony and bell tower. From the grand stone staircase of Piazza della Repubblica, generations of newlyweds have started lives, descending into the heart of this ancient walled city. 'This is what it's all about,' David says as we watch the scene unfold. His words settle something inside me. We're in Italy on a whirlwind trip to mark our 25th wedding anniversary, and for once, I have no itinerary. It's thrilling. The writer and her husband on their wedding day, 25 years ago. The approach of our milestone anniversary was a keen reminder that time prioritizes no one — but I should. Especially this relationship, which has given life such shape. The mindset shift made me, usually the perfectionist planner, take stock. Could we show up in Tuscany and Rome and wing it? Hardly. But orchestrating everything and trying to do it all? Exhausting. So I surprised myself and my easygoing husband by sketching out the most bare-bones plan, with only glancing nods to some must-sees, and many days left wide open. Our skimpy planning allows for serendipity. That's how we find ourselves stopping to explore when a town, thermal spring or enchanting view catches our whim, slowing down as we zip through Val d'Orcia in a rental car. Filled with fields, farmhouses and stands of cypress trees, the Tuscan countryside is so idyllic that the movie 'Gladiator' used it to portray heaven: General Maximus's Spanish home. The beautiful countryside of Val d'Orcia, in southern Tuscany. In Cinque Terre, in Italy's northwest, it's raining steadily as our ferry docks in Vernazza, the fourth of five centuries-old fishing villages located, improbably, in the cliffs. The downpour splashes over café umbrellas, deserted patios and gozzo boats. The weather may not be perfect, but I'm still smiling. I beam at David. Come what may, we're in this together. We grab hands, spurred by playful spontaneity, and dash for refuge inside a 13th-century Catholic church, Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, rising at Vernazza's edge. Candlelight flickers on weathered walls, the darkened stone interior redolent of the Ligurian Sea. In glorious Florence, the city's beauty astounds us in the open-air statues, in squares and museums, and at Ponte Vecchio, the bridge spanning the Arno River. But David and I don't need monumental sights to be happy. Our favourite memories on this trip are of lingering in trattorias, getting lost, and eating decadent cake — lemon, chocolate, hazelnut — at hotel breakfasts (it's an Italian thing!). I sometimes forget we've abandoned an itinerary. Our days feel full, even if we're just relaxing on a marble ledge in a town square or chatting with a friendly shopkeeper. It's more than OK to be here doing 'nothing' together. Away from home, we're reminded of who we are at our core, beyond the busy working parents who've raised three kids. We're still the people we once were. And also the people we've become. In the last quarter-century, there have been babies born, a house bought, a mortgage paid off, a blur of swim lessons, graduations and greying temples that suddenly put us on the other side of 50. Not young, but young at heart. Left: Shelley Cameron-McCarron and her husband, David, in Cinque Terre. Right: The writer taking in Rome's Colosseum. As we travel from the Sistine Chapel to Siena's shell-shaped main square, where bareback jockeys famously dash for glory, I feel we're chasing ghosts, flashes of our former selves. I remember us as hopeful newlyweds, giddy with excitement, with little cash but huge chutzpah fuelling our dreams. In Montepulciano, Tuscany, we stay at Borgo San Vincenzo, a historic farmstead turned boutique hotel set among the vineyards. One night, over hand-rolled pici al ragu in the outdoor pergola, in the soft glow of the sinking sun, I feel both present and lost in yesteryear. We're not just celebrating 25 years but all the moments in between. 'What's been your favourite experience?' I ask. David's answer echoes mine. 'Time with you.'

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