Where am I going in September and October ?

I have so often written in these Travel Letters about this, but I can’t help myself. Despite living here nearly all of my life, the remarkable diversity of Italy still takes my breath away.

But this short Letter is about one particular opportunity, nestled midway between the Dolomites and the volcanic landscape of Pantelleria, in a landscape that is eternal.

Most specifically the Valle d’Orcia of Tuscany, a World Heritage site, protected and much loved. Compared to much of the rest of Tuscany, Valle d’Orcia is under-visited.

Your base is on a property of 220 acres.  The land is all yours’ to explore.  The owners make good wines and extra virgin olive oils — organically.

The infinity pool, perfectly placed to allow for views in all directions, brings great relaxation of all of the senses.

The breakfast is rich in fresh and local products .

This is a place to get away.

To snooze, to swim, to walk. To eat pecorino.  To take cooking classes.  To drink some of the best wines anywhere in Europe (and I mean it, truly.)

To write, to consider;  to simply, in the fullest sense, just be.

The manager has been a friend for decades, and you will arrive feeling that you too are staying with a friend. Accommodation is perfect.

Views come into your rooms.  Service is first rate, and nothing is too much trouble.

Kindness and ease are the spirt in this inn.

The inn can host you during some of the loveliest times of the year : September 10 to 17, September 29 to October 6 and most likely October 14 onwards.

The inn is ideal for a family.  For friends. For any celebration.

And in addition ?  Come to Florence.  Spend a few days in Florence, in the outstanding company of our docents, informed, enthusiastic door-openers to Florentine history, architecture, tradition.  The city will, after its August break, have returned to life; the markets are especially exciting, with figs and the first cool weather vegetables joining the full summer array.

Where to stay ?

We suggest our off-the-radar four star, with its dream location on the prettiest Renaissance street.  The roof terraces offer panoramas all across the city.  Nothing is much nicer than, at day’s end, relaxing here and taking in all of Florence, in all four directions.