Palazzo Donati – An Authentic Italian Experience in Le Marche, Italy

Sitting Room at Palazzo Donati in Mercatello sul Metauro, Italy. The palace is guaranteed to provide an authentic Italian experience for travelers seeking to avoid hordes of tourists

I scanned the equipment on the table in front of me with more than a little trepidation. Slicers, dicers, chef’s knives, and immersion blenders waited patiently to be placed in the hands of the talented cooks who had gathered at Palazzo Donati to learn about vegan cooking. Anyone who knows me will shake their head … Read more

PHOTO: Piero della Francesca Painting Undergoing Restoration in Sansepolcro, Italy

A Piero della Francesca painting is being restored in Sansepolcro, Italy, the home town of the famous Renaissance artist

One the many joys of wandering around the Tuscan countryside is discovering astonishing artwork found in every village, no matter how tiny. During my stay at the luxury Tuscan farmhouse of Montestigliano, I visited the tiny town of Sansepolcro, Italy, the very last town on the eastern border of Tuscany prior to crossing into the … Read more

PHOTO: Roses Climb a Wall at Montestigliano Holiday Farmhouse in Tuscany, Italy

Roses climb a wall at Montestigliano, a holiday farmhouse in Tuscany that offers authentic holidays in the Italian countryside

Roses climb a wall at Montestigliano holiday farmhouse in Tuscany, which offers stays at an authentic working farm in the Italian countryside. One of the joys of staying at this Tuscan retreat in Siena was exploring the grounds. The terrace below Casa Luisa, the gorgeous restored palazzo where I stayed, was perfect for watching the … Read more

PHOTO: The Gorgeous Hilltop Town of Siena in Tuscany, Italy

My stay at the Montestigliano Tuscan retreat included a visit to the hilltop village of Siena, Italy, where the skyline is topped by the Duomo, Cattedrale de Santa Maria Assunta

The hilltop town of Siena is one of the most beautiful rural villages in Tuscany, Italy. In this view, the Siena Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), commonly known as the Duomo, crowns the hilltop. The town is a true wonder of Medieval brick architecture, the highlight of which is Campo Square (Piazza del Campo). … Read more

PHOTO: Palace at Montestigliano Luxury Holiday Farm in Tuscany, Italy

Centuries old palaces at Montestigliano luxury holiday farm in Tuscany, Italy, are drenched in shades of gold and burnt orange under the setting sun

A centuries-old palace at Montestigliano luxury holiday farm in Tuscany, Italy, is drenched in shades of gold and burnt orange under the setting sun. Visiting the hilltop towns of Tuscany has almost become cliché, and many of the region’s most popular destinations are overcrowded with tourists. However, there are still ways to have an authentic … Read more