even wine, Pienza is filled with the scent of Pecorino di Pienza, a delicious sheep’s milk cheese. Certainly worth a taste. After cheese, it is time for more wine and another hill town. Mon- talcino is the home to the glorious red Brunello di Montalcino. Tere’s a wine bar in the town’s 14th cen- tury fort, making it a great place to sip wine among history. Outside the town, visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo to hear Gregorian monks chant six times per day. Tese hill towns are part of the Val
d’Orcia—a pristine area of Tuscan countryside protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If plants and flowers tickle your fancy, among the gentle rolling hills you will find La Foce estate, which has one of the fin- est gardens in the entire country.
EASTERN TUSCANY In Eastern Tuscany, Pisa is one of Tus- cany’s most surprising destinations as it is more than just the touristy (though truly impressive in person) Leaning Tower. Plan to spend a little bit more time in this buzzing uni- versity town, where you will find ev-
Sant’ Antimo Abbey, Montalcino. © Fisfra/Bigstock
erything from a Keith Haring mural painted in 1989 (called Tuttomondo and found on the side of a building in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele) to Le Piag- ge, the green heart of the city with a park and paths along the River Arno. Nearby Lucca is one of Tuscany’s
prettiest towns (and that’s saying some- thing because they are all beautiful). Its well-preserved Renaissance walls protect an oasis of cobblestone streets, lovely piazzas and historic cafes. Tis is slow life, Tuscan-style and a wonderful place to get away from it all.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH Tuscany has numerous hidden cor- ners. If you’re seeking relaxation, peace and quiet, head to Maremma. In the town of Saturnia, you will
find awesome hot springs that were favorites of the Romans. Venture to the Azienda Regionale Agricola di Al- berese to watch Tuscany’s handful of remaining cowboys (butteri), resem- bling Marlboro men, herd cattle and horses in beautiful seaside marshland. Tuscany’s 250 miles of coastline
provide welcome escapes. Te beach- es in Maremma are among the pret- tiest and most unspoiled. Resorts dot the coast; Castiglione della Pescaia is down to earth and Forte dei Marmi is a flashier choice. Like standing in front of an over-
flowing and bountiful buffet, it is impossible to choose among the trea- sures of Tuscany. Pick a few places to really experience, without getting caught up in having to experience everything. Te best thing about Tuscany—it is always there, happily awaiting your return.
producer of the travel
Kathy McCabe is the host and executive series Dream of Italy,
premiering on PBS stations around the Unit- ed States in May. She’s also the founder of the award-winning subscription travel newsletter, Dream of Italy. Find out more about the show and publication at
www.dreamofitaly.com.
Cityscape of Greve in Chianti, Tuscany. © Filk/Bigstock
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