Tuscan Highlights

Below are a few pictures from our trip to Tuscany last week.  I tried to keep it short to avoid boring you all, but it was really hard!  It's such a beautiful region that is so easy to fall in love with...enjoy!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Tuscany at twilight...stunning!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

We stopped off in Trento on our way down...an adorable little N. Italy town without so much tourist hustle...I'd recommend it.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

The path leading from our terrace to the pool - it smelled divine.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

We had to walk these stairs from the parking to the beautiful hilltown of Volterra.

It was worth it though - gelato was waiting for us at the top!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

As you probably could have guessed, I went crazy for the doors.  More on that after our summer travels for a nice collection of my faves.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

This was on a little square on the edge of town.  

So peaceful set against that gorgeous sky!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

One day we did a road trip to the beach and had a really hard time finding a restaurant on the way home (most are closed on Tuesdays - who knew?). 

Anyway, in the end we were rewarded with this lovely restaurant and a gorgeous view but the fun little detail were their table markers, 'cause you know I love the succulents.  :)  I think I'm going to do this for an upcoming dinner party - maybe one for each guest with their names on them...

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Letter boxes were calling my name everywhere!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Such a pretty, welcoming entrance.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Siena:  Beautiful and touristy but definitely worth it.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

That is another beautiful hill town, San Gimignano, in the distance - looking across vineyards, cypress trees, stone houses - the whole enchilada.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Killer architecture in San Gimignano, even if it is for the tourists!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

More great architecture.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Pretty succulents - this place was made for me (and just about everyone else...)

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

An elegant balcony in Lucca - a beautifully preserved town known for its antiques market (more on that tomorrow).  This was my favorite town because of its beauty and less touristy feel - well worth a visit.

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

This is also in Lucca on a remote side street.  I love it when I get a little glimpse into how the real people live.  I fantastized (briefly) about living here for a year or so, and having fantastic dinner parties up there with great wine and food!

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

Are you getting tired of the letter boxes yet?

Photography by Barbara Jordan Dettweiler

A trip to Italy can't really be complete without discussing the food. 

This was our last meal in a little town called Carpe before crossing into Austria and it was AMAZING.  I'm only slightly embarassed to admit I ate the WHOLE THING.

Check back tomorrow for my last post about shopping in Tuscany!