23 Comments
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Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Thanks Gillian. So which is your favourite Tuscan city?

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Tuscany really isn't my region! I do love the stark landscape of the Crete Senesi and the wild parts of the Maremma coast. (close to Lazio 😉)

Marco & Sabrina's avatar

Got it!

We explored and loved the Crete Senesi when we were last in Siena but don’t know the Maremma at all. Planning to be in the region in October so advice much appreciated, Gillian

Lisa Barr's avatar

Love Florence for the art and architecture but wouldn't want to live there--that's why we're settling in Lucca instead. Last fall, we did Coral Sisk's (Curious Appetite) cocktail tour for my husband's 60th birthday present and really enjoyed it. We had the best Negroni ever at Manifattura as part of the tour. Definitely worthwhile.

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Oooh! I will have to add Manifattura to my to-do list. Thank you

Lucca is a such a great compromise. Close to Florence and but not a tiny village or completely overwhelming.

Marc Oswald's avatar

Thanks Gillian.

Zac's avatar

Agree to disagree on Florence, but love your writing (and some very good suggestions for when I'm there next)!

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Thank you! Different opinions are what make the world a more interesting place.

judy witts francini's avatar

Thanks for including me!

SFGirlByBay's avatar

I thought it was just me, or the constant rain while I visited Florence, but I never really fell in love, either. I much prefer Rome, Venice, Cinque Terra and definitely Sicily!

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

🥰 A lot of people do say if you love Rome & Venice & Naples. Florence is too tame.

SFGirlByBay's avatar

Ha! We're too wild! ;)

Alexandra Lawrence's avatar

What a great post, Gillian! Florence is increasingly tough to love right now, particularly due to the over-tourism, but posts like this do encourage visitors to go beyond the superficial which is so helpful! Thank you so much for the shoutout, very kind of you to include me ✨

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

I am so grateful to have wonderful passionate people to recommend!

Joanna Rench's avatar

Delighted to see Alexandra make your list! I adore tours with her and can't wait to do another one when next in Florence!

Alexandra Lawrence's avatar

Joanna the dream traveller! Come back soon, we miss you ✨

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

Isn't she just the BEST ♥️

Kim's avatar

I can remember lots if things when I was in Firenze - mostly the art, statuary, architecture, but also being accosted by a group of young ones with a cardboard and they got nothing . Interesting it was fast and furious, and lots of swearing.

Jeanine's avatar

Hi nice read, I did both of those Devour tours last month and enjoyed my time immensely. The tour guides took us too amazing back street places where we were spoiled with incredible Italian cuisine

Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

I am literally still thinking about the pastries from Cibreo