snapshots of my travels |
I have found that people have a few misconceptions about Tuscany, and I am here to sort out the confusion! Believe it or not, there is more to do than drink wine on set of "Under the Tuscan Sun." Tuscany is actually a region of Italy - not a city - which consists mainly of small towns, villages, and farms, with the exception of Florence. The region makes up a decent amount of Italy's coastline. Sure, Tuscany does have vineyards - lots and lots of vineyards and red wine and white wine and - where was I going with this? Oh, yes! It also has some of the finest beaches in all of Italy! Toscana is located in central Italy, just north of Lazio (Rome is in this area). There is a nature park called Maremma. The locals here are notoriously considered "buttero," which can be compared to country folk and cowboys in the United States. Traditions are passed down generation to generation, via word of mouth. These people truly live off the land and make every effort to preserve its beauty. The town of Grosseto is actually located inside of this nature park, surrounded by millions of sunflowers (girasole) and a hexagonal shaped wall built in the 16th century. Today, this wall is simply used as a public park and walking track. Grosseto doesn’t have much. There is one main cathedral (the Grosseto Cathedral) and a few restaurants. It's not a popular tourist destination, though it is very deserving of a visit, especially if you want to experience a quiet and authentic Italian town. Grosseto does, though, have quick and easy access to many magnificent beaches! For just two euros, you can catch a bus (bus station located in the parking lot of the train station) which takes you 14 kilometers straight to the coast. Here, you can spend your day lounging around on a characteristically Italian beach. The 14 kilometer drive was over a flat plane, not the typically rolling Tuscan hills. Instead of seeing the occasional Cyprus tree or even the approaching sea, my view was destructed by thick forests of pine trees. As we arrived at the bus stop, the crystal clear waters finally became visible, almost like a little oasis. It seemed as if every single Italian had taken the day off work just to lounge around and tan their sun kissed skin. I made a beeline straight for an open area of scorching hot sand and splayed out my towel on the beach known as Castiglione della Pescaia. Note: the yellow umbrellas and lounge chairs are only available to the people who rent them out for the entire summer. If adventure is more up your alley, the Maremma coastline also offers excellent places to cliff jump, scuba dive, and sail. It is possible to hike to the top of Rocca Aragonese, pictured above. This medieval lookout was once used as a safe place to spot people with the plague. It's location makes an excellent spot for sunsets! As I mentioned earlier, the people here live off of the land. Therefore, traditional cuisine is very simple. The most well known dish is schiaccia alla pala (dialect for oven baked bread with oil). Nevertheless, I found the food to be rich in flavor. Castiglione della Pescaia had no shortage of restaurants, lounges, and bars. In fact, I treated myself to some rose wine and macedonia (fresh fruit salad) at a nearby . If you're still looking for the Tuscan vineyards, have no fear! Montalcino is a short 45 minute drive from Grosseto. Here, you can book that wine tasting! Ready to visit the, "corner of Tuscany the British haven't found yet," ? — Andrew Purvis, The Telegraph
196 Comments
2/12/2017 09:52:34 pm
If I had a beach umbrella, I wouldn't leave either! You need to get your money's worth ;)
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2/12/2017 10:25:45 pm
Most people never hear about it! Italian's little secret ;) Thanks for reading, Brittany.
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2/10/2017 05:27:18 pm
I have itchy feet - this has made me want to get on a plane ASAP! Thank you for sharing.
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Stephenie -Blended Life Happy Wife
2/10/2017 05:31:36 pm
I feel like I just went on a minI vacation. The pictures and the descriptions are so captivating. It is going to be added to our lit of places to see
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maia
2/10/2017 05:34:04 pm
Woah,this place looks great
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2/10/2017 05:47:34 pm
I love the picture of the pink building, I'd want to go just to take a picture in front of it!
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Laurie
2/10/2017 06:24:10 pm
Oh my! Count me majorly jealous! I plan to go all over Europe next year. Your pictures inspire me to travel.
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Rebekah
2/10/2017 06:25:21 pm
So pretty, I love it!
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2/10/2017 11:36:02 pm
The beach!! It looks so good. I've always wanted to visit Tuscany but only really knew anything about it from the movie 'Under the Tuscan Sun'. I love the pink walls in that photo though!
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2/10/2017 11:51:09 pm
You had me at wine. Then you added Italy. Then you added a beach! Seriously what's not to love here?! Wow!
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2/12/2017 09:55:15 pm
It truly makes the perfect trio, doesn't it?! I can't wait for the weather to warm back up.
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2/10/2017 11:56:09 pm
Oven baked bread sounds delicious. I am so hungry right now.
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2/11/2017 03:16:08 am
Old and historical places is really a place to visit and to travel for. It will surely worth your time exploring town behind their wonderful stories.
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Riely
2/11/2017 03:30:44 am
You're right! Most people don't picture beaches when they think of Tuscany. I know I didn't until now that is! My brother lives in Italy now when his Italian girlfriend and so I hope to be spending a lot more time exploring this beautiful country.
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2/12/2017 10:24:31 pm
Thank you for the comment, Riely! Yes, you must go visit Italy now. Where exactly do they live?
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2/11/2017 06:48:30 am
Italy has been a bucket list location for me for a long time - but not only because I want to see the big cities and the more well-known sites. Also because, like you, I want to see the other, more authentic things that the culture and the people have to offer. I want to see tourist Italy, sure - but I'd love to see real, everyday Italy, too. I'm saving this post for later.
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2/13/2017 03:41:12 pm
That sounds like a great idea. Yes, trying the local foods is one of the best parts of traveling, for sure.
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2/13/2017 10:15:18 pm
I love Tuscany as well! It is much more than great food too! The people, the culture, the weather, the nature... everything!
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I have never been to the coast in Tuscany, but many other places like Cinque Terra and the Amalfi Coast. I suspect its very beautiful, but I am very familiar with the rolling hills and lake country in that part of Italy, Next time I'm in Tuscany, I'll check it out.
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2/11/2017 01:46:45 pm
This look beautiful and I would love to visit one day. That beach look a dream! xx
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2/11/2017 03:27:30 pm
Goodness, it would be a dream to go to Italy to visit the vineyards and the beach. I didn't even realize there was such an amazing beach there.
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2/13/2017 03:41:53 pm
Tuscany has many secret beaches! I hope you have the chance to visit sometime soon :)
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2/11/2017 03:38:48 pm
Wow! How GORGEOUS is this place? Looks like a beautiful relaxing trip to take with a partner.I really want to go! As an artist I would love to roam around and sketch, paint,whatever.There looks like a lot of really beautiful and interesting places to see.
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2/11/2017 03:56:18 pm
I would love to be on the beach in Tuscany. It looks like you guys had a wonderful time. Happy Travels. We went to a beach near Pisa, and it was also very lovely.
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Jessica
2/11/2017 04:41:19 pm
I would really love to live in Tuscany one day.It looks like the kind of place where I wouldn't need to wear a watch or worry about the hustle and bustle of life.
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2/11/2017 05:16:00 pm
This is second on my travel list and all looks so beautiful. I really can't wait to experience the food! Glad you're enjoying yourself!
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2/13/2017 03:38:00 pm
I hope you can visit soon, Ashley! It is truly a wonderful place.
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2/11/2017 11:30:25 pm
These pictures are beautiful! I love the sunflowers!
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2/12/2017 09:54:03 pm
Haha the food really is delicious Krysten! I plan to write about the food soon ;) Thanks for commenting!
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2/12/2017 10:01:53 am
What a beautiful place. My brother-in-law comes from Italy and I'd love to visit it. Even more so after reading this.
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2/12/2017 09:56:02 pm
It's a lovely place to visit. I'm sure it would certainly spark some writing inspiration too.
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2/12/2017 11:49:06 am
Wow thanks for this. So much about Tuscany I didn't know!
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2/12/2017 05:53:58 pm
Thank you for the sweet comment, Alex. I am happy to be sharing my experiences!
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2/13/2017 03:39:28 pm
Why thank you, Brandi! I am so glad you found my blog :)
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2/12/2017 03:05:19 pm
I'm heading to Tuscany in the spring so I'll have to try to make it out to the beach! It looks so beautiful!
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2/12/2017 05:53:12 pm
That is awesome, Julia! I hope you have a great trip! Where in Tuscany do you plan to go?
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2/12/2017 04:06:09 pm
I would love to see some of the actual pictures of the beach and coastline you mentioned!
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2/12/2017 10:27:33 pm
Yes, the beach is pictured in the first photograph!
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2/12/2017 05:45:17 pm
You're right! When I think of Italy I think of the gorgeous food and all the vineyards! Never do I actually think of Italy for it's beaches but you've changed that! Gorgeous sandy beaches :) And I love that people 'live off the land', simple tasty food is the best. Ree Love30
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2/12/2017 05:50:48 pm
Yes, Italy is certainly known for its vineyards, but it has so much to offer. Thanks for reading, Ree Love30.
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2/12/2017 09:53:07 pm
It certainly is gorgeous! I hope you are able to visit soon :)
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2/13/2017 12:52:17 am
I would love to go to Italy! It's on my list of places to go! My wife and I will get there eventually, hopefully sooner than later. Tuscany looks beautiful.
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2/13/2017 03:48:20 pm
I hope you and your wife are able to go soon! If you do, you must tell me how the trip goes!! Thank you for reading, Kelvin.
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Elizabeth O.
2/13/2017 04:28:12 am
Tuscany has a lot to offer! It would be so nice to spend a day in one of their lovely beaches. I think it's awesome that the food is traditional and simple.
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2/13/2017 03:42:44 pm
The food in Tuscany is to die for! Thanks for reading, Elizabeth.
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2/13/2017 03:43:30 pm
I is a family friendly beach! That sounds like the perfect trip!
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2/13/2017 03:46:58 pm
Why thank you Crystal! I try to keep my posts educational without getting too boring. I am so glad you like them.
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2/13/2017 06:38:57 am
Beautiful shots..,would love to visit .....wish I can plan something this summer for sure!!!
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2/13/2017 10:30:19 am
The view is lovely there. I wouldn't mind going to Grosseto even if isn't your usual tourist spot, it just seems so peaceful and quiet! I like that you can enjoy the beach as well. It would be so nice to go there!
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2/13/2017 03:50:21 pm
When riding the train in the summer, I passed by millions and millions of sunflower fields... as far as the eye can see. It is just stunning! Part of me wishes I had a car so I could just stop off and run through them!
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I've been looking for things to do off of the beaten track. We're interailling through Europe in October and this looks like a great place to spend the night. I'd love to get some accommodation recommendations if you have them?
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2/13/2017 03:40:07 pm
Thank you, Kimberly! I hope you have the chance to visit Tuscany sometime soon.
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David
2/13/2017 03:32:48 pm
These are great photos and a wonderful view of your adventure there. When I visit Italy I will have to consider this wonderful place.
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2/13/2017 03:38:47 pm
Thank you, David! I hope you have the chance to go! It's a lovely destination.
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2/13/2017 10:14:27 pm
That sounds crazy cold!! Where in Alaska are you? I have been to Juneau in the summer. It was gorgeous, still!
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Robin rue
2/13/2017 09:31:55 pm
I never realized that Tuscany was on the water. That beach is absolutely breathtaking.
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2/15/2017 02:41:46 pm
Yes, most people don't know that it's on the water! I am so glad you have found my blog, Robin.
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2/13/2017 10:47:31 pm
Hey Cassidy, thank you for sharing Tuscany with us. Grosseto sounds like a place that I will love. As someone who is just starting to explore parts of Asia, Europe is an uncharted area for me, so this blog post just added a couple of places to visit to my long to-visit list. :)
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Chrissy Mazzocchi
2/13/2017 11:46:04 pm
I am such a beach person and I would love to experience the beach in Italy at that! Italy is on my bucket list!
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2/14/2017 12:20:18 am
There are so many great places in Italy Tuscany looks so wonderful place so beautiful beaches... i would love to visit Tuscany some day !
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2/14/2017 01:14:53 am
This is such a romantic place to visit. The town is so adorable. I also really like the streets.
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2/14/2017 01:17:25 am
Beautiful pictures. It looks like you had a lot of fun. This makes me miss summer!
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2/14/2017 01:54:23 am
I have been to the Tuscan vineyards and did wine testing tours there....it was so breathtaking. Did not go to the beach though but it looks nice. We went to Cinque Terre from there and it was heavenly!!
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2/14/2017 05:16:01 am
Thank you for that mini vacation, it was good reading about that beautiful beach... I would lay there forever if I could under that umbrella taking in the ocean breeze... Oh so lovely!! ⛱🌊
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2/14/2017 10:02:56 am
Its a real beautiful location. You have made it look so beautiful and must visit destination.
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2/14/2017 10:47:24 am
You're pictures are beautiful wouldn't have ever left haha!!
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Jennifer Petrey
2/14/2017 01:05:48 pm
When I think of Tuscany, I definitely see visions of winery's, not beaches! It looks like such a beautiful place.
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Jen
2/14/2017 02:50:10 pm
Beach and Italy aren't two words I normally think of together, but it does look beautiful.
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Sandy N Vyjay
2/14/2017 03:31:04 pm
The photos are really beautiful. Beautiful beaches and offbeat towns are perfect vacation spots. Plus the wine tasting adds tto brownie point.
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stacey
2/14/2017 05:20:03 pm
Wow. nice photos. I prefer spending vacations in beaches and having to spend it with the amazing beaches of Tuscany is a dream.
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2/14/2017 05:54:30 pm
Whatever the misconceptions are, Tuscany looks incredible, i would love to visit it. I can just see myself walking down all those little alleys and finding cute little coffee shops.
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2/14/2017 06:11:27 pm
I'm Italian!Tuscany is a great place to visit...here nature,traditions,history,good food and wines are an irresistibile mix to absolutely try!!!
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2/14/2017 09:43:55 pm
Yes please! I'd love to hang out at this beach with a good book.
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2/14/2017 09:58:06 pm
I love Italy! I hope one day I will visit beautiful Tuscany:) 3 months ago we were in Rome, Pisa and Florence. Really beautiful country
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2/15/2017 12:30:06 am
Tuscany looks beautiful. A wonderful place to visit. Looks amazing.
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2/15/2017 09:23:49 am
Your pictures make me want to visit. It looks like an enjoyable trip.
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Jen
2/15/2017 01:50:19 pm
Lovely place specially the beaches. The city landscape is terrific as well. Hope to visit the place someday.
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2/15/2017 01:58:08 pm
I hope you can visit one day, as well, Jen! I am so glad you found my blog.
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Herrendezvous
2/15/2017 04:18:12 pm
Ah, Italy is truly beautiful! X
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2/15/2017 04:54:05 pm
Wow this place looks incredible! I love sunflowers so i would really enjoy seeing them all, grosetto looks beautiful! Thankyou for sharing with us all, im sure its been added to many places to visit lists!
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CourtneyLynne
2/15/2017 05:00:38 pm
Omg lovely photos!!! Definitely gives me the travel bug looking at them!!!
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stacey
2/15/2017 06:47:37 pm
Wow. Tuscany is very beautiful indeed. People here probably has a laid back lifestyle. Great for vacations.
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Kaitlyn
2/15/2017 10:24:20 pm
These photos are beautiful! It is so fun for you to get to explore. I wish you all the best on your adventures!
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2/15/2017 11:18:28 pm
I love their bread with oil dish, one of my cousins is married to an Italian and he makes amazing food. It looks like you had a good time and beautiful photos as always!
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2/16/2017 04:01:54 am
Great post! The beach looks like awesome. I'd love to go there someday.
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maria criselda maquiling
2/16/2017 06:32:55 am
given the chance, I would love to live in Tuscany. The place is so beautiful and living off the land sounds like a great lifestyle choice. But my husband keeps reminding me that Italy is the land of active volcanoes and violent eruptions. such a spoilsport. i agree that grosetto looks divine and does deserve a visit
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Milica
2/16/2017 09:41:39 am
Such an amazing post and photos! I wish I will visit Toscana one day!
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maria han
2/16/2017 10:18:43 am
What a beautiful place! It really looks relaxing and a peaceful place. I want to go there soon!
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2/16/2017 02:30:23 pm
Beautiful pics!! Tuscany is definitely on my travel list I can't wait to travel abroad with my family when the kids are a little older !
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2/16/2017 05:28:50 pm
Looks like a great place to visit. Love your photos and love the view. On my bucket list.
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Nancy L.
2/16/2017 07:00:17 pm
Oooh...I would love Grosseto! Give me a place off the beaten path without tourists and submerge me into the real slow-paced culture. Stunning photos! :)
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Julie Porter
2/16/2017 08:19:50 pm
Italy has long been a place I have wanted to visit and you have just pushed Tuscany way up on the list! Beaches are definitely not something you think of when you think of Tuscany but oh my goodness is that a beautiful beach! Everything about this region makes me want to visit so much.
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2/16/2017 08:31:03 pm
Wow! The view and the landscape is so beautiful. I am sure you had a great time over there.
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2/16/2017 10:32:28 pm
I love Italy, such a cool country! Can't wait to go back soon! X
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2/17/2017 12:23:40 am
Beaches or not, just send me there. Everywhere is just gorgeous!
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2/17/2017 02:20:58 am
Someday I would absolutely love to visit the Tuscany region of Italy! I know it's well-known for it's vineyards, but had no idea it was also a top beach destination. As an avid beachbum, I know I would love to see the beaches!
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2/18/2017 05:01:18 am
I feel embarrased! I thought Tuscany was a city - yikes! I love the fact that they live off the land. I feel like we can all take a hint from that - what a great way to embrace a healthy lifestyle! Being sunkissed in the sun gives us Vitamin D naturally! We have a lot to learn from Italy!
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2/18/2017 08:15:47 pm
Wow! Looks like I'm not the only one that thought this was an excellent travel log. Thank you for the thorough descriptions and pictures. If I ever get there, which I hope is soon, this is a region that I'd like to see
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Peyton
2/18/2017 10:48:02 pm
Your photos are beautiful! I will defintley be traveling here.
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2/20/2017 12:54:42 am
Italy is certainly a wonderful place to visit. I am so glad you found my blog, Claire.
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2/19/2017 02:18:02 am
How beautiful! My husband and I have been taking about taking a trip to Italy when our kids are a little bit older. My brother went not long ago and the pictures he took were beautiful!
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2/19/2017 02:27:05 am
That beach looks so pretty! I'm going to Tuscany soon so I'll have to see if I can go to the beach there!
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2/19/2017 07:29:10 am
I really love this post. So many tourist attractions in Europe - particularly Italy - are focused around drinking and, as someone who doesn't drink, I always found myself thinking "okay, but what ELSE is there to do?"
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2/19/2017 01:27:37 pm
We love hidden gems. And the colours! Tuscany is on our bucketlist. Can't wait to try the yummy schiaccia alla pala and go wine tasting.
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2/20/2017 12:53:57 am
I hope I have convinced you to go! Thank you so much for reading my blog.
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2/20/2017 12:52:51 am
That's awesome! I love the Tuscany and Lazio regions as well! I hope you have a great trip, Meeta! Thanks for reading my blog.
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2/19/2017 10:04:24 pm
Lovely post. We went to Tuscany on a school trip, it's sucks. Beautiful place but I didn't appreciate it back then. I'd love to go back one day <3
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2/20/2017 12:51:49 am
Haha yeah, school trips can sometimes be no fun! I'm sorry about that! I hope you can return soon :)
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2/21/2017 06:35:38 am
I never even heard of Tuscany. I would not have thought of a place like this to visit. I love the images. I am sure the food was delicious considering it is someone that most people don't tske a trip too. I guess you have to appreciate times like this where they don't have so much their.
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Tereza
3/6/2017 09:36:24 am
What a lovely beach! I spent a week at Alba Adriatica years and years ago but it totally remind me of that vibe. It looks so chilled and beautiful x
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Ali Rost
3/9/2017 03:03:28 am
Where we live .. winter is still hanging on .. and this made me want to pack my bags and head to the beach! I'd love to be sitting under a pretty yellow umbrella with a stiff drink in my hand. Thanks for a fun post!
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Lindsey
3/13/2017 11:56:48 am
Tuscany looks truly wonderful I've never been before but after seeing these pics I truly must go
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ABOUT MEHi, I'm Cassidy and this is my travel journal, aimed to inspire you to go and see our beautiful world! Featured Post: |