15 Comments
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Shari Saunders's avatar

One of my most treasured sensoral memories is the aroma of fresh cut bread wafting through the rectory's door. Heavenly!

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Cyndy's avatar

We've been to Monte Oliveto Maggiore, and to Tuscano at least 8 times. The dilemma was to go back to Monte Oliveto Maggiore for the frescoes or Sant'Antimo for the chanting. Thanks to your ristorante suggestion, problem solved. Anchovies with butter on bread--that seals it.

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Cyndy's avatar

Toscana

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Caprice Hogg's avatar

What a wonderful post! You are so spot on. And thanks to you Frances, this is exactly how we travelled through Tuscany last fall and it was the best trip ever. Love Pienza! We didn’t make it back to Cortona…so that will have to be on our next trip. Thanks for doing this newsletter. Ciao!

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Lori's avatar

Brava! I spent a lovely (and very quiet) winter's day in Cortona back in February. Took a walk up to Bramasole and had a fantastic dinner at La Dispensa. What a truly beautiful place. Dropped you a postcard but I fear it was lost to the rain.

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Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

This is a lovely article about the places off the beaten tourist trail in Tuscany. I love the photos, especially the frescos. Thank you.

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Samantha DuBois's avatar

How lovely! I always prefer "discovering" small towns where locals actually live to more touristy areas anyway. Having no expectations or preconceived notions about a place means you'll usually be pleasantly surprised.

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Mary  Jane  Cryan's avatar

well said, Frances... even with the heat there is so much to explore and enjoy. Buona Domenica!

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judy witts francini's avatar

Some if my favorite places!

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Jane Bertch's avatar

Love all of this. Such beautiful inspiration for an Italy trip!

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Frances Mayes's avatar

Do come. I will open a Brunello for you!

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Karen Kaplan's avatar

I love to read this about all my favorite places around Asciano with Pienza being a special place. 💖

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CatherineBsketches's avatar

Love these photos! I’ve done a sketch of the piazza in Cortona. I visited a few years ago and would love to go back. Thank you for bringing back memories 🤗🇮🇹

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Cathie's avatar

Thank you for always making me feel like I am always there with you, through your talented writing, and for sharing all the art you photographed! We travel to Rome, Naples & Tuscany this fall. First time ever, and I am so excited to finally get there. Since we are with a tour group, we will not get to all the smaller towns you mention. Maybe we’ll be braver if we are blessed to make a 2nd trip!

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Catania Larson's avatar

This is such a beautiful post. One day, I hope soon, I'll come to Italy. I need to see Catania (since that's my name). I need to go to Canicatti (also on Sicily, where my father is from). And then, I want to go to little villages like these throughout the country.

Anyway - beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. I love these posts so much!

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