I saved Tuscany for last for two reasons — first, because, well, it was the last place we visited and I wanted to share my post sequentially. But mostly because it was my favorite place on the entire trip and I wanted to savor it! The drive to Tuscany from Positano is a long one, so we broke it up into two days. Our overnight was in Tivoli, where we visited the famed Villa D’Este which was absolutely unreal. Unfortunately it was down pouring that day, so I left my precious cameras in the car and instantly regretted it when the clouds broke. But I’ll still share some iPhone pics below! 

From there, we were headed to Borgo Pignano (more on this place later!) but wanted to see some sights along the way. We stopped at Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio — two Tuscan towns that are equally stunning. Civita di Bagnoregio sits atop a hill, accessible only by footbridge, and is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. 

When we finally arrived at Borgo Pignano, we were greeted with the most epic sunset I’ve ever seen over the rolling hills of iconic Tuscany. Our days here were spent visiting the towns of San Gimignano and Volterra, but to be honest, my favorite part was just driving around (and nagging at Rob to stop every 5 minutes because there was another perfect photo spot!). If we truly wanted to, however, we never even need to leave our hotel. Less of a hotel, really, and more of a countryside resort. It was complete with two pools, it’s own restaurant, and lots of farm animals and livestock which our little guy absolutely loved. 

We were sad to go, but still had one more stop — the Val d’Orcia Region of Tuscany. I wasn’t sure how different it would be from Northern Tuscany, but it certainly had it’s own beauty.  The Val d’Orcia is home to many of those infamous sites you think of when dreaming of Tuscany — you know, the ones you would see on a postcard! I was, in particular, excited to see the poppy fields which were in full bloom this time of year. We stayed in the small town of Pienza, which was the middle of everything. Most of the highlights were small stops off the side of the road, but we also enjoyed the Gardens of La Foce. 

Don’t get me wrong, Rome and the Amalfi Coast were absolutely amazing, but I wouldn’t put them on my “must return” list anytime soon as there are many destinations I’d like to see first. Tuscany, however, I’d repeat in a heartbeat! I think the pictures below will explain why…