Tuscany by train, Sicilian breakfasts, and the latest places to join the collection: Nicole Franchini’s top picks for 2023

Travel through Tuscany by train 

There are few better ways to see Italy than by train; the service is affordable and easy to navigate, and extensive enough that you can experience several parts of the country on one trip. Tuscany is a personal favourite, especially the train to the Castellina in Chianti-Monteriggioni that drops you right at the heart of the wine-making region. You can also carry on to Siena and stay at Santa 10 – La Limonaia & La Torre; an organic olive and wine farm just outside of the town, where you’ll be treated to traditional Tuscan dinners that you’ll remember forever.  

 

Taste the dolce vita at an agriturismo  

Italy’s agriturismo movement is my absolute passion. It’s often translated to “farmstays” but to me this always makes it sound like volunteering to do some weeding! It’s more the chance to truly live like a local and see the Italian way of life, which remains alive in huge part because of the agriturismi.  

I recently visited Agriturismo San Gallo in Montepulciano and welcomed them to Sawday’s. You’ll love their certified Le Bertille red and rosé wine, the extra virgin olive oil they produce is wonderful and aromatic and there’s always something fresh from the orchard or vegetable garden incorporated in delectable meals.  

Stay at a quintessentially Italian trullo 

The conical trulli are one of Puglia’s most famous sights and this lovely example is surrounded by olive, fig and walnut trees with beds of thyme and rosemary. The owner, Prue is an interior designer, who flits between Puglia and London (sounds lovely doesn’t it!), and tends the charming garden when she’s here. There’s a shop and deli a short drive away which sell home-cooked Italian food as well as wine and local produce. It was a delightful find and makes a welcome addition to our Italian collection.  

 

Dig into Sicily’s rich soil 

Although I still love Palermo’s occasionally gritty feel, Catania is my Sicilian destination of choice if you get the chance this year. A fine crop of stylish new Sawday’s places have sprung up in the shadows of Mount Etna and you’ll be treated to a rich mix of architecture and history, as well as world-famous local cuisines. Beaches are just a short drive away too.  

You can see the volcano from the breakfast table at family-run boutique hotel La Fucina di Vulcano,  or stay a little closer to the city itself in the spacious Villa Edera. Either will give you a great Sicilian experience.   

Fall in love with Lombardy  

The cities Bergamo and Brescia, next door neighbours in the Lombardy region, have been named together as Italy’s City of Culture for 2023, bringing a renewed interest to the region. They have five UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore which is remarkable in such a small area, even for Italy! Stay at Villa San Pietro, a short drive from Brescia, and you’ll be treated to tranquil views and homecooked meals after a day’s exploring.     

Explore our collection of special places to stay in Italy > 

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