hello! I just wanted to say this sight is so informative so thanks a lot for educating me on your views of Tuscany. I have a particular predicament... trying to book a trip for me and my italian boyfriend. We chose Tuscany for two reason. 1-I have never been, 2-he has never been. Which I thought was crazy since he if from Northern Italy BUT he has traveled the world working as a top chef since he was young so he just never got to it. I'm excited because it gives us a change to explore the region together! We plan to travel from Venice after visiting friends. This holiday is just a quick break between assignments so it's meant to be RELAXING and luxurious. He is a huge foodie obviously, so this is an important aspect of the trip. I'm dreaming of vineyards, spas and cozying up to a fireplace after long country walks. We like our privacy but also don't want to trek to town to buy groceries to make a meal back at an apartment setting. Soo I'm looking for a small hotel/ villa/ B&B accommodation with a good restaurant that is in the country but not too far from town for some shopping/ restaurant scene. Is that too vague? Can any offer up a suggestion or place to start - which towns? I was thinking we could break the trip up by staying in two locations. We will depart from Pisa. - thanks in advance!