Nicola's Stories

The hill town of Monte San Savino AND Eating at Il Cassero This town is 15 minutes away from where I am staying at Hotel Fontelunga A small , but perfectly formed hill town. A walled city of achievable proportions – i.e. stroll around it in 30 minutes Monte San Savino has been warring with the Florentines, the Perugians and the Sienese since 1306 !!  Delve into the side streets , pass through the centre of the church to a beautiful garden and vista of the surrounding area. Pe

I am so lucky to be in Italy, Tuscany, and specifically the Hotel Fontelunga & Borgo 69. I think all kiwis dream to come to Tuscany. And if you have been once, then to come back (and for me, back again) . And to be honest when I say Tuscany, I include Umbria. Sorry to the Italians who are very proud of their regions! But this part of Italy is so special. I have been driving to some amazing small villages. Always on a hilltop; Monte San Savino, and today Lucignano. Both, no mo

8 Tips on How to Pack Efficiently Roll your clothes. ... Use packing cubes. ... Bring travel-size toiletries. ... Put things inside your shoes. ... Wear your pair of shoes that takes up the most space. ... Wear your heaviest piece of outerwear on plane/bus/etc. ... Pack plenty of neutral colors. ... Zip your suitcase up, then add more to it. Hmm. 3 out of 8 !! So the day started in London. I had to pack 10 weeks worth of travel into a 23kg bag. Not easy for me. Still I did it