In my experience, enjoying pasta, pizza and wine in Italy is the ultimate indulgence. This trip was no exception. Jacob and I arrived to our home for the weekend at Borgo Case Bardi and immediately fell in love with the property and this less explored region of Tuscany.
The closest town square to Case Bardi is in a sleepy village called Scansano, perched overlooking rolling hills and vineyards. We spent each evening wine tasting here or getting dinner at a neighboring town once we returned from exploring the region. One of southern Tuscany’s best-kept secrets is a natural mineral bath half an hour south that we couldn’t help but visit twice during our trip! I also loved the drive we did to Porto San Stefano, a picture-perfect boating town with colorful Italian architecture and delicious local seafood.
Southern Tuscany was so quiet in springtime, we rarely ran into other tourists! Authentic Italy without the crowds is definitely the best version of Italy.
=
I highly encourage you to consider southern Tuscany if Italy is on your travel bucket list.
For more from our trip to Italy, check out our Tuscany video!
—
What is your favorite destination in Italy? Let us know in the comments below.
Carrie Says
Hello, do you mind sharing details about the dress you were wearing in Tuscany? It is white with red poppies. Thank you.
Selena Says
Post authorIt’s from paper crown but not available anymore!
Seema Says
Stunning pictures revealing details about an area about which I have very limited idea. Was planning to visit it in summer. Regretting that the pandemic snatched the opportunity from me.
Selena Says
Post authorI hope you can make it there another time!
A Frank Says
These photos are artistic, true. However, our experiences in Italy have been much less glamorous. Had we seen unfiltered, behind the scenes travel photos, we’d have been more prepared for the challenges we faced spending 30 days in Italy. Truly, not a knock on you- it’s not your job to educate travelers. I know you are putting a product out. Ideally, I’d like to see equal representation of what travelers can expect when visiting other countries in both the struggle and beauty. Additionally, a movement toward educating readers that travelers need to be accountable and culturally appreciative as they travel. Have your travels in Italy always been positive?
Selena Says
Post authorHey Frank – definitely agree with you on the accountability side, but it’s difficult for me to comment on ‘if my travels in Italy have been positive’ without further understanding what you’re referring to. As with any destination, there are always pros and cons.
Whenever my husband and I travel somewhere new, we always do research on the destination and try to understand what the cultural and political climate is like there. It’s important for us to get a gauge so we can mentally prepare ourselves when we arrive. Since I always want to visit a new destination with an open mind, there are few places that turn me off when I do this research. That being said, there are a few countries – Myanmar, for example – that we have put off visiting due to current events. It’s not to say we won’t go eventually, but we have to keep our blog / instagram in mind when we travel as we are effectively promoting that destination by traveling there.
And I should definitely be held accountable for educating travelers! 🙂 If you read my travel guides, I’ll go more in depth with destinations there (rather than a post like this, which talks more about my personal experience). If I feel something is important to mention, it’s included.
Hope that helps!
A frank Says
Selena,
I was just heading back here to delete my comment! I have a 103 temperature and I’m terribly sick. Typically before I comment, I read the blog, bio, and view as much content as possible to educate myself. My son and I are working on an eco/sustainable manifesto of sorts and in the thick of the research. I began reading a collection of saved posts and, regrettably, shared my thoughts too early. I want to thank you for responding gently, it must be your character to see the the light in the world.
Amy
Midwest USA
Selena Says
Post authorGet well soon! No problem at all, I’m happy to hear your thoughts and appreciate you taking the time to browse the blog!
p.s. oops, sorry for calling you Frank 😉
Leslie Says
Hi! I’m traveling to Porto Santo Stefano in a few months. I’d love some tips on where to eat, where to park, etc. I discovered your blog googling Tuscany, and it’s great! I’m going to Amsterdam on this trip as well – I’ll definitely be using your Amsterdam guide!
Lexi Says
Terme di Saturnia is such a hidden gem. Traveled there two years ago, and will definitely be returning this fall for a Tuscany trip. Beautiful photos!
- Selena Says
Post authorTruly is! Hope you enjoy (or enjoyed) 😉
Danika Downting Says
Hi Selena,
I love your photos. Borgo Case Bardi looks beautiful. Which accommodation did you choose? And did you deal with David? There is not a lot of information on the options on his website, so finding it hard to book. Thank you so much.
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Danika! Thank you so much. 🙂 We booked directly with David via email, but you can also find Borgo Case Bardi on Airbnb. Hope that helps!
Chelsey @ Chelsey Crafts Says
Sounds completely indulgent! Gorgeous photos x
- Selena Says
Post authorAlways. 🙂 Thanks Chelsey!
Kellie Says
Hi Selena! I love your blog so much. I’m planning a trip to Tuscany and staying in the southern region also. What time did you go to the mineral springs? Everything we’ve seen has been so crowded. I would love to visit when there isn’t so many people. Also any suggestions on wineries in this area? XOXO, Kellie
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Kellie- thank you! We went right after sunrise, at 7am. 🙂 It’s worth it, we were the only ones there for a good 30 minutes before anyone showed up! If you’re going during summer, I’d definitely recommend going early because I hear it gets busy. For wineries, check out Locanda Terenzi. Enjoy Italy & eat lots of pasta! xx
Erin Says
Hi Selena! Beautiful photos, looks like an amazing trip! My husband and I are planning a trip to italy in the fall. Can you share more details of your itinerary and where you stayed?
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Erin! This trip was a shorter one for us, just 5 days in Southern Tuscany and we stayed at Borgo Case Bardi. The day trips from there were perfect (mineral baths in Saturnia, Porto Ercole for a day trip to the ocean, wine tasting in the local vineyards in the afternoon). If you have more time to spend in Italy, I’d definitely recommend Lake Como in Northern Italy and doing the drive from Positano to Cinque Terre, if you don’t mind windy roads. Cheers! xx
Scarlett Says
Ciao Selena, I also adore this part of Italy! Wine tasting and exploring the region is so special…especially when it’s not full of tourists like you mentioned. Beautiful photos as always 🙂
- Selena Says
Post authorTotally agree! Don’t know if I could ever get sick of Italy. Thank you so much. xx
Adriana Says
These photos are absolutely stunning!
I LOVE your style. xo
~Adriana
http://www.leopardmartini.com
- Selena Says
Post authorHi Adriana! 🙂 Thanks for the love. xx
Heather Says
That waterfall doesn’t even look real! Wow!! I’ve never been to Italy but it’s top on my list.
xo, Heather
- Selena Says
Post authorIt’s a crazy beautiful place! When you do make it to Italy, definitely hit some smaller towns in addition to the larger cities. They have so much personality! xx
Lucy and Kelly Says
Goodness, your photos are absolutely stunning. We just came across your blog and instagram and fell in love! 🙂 How beautiful. We adore Italy, so your Italian posts are speaking to us right now. We absolutely can’t wait to get back there. We have never been to Tuscany but it is definitely on our list. Off to catch up with all your posts now! 🙂
Lucy and Kelly xx
http://www.theblossomtwins.com
- Selena Says
Post authorThank you so much! Means a lot to hear that. I adore Italy as well — what’s not to love? 🙂
Joanna Says
Hi Selena,
Your photos are amazing, we’re heading there next month. May I know where did you rent a car or scooter? Thanks alot. More power to your blog.
– Joanna
- Selena Says
Post authorThanks Joanna! How exciting — I hope you love it as much as we did! We flew into Rome and rented a car from the airport.
Jamie Says
Love the pictures! Tuscany is definitely now on my bucket list!!
xo Jamie
http://jamieonthings.com/
- Selena Says
Post authorThanks Jamie! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂