Before last week, my only experience in Italy’s Tuscany was probably much like most people’s — a few days spent exploring the splendor of Florence and posing for corny pictures “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I delved deeper into the beauty of the region in February, enjoying four days exploring the northern part of Tuscany from my base at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. It was hard to tear myself away from this view each morning! But there’s much to see in the region. Some of the highlights from my tour included stops at La Fortezza dell Verrucole and Devil’s Bridge; in Garfagnana, Barga and Lucca; and a visit to two wineries, Fattoria del Teso and Podere Concori. Of course, the true standout experiences involved the cuisine — it’s Italy, after all! In Garfagnana, it was slow food at its finest at Il Vecchio Mulino da Andrea, savoring homemade meats, breads and cheeses. I had a wonderful pork dish with a paprika sauce at Scacciaguai, one of Barga’s best, and watched the servers cut my fresh pasta right before my eyes at another Barga favorite, L’Altana. My unique chestnut ravioli stuffed with walnuts and covered in a ricotta sauce delighted at Ritrovo del Platano. And when in Lucca, a stop at the oldest, finest restaurant, La Buca di Sant’Antonio, is a must. Writing this blog is making me hungry! Four days was not enough time to explore the beauty and magic of Tuscany, and I hope to return soon to uncover more of the region. Look for more from my time in Tuscany in upcoming issues of Global Traveler! — Kim Krol, editor in chief