Under the Tuscan Sun

Recently, we visited Siena, one of our favourite places in Tuscany. Siena remains as it was in medieval times, well-preserved and completely devoid of cars. I was blown away by the charm of this city. It is so beautiful that I could sit on the Piazza del Campo sipping wine all day and watch the world goes by.

We also drove to San Gimignano where its 13th century architecture is so spectacular. It’s like a sleepier version of Siena, but with a flair all its own.

Our trip would not be complete without visiting a few wineries in the Chianti region. Its green gentle hills are alluringly sketched by miles of vineyards, olive groves and small stone villages. The gorgeous bucolic tuscan landscape seems to create a unique painting. The photos will speak for themselves.

Italy's Lake District

Lake Como is situated in Lombardy of Northern Italy. We flew into Milan Malpensa from where we took a train to Como Nord Lago. The lake is surrounded by beautiful villages as well as hiking paths. With mirror-like stretches of water and balmy climate, it's popular for boat trips and water activities.

We strolled through the lakeshores and saw so many stupendous villas on the wooded lakeside slopes.The grounds have exotic and lush plant growth. It seemed like everywhere we turned, we stumbled across yet another picture-perfect, postcard-quality scene.

To come to lake Como and not visit Bellagio would be a sin! We went on a panoramic cruise on the lake to Bellagio, which is at the end of a long mountainous promontory in the middle of the lake. It has breathtaking views with a waterfront promenade, two exquisite gardens to visit, and a number of cafés. We pottered around the picturesque lanes and cobbled streets and found many enticing boutiques, selling hand-made crafts made from wood or silk created by local craftsmen.

Lake Como is indeed a jewel- like oasis of tranquility and beauty! No wonder this enchanting place has attracted its fair share of artists, poets and celebrities like Richard Branson and George Clooney.