Tuscany through the eyes of Anne Vortmann
Product Manager at Nice2stay, Anne Vortmann lived and worked in Tuscany for five years. Not in the polished heart of Chianti or the picture-perfect Val d’Orcia, but in the lesser-known Casentino valley – a rural and forested part of Tuscany that still feels wild, quiet, and real. From medieval villages like Poppi and Stia to the sacred paths of La Verna, Anne’s Tuscany is one of authenticity, simplicity, and connection – to nature, to people, to something deeper.
“Tuscany grounded me. It taught me to slow down, to observe, to live more connected – to the land, to others, and to myself.”
What began as a temporary adventure turned into five transformative years. As a manager at Novanta, a remote hideaway high in the Casentino hills, I lived close to nature – and closer to the Italian way of life. I learned the language of the land, ate food that came from the garden or the neighbor’s farm, and watched the seasons shape the days.
I met people who didn’t speak English but welcomed me like family. I rode e-mountain bikes through forests, followed shepherds with their flocks, hiked for hours to remote chapels and springs. Tuscany became more than a place – it became a rhythm. A way of life.
My favorite places in Tuscany
- Casentino
Tuscany at its rawest and most spiritual. This quiet valley in eastern Tuscany is surrounded by forested hills and steeped in local tradition. Visit Poppi, with its fairytale castle and sweeping views, or Stia, where life still unfolds in the square. Don’t miss the hike to La Verna, the monastery where Saint Francis of Assisi received the stigmata – a sacred place, still a pilgrimage site today, full of silence, mist, and meaning.
For wine lovers, one of my favorite small wineries is Ornina, tucked away in the Casentino hills. Organic, soulful, and surrounded by beauty.
- Florence
There’s no place like Florence – Renaissance beauty, layers of history, and a vibrant local life. I love walking aimlessly through the streets, ending up at Piazzale Michelangelo for a sunset view over the rooftops. Visit the Uffizi, stroll across Ponte Vecchio, and stop for an Aperol Spritz at a terrace on Piazza Santo Spirito.
And don’t skip the Mercato Centrale – a lively indoor food hall where local producers, chefs, and artisans come together. It’s the perfect place to taste Tuscany in all its forms: from truffle panini to freshly made pasta.
- Val d’Orcia
The Tuscany of dreams – rolling hills, golden fields, cypress-lined roads. Pienza is a jewel of a town, small and perfectly formed, with views that make your heart stop. Montepulciano offers excellent wine, while Siena impresses with its medieval elegance. One of my favorite hidden places is the Abbazia di San Galgano, a roofless Gothic abbey surrounded by silence and mystery.
- Cortona
A classic Tuscan hilltown, full of charm and slow beauty. Come for the views, stay for a long lunch, and watch the afternoon light spill over the valley.
- Western Tuscany
This part of the region combines everything I love: charming historic towns, elegant vineyards, and a coastline that still feels authentic.
- Lucca is one of the most graceful towns in Tuscany – enclosed by Renaissance walls you can walk or cycle along, dotted with towers and tree-lined piazzas. Head further west and you’ll find the Etruscan coast, where vineyards meet the sea.
- Bolgheri, with its cypress-lined road and warm golden light, is not just beautiful – it’s also home to some of Italy’s finest wines. Skip the big names and visit a small family-run winery, where the stories are as rich as the reds. Stay for lunch under the pergola, with views over the vines and the scent of rosemary in the air.
- Island of Elba, for a true escape, the island of Elba is a dream. Just a short ferry ride away, but it feels like another world: hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, hiking trails through wild greenery. It’s Tuscany, unplugged.
Why Nice2stay feels at home here
Tuscany is in our DNA at Nice2stay – and my personal connection makes this region even more special. I’m proud of the accommodations we’ve selected: rustic farmhouses with soul, small boutique hotels where design meets tradition, and hidden retreats that let nature do the talking.
From elegant villas tucked between vineyards to warm, welcoming agriturismos where homemade olive oil is part of the breakfast – our collection reflects the rich variety of Tuscan life. These are places with a story, where you feel the land, the light, and the love for hospitality.
Novanta, where I worked and lived, is now part of our collection – and that feels like coming full circle.
We visit every property ourselves, get to know the people behind them, and choose with care.
Whether you're looking for a base for outdoor adventures, a slow-living escape with a view, a countryside villa for the whole family, or an agriturismo surrounded by olive groves – you’ll find something real here. Something memorable.
Practical: why Tuscany is always a good idea
Tuscany is incredibly accessible – whether you fly into Florence or Pisa, or drive in from France, Switzerland or Austria. It’s a year-round destination:
– Spring brings flowers, clear skies, and quiet roads
– Summer is perfect for long days, festivals, and rivers to cool off in
– Autumn is harvest time – truffles, chestnuts, wine – a season of abundance
– Even winter, with its crisp air and empty landscapes, has a meditative beauty
Anne’s tips for your trip to Tuscany
– Go off the beaten path: Casentino, Elba, Bolgheri – Tuscany’s soul is often found away from the crowds
– Take it slow: Let the land set the pace
– Eat like a local: Ribollita, grilled meats, Pecorino cheese, seasonal produce
– Stay somewhere with soul: Whether it’s a design villa or rustic agriturismo
– Get outside: Hike, bike, swim – Tuscany invites you to move and breathe
In conclusion
Tuscany is where I found beauty in simplicity. A region that grounds you, inspires you, and opens your senses. It’s a place where life still follows natural rhythms, where conversations matter, and where every view tells a story.
Whether you come for art, food, silence, or sunshine – Tuscany welcomes you as you are.
''I invite you to discover Tuscany – through my eyes, and at your own pace.''
– Anne Vortmann, Product Manager Nice2stay
Why choose Tuscany?