On the road for Nice2stay: encounters in Tuscany & Umbria
With a carefully mapped-out itinerary, Karlijn traveled through the heart of Tuscany and Umbria.
She visited ten unique accommodations, each with its own character, its own story — and above all: an authentic connection to the place where it stands. It became a journey of endless vistas, intimate encounters, and unforgettable flavors, all under a radiant spring sun.
A journey along winding roads and through quiet villages
Along the way, the landscape kept unfolding: rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, endless vineyards, and quiet villages seemingly frozen in time.
Encounters with passion and hospitality
The journey led Karlijn not only past beautiful accommodations but also to people, each bringing their own story.
At Villa Carnicelli, a lovingly restored house, she was warmly welcomed by the owners who spend their winters there.
Freshly baked cookies awaited her in the kitchen — a small but telling gesture of genuine hospitality.
Later, among the rolling vineyards, Karlijn discovered Colle Alberti Countryhouse — a modern and bright hotel, where she enjoyed a lavish breakfast in the morning and sampled wines from their own vineyard at the bar in the evening — a true tribute to the land.
Further along the route, she visited the apartments of Spereto, modern yet unmistakably rooted in the Tuscan landscape, offering sweeping views over the hills of Montaione.
At La Terrazza di Rosennano, Karlijn found a house that seemed to float above the valley, tucked away in an ancient hamlet where silence and history come together.
Sometimes it was the small details that lingered: the outdoor bathroom at Casa Ferioli, or the evening she shared an aperitivo with the welcoming owners of Villa Bagnolo.
In the soft glow of twilight, she tasted a traditional Umbrian Easter bread filled with cheese — a flavorful memory that would stay with her long after.
At Qi Villa & Spa, a luxurious hideaway near Lake Trasimeno, she met the owners who spend their summers in Cortona running a restaurant and bar.
Their hospitality seemed boundless, much like their passion for good food and the art of living.
And then there was Tenuta Saliano, where Karlijn not only stayed but also had the chance to sample wine straight from the barrel — pure, local, and full of character.
Everywhere along the way, Karlijn felt the same warm undercurrent: a deep love for the land, a dedication to quality, and a heartfelt desire not just to host guests but to make them feel truly at home.
The essence of Tuscany and Umbria
What made this journey so special was not only the beauty of the places she visited but above all, the encounters along the way.
Everywhere, Karlijn was welcomed with open arms and heartfelt stories — of family traditions, devoted restorations, and cherished dreams.
"You feel the authenticity in everything here — in the food, the landscape, the houses, and the people," Karlijn shares.
"It’s not just a destination you visit; it’s a place you truly experience and feel."
From ancient farmhouses to modern retreats, from expansive vineyards to intimate village squares — the soul of Tuscany and Umbria is tangible in every stone, every tree, and every smile.
Curious about the accommodations she visited?
Eager to discover the extraordinary places that left such an impression on Karlijn? She visited:
Each one is a true gem in our carefully curated collection in Tuscany and Umbria.
Discover our full collection on the Nice2stay website.
Why choose Umbria?