to
Tuscany

SO MUCH TO DO. SO LITTLE TIME.

In Italy they call it Paradiso in terra or Paradise on earth. Tuscany is a land of endless beauty. The rugged Apennine Mountains meet Chianti’s olive groves and vineyards that meander to meet the heart of Florentine culture and go on to kiss the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Even if you only have a day to explore this picturesque region of Italy, there is so much to do and so little time. Do you stand in line to view David and Botticelli’s masterpieces in the Accademia or the Uffizi? Do you marvel at the largest masonry dome ever built in the Duomo Basilica aka Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore? Do you sit by and eat a gelato in the birthplace of icecream? Or do you take a trip to the countryside to sample a snifter of Chianti? The Collective picks ways you can pack in 24 hours, and leave with memories of a lifetime.

A LIFE LESSON IN LEISURE

Drive a short way out of Florence and you come to the centre of Chianti country. Enjoy a prive tour at a vineyard like the storied Montemaggio. Sip a snifter with local cheese, fresh-baked bread and olive oil from their own farms.

Look out over countryside unchanged for generations, and you know that time has no meaning.

The Collective’s pick: Torre di Montemaggio Super Tuscan 1999

GCDS

Varsity Bomber Jacket

₹69000

DSquared2

Distressed Black Denims

₹170000

Versace Jeans Couture

Printed Collar Dress

₹30000

Michael Kors

Trunk Profile Bag

₹36000

If you’re not already at a café designed by Gaudi, head to the Casa Battló and La Pedrera, a 5 minutes walk from Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most upscale streets and probably where your hotel would be.

El Paradiso, or “Paradise” may seem like a regular pastrami sandwich shop from the outside, but as many things, there’s more than meets the eye. Beyond the white refrigerator of this pastrami shop lies an elegant speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Get lost in the unfamiliar flavours of the creatively crafted cocktails, vibrant and garnished with fresh herbs. Awarded the world’s best cocktail bar in the world in 2022, El Paradiso lives up to its reputation, giving you a night you won’t forget; or will.

Ted Baker

Floral Print Top

₹8000

Versace Jeans Couture

White Trousers

₹48500

DKNY

Satchel

₹42000

Dolce & Gabbana

Bordeaux Butterfly Acetate

₹17590

IS THIS LUNCH? OR IS THIS ART?

Indulge in an unforgettable meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Many of these iconic establishments offer stunning views of the countryside – a feast for all your senses. Our picks - • 1. Enoteca Pinchiorri, with 3 Michelin stars, is housed in an opulent palazzo in central Florence. • 2. Arnolfo, with 2 Michelin stars, in the tiny hilltop town of Colle di Val d’Elsa. • 3. Il Piccolo Principe, a 2 Michelin starred restaurant at seaside holiday town, Viareggio.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Blue Satin Letterman Jacket

₹59,500

Kenzo

Tiger Print Tee

₹16000

Versace Jeans Couture

Love Print Tee

₹24500

Ted Baker

Tiered Skirt

₹22000

PRIVE GALLERY TOURS

Say hello to David and the Medici Collection. Swing by Botticelli’s doors, climb the Duomo. Sigh at the Ponte Vecchio. And eat a gelato. Websites allow you to skip the queue and do the most notable “things-to-do” even as you compress thousands of years of art and culture into a day.

The Collective Takes Five: Sip some of the excellent single estate coffee at the Museum Café. And cleanse your mind-palate for more of the magnificent art.

Ted Baker

Pink Casual Dress

₹18000

Karl Lagerfeld

Croc textured shoulder bag

₹24000

Tom Ford

Oversize Silver Glasses

₹41190

Ted Baker

Printed Sneakers

₹14000

Romantic spa breaks for two or relaxing getaways – Tuscany is the perfect destination to de-stress. Enjoy luxe beauty treatments amid scenic views of the thermal springs or the vineyards.

Our picks -

• Fonteverde Tuscan Resort, centred on natural thermal springs with waters that have supposed to have healed Emperors since ancient times.
• Terme di Saturnia Spas, luxury set in idyllic surroundings – life can’t really be so perfect!
• Hotel Cala Del Porto, with views of Elba Island, stand-out Mediterranean cuisine, and an atmosphere you’ll never want to leave.

There’s an ancient saying that when you come to Tuscany you leave a bit of you behind. Create your own story in this enchanted piece of Paradise.