Italy has been my muse, my escape, and my home away from home. My lifelong passion for this enchanting country began in the early 1990s when I was a young professional dancer with the English National Ballet. Here’s a glimpse into my unforgettable journey through Italy—a love affair filled with dance, adventure, healing, and timeless beauty.

I like to think I’m a pretty savvy solo female traveller. While I’ve yet to venture long-haul (jet lag and ADHD don’t mix well!), I’ve traveled across Europe eight times—six of those trips to Italy.

There’s so much to consider when booking accommodation as a solo traveller. Safety is the most obvious factor, but cost is another big one. Many hotels charge single supplements, making solo stays more expensive. If you opt for self-catering, you’re covering the entire cost of an apartment or house on your own.

Having returned from Tuscany in mid-November, I was immediately desperate to go back. So, when I was offered the chance to house-sit at the same property I’d stayed in during my previous visit—this time over Christmas—I jumped at it. Before you could say “Buon Natale!”, I was searching for a flight from Bristol to Pisa.

When you think of Tuscany, iconic images often come to mind: the stunning architecture of Florence, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the cypress-lined roads of the Val D’Orcia. While these sights are must-see attractions, there’s another side to Tuscany—one that’s tucked away from the tourist crowds. These lesser-known gems offer a more authentic, serene experience, perfect for the traveller seeking hidden treasures.

When you think of Tuscany, iconic images often come to mind: the stunning architecture of Florence, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the cypress-lined roads of the Val D’Orcia. While these sights are must-see attractions, there’s another side to Tuscany—one that’s tucked away from the tourist crowds. These lesser-known gems offer a more authentic, serene experience, perfect for the traveller seeking hidden treasures.

It was a cold and wet Tuesday in March when I popped into The Byre to see what books Sarah had chosen for her shelves. I ran my eye over the selection of cookbooks and local interest section, and then onto the Fiction shelves.

And a slim, very inconspicuous book caught my eye.

The title read ‘The Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop’.

If someone asked me which region best represents the essence of Italy, my answer would undoubtedly be Tuscany. This enchanting region embodies everything you imagine when you think of Italy...

I’m the kind of girl who likes to live like a local. And that’s what I’ve done on every single trip since.

I’ve hired a car on every one of my Italian adventures except one, when I was staying in Milan for a week, and relied on my tiny size 3 feet and trains to get around.

We took boat rides to Portofino and sat at beachside restaurants for long lunches. Visited museums and galleries to escape the midday sun, and cooled down with mouthwatering Gelato after class while we prepared for the late evening performances.