When you travel, there are places you visit that leave you it utter awe, some others that shake up your cultural concepts and then, there’s those that warm your heart and make you feel at home. The latter is true about Italy in my case; after all, any society that worships food & sun as much as I do, is bound to leave a mark on my diary.
Our trip to Tuscany was a long awaited event this year and, oh man, it really didn’t disappoint. We got to meet a close friend of mine that moved from Cambridge to this stunning Italian region where food overflows the plates, people smile at you when passing by and the summer light bathes the streets with the most beautiful colours that the human eye can perceive. Do you think I am exaggerating? Have a look by yourself!
Viareggio and Lucca
We spent one and a half days in Viareggio, a seaside city surrounded by marble mountains to the west of Tuscany. It is a summer destination for nationals and tourists alike. Its sandy beach is kilometres long and behind it, there is a promenade flanked by numerous Italian leather and fashion shops, gelaterias and romantic buildings. We went for a walk there on our first night, ice-cream in hand, and were pleasantly surprised to find a lively buzzing city on a summer night.
#butfirstpizza
The second day was well spent by the sea. Although my beach pictures are not blog-worthy, I can tell you this pale skin soaked up on vitamin D like there’s no tomorrow. We also treated ourselves to deep fried fruti di mari while listening to the swaying waves. Tell me if that’s not the perfect Saturday plan…
Once our skin was on the verge of turning lobster-red, we got ready for the next adventure: a ride up the marble mountains to admire the breathtaking sunset amongst the cypresses in La Culla and have dinner at a typical Tuscan restaurant, Casa Luciano, where they served homemade meat-stuffed tordelli and other regional delicacies. I thought I’d dress up for the occasion and so I was finally able to wear this amazing floral print dress that made me feel like an authentic Italian mamma!
After two magical days in the west, we left the coast and headed off to the interior in order to visit the walled city of Lucca on our way to Florence. Lucca is an atypical Tuscan city known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls surrounding the old town and for being the birthplace of Puccini, the famous opera composer. Nowadays, the top part of the walls is a pedestrian promenade lined up with trees where tourists and locals can cycle, jog or have a walk while overlooking the old city rooftops. Apparently these walls were also used for racing cars back in the days, which tells you how wide their walkable part is!
La piazza dell’anfiteatro in the centre of Lucca’s old town, with its perfect elliptical shape, was once the marketplace of the city, but it’s now a buzzing area filled with restaurants, craft shops and cafés: a must see if you ever visit! Other thing we enjoyed about this little Tuscan gem was the many XII century churches that are very well preserved, displaying contrasting marbles and cake-like layers of statues and ornaments in their facades. These below are some shots of the San Cristoforo and the San Michele in Foro churches. Picture us walking with our necks twisted upwards while trying not to slam any obstacles along the way 😉
For this occasion, a light wear and comfortable ensemble was appropriate, so a new pair of flowy culottes for an all-black look with pops of red was my choice. Didn’t I tell you culottes are a girls’ best friend in summer? I stand by it over and over again. Next stop… FLORENCE!
Florence
After having some more pizza and gelatto in Lucca (is there ever too much of this pair?), we drove off to Florence before sunset, last stop of our trip and a city I was very much looking forward to getting acquainted with…
A stormy sunset overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, our first glimpse of the imposing cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, the hyperrealistic sculptures adorning every piazza, the many quaint little streets flanked by pink facades and wooden shutters… the list of memories is endless.
It may have been my dire need of a new landscape, but while visiting Florence, I took everything in eagerly, the colours looking deeper, the light shining brighter, the air tasting sweeter…
I thought for a while about how to describe this city that you may have heard of a thousand times before, and whether I should make a list with recommended spots, but the truth is that we were on a fairly relaxed mood when we got there, so we put ourselves in the trusted hands of a local (thanks, Nico!), and only worried about the next meal and ice-cream of the day instead of trying to tick things off a list.
Therefore we did visit some of the uber-famous attractions of the city, but we mostly walked random streets, had deep conversations, ate more than we should have, avoided queues, discovered hidden corners of Florence and fabricated memories that we will cherish forever. We snapped some of those memories along the way, of course, so I won’t apologise for the number of pictures but rather hope that you will feel like you were on the trip with us, even if for a moment ♥
Frames of the cathedral’s facade and of the baptistery’s Gates of Paradise
Reproduction of The Kidnapping of the Sabine Women in Piazza della Signoria
Reproduction of Michelangelo’s David in front of the Palazzo della Signoria
We definitely left things for another trip to Tuscany, where we hope to find the same welcoming atmosphere that made us feel at home this time. Ciao, bella Italia, e a presto!
Have you ever visited Florence or Tuscany? What was your favourite thing about it?
Hope you have the most amazing week, glamistas, and to my British friends, enjoy the long weekend!
Peace & Love
Saida
Steal4Style
21st September 2017 at 6:24 pmNunca he estado en Italia, pero me encantaría. Entre los primeros sitios que me gustaría visitar está Florencia, que siempre me ha llamado muchísimo. Las fotos me han parecido una pasada!! Y tus looks súper cómodos y con un toque italiano que me ha flipado. Me alegro de que disfrutaras del viaje. Desde luego se ve un viaje súper especial. Un besazo, Saida!
Steal4Style.com
Straight A Style
2nd September 2017 at 1:44 amLooks SO amazing! Love all your chic travel looks too.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Saida
9th September 2017 at 10:32 amThank you so, dear Amy!
Christine Kong
2nd September 2017 at 12:21 amItaly is one of my favorite countries and I love that you went off the typical touristy cities and explored Lucca and Viareggio in addition to Florence. I’ve heard Lucca is beautiful and a great place to live so it was nice to see some photos. I’ve been to Florence before and love the architecture there as well as the culture. Love your vacay outfits – they are so chic! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Saida
9th September 2017 at 10:34 amIt was definitely a great call to go off the traditional destinations, and the fact that we were being shown around by a local made it all the more interesting. Thanks so much for stopping by, Christine ♥
Kim
1st September 2017 at 12:28 amGorgeous travel diary! I am in love with your gingham crop top and would love to own a pair of culottes someday. The architecture there looks amazing! I have never visited either Tuscany or Florence, but as you could guess, they are on my bucket list!
Kim | Simply Lovebirds
Saida
9th September 2017 at 10:32 amI am sure you would love it there Kim, it’s really an inspiring region for so many reasons! And yes, I totally agree you should get a pair of culottes, they are the comfiest and very stylish if you ask me 🙂
Jessica
31st August 2017 at 3:34 amI love photo diary posts like this, makes me feel like I’ve been to Tuscany myself. ha! Your photos are nicely done as well. Also, I love your outfits, especially that cute gingham top!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 9:29 amThanks a million Jessica, your photo diaries always inspire some serious wanderlust in me, so I couldn’t be happier that you enjoyed this one ♥ Oh, and I also love that crop gingham top!
Amy
31st August 2017 at 12:33 amOh my goodness, what gorgeous photos! Tuscany has long been on my bucket list. I love your sun soaked images that captured this gorgeous place beautifully.
xx, Amy
https://www.theluxilook.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:49 amI couldn’t not make the most of every sunny corner I found, it was so much fun to play with the shadows and actually have to plan outfits for a summery trip, hahaha. Big hugs, dear Amy
WhatWouldVWear
30th August 2017 at 8:31 pmAbsolutely love your travel diary! Tuscany is undoubtedly VERY beautiful and you are as gorgeous, as always!
Happy Wednesday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:48 amThanks a bunch, my sweet Vanessa, I think the backdrop made everything look prettier 🙂
carmitive
29th August 2017 at 9:50 pmWow Saida this looks like you had an amazing time in Tuscany! I just loved scrolling through your impressions and your photos are so amazing. You are making me feel some Italian vibes right away 🙂
Have a good week <3 xx, Carmen – http://carmitive.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:47 amIt was a memorable trip, Carmen, you know how beautiful Italy is! I have been enjoying your pics as well 😉 Happy day, love!
Nistha Saraf
29th August 2017 at 12:52 pmI am loving all the pages of this diary❤️❤️You look stunning
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/dress-like-a-million-dollar-smile/
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:46 amSo glad you enjoyed reading, beautiful Nistha! Hope you are having the best week, babe
Siffat Haider
29th August 2017 at 4:08 amTuscany is one of my favourite places in the world. Florence took my breath away. Your pictures are stunning, they are making me so excited to go back later this year!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:46 amAhh, lucky you Siff, it’s a beautiful way to put it and it definitely was what I experience. I will surely go back soon! 🙂 Enjoy your trip!!
Yana
29th August 2017 at 2:57 amWhat an amazing photo diary! I love your floral dress. Very cute! 🙂
http://www.lifeofardor.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:45 amThank you sweetie!
Len Parent
28th August 2017 at 8:42 pmYou bag is to die for, Saida! Love your floral dress though. You are so flawless!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Have a wonderful week!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:45 amAwww, thank you so so much Len, it makes me really happy that you liked the looks! Sending love back
The Fashion Folks
28th August 2017 at 7:01 pmI would love to visit Tuscany, it looks way too dreamy though! Hahah would also love to go for all the food, yes please to all the pizzas haha. Have a lovely week babe! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:21 amPizza everyday! I was so spoilt during that long weekend, hehehe. Hope you can visit Tuscany one day, it’s totally worthy!
Andreea Birsan
28th August 2017 at 6:34 pmOMG, your post made me even more excited about going to Tuscany! Can’t waiiiiit any longer! Glad that you got to see your friend again and you spend some quality time together. Will have to visit some of those beautiful places as well, but unfortunately I’ll be staying in there only for 5 nights ;(. Wishing you a great week ahead! x
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:20 amI am sure you will love it babe, 5 nights should be plenty to visit the city of Florence and do a little trip to a neighbouring village with Italian charm. I can already picture your amazing photos in my head!
violettedaily
28th August 2017 at 7:26 amI would loooove to go to Tuscany it looks so beautiful! I love all these outfit and I hope you had an amazing time there!
http://violettedaily.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:19 amThanks Violette, it was a great weekend indeed!
didieryhc
28th August 2017 at 6:03 amSounds like you had a wonderful trip! I’ve always wanted to visit Florence (and Italy in general). The art. The shopping. THE FOOD. It must have been dreamy!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:19 amYou totally should if you have a chance Didier, this area in particular is one to be explored long and wide! ♥
brazilianflare
28th August 2017 at 1:17 amThese photos are gorgeous! and every outfit you wore I loved! I adore how Italy is enriched with so much culture and art.
Saida
9th September 2017 at 8:18 amThank you so much Maria, I love Italy for those reasons as well (but mostly for the food, haahaha)
Demilade
27th August 2017 at 7:16 pmOoh such a nice travel diary! All your outfits were on point too, love them all. Italy is the number one spot on my wanderlust list, I cannot wait to go haha. I think it’s great that you just had loads of lovely food and walked around for the most part when you were in Florence. That sounds so nice. xx
Coco Bella Blog
Saida
27th August 2017 at 10:49 pmAwww thanks a million Demilade, you are always so sweet! You should definitely visit Italy when you have a chance, it’s a country full of flavours and colours, the perfect antidote to our grey English skies 🙂