By: Nancy Esteves
For honeymooners or couples looking for a unique romantic getaway, the Tuscany region in Italy is one of the world’s top romantic destinations. Whether you combine it with other European destinations or just decide to breakaway in Tuscany, thereFor honeymooners or couples looking for a unique romantic getaway, the Tuscany region in Italy is one of the world’s top romantic destinations. Whether you combine it with other European destinations or just decide to breakaway in Tuscany, there are plenty of romantic things to be experienced. And for those that like to travel solo, what a perfect spot to meet that special someone…

Photos Courtesy: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa
ROMANCING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE TUSCANY REGION
– Castle Hopping A tour of the castles in Tuscany is exactly what you need to feel like you’re in a fairy tale romance. Some of the most luxurious: Castello Banfi Il Borgo, Villa Mangiacane and Castello di Spaltenna.
– Take a Sunset walk along the beach There are beautiful beaches nestled in the Tuscany coastline and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. The beaches like Marina di Carrara, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Camaiore, Viareggio located in Versilia region are more upscale and the Livorno region boasts some of the most popular beaches.
– Take a dip with your partner in the natural hot springs Tuscany is a region with great geothermal activity. Some of the most popular natural-hot water pools and waterfalls are Saturnia, Bagno Vignoni, Petriolo or San Filippo.
– Have a picnic/wine tasting in the countryside of Chianti and Valdorcia The Val D’Orcia has been put into the UNESCO World Heritage sites because of its rustic beauty. The Chianti hills and vineyards are a great place to have an romantic picnic with some wine samplings. If you’re a wine lover, you won’t have to go too far to explore a range of organic vineyards nearby, like Podere Concori.
– Take a romantic stroll through a medieval village and view Renaissance era art and architecture Quaint, medieval picturesque towns like Lucca and Barga, Castiglione del Garfagnana and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana will take you back to a time of chivalrous romance.
-Book a stay in the mountainous Serchio Valley, in the heart of Tuscany A little over an hour from Florence and Pisa, the Serchio Valley is a not-so-touristy, quiet retreat. The Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa sits between the Apuan and Appenine Mountains in this breathtaking Serchio Valley, right smack in the heart of Italy. It’s surrounded by local wineries, medieval towns and authentic restaurants. Seated atop a hill of an expansive two mile estate named Il Ciocco, the Renaissance Tuscany is just minutes away from the picturesque town of Barga. The hotel features 180 rooms with 51 balcony deluxe suites with unobstructed views of the mountains and has a pool overlooking the valley, an indoor pool and hammam, two restaurants and a lounge, cooking classes, wine tastings, and hiking trails.
Authentic Tuscan meals here are made with fresh handpicked ingredients by the resort’s chefs. Sommeliers are also on hand to assist with choosing the ideal wine pairing and you can sample some of the wines from the nearby biodynamic vineyards, like Podere Concori.
The property’s 8,600 square-foot spa offers a range of treatments that utilize indigenous ingredients from the valley, like chestnut honey, olives, wine, and mint herbs. There’s even wine therapy – a candlelit bath in Montecarlo wine and a full body massage with grape seed oil.
Couples can enjoy body scrubs using spices, body massage, and candlelit bath in a private suite cabin. In Italy, people like to “mangiare”(eat) a lot. In addition to the restaurants in the hotel, the region offers many award winning restaurants and cafes.
Upcoming Music Festivals – Every July nearby town, Lucca, has a summer music festival. Barga also has a well-known jazz festival, taking place every