La Vida Bella: Firenze

Galleria Degli Uffizi

The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Tuscany. Originally commissioned in 1560 to house government officials, it later became a museum and opened to visitors in 1765. Along with Rome's Vatican Museum, the Uffizi is one of the two most visited museums in Italy. It holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art (including the The Birth of Venus, La Primavera by Botticelli, Bacchus by Caravaggio, and Doni Tondo by Michelangelo). Some travel advice: try to visit later in the day to help avoid crowds. www.uffizi.it

Il Duomo

One of Florence’s most popular sites is Il Duomo ('the cathedral'). Construction on this building began in 1296; today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site that covers the city of Florence. Filippo Brunelleschi (the father of Renaissance architecture) engineered the building's famous dome, which remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. It's best highlight is the view from the top where you can get a panoramic look at Florence's iconic tiled rooftops.

in 1784, Pietro Leopoldo, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, founded the Galleria dell’Accademia as a teaching facility for students of the Academy of Fine Arts, on this very site. As time has passed, the Accademia has been refined and upgraded with incredible works of art from around the world.

www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en

Italian Cooking 101

Discover the secrets of Tuscan cuisine during a full-day experience, including a market visit and a cooking class, topped off with a 4-course lunch. The day starts with shopping for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. bit.ly/kktuscany

Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze

The Accademia houses some of the world's most treasured artwork and important Italian artifacts. It's impossible to think about the Accademia without mentioning that it is home to David– Michelangelo’s 17 foot tall Renaissance-era masterpiece. Initially, the structure that houses the Accademia was originally a convent and hospital. However,

Sailing The Tuscan Coast

Tuscany has a long coastline with plenty of variety. You can choose to visit a ‘bagno‘ in Versilia in the North, the glitzy resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, or the tranquil shores of Tirrenia and Marina di Pisa. The furtherer South you go, the clearer the water becomes. For true sea lovers, there’s no better place than the Maremma; it boasts beautifully clear water, incredible sunsets, and the Uccellina Park nature reserve. The best time to visit is during the Summer months, anytime from June to September.

Accessories, clockwise from left Raffia Tote Bag

Hand-woven with raffia, this tote includes an inner pocket, linen lining, and a metal closure.

T100015 one size $178

Turquoise Hoop Earrings

These stunning one-of-a-kind earrings are composed of miniature turquoise stones, individually hand-carved and set into a sterling silver hoop. Each piece was made by Native American silversmiths in New Mexico.

E100022 one size $375

'Tuscany Marvel' Book

This beautiful Assouline book highlights Tuscany, Italy's source of endless inspiration.

D100039 one size $95

Gold Bangle Bracelet

Fair Trade Certified™. Made by hand in Kenya, this solid brass cuff features brushed accents and an organic shape. B300009 one size $48

A lightweight tiered dress with a tie at the waist for shape-defining detail. Pair with turquoise accessories for an easy, effortless look. 100% Viscose. Black pebble

Straw Panama Hat

A black ribbon wraps the crown of this Panama-style hat, with a wide brim that offers protection from the sun. one size $68