I visited Borgo Finocchieto with my friend Annalisa Tempestini, from Fattoria Resta.  We enjoyed a wonderful welcome at the estate, and had a chance to meet with Marco.  After only a few moments at Borgo Finocchieto, I longed to share it with clients.  It was such an extraordinary place – quite, harmonious, and warm.  Everything about the estate was welcoming, and somehow familiar – a sublime balance of elegance and comfort.  Among a three-week whirlwind of activities, beautiful places, and glorious food, my afternoon at Borgo Finocchieto stands out as an exceptional and magical day.

Florence is home to some of the world’s most wonderful craftsmen and artisans, many of them carrying on ancient traditions.  I love to spend time visiting with perfume makers, ceramicists, glass blowers, leather workers, and experts in historical restoration.  Whenever I am in Florence, I set aside a day or two to stop in their ateliers.  I always learn something and it makes me feel wonderfully connected to the hum of this ancient city. On my most recent trip, I met with Saskia, a German-born, shoemaker who works in her studio of Via Santa Lucia and I had a chance to witness some professional art restorers who were hard at work.

When I am in Florence, I can think of no better way to beat the crowds than to arrange a private appointment at the Vasari Corridor.  What an unbelievable feeling to pass through an unmarked door in the Uffizi – a door that most visitors probably don’t even notice – into the cool, quiet of the Vasari Corridor portrait gallery.  The gallery is filled with self portraits – Andrea del Sarto, Rubens, Corot, Ingres, Delacroix, David, and Chagal to name a few.  It is actually the largest collection of self-portraits in the Western world; it is also one of the best aerial views to be had in the city.  Here I am all by myself, but when I bring seven guests on my Signature trip to Italy, I love to share the Vasari Corridor with them.