Where to? Tuscany, Italy

Why you’ll love it: Live out those Under the Tuscan Sun in northern Italy, home to gorgeous vineyards, sun-kissed Italian villas, stunning countryside, and plenty of history. To really explore the area at your own pace, you’ll want to rent a car and take it slow.

Start with the historic wine cellars at Montepulciano (try Nobile de Montepulciano at Contucci) where you can load up on a few bottles. Then make your way over to Montalcino to taste-test Brunellos at Salcheto winery. If it’s chiantis you’re craving, then make your way through Siena, with stops at Antinori and Castelli di Nipozzano.

Of course traveling in Tuscany is not all about wine. Stop off in tiny villages along the way to soak up freshly pressed olive oil with airy bread, eat al fresco, and sit around wondering why you don’t just move already.

Instead of staying in a hotel, book out your very own Tuscan villa. Websites such as Homeaway and Airbnb feature homes at various price points.

Fun fact: Tuscany has been producing wine for more than 3,000 years, since the time of the ancient Etruscans.

Get there: Fly into Florence with Alitalia or Air France (via Paris), KLM (via Amsterdam), Swiss (via Zurich), or Lufthansa (via Munich). Once there, your best bet is to hire a car and start exploring.

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