Tuscany, one of Italy’s most iconic regions, is a land of dreams—a patchwork of rolling vineyards, golden wheat fields, and cypress-lined roads that stretch toward the horizon. Medieval hill towns perch like jewels atop sunlit slopes, their stone walls whispering tales of centuries past. And then there’s Florence, the crown jewel of the Renaissance, so dazzling and storied it needs no introduction.
It’s also where I once worked in the fashion business, at Gucci, before the company uprooted itself, lock, stock, and barrel, all the way to London. (Though I’m pretty sure Gigia would have preferred a career in napping over fashion.)
From the earthy aroma of truffle-rich forests to the clinking of wine glasses in rustic trattorias, Tuscany is a feast for the senses, a place where history, art, and nature intertwine in perfect harmony.
Tuscany’s timeless beauty and rich culture are celebrated around the globe. And with Gigia leading the way, even the most iconic landscapes feel even more enchanting. Who knew a cat could steal the spotlight from the Renaissance?
Florence
Florence
Florence—a city so dazzling it needs no introduction, yet Gigia, with her quiet feline determination, managed to carve out her own quirky legacy in this Renaissance wonderland. Of course, one must visit the monuments Florence is renowned for, especially on a first-time visit: the Duomo, with its iconic dome; the San Giovanni Baptistery, with its gleaming bronze doors; and the Ponte Santa Trinita, offering postcard-perfect views of the Arno. But while humans lined up for a lightning-speed sprint through the Duomo, Gigia was content to admire it from afar, patrolling its perimeter like a tiny, furry sentinel. Who needs to climb 463 steps for a view when you can bask in the glory of Brunelleschi’s dome from the comfort of the piazza? Plus, her distinct tourist behaviour didn’t go unnoticed. Turns out, a cat striking poses and gazing thoughtfully at a cathedral is a surefire way to attract attention—and maybe a few admiring glances (and perhaps a stray meatball) from amused onlookers.
But Gigia’s Florentine adventures weren’t all ancient stones and solemn gazes. Down in the underground shopping centre of the Stazione Santa Maria Novella, she stumbled upon a modern marvel: digital waves. Yes, fake water. And let’s just say, she was impressed. Who knew technology could make her feel like she was at the beach while surrounded by gelato shops and souvenir stalls? For a moment, she considered pouncing—until she remembered she was, in fact, on solid ground.
Florence is also a city of cafés, ranging from the trendy Rooster Café to the elegant Caffè dell’Opera, not to mention the historic Gilli, a destination in its own right. But for Gigia, the real stars of the show were the lampredotto trucks dotted around town. Forget the ones in the market (though the market is a lovely place)—she preferred the street-side carts, where the tripe-filled sandwiches are served with a side of Florentine charm. For Gigia, lampredotto wasn’t just a snack—it was a cultural experience, a reminder that even in a city of towering domes and golden masterpieces, the simplest pleasures are often the most satisfying.
In the end, Gigia’s Florentine escapade was a perfect blend of old and new, grandeur and whimsy. From the Duomo’s awe-inspiring facade to the digital waves below, she left her paw prints—both literal and metaphorical—on a city that never fails to surprise, delight, and occasionally baffle. And who knows? Maybe one day, Florence will erect a statue in her honour: “Gigia, the Distinct Admirer of Domes and Connoisseur of Lampredotto.” A cat can dream.
Eat & Drink
Florence
Florence—a city so dazzling it needs no introduction, yet Gigia, with her quiet feline determination, managed to carve out her own quirky legacy in this Renaissance wonderland. Of course, one must visit the monuments Florence is renowned for, especially on a first-time visit: the Duomo, with its iconic dome; the San Giovanni Baptistery, with its gleaming bronze doors; and the Ponte Santa Trinita, offering postcard-perfect views of the Arno. But while humans lined up for a lightning-speed sprint through the Duomo, Gigia was content to admire it from afar, patrolling its perimeter like a tiny, furry sentinel. Who needs to climb 463 steps for a view when you can bask in the glory of Brunelleschi’s dome from the comfort of the piazza? Plus, her distinct tourist behaviour didn’t go unnoticed. Turns out, a cat striking poses and gazing thoughtfully at a cathedral is a surefire way to attract attention—and maybe a few admiring glances (and perhaps a stray meatball) from amused onlookers.
But Gigia’s Florentine adventures weren’t all ancient stones and solemn gazes. Down in the underground shopping centre of the Stazione Santa Maria Novella, she stumbled upon a modern marvel: digital waves. Yes, fake water. And let’s just say, she was impressed. Who knew technology could make her feel like she was at the beach while surrounded by gelato shops and souvenir stalls? For a moment, she considered pouncing—until she remembered she was, in fact, on solid ground.
Florence is also a city of cafés, ranging from the trendy Rooster Café to the elegant Caffè dell’Opera, not to mention the historic Gilli, a destination in its own right. But for Gigia, the real stars of the show were the lampredotto trucks dotted around town. Forget the ones in the market (though the market is a lovely place)—she preferred the street-side carts, where the tripe-filled sandwiches are served with a side of Florentine charm. For Gigia, lampredotto wasn’t just a snack—it was a cultural experience, a reminder that even in a city of towering domes and golden masterpieces, the simplest pleasures are often the most satisfying.
In the end, Gigia’s Florentine escapade was a perfect blend of old and new, grandeur and whimsy. From the Duomo’s awe-inspiring facade to the digital waves below, she left her paw prints—both literal and metaphorical—on a city that never fails to surprise, delight, and occasionally baffle. And who knows? Maybe one day, Florence will erect a statue in her honour: “Gigia, the Distinct Admirer of Domes and Connoisseur of Lampredotto.” A cat can dream.
Eat & Drinks
Florence
Florence—a city so dazzling it needs no introduction, yet Gigia, with her quiet feline determination, managed to carve out her own quirky legacy in this Renaissance wonderland. Of course, one must visit the monuments Florence is renowned for, especially on a first-time visit: the Duomo, with its iconic dome; the San Giovanni Baptistery, with its gleaming bronze doors; and the Ponte Santa Trinita, offering postcard-perfect views of the Arno. But while humans lined up for a lightning-speed sprint through the Duomo, Gigia was content to admire it from afar, patrolling its perimeter like a tiny, furry sentinel. Who needs to climb 463 steps for a view when you can bask in the glory of Brunelleschi’s dome from the comfort of the piazza? Plus, her distinct tourist behaviour didn’t go unnoticed. Turns out, a cat striking poses and gazing thoughtfully at a cathedral is a surefire way to attract attention—and maybe a few admiring glances (and perhaps a stray meatball) from amused onlookers.
But Gigia’s Florentine adventures weren’t all ancient stones and solemn gazes. Down in the underground shopping centre of the Stazione Santa Maria Novella, she stumbled upon a modern marvel: digital waves. Yes, fake water. And let’s just say, she was impressed. Who knew technology could make her feel like she was at the beach while surrounded by gelato shops and souvenir stalls? For a moment, she considered pouncing—until she remembered she was, in fact, on solid ground.
Florence is also a city of cafés, ranging from the trendy Rooster Café to the elegant Caffè dell’Opera, not to mention the historic Gilli, a destination in its own right. But for Gigia, the real stars of the show were the lampredotto trucks dotted around town. Forget the ones in the market (though the market is a lovely place)—she preferred the street-side carts, where the tripe-filled sandwiches are served with a side of Florentine charm. For Gigia, lampredotto wasn’t just a snack—it was a cultural experience, a reminder that even in a city of towering domes and golden masterpieces, the simplest pleasures are often the most satisfying.
In the end, Gigia’s Florentine escapade was a perfect blend of old and new, grandeur and whimsy. From the Duomo’s awe-inspiring facade to the digital waves below, she left her paw prints—both literal and metaphorical—on a city that never fails to surprise, delight, and occasionally baffle. And who knows? Maybe one day, Florence will erect a statue in her honour: “Gigia, the Distinct Admirer of Domes and Connoisseur of Lampredotto.” A cat can dream.
Eat & Drinks
Porto Ercole (GR)
Porto Ercole
Porto Ercole: Salt, Secrets & Sun-Drenched Drama Let’s be honest—Porto Ercole was never just another pretty fishing village. This sun-baked jewel on Tuscany’s wild Argentario coast has always thrived on drama. The Spanish built fortress walls thick enough to withstand cannon fire (and apparently, hangovers—Caravaggio famously croaked here in 1610 after one hell of a bender). The Medici schemed. Pirates lurked. And today? Billionaires park their yachts where smugglers once unloaded contraband. Just inland, Capalbio (GR) perches like a golden crown atop its hill—the medieval yin to Porto Ercole’s maritime yang. This honey-stoned village, once the Medici’s favorite hunting retreat, now lures artists and aristocrats with its dusky pink sunsets and hidden wine bars. Where Porto Ercole flaunts its sea salt and celebrity yachts, Capalbio whispers of truffle hunts in the Maremma woods and midnight passeggiate along Etruscan walls. Gigia, never one to miss a good spectacle, claimed her royal box seat atop the old borgo’s crumbling ramparts. Below her, the Tyrrhenian put on its daily show: turquoise waves licking at 16th-century bastions, bronzed Italians arguing over anchovy prices, and some poor soul inevitably realizing their rented Ferrari won’t fit through the medieval alleyways. She yawned. Seen it all before. Because Porto Ercole’s real magic isn’t in the glamorous marina or the €50-a-plate seafood pasta (though darling, try the bottarga). It’s in the way Capalbio’s medieval shadows dance with the port’s sparkling lights—two sides of the same golden coin, connected by winding roads lined with umbrella pines. The sirocco wind still carries whispers of dead artists, Spanish soldiers, and one supremely unimpressed cat—all agreeing this view was worth killing (or at least napping) for. From "Whiskers & Wars: A Cat’s Guide to Italy’s Most Scandalous Shores"
Eat & Drink
Others
Palazzo dei Governanti
Saturnia (GR)
Saturnia
The landscape exhales here. At Terme di Saturnia, nature has crafted its own cathedral - steaming waterfalls cascading over sculpted travertine terraces, their mineral-rich waters maintaining a constant 37°C warmth that has soothed everyone from Etruscan warriors to modern wellness seekers. The Mulino waterfalls, named for the ancient mill they once powered, create natural whirlpool baths where the morning mist dances with rising steam in an eternal waltz. Nearby, the medieval villages of southern Tuscany stand sentinel over this watery wonder. Saturnia itself perches modestly above its famous springs, its Etruscan roots still visible in the weathered stone walls. A short drive away, Manciano crowns its hill like a watchful guardian, offering panoramic views across the Maremma's rolling landscape. Closer still, the honey-colored walls of Montemerano encircle a postcard-perfect piazza where time moves to the rhythm of church bells and casual conversation. While her human surrendered to the thermal waters' embrace, Gigia demonstrated her own version of relaxation - curled up inside her camper-backpack with only her nose visible, observing the steam rising from her mobile observation post. The occasional twitch of her whiskers suggested either approval of these natural wonders or amusement at human rituals - with Gigia, one can never be entirely certain. At Saturnia, the earth offers its warmth freely, the villages guard their ancient charms, and even visiting cats find their perfect comfort - whether in mineral-rich pools or in the familiar cocoon of a well-loved backpack.
