Tenuta Lupinari

People often ask me, “what is the best way to see and experience Tuscany?” There are lots of ways to experience this gorgeous region around Florence. You can take day trips from Florence and Siena (the regions two important centers) by car, vespa, and even horse to explore the countryside. You can do a wine tour and visit some of the amazing vineyards, or you can road trip through the countryside from hill town to stunning hill town. But if you truly want to experience the charm and culture of the Tuscan countryside, then you need to stay at a place like the Tenuta Lupinari.

Tenuta Lupinari is a luxury agritourismo in the heart of Tuscany (centrally located between Siena and Florence). The estate includes a historic castle, B&B style apartments for guests, relaxing swimming pool, and vineyards and olive groves from which the estate produces there own wine and olive oil. There is also an excellent restaurant where their chef, Angela, prepares traditional Tuscan delights.

Staying in Tuscany is a much different experience than visiting for a day. I was lucky enough to stay a couple nights at the gorgeous Tenuta Lupinari for the Kaleidotour I took part in earlier this month. It is so quiet and peaceful compared to the craziness of Florence. I loved getting up early and strolling through the vineyards and olive trees and relaxing by the pool in the afternoons. Not only are the grounds of the estate stunningly beautiful and well-kept, it is also a family owned and run operation. And they really do treat you like family!

The best part about the estate is that, thanks to it’s central location, you can easily visit all of the major cities of Tuscany (Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, etc.). So you don’t have to choose between city or country life, you can have the best of both worlds! If you are planning a holiday in Italy and want to experience the charm of Tuscany, definitely bookmark the Tenuta Lupinari!

Postcards from Santorini: Day 2

For my second day in Santorini, I wanted to get up early to see the sunrise and Oia. You’re probably thinking “Oia, again?” but I loved it so much I actually visited it three times out of my four days on the island! Call me crazy but I wanted to photograph this unique city (village?) in different light - morning, afternoon, and sunset.

I was so glad I forced myself to get up early because Oia was gorgeous at sunrise and basically empty, which was wonderful! Armed with my tripod and camera I wandered down countless little alleys and winding paths. I just can’t get enough of those stunning blue domes!

After grabbing a quick coffee and a tasty mushroom and leek pie at the super friendly Skiza Cafe (this was my go-to coffee and snack spot), I left Oia and headed to the capital city of Fira. It is a bit confusing, but I finally figured out that Thera is the old name of the island and Fira the capital, but now these are sometimes used interchangeably. However, I discovered that following the signs to Thera and Fira both took me to the same city. I found that navigating the island was very easy. You simply follow the signs, and since there aren’t that many main roads, it is hard to get lost.

Fira has a much different feel from Oia. Oia is well-manicured and elegant, even the main street is marble lined, while Fira is vibrant and bustling (it is also where all of the cruise ships dock and disembark). After strolling the busy shopping streets and sampling several versions baklava at the many bakeries, I headed down to the old port.

The street that leads down to the port is famous for its (rather unruly) donkeys. I knew I would see donkeys, but I had no idea I would see that many donkeys. Not only are there a ton of them, but they are a little crazy (and surprisingly well accessorized!). They definitely do what they want (they don’t keep left or right), and at one point I found myself surrounded, but they are friendly and it is a fun experience. For the way back up, however, I spared both my legs and the donkeys and rode the cable car for 5 euro.

After long but exciting day of exploring, I hoped back on my four-wheeler and headed home for another amazing meal at Metaxy Mas!

Postcards from Santorini: Day 1

As you can see Santorini was a blue and white dream! As I type this, I am exhausted from four jam-packed days and a flight delay getting back to Florence. But I was too excited not to post my first day of photos. I’ve decided to share a set of postcards and a recap of what I did for each day (so brace yourselves for three more posts!).

After arriving the night before and getting settled in my adorable traditional Greek island house (which was an incredible value), I awoke early the next day. The first order of business was renting my four-wheeler for the duration of my stay. When I booked my accommodations I did not realize just how remote it was. Don’t worry, staying in one of the smaller, more traditional towns, turned out to be an amazing accident. I assumed that I could take the bus, but the lovely Maria of Morning Star advised me to rent a four-wheeler. She said that was how everyone got around and it was the best advice! Not only was the four-wheeler a blast to drive, but it gave me the freedom and flexibility to explore all of the island (it cost me 90 euros for my entire stay, plus 10 euros of gas).

Armed with my four-wheeler (and still a bit uneasy at the wheel), I scooted to the nearby town of Pyrgos (first three photos). Pyrgos, unlike many of the other more manicured and touristy towns on the island, is very charming and much more traditional. It’s tiny streets are full of white-washed houses with bright blue doors. You will find the occasional donkey resting in the square, little shops selling their wares, affordable and delicious cafes, and gorgeous domed churches. On top of the town is an old castle that is definitely worth exploring (and be sure to stop at Franco’s Bar).

After spending the morning in Pyrgos, I was ready and excited to hit the road to Oia. As you will see from my photos, I spent a lot of time in Oia. But, I also made sure to explore the other cities and parts of the island. While Oia is picture perfect, I think it’s a shame when travelers never leave it.

I don’t know if anyone else is this way, but when I travel I usually have a couple of photo goals in mind. For example, I knew I wanted a picture of Oia’s iconic three blue domes. I spent hours google mapping and researching how to find just the right angle. So when I arrived to Oia, I set out to find them. Fortunately, they are fairly easy to find (there is a street you turn left on after you pass a gorgeous blue-domed church and just before a fancy jewelry store). After taking countless pictures of these domes, I wandered around the city for a couple hours getting lost and taking a ton of photos.

Since I was new to four-wheeling, I decided not to stay for the famous Oia sunset on my first night, since it meant I would have to drive home in the dark. So I headed back to my hotel, which just happened to be next to what the locals told me was one of the best restaurants on the island, Metaxy Mas. Apparently it’s so good they were booked solid for my entire stay. But they were kind enough to prepare some dishes for me to go (and some wine!), which I enjoyed on my balcony overlooking the sea (pure heaven!).

Check back Thursday for my recap of day two!

Outfit: Pardon My French

jacket (old, similar) // tee // skirt (sold out, last seen here, similar here and here) // bag // shoes (also love these) // sunnies

Apologies for the lack of a post Friday. I had planned on sharing more info on the amazing and enchanting Tenuta Lupinari (from last weekend’s Kaleidotour), but I was having way too much fun in Santorini. So I have rescheduled that post for this Friday. Until then, however, prepare yourselves for a barrage of Santorini photos this week and next (I have been furiously editing and trying to narrow down my favorites).

But back to this post... How cute is this “Pardon My French Tee?” One of the members of my squad, Kelly, makes the most adorable, and perfectly cheeky, t-shirts and sweatshirts. This tee is super soft and comfortable and I love how it looks paired with my red gingham skirt and (faux) leather jacket. I have been pondering whether or not to invest in a real leather jacket while in Florence, but with so few traditional leather artisans left in the city, I can’t decide if it’s worth it. I will keep you posted.

We shot this look in my favorite piazza in Florence, Piazza Republica, after downing iced coffees at nearby Gilli. It has been so nice in Florence and the perfect temperature for a light jacket, but not yet chilly enough to break out the tights, a.k.a. weather perfection.

Happy Monday!

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Packing for Santorini

Is there any better way to say farewell to summer than crossing a Greek Island off your bucket list? I think not. At the end of July, Vuleing had an amazing sale on airfare and I scooped up super cheap tickets (direct from Florence, no less) to Santorini. Santorini has long been on my bucket list, and I am excited to explore the island, take a ton of pictures, and eat all the Greek food!

Here is what I am packing for my end of summer adventure. It looks like the weather will be amazing - highs in the eighties, lows in the sixties, and clear skies.

Following me on Instagram and Snapchat (HinHH) for lots of updates!

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Kaleidotour 2015

Have you ever heard of the term “bespoke travel?” I have seen this phrase popping up more and more recently. The term bespoke was originally used in tailoring and denoted when an article of clothing was custom-made to fit an individual. So, for example, Jennifer of Suite makes bespoke dresses. But I was curious how and why this term has recently been invoked to describe travel. Well, this past weekend I got to experience one such tour firsthand, the Italian-eye’s Kaleidotour. Bespoke travel did not disappoint.

The tour took place in and around two gorgeous villas in the Tuscan Countryside. This particular tour was custom tailored for individuals who appreciate photography and creative activities, and who value elegant settings and artistic attention to detail.

The tour began with a photo-walk around the Villa Gaeta and an amazing picnic brunch, which included, my favorite, prosciutto, pear, and lavender sandwiches. Following the brunch there was time to relax poolside at the stunning Tenuta Lupinari before the afternoon flower crown workshop began. After learning how to create gorgeous floral headpieces, we donned our masterpieces while sipping rosé on the veranda of a nineteenth-century castle (part of the Lupinari estate). That evening, we were treated to an amazing four-course meal and lots of delicious local wine.

The second day of the tour began with a creative calligraphy workshop and black and white themed brunch. We spent our afternoon frolicking through the vineyards and exploring all of the gorgeous old buildings on the Lupinari estate. So. Many. Photo-ops. And since the tour was designed for creative individuals and Instagram lovers, there was no shortage of enthusiastic photographers (just check out the hashtag #Kaleidotour on Instagram). The weekend ended with another amazing meal at the estate, but more on the incredible Tenuta Lupinari later this week.

Having now experienced it, I can say I really loved this travel concept – it focuses on creating unique and highly personalized experiences that center on cultural immersion and learning. Some people would describe bespoke travel as more “authentic,” but I would simply say that it is different in a very good way (you can read why I dislike the notion of authentic travel here). Bespoke travel, like the Kaleidotour, shouldn’t replace all approaches to travel (i.e. group tours or seeing the major attractions). Instead, tours like the Kaleidotour (which they also have in London btw) are an excellent edition to your travel plans, giving you a different taste of and more personalized interaction with the places and cultures you visit. Also, your Instagram will thank you!

Click here for more information on Italian-Eye, the company behind the Kaleidotour!

What do you think of bespoke travel?

Outfit: Floral Flutter

Can I just take a second to gloat about how incredible the weather has been in Florence since I returned? It has been ah-ma-zing! It completely makes up for the miserable temps I had to endure in July. The high temperature has been in the mid to high 80’s with blue skies, a cool breeze, and low humidity.

Cooler temps means that I can start breaking out some of my purchases for fall. This green field jacket has already proven to be a wardrobe all-star. I also love this floral skirt. The colors are gorgeous and the fit is very similar to my all-time favorite skirt (last seen here). Although, to be honest, it runs a tad small. I wished I had sized up, since it is a bit tight after a pasta-filled lunch lol (I am wearing a size 4).

I have a busy week ahead, but it’s completely worth it, since I am headed to Santorini at the end of the week. It has been on my bucket list for a while now and I can’t wait to explore the island (and take all of the gorgeous pictures). Hopefully, the weather will be just as perfect in Santorini as it has been in Florence.


Has anyone else been to Santorini? Any tips on what I shouldn’t miss?

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