New Years Eve in Tuscany, Italy

Written by '74Escape

Traveler: Ruediger Glatz – Photographer

Hi Ruediger what is your most unforgettable escape? It is very hard to say, what was my most unforgettable escape, but an amazing escape I had, was last year December over new years eve to the Tuscany/Italy.

What was the purpose of your travel? Escape.

With how many people did you travel? With my love Anni only.

Where did you stay? We stayed at the Villa Lena, which is a place of an old friend of mine and actually wasn’t officially open at that point of time.

What did you most like about the trip? Rest, silence, the landscape, the light, the food and most of all us.

Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? Heart warming light moments. I work since some years on a series DARK THOUGHTS AND MOMENTS OF LIGHT, which is half about moments, that I experience, which touch my soul and heart…moments of pure and positive energy through beautiful light. Therefore I am always seeking for these. Mostly I find these, while I travel and I experience them instantly. What I was allowed to experience in the Tuscany were periods of beauty of light and visual warmth.

Your most surprising find during the trip? There was not really room for surprises, since we came with a very open mind, but one day in Florence, we experienced an amazing show performed by thousands of birds.

Favorite restaurant or food you have tried during your trip? We had during all those days amazing food at the Villa Lena itself, but we had as well an amazing pizza in a little village´s bakery close by. Most people came in to pick up pizza for the family and we enjoyed it at the place.

What is the must tries of the city? The Villa Lena is in the countryside about an hour from Florence, we can’t really talk about a city but for sure the must tries are days in bed and long walkings…or just taking a ride with the car through the countryside with no defined route. For sure a day-trip to Florence.

Any hidden gems you could whisper to us? The hill close by, which used to be a castle…beautiful!

Would you go back? For sure we will…we might even offer photo workshop down there in the future.

Could you list a few of your favorite finds you came back with? These can be anything from traditional finds to airport finds to hotel creams! Almost 3000 images…find a selection enclosed.

Any tips that might be useful to know before going there? Don’t expect luxury in matter of facilities, but expect luxury in matter of moments, food quality and relaxation.

Next stop you would like to visit? There is still quite a list…but I feel our planned trip to Mallorca, which was Anni’s home for some years, will be exceptional.