Staff Stories: Exploring Portofino, Florence and Tuscany with Kelsey

Discover the highlights of Northern Italy as we go behind the scenes on one of our most popular escorted tours with our social media and content creator, Kelsey.  

Italy is one of those destinations that simply never gets old, and among its most popular regions, elegant Tuscany and coastal Liguria often stand out. Comprising the Italy Riviera and the Renaissance towns of Pisa and Florence, these two regions boast a treasure trove of cultural scenic and culinary highlights. Better yet, that’s only scratching the surface. 

Our social media and content creator, Kelsey, was lucky enough to experience some of the region’s major highlights first-hand on one of our customer-favourite tours, Portofino, Florence & Tuscany. We recently caught up with Kelsey on her experience, from the personal highlights to the unexpected moments that made the biggest impact, and here’s what she had to say. 

What was the standout moment of your trip – the one you'd tell everyone about first?  

I’d visited Pisa once before, but only really stopped to take the classic tourist photos. This time, I made sure to explore the Pisa Baptistery for a demonstration of the building’s amazing acoustics, which can echo notes for up to 12 seconds. Every half an hour, a guard stands in the middle of the baptistery and sings a few musical notes, and the building’s unique design means the guard can harmonise with their own echoed voice. 

Did it change the way you see the destination, or confirm what you already expected?  

I’ve been to Italy quite a lot over the years and have always loved it, so I went in with high expectations. If anything, this trip was just further confirmation of what I already knew – that Italian places are beautiful, that Italian culture is warm and welcoming, and that Italian food is delicious. 

Were there any unexpected moments that turned into highlights you hadn't anticipated?  

There were so many little moments of magic that I could never have planned for. Some of my personal highlights included watching a classical choir practice near Montecatini’s Terme Tettuccio and being in the right place at the right time to see a street parade in Florence. Neither event was advertised, but they made for genuinely memorable moments and showed the value of exploring off the beaten path. 

Another big surprise came after a day spent exploring the Cinque Terre. We were sailing back to La Spezia and spotted something unusual moving towards us. It turned out to be a huge submarine, and the officers waved to us from the observation platform as they drifted past.   

What type of traveller do you think would love this destination, and why?  

I really think Tuscany is one of those places that has something for everyone. Its culinary reputation is legendary, and there’s enough history and art to spend a lifetime learning. Beyond the most famous highlights, though, there’s also a great deal more to the region than that, from fashion and music to its photogenic scenery.   

What was your favourite spot in Florence, and what made it stand out for you?  

Florence is probably one of my favourite places in the world. I've been a dozen times over the last decade, and it still surprises me. On this trip, I tracked down Cecilia Falciai Decorazioni in Santa Croce, which features an art vending machine offering small prints for just €2 each.  

The real find, though, was Cecilia herself, the shop’s owner and artist. She showed me around her studio, talked through her creative process, and mentioned how the new machine has brought her into contact with art lovers and travellers from all over the world. She even gave me her "not for tourists" map, a guide she worked on with other independent businesses in the neighbourhood for artisanal jewellery, pottery, and clothing. 

Which culinary moments stood out most, and what made them memorable?  

I’m a real foodie, and with great food so easy to find in Italy, I ate some delicious things on this trip. One of the most memorable meals of the trip was a plate of burrata and black truffle tortellini in Montecatini Alto, the medieval village on the hill over the larger Montecatini Terme below. Paired with a crisp glass of local Prosecco, it was absolutely incredible.  

My personal favourite, and something that I’ve since described as ‘probably the best I’ve ever eaten’, was a schiaccia (thin focaccia) sandwich from Du’ Cose da Berna in Siena. They’re packed with all kinds of delicious local ingredients, from pesto and cured meats to local cheeses and fresh seasonal veggies. I really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the sandwiches on their menu.  

To satisfy your sweet tooth, be sure to also visit La Carraia in Florence, my favourite ice cream spot on the planet, and the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli for its unique speciality flavours. 

Did any of the smaller Tuscan towns surprise you? Which would you put on a customer's itinerary without hesitation?  

It was Montecatini Terme that most surprised me. I’d never visited before, and I think I really underestimated how much there would be to explore right on the doorstep of our hotel. Terme Tettuccio, one of the town’s historic spas, is so beautiful, and even if you’re not interested in taking a treatment, it’s a great spot for relaxing and enjoying a coffee. 

While here, I also took the 19th-century funicular up to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto, which feels like a step back in time. All the little streets and alleyways are unbelievably picturesque, and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. 

Portofino has a lot to live up to. How did the reality compare to being there in person?  

It’s so famous that I expected every inch of Portofino to be busy, but I was surprised to find that, while the main street was busier than other stops on the tour, there were still pockets of peace to be found. 

A particular highlight here is Castello Brown, which is well worth the walk up. It’s the kind of place that photos and videos just can’t do justice and is so much more beautiful in person. 

If you could sum up Florence, Tuscany, and Portofino in three words each, what would they be?  

Florence: Historic, varied, flavour-filled  

Tuscany: Green, peaceful, picturesque  

Portofino: Cinematic, luxurious, iconic 

Would you go back, and if so, what would you add or do differently?  

I will always go back to Italy, and Tuscany in particular. With the places I visited for the first time on this trip – Siena, Lucca, Cinque Terre – I was trying to see the major highlights all at once. The next time I go, I’d like to slow things down and spend more time investigating side streets, tiny shops and local bakeries.   

Experience the best of Italy with Newmarket Holidays 

Ready to start planning your own Northern Italian escape? Our friendly holiday planners are on hand to help you find the perfect tour for you and will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Give them a call to get the ball rolling on your next adventure or check out our full range of escorted tours on our dedicated destinations page. 

If you’re looking for something you’ve not experienced before, our brand-new Premier Collection tour, Positano, Ischia & the Amalfi Coast, delves deeper into colourful Campania than ever before. This eight-day itinerary showcases the best of Italy’s ‘Green Isle’, magnificent Caserta Palace, and legendary Pompeii, before taking in the charming towns of the Sorrentine Peninsula.