The bees are buzzing around lavender bushes and the herb garden while the hot sun shines on the rows and rows of gorgeous grapes so rich in colours that (as Frances Mayes would say) “you can taste the purple.” As you walk through the olive grove, you can swear the air smells sweeter here. If all you’ve ever experienced of Tuscany is in books or movies, you’ll surely think this is all a bit surreal. Waking up in our apartment - a two bedroom situated in one of several stone buildings on this UNESCO designated site - I was greeted daily by the most magnificent sunrises over a truly picturesque Tuscan postcard. Gorgeous “Burnt Siena” stone tiles (the colour of everything here), exposed dark wood beam ceilings, and a quaint old fashioned key to open our door that looked like it belonged in a DaVinci Code film rather than accommodations. The site has a pool where we took the opportunity to cool off from the heat after days out exploring the Hill-Top Towns of Tuscany including nearby San Gimingano, and also Volterra, Montalcino, Colle di Val d’Elsa, Monticello, Civita di Bagnoregio. We also did day trips to Siena and Florence. The opportunity to grab some groceries in Poggibonsi made breakfasts easy, as our apartment had a stove, kettle, mocha pot (for coffee), and a bar fridge. The boys (12 & 14) were enamoured with the resident geckos that could be seen when the sun set, while my partner and I were thrilled with the starry skies. With any luck, we’ll be back.