Val d’Orcia

This was once the home of Iris Origo, author of War in the Val d’Orcia (required reading if you’re going to spend any real time in the valley). Today, the spectacular palazzos, olive groves, and gardens are run by her two daughters, Donata and Benedetta. If you don’t stay in the bed and breakfast at La Foce or rent one of the villas, make time to tour the gardens. It’s the Versailles of Tuscany. “The regular guided tours give you a chance to peek into this spectacular English garden and hear about its minor but fascinating role in World War II,” says Voigtmann. Images courtesy of Laura Arcelli.