"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things" - H. Miller
I Am Tuscany is an experience-led hospitality and accommodation service that brings this famous region of Italy to life.
Tuscany is known the world-over for places like The Uffizi Gallery and Pisa’s Leaning Tower, so you’d imagine that a childhood spent here would be full of culture, art, beauty and fantastic food. And, it was – but not how you’re imaging.Irene Gren, the founder of I Am Tuscany, was born here, surrounded by rolling Tuscan landscapes. Hospitality is in her blood; her parents owned several farmhouses and villas, hosting internationals throughout the summers. It’s when she came back here after studying and living abroad, that Irene gained an appreciation for the uniqueness of Italian life.
Simple traditions like meeting other locals for a standing espresso every morning at the village shop, a slow walk down the hill to gather fresh water from the town fountain, visiting independent wine makers and trying their limited-supply bottles, right in the vineyard. And, of course, picking fresh ingredients from the farms and cooking the most delicious, hand cooked meals, as a family. Heard of La Dolce Vita? It’s that, but not in a film – in real life.
First step: find your ideal home on this list
It’s these moments that Irene hopes to share with those who travel with I Am Tuscany, away from the tourists and the crowds. Irene’s passion is sharing her family’s portfolio of rural, off-the-beaten-path accommodations – from a sprawling farmhouse to a thousand-year-old converted donkey barn – and connect her guests to Tuscan producers and growers, for foodie experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
There’s always time to see the big sights in places like Florence, but Irene’s talent is taking you on an insider tour, with reservations at her favourite trattorias and guides that know the city inside-out.
Imagine someone visited your hometown, where would you take them? For Irene, this is what she gets out of bed for, to show guests from around the world that Italy isn’t just for tourists, it’s for locals – and you can be one of them.