From the rolling vineyards of Chianti to the hills of Firenze, artist and designer Annalisa Ferrari sends RUSSH postcards from Tuscany; a love letter to the region’s sensory delights. Think rustic markets, antique-filled piazzas, and a bottle of Chianti Classico for €11.

Firenze is a city known for its rich culture, sophisticated, yet understated. And she insists you’ll leave the city with heavy bags (Murano/wine), a very full stomach, and feeling as though your cultural cup has runeth over in the best possible way.

Where to stay ...

For the best of Tuscany/Florence, I think a villa just outside the city (like 30–45 mins max drive) and a car is the best way to do it! I always stay in a villa in a tiny village in the Tuscan hills of Chianti, just 30 mins out of Florence. That way, you can get the best of both worlds –  venturing into the city whilst also being able to explore the surrounding vineyards, markets, villages etc. And there is a lot to explore. Also, any excuse to shop at the local COOP is welcomed. You can get the best produce from chicory, to bistecca and a Chianti Classico that’s only 11 euros. Mi piace.

Where to eat ...

Tuscany is famous for its meat – specifically bistecca fiorentina – wild boar pappardelle, ragù bianco and schiacciata panino. For panino All'Antico Vinaio is a classic. There might be a queue, but it’s worth it once you get to the front. My go to is, Pistacchio II: Mortadella, stracciatella and pistachio. For a less touristy option, visit Ino Panino, no queues and incredibly good panini. For Bistecca Fiorentina, tortellini and white beans with olive oil are my go to. Trattoria Sostanza, a chic, stripped-back, old-school trattoria. The oil speckled, heavy marble topped tables, and photo adorned walls will have you wanting to order more wine than needed, eat more than you can and settle in to watch the theatre that is a small bustling restaurant, with waiters who know what they’re doing. Be sure to get the tortellini and the chicken in butter.

Where to shop ...

If you can time your trip to Tuscany around the first Sunday of the month, drive to the small town of Arezzo. On the first Saturday and Sunday of every month the entire town is taken over by antique markets with the most incredible selection of wares. From sterling silver, to murano everything – you’ll want to bring a shipping container. Be sure to haggle, it’s the Italian way. And if in need of a snack to break up the day, have lunch at Chiantiner,am a small osteria in a tiny narrow street of Arezzo. Order the pici with ragu bianco.

Where to drink ...

Florence is famous for its wine windows, tiny windows in walls (attached to a bar) where you ring a bell, and the little door opens promptly with someone there to take your order. I usually stick to vino Rosso, but most offer anything from gin and tonics to Aperol spritzes. There are about 180 in the city – so, plenty to track down during your stay! I love a good hotel bar and going to the Four Seasons for a classic Negroni from their famous cocktail trolley is a welcome relief from the city. The chestnut, wood-clad bar with green velvet chairs could be a scene stolen straight from a painting at the Uffizi. Wine tasting in the Tuscan hills is always a good idea, Tenuta Ruffino Poggio Casciano is a beautiful vineyard with an extensive cellar.

Which galleries to visit ...

There are the obvious ones: Uffizi, Accademia etc, which are definitely worth a visit if it’s your first time in Firenze, as is the Duomo. Also find out what’s on at PALAZZO STROZZI it doesn’t get anywhere near as busy, and you can catch some incredible exhibitions. I was lucky to have coincided with Helen Frankenthala’s show Painting without Rules.