Travel
Travel from West London to Tuscany: Destination Guide
Ahh, here at Nestor, we’re dreaming of the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany…
London’s diversity is one of the biggest draws for visitors to the city, from neighbourhoods filled with far eastern cuisine to vibrant markets where you can taste the world. In this melting pot of a city, you can have a croissant in the morning, bao buns for lunch and an authentic bowl of pasta for dinner all within your local neighbourhood.
Italian culture has taken hold in London, where you’ll find tiny Italian delis in Victoria, expansive supermarkets in Kensington and restaurants in Earl’s Court serving some of the best ragú outside of Rome.
These new and popular hubs are popping up everywhere in London and provide the best produce, recipes and wine that Italy has to offer. To fulfil your dream of sitting in the warm courtyard of a Tuscan villa, with a glass of Montepulciano and the sun setting over miles of lush green hills, you may be surprised to learn that this dream can become a reality by starting your Italian odyssey just outside West London.
Pack your passport and a floppy hat because, in a short while, you’ll be enjoying a hot Italian summer.
Read on for Nestor’s #DestinationGuide to find out the effortless way you can be transported to Italy in a few short hours from London.
How to get to Tuscany from West London
For a romantic and eco-friendly option which allows you to enjoy the views outside your window, catch the train from King’s Cross to Paris before boarding a train to Turin, opt for either the classic slow train or the high-speed if you’re keen to arrive sooner.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in West London, head to nearby London Victoria which has easy access to Gatwick Airport, where you can catch a direct flight to Turin, Florence or Pisa.
Travelling from a West London property
Before you pack your bags, make sure you’re all set for your trip. There are so many things to think about nowadays before you travel; so here’s what to consider:
Getting to the airport can be a hassle, but did you know our properties all offer airport transfers? Alternatively, if you’re travelling light, do as the Romans do and take a scooter – an e-scooter that is, to the nearest tube station.
Many trains to Europe leave in the early morning, so it can be tough finding something to eat, and what if your hotel doesn’t have a 24-hour reception? If you stay in an apartment or studio, you can order a quick breakfast through a quick QR scan, then grab your bags and go – no checkout necessary.
Travelling to Italy or Europe from London is extremely accessible and makes a perfect short break if you’re staying in the city. West London neighbourhoods in particular provide quick and easy access to routes out of the UK, and if your plans are thwarted by the country’s temperamental weather or you just need a change of scene, Tuscany should come to mind as the perfect weekend away.
If you’re travelling from London, why not book a night with us and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your special needs and ensure that your trip and transfer are as comfortable and convenient as possible. We understand that you’re looking to connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your terms and depart whenever you choose.
Where to go in Tuscany
Wine tasting in Chianti
A trip to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without tasting some of the wine that the region is so famous for. There are many different vineyards and wineries in the region between Florence and Siena where you can learn more about the production process and taste some authentic vino. Chianti Classico is the original wine of Chianti which was first produced in the thirteenth century so this is one not to be missed.
When exploring the vineyards, you’ll find both sleek, modern wineries and traditional Tuscan manor houses run by ancient families. Take a tour into the cellars to see where the magic begins, and learn about the winemaking process from barrel to bottle. Make sure to do a tasting which is normally accompanied by an excellent choice of local meats, fruits and cheeses.
Florence
Florence is truly the heart and soul of Tuscany, home to many of the most beautiful churches, buildings and museums in Italy. Lose yourself amongst the stalls and vendors on the famous Ponte Vecchio to get your first glimpse of local life, and make your way to the top of Giotto’s Campanile, or the Duomo for those famous views across the red-tiled houses of the city.
Florence is famous for its museums, and even with all the time in the world, it wouldn’t be possible to explore them all but be sure to make time to admire Michelangelo’s iconic David in the Galleria Dell ’Accademia and wander through the endless rooms in the world-famous Uffizi to see art and sculptures dating back to the Middle Ages. Take a moment to wonder at the astonishing detail in the Baptistery of San Giovanni, before rounding out your day at one of Florence’s many hole-in-the-wall restaurants to savour some fresh seafood or pasta cooked up right in front of your eyes.
San Miniato
Sitting on a hill overlooking the rolling countryside and far-off cities of Florence and Pisa, sits San Miniato, a tiny town famous for the discovery of the world’s largest white truffle. Truffles grow underground in late autumn and are notoriously hard to find, which is why they are both rare and expensive.
In this unassuming little village, you can head out on a truffle hunting experience with your own dog, who is trained to forage for ‘white gold’. No matter if you find a white or black truffle you can have it made into a delicious meal, whether in a bowl of pasta, on a pizza or in a salad. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in the region.
Hopefully, our guide has got you already planning your own version of Eat, Pray, Love. After this month, Italy has hopes of lifting all entry requirements following the pandemic so the hot summer months could be the perfect time to say arrivederci to London and jet off for a few days in Italy.
We have a collection of diverse properties ready to welcome you, from comfortable and chic stays in Kensington at The Carlyle to stylish Kensington studios at The Knaresborough, to unique hotel rooms in the boutique Warwick hotel in London Victoria.
Have a browse and book a Nestor property for your upcoming adventure!