Italy has always been a dream destination for me, and finally, I had the chance to explore it. Officially known as the Italian Republic, Italy sits at the heart of the Mediterranean, bordered by the Alps and surrounded by islands. With Rome as its capital, the country is renowned not only for its rich history and art but also for its culture, gastronomy, and natural beauty.
From Abuja, Nigeria to Milan, Italy
My journey began in Abuja, Nigeria, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight. After a brief transit through Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, I landed at Milan Malpensa Airport.
Milan immediately impressed me with its cosmopolitan flair. Known worldwide as a capital of fashion and design, the city is also a financial hub, home to the Italian Stock Exchange, and a mecca for shopping lovers thanks to the Quadrilatero della Moda.
But my destination was Florence. From Malpensa, I took a bus to Milan Centrale station and connected to the sleek Italo Bullet Train. The two-hour ride was smooth, fast, and scenic — a perfect introduction to Italy’s efficient rail network. I arrived at Florence Santa Maria Novella Station, where my host was already waiting to transfer me to Arezzo.
Arezzo: The Gateway to Tuscany
Arezzo is a city with an ancient history, one of the most important cities of Etruria and a strategic point in Roman times, reaching its maximum splendour between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The city still bears witness to this today, with churches, palaces, monuments and museums housing extraordinary works of art
In Arezzo, I stayed at Hotel Arezzo ASC, a comfortable base for both my business and leisure activities. My primary purpose was to attend the Buy Tuscany Event, organized by Toscana Promozione Turistica — the regional government agency responsible for promoting tourism across Tuscany.
On my first day, I explored Arezzo itself. The city is steeped in medieval charm, with impressive cathedrals, historic landmarks, and cobblestone streets. The day concluded with a delightful welcome party at the Palazzo dei Priori in Piazza della Libertà, a building dating back to 1333 that once housed the city’s magistrates. The evening was filled with dance, music, and Italian hospitality.
The next day was dedicated to business meetings at Buy Tuscany. I had the privilege of networking with tourism professionals from across Italy. These sessions opened doors to valuable collaborations and gave me direct access to some of the leading voices in the Italian tourism industry.
The event closed with a cocktail party, rounding off a productive and rewarding experience.
Discovering Chianti
With business completed, it was time to immerse myself in Tuscany’s beauty. Chianti, stretching between Florence, Siena, Arezzo, and the hills of Pisa, is often called the “heart of Tuscany.” Its rolling vineyards, medieval villages, castles, and olive groves make it a quintessential Italian landscape. It is also the birthplace of one of the world’s most famous wines: Chianti Classico.
I joined a guided three-day tour (27th – 29th September) coordinated by Rosanna Censabella and organized by Ambito Turistico Chianti.
Day 1 – Wednesday, September 27th
We began in Castelnuovo Berardenga, a Slow City that embodies wellness and authentic Tuscan living. From there, we trekked to the Montaperti Battle site, where the Florentine Guelphs and Sienese Ghibellines fought in 1260 — an event immortalized by Dante in The Divine Comedy.
Lunch was a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, followed by a visit to the Chianti Sculpture Park, where contemporary art blends harmoniously with nature. The afternoon’s highlight was a horseback ride through vineyards, complete with tastings of local specialties.
By evening, we arrived at a beautifully restored borgo near Castellina in Chianti, where we enjoyed a farm-to-table dinner and a peaceful night’s stay.
Day 2 – Thursday, September 28th
The day began with a bike ride along the historic Romea Sanese Road, once the shortest link between Florence and Siena.
By midday, we reached Valle degli Alpaca, a charming farm home to 25 alpacas. Interacting with these gentle animals was a unique experience, followed by a light lunch featuring homemade wine and local products.
In the afternoon, we trekked from San Casciano to Sant’Andrea in Percussina, enjoying breathtaking Tuscan landscapes. Dinner was served in a boutique organic farm, a place steeped in history that once inspired writers such as Dante and Machiavelli. We then checked into a farm hotel in San Casciano, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Day 3 – Friday, September 29th
On the final morning, we checked out and transferred back to Florence for onward flight back to Nigeria
Reflections
As I departed Chianti and returned to Lagos, Nigeria, I carried with me not only souvenirs but also memories of Tuscany’s history, hospitality, and culinary treasures. From Milan’s modern flair to Arezzo’s medieval charm and Chianti’s rolling hills, every step of my journey was filled with learning, networking, and discovery.
Tuscany had truly given me the perfect balance of business and leisure — an experience I will treasure for years to come.
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