Sienna & The Heart of Tuscany: An Insider's Guide

A Journey into the Heart of Tuscany with Rebecca Ford

Norm Goldman, the esteemed Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com, recently had the pleasure of interviewing Rebecca Ford, a seasoned travel writer, author, and photographer with a deep-seated expertise in Tuscany, as well as Scotland and Britain. Ford, a prolific contributor to various British newspapers, magazines, and websites, is also a proud member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. Her latest literary venture is a comprehensive guidebook titled "Sienna & the Heart of Tuscany," which promises to be an indispensable resource for travelers seeking to explore this iconic Italian region.

The Genesis of a Travel Writer's Odyssey

Rebecca Ford's journey into travel writing began during her university days, where she studied geography at St. Andrews in Scotland. Her fascination with the interplay between people and places grew as she traversed Europe by train, ultimately cementing her desire to merge her love for writing with her passion for travel. Despite the challenges of establishing a career in the competitive field of travel writing, Ford's unwavering determination and enthusiasm for discovery have kept her on a path of constant adventure and storytelling.

Tuscany and Beyond: Ford's Geographical Expertise

As a freelance writer, Ford focuses on areas within close proximity to her home base in Britain, allowing her to produce a wealth of articles on the British Isles. Her affinity for Italy, particularly the ease of travel from the UK to this beloved destination, has made Tuscany another area of specialization. Ford's adventurous spirit also takes her to far-flung locales, where she indulges in her interests in walking, wildlife watching, and epic train journeys.

A Favorite Literary Creation: The Guidebook on Wales

When asked about her favorite guidebook, Ford highlights her recent work on Wales. Despite its small size, Wales captivated her with its diverse landscapes, rich history, secluded beaches, majestic castles, and hidden gems. The discovery of such treasures in her own backyard, coupled with the enchanting sound of the Welsh language, made the creation of this guidebook a particularly memorable experience.

Siena: A Medieval Gem in Tuscany

Ford's new pocket guide, "Sienna & the Heart of Tuscany," serves as an intimate introduction to Siena, one of Italy's most well-preserved medieval cities. Nestled in the southern part of Tuscany, Siena boasts an array of stunning buildings, art, and cultural experiences. Ford's guide extends beyond the city to encompass the surrounding Tuscan landscape, including San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Cortona, and the Chianti region. The guide is designed to be practical, offering recommendations for accommodations, dining, shopping, and must-see attractions.

Romantic Retreats in Siena

Ford shares six romantic and unique venues in Siena ideal for celebrating a marriage or enjoying a romantic getaway:

1. Grand Hotel Continental - A luxurious 5-star hotel in the city center, once a wealthy family's villa.
2. Hotel Certosa di Maggiano - A tranquil 14th-century monastery turned hotel, just outside the city.
3. Relais San Felice - A medieval hamlet in Chianti, transformed into a hotel complex with its own chapel.
4. Podere San Giuseppe and Residence Catignano - Self-catering apartments in Chianti offering panoramic views and country-style accommodations.
5. Hotel Relais - A luxurious converted convent in the heart of Pienza, complete with a fine restaurant.
6. La Collegiata - An exclusive hotel on the outskirts of San Gimignano, frequented by celebrities like Tony Blair.

The Art of Blending Photography with Travel Writing

Ford's approach to photography is pragmatic, capturing images during her travels without waiting for perfect lighting conditions. These photographs often accompany her articles, providing editors with a visual complement to her written narratives.

Research Techniques and Source Finding

Ford's research methodology is hands-on, involving extensive walking and engaging conversations with locals to uncover the true essence of a destination. She supplements her fieldwork with library research, tourist board information, and internet resources, always verifying her findings in person.

Romantic Walks in Britain and Scotland

Ford describes six romantic walks for couples in Britain and Scotland, each offering unique landscapes and historical significance. From the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in Wales to the bluebell-filled Roslin Glen near Edinburgh, these walks provide idyllic settings for romance and reflection.

The Essence of Travel for Rebecca Ford

For Ford, travel represents an opportunity to immerse herself in new cultures, meet diverse individuals, and experience different ways of life. It is a gateway to personal growth and a source of endless inspiration.

Ensuring Guidebook Quality

In the absence of authoritative standards for guidebook authors, Ford emphasizes the importance of personally testing a guidebook's recommendations to assess its accuracy and thoroughness. She suggests using a guidebook for a familiar area as a benchmark for evaluating other titles in a series.

Leveraging the Internet for a Writing Career

Ford views the internet as a vital research tool and is in the process of launching her own website to expand her network and reach new audiences.

What's Next for Rebecca Ford?

Ford's upcoming travels include explorations of Macedonia, Albania, Switzerland, and Canada, where she plans to indulge in wildlife watching and other adventures.

In closing, Norm Goldman extends his gratitude to Rebecca Ford for sharing her insights and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors.

For more information on Siena and Tuscany, you can visit the official Tuscany Tourism website. To explore more about travel writing and photography, check out the British Guild of Travel Writers.