By this point in the trip, we were completely smitten by Tuscany… and this was reinforced by a stop-over in Pitigliano. This was like stepping back into the Middle Ages – it’s a fairy tale town built on high tufa cliffs (for protection) and can trace a long history from pre-historic Etruscan times, through the Roman Empire, Medieval Meremma, and the Renaissance. It also has a famous Jewish ghetto – originally established at the beginning of the 15^th century – and earning the town the nickname ‘Little Jerusalem’!

A very stunning and singularly original spot – as was our destination – Terme di Saturnia. This is another very authentic spa hotel and wellness centre based around a mineral spring. The hot, sulphurous water bubbles relentlessly into the crater-like bottom of the large pool – the smell and the cleansing water make this a unique experience. Add in a luxury hotel, an extensive spa and wellness facility together with an innovative ‘spa in a spa concept’ (The Black Rose Spa strikingly styled in black stone and grey and purple trim – intended for longer and more expensive treatments) plus a championship golf course – there’s not much missing!

Our room was classically decorated, the spa treatments were both rewarding and professionally executed, the staff could not have been more helpful – we loved the fitness director (and her gym) just as much as the sommelier who helped us out trying a selection of local wines! Brilliant.