The Tuscany stop I almost skipped…

Good morning,

When people dream about Tuscany, they often picture rolling vineyards, winding roads, and long lunches that somehow turn into late afternoons.

What surprised me was realizing those moments don’t happen because of where you are.

They happen because you finally stop rushing.

One of my favorite memories came from a small town called Panzano in Chianti.

There wasn’t a famous landmark I was trying to reach.

No timed reservation.

No line to stand in.

Just a quiet morning, an espresso overlooking the vineyards, a stroll through the village, and lunch at a local wine bar where nobody seemed to be in a hurry.

It reminded me that some of the best days in Italy aren’t filled with sightseeing.

They’re filled with space.

Space to notice the church bells.

Space to wander into a tiny shop that wasn’t on Google.

Space to order one more glass of Chianti because the view is simply too beautiful to leave.

As travelers, we often feel like we need to maximize every hour.

But Chianti teaches the opposite lesson.

Sometimes the best itinerary is leaving part of the day unwritten.

Those unplanned hours often become the stories you remember years later.

🍷 Nomad Tip

If you’re exploring Chianti by car, resist the temptation to visit four or five villages in one day.

Instead, choose just one or two.

Park the car.

Walk without looking at your watch.

Enjoy an unhurried lunch.

Have an afternoon espresso overlooking the vineyards before moving on.

You’ll leave feeling like you experienced Tuscany instead of simply driving through it.

I hope this week’s newsletter inspires you to leave a little room in your own travels for the unexpected.

Sometimes the places we remember most are the ones we almost drove past.

Buon Viaggio,

Dan Eubank

Nomad With Dan

P.S. Before your next trip to Italy, take a look at my Travel Essentials Library→ on Nomad With Dan. It’s filled with free planning guides covering topics like staying connected with an eSIM, packing smarter with carry-on luggage, passport tips, and more—with additional Italy essentials being added regularly. My goal is to help you feel prepared before you ever board the plane.

If you’re planning an Italy trip, you may also enjoy these destination guides:

One more Nomad tip: When you find a café with a view, don’t finish your espresso and leave. Order another coffee or a glass of wine and give yourself permission to simply sit. In Italy, lingering isn’t wasting time—it’s part of the experience.

One last thought: Tuscany reminds us that slowing down isn’t doing less—it’s experiencing more.

“Planning Italy becomes a lot easier when you have someone helping you slow things down and experience it more intentionally.”

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