Last summer I was lucky enough to spend 5 weeks exploring Southern Italy. I had contacted various Agriturismos in advance that were interested in exchanging free accommodation for my photography services. Agriturismos vary quite a bit, but are basically bed and breakfasts on a working farm, which in Italy, translates to vineyards and olive groves! Bonus! The Cabbiavoli Castle in Chianti was a favorite of ours (and Julia Roberts), close enough to Florence, Pisa and many other quaint villages to explore on day trips. Le Camicie was an exquisitely restored farmhouse perched on the Tuscan hillside amidst vineyards, and only a stone's throw from the infamous Montepulciano and Montalcino. Il Casale, also in Tuscany, and Serre Di Parrano in Umbria, both restored farmhouses, were surrounded by fields of sunflowers and castle hilltop villages. Mesogheo, an hour and a half outside of Rome at the base of the Camposaro Mountains was truly a wonderful experience. Masseria Salamina, in the Puglian "heel" of Southern Italy was like no other; set in an olive grove with trees dating back 400 years, this Masseria was breathtaking. We were spoiled at Baglio Lauria, an ancient Franciscan monastery set in the Sicilian countryside near the Greek ruins of Agrigento and again at Baglio Spano, a restored wine cantina near Marsala. The rolling vineyards and hilltop castles in Chianti, the endless fields of sunflowers and the cobblestone villages of in Umbria, the ancient and unforgettable city of Rome, the rugged coastline and whitewashed walls of Puglia, and the very traditional and unique land of Sicily... it is impossible to choose a favorite.
This video was made from phone video clips. Enjoy the montage!