It's easy to be enamored with the idea of visiting Italy’s most popular locations, namely Tuscany and the glittery island of Sardinia, while not even remotely getting an idea of what authentic gems can actually be found there.

Sure, it is easy to discover many ideas on where to go and what to do online, but what about harnessing a deeper connection with the land and people you are visiting? That is pretty difficult to do without knowing the right people who have established relationships in these places over decades.