If you're like me, and want to discover the most colorful, quirky things on your journeys, Italy is full of them. If you're looking for day trips from Florence that fulfill these criteria (because, let's face it, another travel criteria, good food, abounds in Italy!), here are 2 of my favorites.

On a trip to Tuscany, this is the place to stay. It is halfway between Florence and Siena, and not far from San Gimignano and Volterra. This beauty of a town is small but still shows its medieval heritage. The main part of town is still surrounded by the walls built back in the 12th century for protection. So many touches of the original remain, such as arches and towers.

I have a new obsession with Pinterest. It’s a travel photographer's dream!

It’s not what you think. My obsession is actually finding the places I discover on Pinterest.

Castello di Sammezzano