Travel Connections

Author: Suzanne Stavert

Travel Connections is the show that brings together the people and the companies who create unique experiences for travelers who love to find adventure. Host Suzanne Stavert, a travel writer and brand ambassador, will have lively conversations with travel experts and enthusiasts to share captivating stories that dive beneath the surface of travel.
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Genres: Arts, Food, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

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Tuscany Awaits: Stories, Slow Travel, and One Fabulous Tour
Episode 11
Wednesday, 19 November, 2025

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Travel Connections! If you've been following along, you know how excited I am about our upcoming Travel Connections Tours to Tuscany, launching in spring 2026. Our home base for these unforgettable experiences will be iCastagni, a lovingly restored inn nestled in the storybook hilltop village of Montefollonico. iCastagni is owned by my partners—and dear friends—Tim and Jan Rawlinson, two British expats who have lived around the world before settling into their dream life in Tuscany. They're charming, insightful, and endlessly passionate about sharing the magic of this region. In today's conversation, we'll dive into their remarkable journey, from falling in love with Italy to restoring a centuries-old home into a welcoming retreat. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our seven-day, six-night Travel Connections Tour so special—where guests unpack once, slow down, and truly live like locals among the olive groves and vineyards of Tuscany. Highlights from this episode include: How Jan and Tim discovered Montefollonico and built a life they love The history, beauty, and renovation of iCastagni What daily life is really like in a small Tuscan village A peek into our 2026 Travel Connections Tour itinerary Why Siena is a must-see—and one of the jewels of the region The joy and reward of embracing slow travel Important Links: iCastagniTuscany Adventures of Empty Nesters TravelConnectionsTours.com Instagram: iCastagni Suzanne Stavert Adventures of Empty Nesters Facebook: Adventures of Empty Nesters Amazon Suzanne's Amazon Shop