February 13, 2020 • travel
Experience Tuscany, Italy, Like Arie Luyendyk Jr. on 'The Bachelor'
Bachelor, O Bachelor, wherefore art thou, Bachelor? In Italy now!
Tuscany is one of the most romantic destinations on earth and an impeccable place to continue your journey to find love. With its world-renowned wine, food, views, art, history, and weather, this Italian region will pull you in and steal your heart. Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo’s “David,” the Duomo, Chianti wine, and more, Tuscany will have you and your love repeating “molto bene!” the entire trip.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. traveled to Tuscany on Season 22 of “The Bachelor,” and here’s how you can experience the Italian countryside just like him.
Arrival
Tuscany refers to the entire region, rather than one specific city. To make booking your stay less overwhelming, live like Arie and the ladies by reserving a room at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa in Lucca. It’s nestled into the hillside, so you can swim in their pool while looking out at the lush green landscape around you.
Get ready to have the Italian food and pastries you’ve always dreamed of and get going on your Italian adventure!
One-on-one date: Booed up in Barga
Now that you’ve made the trip in Tuscany, it’s time to visit some of the romantic and historic towns in the surrounding areas. Rent a chic Italian convertible and make Barga, a 9th-century town named one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, your first stop.
Saunter up the hilly streets, stop in some mom-and-pop stores, and try all kinds of local cheese, bread, wine, and meat. Feel free to buy your favorites and pack it up for your own picnic. Don’t be afraid to talk to locals about their respective love stories, either. That’s "amore!"
You two can climb up Barga’s famous stairs and share a kiss when you get to the top for the ultimate reward. Love is always worth the hike.
Make your way back down the steps and freshen up for a lovely dinner at Locanda di Mezzo, where you can talk about your relationship’s growth. Once you’re done, don’t forget to share a kiss!
One-on-one date: I love the way you Lucca at me
If you thought Barga was old, just wait until you spend the day in Lucca! It dates back to 180 BC and is famous for its medieval walls. As you walk or bike around the brick walls, let down your emotional ones and open up to your date about your future together.
When you feel like your date has been fortified enough at this point, make a pit stop for some classic Italian gelato and a cup of espresso in Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro. You two can even kick away any fears by joining a friendly game of pick-up soccer in the square.
Top off your perfect day in Lucca with a dreamy dinner and wander through the gardens at Villa Grabau. When you Lucca in your date’s eyes, you’ll know the love is there.
One-on-one date: On the hunt for love
When you’re in Italy during truffle season (late fall to early spring), don’t miss an opportunity to try them at least once! Truffles are a delicacy that add earthy, fragrant flavors to any dish, and they’ll surely taste better when you pick them yourselves. You can hunt for truffles and some deeper connection on this date, and hopefully you’ll unearth them both. Reap the rewards of your labor and cook a feast with your new finds.
After your day in the woods, head back into Barga for a classic Italian dinner of pizza and pasta at Caffe Capretz. "Saluti" to this new step in your relationship!
One-on-one date: Love is real in Villa Reale
You’ve visited old towns and cities, so now it’s time to wander in nature. Take the group to Villa Reale, a garden and palace formerly belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister. Walk down the dirt paths, play bocce in the lush gardens, and see who will win your heart that day.
Once you’ve finished at the park, get changed and visit Villa Mansi, whose gardens rival those you just explored. The flowers are blossoming just like your relationships.
The time will come to say "ciao" to Tuscany, but those memories and special moments will stay with you forever.