Slow Going In Italy

Where: Tuscany, Italy

In the Chiana valley, just east of Arezzo, an arrow-straight country lane lined with slim dark cypresses leads away from modern-day Sinalunga to a charming relic of Italy's rich agrarian past. In medieval times, Amorosa was a bustling, self-sufficient feudal farm complex, attached to a manor house owned by the powerful Piccolominis of Montalcino, white truffles from San Giovanni d'Asso, Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil, and homemade pastas.

Locanda dell'Amorosa makes a fine base for daily excursions around the Tuscan countryside, though you may also want simply to lounge by the small swimming pool and bask in relaxing peace, perhaps with a bottle of the estate's wine. Stay for a few days and you may forget the notion of hurrying altogether.

Information:
Off the SS326 (Sinalunga-Torrita di Siena Rd.), Chiusi/Chianciano; tel. 39/577/677-211; www.amorosa.it).

Nearest Airport:
Perugia/Sant'Egidio (73km/45 miles).