I went on a 3 day trip to the Tuscan countryside where I ate the world’s best ice cream & knocked back olive oil shots

COPYING my guide ­Francesca, I cradle the tiny shot glass, gently twisting it between my palms to warm the ­golden-green liquid.

After a few seconds, I tilt my head back and tip the olive oil into my mouth.

Biting my teeth together, I inhale sharply three times, helping to activate its ­flavours.

And to my utter surprise, I can detect hints of rosemary and basil.

Despite my apprehension, taking a shot of olive oil was much smoother — and far more enjoyable — than I had anticipated

I’m spending my morning at Fattoria di Maiano, a sprawling farm on the outskirts of Florence that forms part of Italy’s largest botanical garden.

You can stay here, or it’s also an ideal excursion from the city with the chance to stroll trails through the hills, meet the farm’s animals, relax by the lake or tour the olive groves.

Returning to Florence, there’s even time for one more tasting, this time at Villa Travignoli, a short drive from the farm.

Sitting on a terracotta balcony overlooking the Fiesole Hills, I couldn’t think of a better spot to sample four glasses of Tuscan wine.

With subtle hints of strawberry, the rosé had to be my favourite — and you can bet one found its way into my suitcase.

My day trip to the Tuscan countryside had been organised by Tourist Italy.

The company offers everything from packages with hotels, tours and transfers to individual tours you can book when you have made your own arrangements.

After my six-hour outing in the Tuscan countryside, I arrived back in Florence, where I marvelled at the magnificent Duomo cathedral and strolled along the banks of Arno River, with its stone bridges such as the Ponte Vecchio.

I grabbed dinner at eclectic Trattoria Zà Zà — the portion sizes are huge and I thorougly recommend the parmigiana.

And for a restful night’s stay, book a room at Hotel La Casa di Morfeo. Just a ten-minute walk from the centre, the rooms have all the essentials and the breakfast buffet is enough to keep anyone going.

Tourist Italy also had some other great tours to book.

The Tuscany Sunrise itinerary saw our driver Marco arrive outside my hotel before dawn.

The hour-long drive to the walled medieval town of San Gimignano felt like seconds as I watched an orange hue sweep over the horizon.

Each stop is self-guided, so you can choose your own agenda at each spot.

In San Gimignano, I climbed the 218 steps of its medieval tower Torre Grossa for sweeping views over the countryside before cooling down with a delicious pistachio gelato at Gelateria Dondoli.

Next up was Pisa, where I posed for clichéd snaps next to the famous leaning tower — it just has to be done.

And an hour from there, Lucca was the final stop on the tour — and organisers had saved the best for last.

Stone walls

Keen to see more, I booked a one-night stay at Albergo Celide, a hotel and wellness spa just outside the city walls, plus a private walking tour.

My guide Paola met me outside my hotel and we made a beeline for the old town.

As I gazed up at the 40ft-high brown stone walls, Paola described them as a hug, en­casing the entire city.

But they are much more besides — they are also the city’s answer to a park.

My guide led me up cobblestone steps not far from Porta di Santa Maria — the main entrance to Lucca’s Old Town — and on to the top of the walls.

Trees have been planted on top of the walls, a park run even takes place and locals head here for a breath of fresh air.

For me, the heart of the city has to be Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a former amphitheatre that has been transformed.

Now, pale yellow apartment buildings and restaurants, with dark green window shutters, neatly nestle around an oval public space.

Book a table at Sotto Sotto to see the square come alive at night with twinkling lights.

Try the gnocchi and make sure to order tiramisu for pudding.