Piloting your balloon is Robert Etherington, an experienced aviator who started ballooning in his native England in 1986. He's been profiled in numerous guidebooks, National Geographic, Travel & Leisure, and Alisei, the magazine of the Touring Club Italiano. After a career running music festivals, he moved to Tuscany in 1989. But more about that and other stories when you meet him in Tuscany.

Sharing the Tuscan experience is Robert's wife Liz Graham-Yooll -- painter, illustrator, and writer of children's books. She has found much to excite her in the landscape and gardens of the surrounding countryside. She works from a large studio in Montisi which is open for viewing by appointment. Visit her web site now.

Living in Tuscany allows Robert and Liz to indulge in their three great passions -- ballooning, painting, and wine tasting. They'd love you to join them!

For more on Robert and Liz's life at Podere La Fratta, read an adult tale by their friend Alan Simpson.