The series DREAM OF ITALY captures the essence of what travelers and viewers are looking for-unique food and wine experiences, a deep connection to the local people, and a chance to explore genealogy and roots. In the new half-hour special DREAM OF ITALY: TUSCAN SUN SPECIAL, host Kathy McCabe travels to the hilltop town of Cortona to meet New York Times best-selling author Frances Mayes. Mayes' beloved 1996 memoir Under The Tuscan Sun recounts many travelers' quintessential fantasy: moving to Italy to renovate a countryside villa. With the help of a 2003 big-screen adaptation shot on location, Mayes' dream of Italy has captivated fans around the world. Now, in the TUSCAN SUN SPECIAL, viewers have the chance to see the Italy that Mayes knows and loves. The author and her husband invite Kathy for a tour of their villa, Bramasole, including a glimpse of the rarely seen interior. Mayes then introduces Kathy to her neighborhood, a place where visitors can feel an authentic sense of community within just a few days. Later, Cortona's chef Silvia gives a cooking lesson with local ingredients, and master jeweler Sebastian explains Tuscany's gold-smithing tradition.