Tuscany is a land rich in history, culture, tourism, breathtaking landscapes and a superb food and wine tradition.
If you decide to visit this region, the most complicated thing to do will be the choice which destinations and attractions to visit. It is advisable, in order to see at least some of the beauty of Tuscany, to stay at least a week. Many cities can be reached by public transportation, but the same cannot be said of the many other villages and less touristy areas, so the best choice would be to rent one and travel by car.
To simplify your choice of places to see, here are some ideas from which to draw inspiration.
Florence
This wonderful city is a true open-air museum: the art, history and culture can be felt just by walking through its streets. Therefore, it is imperative to devote one or two days to visiting this city. The first thing to do is to decide where you will have to stay; in the center or more in the suburbs, just do a web search by selecting your arrival and departure dates to find thousands of Florence hotel offers.
First of all, it is impossible not to go to Piazza Duomo, home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with Brunelleschi’s famous Dome, the Baptistery and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Continuing on to Via dei Calzaiuoli, one will be confronted by the grandeur of Piazza della Signoria with Palazzo Vecchio, the current seat of Florence’s municipality and civic museum, and the Fountain of Neptune.
How can we not then mention the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery? In these cases it might be wise to book entrance tickets in advance so as to avoid long lines. If you then feel the need to relax, crossing the magnificent Ponte Vecchio, you will be able to go to the Boboli Gardens where you will find art, history and even some refreshment.
Pisa and Lucca
From Florence it will be very easy to drive to Pisa, where it will be possible to admire the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and the even more famous Leaning Tower. Of no less importance are the Cathedral, Baptistery and Camposanto, all of which are worth a visit.
After having lunch in some typical trattoria, you can head to Lucca. This city is enclosed by majestic Renaissance walls, which have now become a park. The rest of the attractions also retain signs of its history: the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro bears the shape of a Roman amphitheater, while important archaeological remains have been found under the church of San Giovanni e Reparata, the city’s first cathedral.
Other things to see in Lucca include the Church of San Michele in Foro, the Basilica of San Frediano, the Clock Tower, and the Guinigi Tower.
The region of Chianti
Between Florence and Siena, we find the beautiful area of Chianti, world-famous for its namesake red wine. This area is characterized by alternating hills covered with vineyards and olive groves, making each glimpse unique. In this area you will be able to visit museums dedicated to wine and agricultural equipment such as the one in Greve in Chianti, but you will also have the opportunity to taste the region’s fine wines. Here there will be an endless number of villages to visit, in which it will be possible to find peace and tranquility, but also and above all good food and good wine.
Siena
While Florence is a Renaissance city, Siena will offer the opportunity to step back into the Middle Ages. In this city positioned on several hills, it will be possible to admire Piazza del Campo, which is characteristic for its shell shape and for the Palio di Siena, which is a horse race held every summer on July 2 and August 16 in which the different contrade of Siena compete. We recommend climbing to the top of the Torre del Mangia for spectacular views of the square and the entire city. Then heading towards Piazza del Duomo it will be possible to admire other Sienese jewels, namely the Duomo, the Crypt and the Piccolomini Library.
At the gates of the city then, it is possible to visit the medieval-style Castle of Monteriggioni, with 15 small towers along the walls, which have remained intact over time.
These just mentioned are just some of the places worth seeing in Tuscany, but of course everyone can customize the trip to their own liking, according to their tastes and needs. Whatever itinerary you choose, it is certain that Tuscany will not disappoint!