Tuscany (Toscana) can rightly claim to have just about the best of everything: architecture, the country's greatest collection of art, soul-stirring countryside and some of Italy's finest fresh produce and best-known wines.
Most people are drawn to Tuscany by the
artistic splendours of Florence and
Siena or to view the Leaning Tower of
Pisa. But Tuscany also harbours some of
Italy's most impressive hill towns and
there's great scope for walking, notably
among the gentle green hills and valleys
of Il Chianti or, for more vigorous
striding, the Apuane Alps.
Day Tours
There are numerous options for day tours
of Tuscany which are accessible from
Florence, Siena or Cortona.
A place of serene beauty is the countryside of the Chianti region, with ever changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees.
When visiting Siena, a guided tour of this magnificent medieval city is highly recommended. Admire the interior of the Cathedral, with the Piccolomini Library, the Opera Metropolitana Museum. The tour proceeds to Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and the Town Hall. There are some amazing local options for lunch that will linger on your palate for years.
Also of interest is San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescoes and other art treasures, a fascinating city to explore.
Also the old medieval village of Monteriggioni, enclosed by its famous walls which are still intact is definitely a must see.
See below for more concert and travel details
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There are twenty regions in Italy and Tuscany is a region found in central Italy. It has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world and many famous artists have achieved some spectacular pieces of art using the Tuscan landscape for a backdrop during the Italian renaissance. The capital of this region is Florence. In fact 350 out of a 1000 of Europe's most important artists of the 2nd millennium lived in Florence. The historic centers of the cities you may visit on your Tuscan Italian vacation are protected sites mainly for their magnificent architecture. The Duomo is a cathedral in Siena that represents great Italian Romanesque culture. In Florence you must visit Santa Maria del Flore which is another cathedral with beautiful architecture. Its fourteen towers may be seen from several miles around. Through wars and disasters, San Gimignano has been able to keep its beautiful fourteen towers and you will be able to see these works of art on your Tuscan Italy vacation. The Val d'Orcia gained its place on the list of protected sites because it truly exemplifies beautiful landscape. With rolling hills and small quaint villages you must make sure you see this area when you go on your Italian vacation. Another reason why you may want to visit Tuscany and specifically Florence is that this was the place where Leonardo da Vinci was born and spent his youth working in the studio of a well known Florentine painter.
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