Florence
The capital of Tuscany, Florence is a city of art. With endless galleries and stunning architecture, Florence is a popular holiday destination by itself. Two days should be enough time to see the best of Florence. I recommend the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose dome dominates Florence’s skyline, the Uffizi Gallery which hosts the best of Renaissance art, the Ponte Vecchio bridge where you can appreciate the Arno River whilst browsing the shops built along it. Those are just a handful of the things Florence has to offer.
Siena
A medieval masterpiece, Siena has its own Duomo and Piazza, making it the perfect location for those who find Florence too busy with tourists. Siena is less overwhelming and easily navigable, with vibrant streets filled with sweet smelling pastry shops and artisanal boutiques. Let this little hill town transport you back to the Middle Ages, where it still hosts one of the most infamous horse races in the world – the Palio – where the riders race bareback on cobblestones.
Chianti
Want to get away from the cities and towns? Chianti is the perfect place to go and unwined. See what I did there? Chianti is a rural region in Tuscany which is renown worldwide for its wine production. Also referred to as Monti del Chianti or Colline del Chianti, Chianti provides the perfect environment to produce wine. Set amongst the country’s gentle hills, the climate is warm and cold enough for vineyards to thrive.
Val d’Orcia
I’m going be honest, Val d’ Orcia is mainly on this list for its picturesque ride, rather than for any particular location. There are some pretty towns within its vast hilly landscape, but otherwise it is just an area to look and wonder. Take a drive and feel like a movie star plucked straight out of a travel magazine.
Arezzo
Just over an hour from Florence, Arezzo is a small city home to the traditional Italian lifestyle. Visit Piero della Francesca’s frescoes of Mary Magdalene in the Cathedral which dominates the city. Or get the best views of the city at the Medici Fortress. If you’ve been to Florence you’ve most likely heard of the Medici family. Rich and prosperous, the fortress highlights their prestige with its 360-degree view of Arezzo and the surrounding area from its walls.
Lucca
This walled city has a charm of its own which gives it a place on this list, challenging its larger neighbours, Florence and Pisa. Its jagged walls were designed by no other than Leonardo Da Vinci in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the city is enjoyed by tourists for its elaborate architecture, many towers, history and narrow streets.
I hope you get the chance to a visit a few, if not all, of these Tuscany gems!
Recommended Tuscany Tours: Tuscany Day Tour
Price: €84
Tour Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy
Alice xx
About the Author
Alice is an Australian based globetrotter. She loves exploring and sharing her adventures as she goes. Alice is the owner at Alice's Adventures.
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