The landscapes of Tuscany are familiar to us from the paintings of Renaissance artists, and the paradox is that little has changed since then: the same medieval cities, orderly rows of cypress trees, endless vineyards, olive groves and neat villas and country houses Houses. The good thing about stereotypes about this region is that they almost always turn out to be true.
Today Tuscany is considered one of the richest regions of Italy, but despite this it still remains rural and very atmospheric.
You probably won’t be able to see everything Tuscany has to offer in one trip, but don’t worry, you’ll see enough to make you want to come back again.
We have put together a selection of 15 items that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Try truffles in San Miniato
There are many places in Tuscany where you can try this fragrant mushroom. But truffles from San Miniato, a small village between Pisa and Florence, are considered the best in Italy (among white varieties).
2. Go to Cortona
The ancient city of Cortona is considered one of the main agricultural attractions in the Valdichiana area. Its steep streets offer wonderful views of Lago Trasimno and Valdiciana. After the film Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona became the second most visited city in Italy (after Venice) among Americans. It has not lost its popularity and charm today; the streets of the city are also charming.
3. Experience the life of the wild in Monti dell’Uccellina
Monti dell’Uccellina is one of the few untouched areas of land in Italy. The Maremma region in which it is located is one of the most forgotten corners of Tuscany, but it suits it: huge plains, swamps, lush forests – and there is practically not a soul around. Isn’t it a fairy tale?
4. Climb in La Verne
At the top of Mount St Francis there is still a Franciscan monastery, considered one of the main places of pilgrimage in Tuscany. Some come here to pay homage, others to stay in a guest house not far from the monastery, and others just out of curiosity.
5. Get lost in the Uffizi
The Uffizi Gallery has one of the largest collections of paintings in the world, so take at least a day to see at least some of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance.
6. Take a walk in the Apuan Alps
The Apuan Alpi in Northern Tuscany is rightfully considered a botanical wonder due to its marble quarries, extensive beech and chestnut forests and wild flowers in spring. Throughout the park you will see a network of trails of varying lengths and complexity, but no matter which one you choose, you will probably see, among other things, a lot of birds (there are more than 300 species here): golden eagles, kestrels, buzzards, and sparrowhawks.
7. See the frescoes of Piero della Francesca in Arezzo
Luxurious Renaissance works decorate almost everything in Tuscany, but in Arezzo you can see stunning frescoes by Piero della Francesca. Only 25 people can enter the Basilica at a time, so reserve your spot in advance.
8. Walk the streets of San Gimignano
San Gimignano – “Bel delle Torri” – famous for its skyline: as many as 15 medieval towers rise above the city. The perfectly preserved streets only emphasize the perfectionism of medieval masters. But it’s better to come here in the off-season, then you will see the city without the tourist crowds.
9. Feel like a tourist in Pisa
Although the photo of Campo dei Miracoli has been printed on thousands of postcards, it is still worth seeing. Here is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a building that survived the collapse at the last moment, a Romanesque cathedral, a stunning baptistery, and the majestic Camposanto cemetery with its many frescoes and impressive tombs.
10. Take a walk within the walls of Lucca
Lucca has some of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings in all of Europe, but all the tourist hype here has always been of secondary importance. The best way to explore the city is on foot or by bike. And in the afternoon, go on a 4-kilometer walking route along lime and chestnut alleys.
11. Drink wine in Chianti
Chianti produces some of the best Italian wines in the region from Florence to Siena. Here, it sometimes feels like every aspect of life is in perfect balance: beautiful scenery, good climate and so much wine to try…
12. Experience art in the open air
5 km from Capalbio is one of the strangest collections of contemporary Italian art – Giardino dei Tarocchi (Tarot Garden). The sculptures are by Niki de Saint Phalle. For 17 years, the master managed to create a very beautiful, bright world, which is usually very popular with children, and does not leave adults indifferent.
13. Live on an island
At the exit from the Tuscan archipelago is the island of Giglio, which has not yet been reached by the flow of mass tourism. There are beautiful fortresses, stone villages and panoramic views of the nearby mountains, and of course, beaches, beaches, beaches.
14. Go to the spa
Tuscany may have the most expensive spas in Italy, but in the village of Bagno Vignoni you won’t have to pay a cent. The thing is that there is a natural hot spring here, which also comes out as a fountain in the central square.
15. Live in the village
If you stay in one of the Tuscan villages for a couple of nights, you will make your life much easier in terms of sightseeing. In addition, you will learn what life in the village can be like. If you want luxury, try staying at the Castello di Velona Hotel. This 12th-century castle today has 446 rooms. It is located on its own mountain, surrounded by cypress trees.
Source: roughguides.com
