Tuscany: An Authentic Travel Guide

Tuscany

Italy is a country of sharp contrasts, and no place in Italy better illustrates this than Tuscany. It’s the region in the country that has the highest population density and the lowest. It’s where you can find some of Italy’s most luxurious resorts and also some of its poorest villages. The Tuscan region’s diversity makes it perfect for getting a taste of everything Italy has to offer.

Situated in the central part of the country, Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s best-known landmarks, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the stunning Cathedral at Florence. Paired with a fantastic climate, picturesque landscapes, and charming villages, this region is a must-visit when exploring the boundless wonders of Italy.

Lose yourself as you stroll historic streets in search of the perfect scoop of gelato or bask in the sun with a glass of wine in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. Overall, from Pisa to Florence, Lucca to San Gimignano, there is a city for everyone in this magnificent region of Italy.

Tuscany is also home to some of Italy’s most celebrated wines. Embrace the majesty of the region by taking a tour of a winery, or try a tasting tour!

San Gimignano

The medieval city of San Gimignano, in Tuscany, is a UNESCO world heritage site. The town is a maze of towers and streets, with stone houses that date back to the 13th century. The city once flourished before being struck by the black death and submitting to Florence’s rule. Now, San Gimignano has a population of just 7,700.

San Gimignano is famous for its towers, and its towers are famous for their height. While there are only 14 of them still standing today, there were 72 towers up to 230 feet in height in its prime. The towers are spread within walking distance throughout San Gimignano. We recommend visiting a few to get a feel for their different styles!

If you’re looking for the perfect Italian city to lose yourself in its winding pathways, San Gimignano is for you. While you are living your Italian dream, head by the Gelateria Dondoli in the central Piazza della Cisterna. This world-renowned destination is a celebrity favorite, and it’s easy to see why!

Lucca

Lucca is a walled medieval hill town with narrow, unpaved streets and buildings that are centuries old. The Duomo or Cathedral, built in the fourteenth century, dominates the cityscape. With tall narrow Gothic windows and intricate stonework, this Cathedral is a gorgeous sight to see. If you enter through the main gate, you find yourself in a courtyard surrounded by high stone walls, behind which rise red-tiled roofs and towers. If you look up, you see an arcade of arches, inside which a wide street runs from one tower to another.

Not only does this little town possess a rich history, but it also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You can see Pisa to the north, Florence to the south, and Siena about fifteen miles away to the east from the city’s highest point. With cars outlawed within the city walls, Lucca is the perfect place to rent a bike and explore.

Volterra

Are you looking for off-the-beaten-path cities in Italy?

We’ve got you covered!

Let’s talk about the lovely city of Volterra. Situated in Tuscany, the small town of Volterra has a rich history, dating back further than Rome or Athens. It is also home to the fictional vampire royals in the popular Twilight series! Today, Volterra is a small city with about ten thousand inhabitants, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important!

Volterra’s Etruscan Museum pays tribute to once was the most influential and powerful society in the world. They are also the world’s alabaster capital, filled with workshops and galleries featuring everything from modern art to household accessories. In short, Volterra’s beautiful location on a hill, countless attractions, and archaeological sites make this Tuscan Jewel a must-see city in Italy.

Pisa

Pisa, the City of the Leaning Tower, is one of the most romantic Italian cities. It is built on a river and has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history. The leaning tower is one of the most visited attractions in Italy and is worth visiting this historic monument alone. You can even climb this incredible monument if you manage to snag a ticket! Though mainly known for the Leaning Tower, the Square of Miracles contains several famous monuments in Pisa.

But there is more to Pisa than just the leaning tower. The city also boasts a Medieval Old Town and an Archaeological Museum with exhibits from pre-Roman times up to the Middle Ages. It’s also notable that the city has a long history of hosting artists at work. Most significant is Dante’s “The Divine Comedy,” partially written while living here in exile. Pisa is also the birthplace of the world-renowned scientist Galileo.

Florence

Of course, no tour of Tuscany would be complete without visiting the capital of the region, Florence. A wonderful city to visit, the hills are soft enough that you can enjoy the winding streets without burning off your energy climbing them. Despite being a tourist hub, Florence has a very old-world feel about it. The city center is small enough, so you can easily visit it on foot. There is something for everyone, from enjoying the culture to seeing the various museums or just strolling through the city, taking in all of the sights.

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to many of the most important works of art. The city has long been a magnet for artists from around the world who have been drawn by its many museums and galleries, as well as its architecture – from medieval buildings to Renaissance churches and palaces to Baroque Cathedrals. The city contains museums and art collections which include some of the most important works by Michelangelo & Leonardo da Vinci.

Additionally, the city’s most famous sites are all within easy walking distance of one another. From the basilica of Santa Croce to Michelangelo’s famed David sculpture in the Galleria dell’Accademia, you won’t have to travel far to encounter an incredible piece of history.

Conclusion

Italy’s south-western region of Tuscany is home to some of the country’s most famous cities and attractions. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a stunning historic gem that will take your breath away with its architectural beauty and impressive landmarks. To the north of Florence lies Pisa, best known for its awe-inspiring Pisa Tower. The neighboring town of Lucca is a great place to visit if you like art and history, while San Gimignano indulges the senses with beautiful towering architecture and amazing villages characteristic of rural Italian life.

Of course, Tuscany is a place with no lack of tourist traps. But, it is also a place where you can bike down a country road and find yourself in an open field with hundreds of sheep. Or, you can sip an espresso on a balcony and watch the sunrise over olive groves and vineyards.

After traveling to Tuscany to get first-hand knowledge of the area, we can’t wait to help other travelers experience this incredible region of Italy.

Want to read about other authentic travel experiences? Check out Montana: A Luxury Ranch Resort Guide or The Eco-Lodge: Remote, Sustainable Luxury

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