Tuscany has always fascinated the world with its history and architectural beauty. Most British aristocrats would include Florence and Tuscany in their Grand Tour. But not many know that English architectural styles had a strong influence in Italy. Here are three original castles that have Medieval origins but were rebuilt […]
The Chianti area is rich both in wine and in castles. It is the perfect place to combine culture, nature and wine tasting. Though the area has become very popular with tourists and expats, it is far from being overrun. Chiantishire is the place to explore the quiet tranquility of […]
Montalcino is mostly mentioned in referenced to the famous wine, Brunello di Montalcino. Though a day trip to this little medieval town would not be complete without trying this red in a winery or restaurant, there are many other things to do. The slow pace of Montalcino invites visitors to […]
The SR 222 (Strada Regionale 222 is the official name of the Chiantigiana Wine Road) connects all the main towns of Chianti: Greve in Chianti, Montefioralle, Panzano in Chianti, Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti. It cuts through scenic hills, olive groves and vineyards and leads you […]
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has become the symbol of Italy abroad. Most tourists flock to Pisa for a quick visit of the Piazza dei Miracoli, discarding the rest of the town. Though Miracle Square is most definitely worth the trip, it is jam packed with tourists. If you want to […]
Isola del Giglio is the second largest island of the Tuscan archipelago. It is part of the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano, a natural reserve that protects rare varieties of fauna and flora. The island is mostly hilly and its highest elevation is 496 meters above sea level. Giglio is known […]
The Tuscan archipelago extends from Corsica to the Tuscan coast and is composed of 7 islands and other islets and skerries. Capraia, Elba, Giannutri, Giglio, Gorgona, Montecristo and Pianosa are all part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park which boasts protected species of fauna and flora. Though most of the […]
Monteriggioni is a little medieval gem and the perfect stop on your way to Siena. The town is perched on a hill and is surrounded by a perfectly maintained ring of fortifications. The twelve towers that dominate the city are even mentioned in Dante’s Inferno, in which he compares them to […]
The Middle Ages were a very fruitful and yet unstable period for Tuscany. Hilltops towns, usually used for defensive purposes littered the countryside. Still today, visitors can glimpse at this interesting period of history by visiting some of the most well maintained medieval towns. Here is a shortlist of 5 […]
Cinque Terre are five fishing villages in Liguria, just north of Tuscany. These beautiful colourful villages by the sea are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy. Ideally, a visitor would take two or three days to see the Cinque Terre but it can also be done in […]
