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 […]
Lucca, about an 1.20 hour from Florence, is a beautifully maintained historical city. The center, mostly reserved to foot traffic, is full of boutiques and eateries. Lucca is also worth visiting for its architecture and historical sites. The symbol of Lucca though, is its fortified walls which enclose the center. […]
The list of monuments and museums to visit in Florence is endless. But if you feel like a change of pace, why not explore another side of Tuscany? Get away from the bustle of crowded cities and head to the Tuscan countryside. Find the picture perfect Chianti hills and cypress […]
Montepulciano is located between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. It sits on a narrow hill with dazzling views from all sides. A prime example of medieval and Renaissance architecture, Montepulciano is also the home of the Vino Nobile. The town is about an 1.30 hour drive from Florence and […]
San Gimignano is known as the city of towers. In the Middle Ages, each powerful family erected a tower as a symbol of its wealth and social standing in the city. At its apogee, San Gimignano counted 72 towers. On the via Francigena (pilgrim route connecting Canterbury to Rome), this […]
Florence is the perfect starting point for day trips around Tuscany and even to neighboring regions. Liguria to the North West and Emilia Romagna to the North East are full of interesting places to explore within a few hours of Florence. Take a day off from the bustling Firenze to […]
The leaning tower of Pisa is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The “Pisanis” (the inhabitants of Pisa) built the Piazza dei Miracoli with its cathedral, baptistry and bell tower as a way to celebrate their power and wealth. Little did they know, more than 8 centuries […]
Pienza, known as the Ideal City, is located in the scenic Val d’Orcia between Montepulciano and Montalcino. It is about an hour south of Siena and very much worth the drive through the famous wine country and rolling Tuscan hills. Pope Pius II, transformed his hometown of Corsignano into Pienza, […]
Emilia Romagna is the region to the North East of Tuscany. It is famous for its genuine cuisine and ingredients and fast engines. Indeed, along the Via Emilia that cuts diagonally across the region, lies the Motor Valley. La Valle dei Motori regroups the factories of the fastest cars and […]
