Tuscany is an Italian dreamland. Gentle hills, red-dotted poppy fields, old country estates, pine trees and grapevines shape our image of the graceful landscape south of the Apennine Mountains. In addition, there are traditional cities with priceless cultural assets and sights. There are many possibilities for a Tuscany tour. Here are a few stops not to be missed on a tour.
From Florence through the Chianti to the south
Without a doubt, the heart of Tuscany beats in Florence. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, the city of the Medici and Michelangelos offers art lovers overwhelming impressions. The cathedral with its distinctive dome and the baptistery shape the cityscape, as do the many palaces and churches. A must is a visit to the world famous art collections of the Uffizi. The Chianti region, one of the most famous wine-growing regions in Italy, extends south of Florence. The low mountain range with its extensive forests, vineyards, small towns and villages forms a surprising contrast to the urban hustle and bustle of the Tuscan capital. Further south you will reach Montepulciano. The renaissance city, wonderfully situated on a hill, with its old city wall is a popular destination.
Proud cities – Siena, Pisa and Lucca From here the road leads to Siena.
Not only the round Piazza del Campo in the city center with the Palazzo Publico, but also the magnificent cathedral, which was never quite completed, testify to the former wealth of the old city republic. San Gimignano is near Siena. The medieval town – also known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because of its numerous towers – impresses with its picturesque townscape. San Gimignano is already on the way to Pisa – another highlight of any Tuscany tour. The world-famous leaning tower with the cathedral and the circular baptistery form a unique building ensemble. In the hinterland, Lucca is worth a visit. The old city still shows its Roman past. The Piazza dell ‘Anfiteatro in the center still indicates the original purpose. From Lucca the route leads back to the starting point in Florence.
My Tuscany round trip – a discovery
Other destinations could be named – for example the beaches of the Versilia coast, the coastal landscape of the Maremma or Elba and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Tuscany has many faces and facets. It is worth discovering the unique landscape and its treasures.