Tuscany – What to See and Do
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Tuscany enchants and captivates thousands of people each year, and many visitors leave the breath-taking region feeling deeply in love with the area. Visiting the region opens a chest of pleasant surprises and wonders, as you tour and discover all it has to offer.
The Landscape
Tuscany is one of the unsung provenances of Italy and boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes. The idyllic setting provides picture perfect scenery at every turn, and you will gain an endless number of visual treats during your time there. The region is famous for the scenery, one that is carved by ancient olive groves and vineyards, with rows and rows of sumptuous fruits ripened by the warm Italian sunshine. The Tuscan countryside is also recognised by the abundance of colourful and fragrant flowers, the bright sunflower and the Crocus which is grown for the saffron, carpet much of the landscape.
Historical Hilltop Towns
As you tour the Tuscan countryside, it will be hard to miss the many historical hilltop towns. With stone buildings that have stood for thousands of years, cobbled streets, imposing towers and monuments, you can wander around for hours, gazing at the wonderment of the structures. The striking medieval town of San Gimignano is steeped in history and contributes to a breath-taking skyscape. If you’re searching for the perfect handmade Italian souvenir, San Gimignano is the place to go, as the streets are lined with shops and stalls selling artisan items, from pottery to leathers. The hilltop towns also offer some of the best viewing spots for sunsets, and the local wines will make the evening even sweeter!
The Famous Italian Cities
Some of Italy’s most iconic sites can be found in the famous cities of Tuscany, and if you’re staying for longer than a couple of days, a visit to one of the many famous landmarks will add to your experience of the country. Florence is home to several world-class museums, including the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery, each of them full of masterpieces from the likes of Michelangelo and Donatello! The recognisable attraction, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is also in the provenance of Tuscany, it can be found in the city of Pisa. The tower isn’t the only attraction, with the Pisa Cathedral and Knights Square also being top attractions.
Italian Food
Italian food is much more than just pasta. With sun regularly shining and warming the landscape of the country, the fresh produce is abundant. The olive oil from the region is celebrated worldwide for the high quality and full flavour, the groves are harvested and pressed to a superior standard.
Tuscan Wine
The best-known wine from the region, one that is drunk and enjoyed all over the world is Chianti. It is said to have been produced in the region since the 8th-Century. Unlike most wines, which are named after the grapes used to make it, the Chianti is named after the Chianti region in Tuscany. Chianti has an earth taste, is very dry and have a fruity aroma.
Hot Springs
For many visitors, the abundance of natural hot springs that are hidden in the Tuscan countryside come as a surprise. The sulphurous natural baths give visitors the chance to pamper yourselves and relax. There are several hot springs that are now part of a spa, the spas offer all the usual treatments you would expect. But, if you’re looking for a true outdoors and back to nature experience, most of the locations with ‘terme’ in the name are likely to have a hot spring close by!
Why not take a look at some of our Italian villas and begin planning your dream holiday to Tuscany to experience all of the activities the region has to offer?
