HomeTravel14 Stunning Places to Visit in Tuscany, Italy

14 Stunning Places to Visit in Tuscany, Italy

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Tuscany is a province in Italy that has mesmerized vacationers for years. It’s well-known for its vineyards and wineries, Roman historical past, renaissance structure and art work, scrumptious meals, and pleasant locals – what’s to not love?

For those who’re pondering of visiting Tuscany in Italy, you’ve made the precise alternative. There are such a lot of superb locations to go to in Tuscany, you might simply spend a month there and never see all of it.

That’s why we wrote this information. As a result of not all vacationers are blessed with limitless time, and we wish you to have the most effective vacation attainable – so we’ve listed out favorite Tuscany locations so you may resolve which locations so as to add to your itinerary.

Whether or not it’s seashores, cities or countryside you’re after, there’s one thing particular and distinctive about these locations.

Locations to Go to in Tuscany

So with out additional ado, listed here are our favorite areas in Tuscany to go to!

1. Florence

A castle like building in a city
Stunning Florence

My private favourite, Florence, is a ravishing metropolis stuffed with historical past, structure, Renaissance artwork, and meals. After visiting one or all the world-famous galleries just like the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Leonardo da Vinci or the Accademia Gallery to view Michelangelo’s David deal with your self to a steak Florentine.

 

You’ll want to skip lunch if you’re going to pay homage to the altar of steak however in case you want one thing to bridge the hole head to the San Lorenzo market and decide up a lampredotto sandwich.

The simmered fourth abdomen of a cow, sliced skinny and garnished with inexperienced sauce and a splash of cooking juice on the bun, this sandwich is simply served up in Florence and has been for a whole lot of years.

Now that you just’re fueled up, hit the town and open each door as a result of behind one may very well be a hidden feast for the eyes or abdomen.

Make sure you try essentially the most well-known websites, the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo together with the bell tower and baptistery.

The Museo di Palazzo Vecchio is open late so you may finish your day by slipping into an artwork coma from its over-the-top inside.

2. Lucca

roofs of buildings and a tower with a mountain in the background
View over Lucca, Tuscany

We cherished Lucca and happily, our house was solely a fifteen-minute drive to the walled city.

As soon as referred to as the town of 100 church buildings, as a result of it appeared that there was a church on each nook, Lucca is now a small city recognized for its nest of artwork, artisans, and all issues Tuscan.

Lucca was the capital of Tuscany and was fortified with big partitions that you could now stroll or cycle round for an important view of the city and the encircling rolling hills.

For a greater view climb the steps of both one of many two medieval towers Guinini or Torre delle Ore.

Earlier than hitting the steps up pop down the road to Lucca’s oldest espresso store Caffe di Simo for among the finest coffees you’ll ever have. A honey-soaked pastry or deal with together with that and you’re prepared for the climb.

Again on the bottom don’t be afraid to take a look at each avenue, you may’t get misplaced and you’ll find a few of the greatest locations the place you might not count on like Forno Casali the place they make an all-corn focaccia that could be a distinctive and scrumptious bread.

Don’t be shocked if it’s nonetheless heat from the oven and good luck strolling a block with out tearing into it.

3. Chianti and Siena

houess on a hill
Chianti

If you’re fortunate sufficient to have a automobile in your journey you might not have a extra romantic and delightful drive than by way of the rolling vineyards of the Chianti region, lined with low-lying villas and small hilltop cities.

Completely cultivated rows of grape vines line the estates together with olive bushes, vegetable gardens, and flowers.

Lunch at a winery or property is a should and we extremely advocate Casamonti Estates. At Casamonti not solely is the host gracious, the meals scrumptious, the wine tastings splendid, and the property unimaginable however you get to eat the legendary Cinta Sinese pig.

In actual fact not solely do you get to eat it however you may see the entire technique of elevating and processing this historic swine into mind-bending prosciutto, salami, and guanciale, a big, cured cheek.

For those who name forward they could even promote you contemporary Cinta meat, akin to ribs or an arista (roast).

Inside ten minutes you may drive into the bustling metropolis of Siena.

The walled metropolis sits up excessive within the hilltops within the center and as soon as inside you may stroll all by way of its sloped cobblestone streets and steep stairs.

Make sure you try the piazza del campo which is among the most stunning squares in Tuscany and an important place to discover a chunk to eat. It’s additionally the location of the annual horse race and is the place you’ll discover the gorgeous architectural wonders of Torre del Mangia and Palazzo Pubblico.

people outside the Cathedral of Siena, Tuscany Italy
Stunning Cathedral of Sienna – place to go to in Tuscany

Siena has an extended listing of museums and galleries value testing, however you’ll have a sore neck in case you do all of it since a few of the greatest work are overhead.

For those who’re brief on time don’t miss the Cathedral of Siena, it’s a nice instance of the Italian’s love of extravagant artwork and inside design and nicely well worth the ticket worth.

Panforte, a dense unleavened fruit cake, originated in Siena and is fantastic with a bit of pecorino cheese and a glass of prosecco.

4. Apuan Alps

panorama towards the horizon among the wooded valleys on the Apuan Alps of the Tuscan Apennines in italy
Apuan Alps of the Tuscan Apennines

In case your drive by way of wine nation was somewhat too mundane this drive is bound to clear the cobwebs.

Freeway 13 from Castelnuovo by way of the alps to Massa on the opposite facet is essentially the most spectacular piece of harmful highway I’ve ever pushed.

A digital one-lane ribbon of pavement glued to the facet of the mountains that wiggles its means alongside the Garfagnana valley, by way of the Alps (actually), and down the mountainside to the ocean.

Your reward for braving the madness is a few of the most unimaginable views of marble-capped peaks and lunar-like landscapes yow will discover.

Climbing trails can be found at each attainable cease, so that you higher deliver some water, the Apuan Alps produce one of many most interesting waters on the earth, for my part. Water from these mountains is alleged to provide the entire nation.

We cherished the Fonteviva model, it tasted such as you had been consuming from a glacial stream. The truth that we had simply climbed a mountain in 40+ Celsius climate could have had one thing to do with it.

5. Viareggio

Beach in Viareggio, Italy
Seaside in Viareggio, Italy

If spending a day driving is just not your factor possibly a day on the seaside is extra your fashion. Viareggio has a few of the most fascinating seashores we have now encountered.

The principle seaside operating down the coast by way of the guts of the town is serviced by a ravishing boardwalk lined with eating places, outlets, and gelaterias.

The ocean nevertheless is simply accessible by way of non-public seaside golf equipment that personal sections of the seaside. The golf equipment will hire you a chair and umbrella on a superbly saved seaside for about Û25 a day, and guests will typically hire out area for the summer time like a cottage.

A Tuscan tan is one thing to be pleased with right here and the darker the higher, some so darkish they seemed somewhat purple. The chairs are stacked in like cordwood so good luck flinging a frisbee or tossing round a soccer.

If free is extra your fashion (you continue to should pay for parking) and also you don’t thoughts a comparatively unkept seaside, head in the direction of Torre del Lago and the dunes.

With no bother in any respect yow will discover your individual stretch of sand and the persons are rather more fascinating. No seaside chairs right here just some kilometers of driftwood-strewn coast, the identical ocean, and the identical Tuscan solar.

6. Pisa

people walking in front of the leaning tower of pisa

Well-known for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, probably the most well-known points of interest in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

This iconic bell tower is world-renowned for its leaning form attributable to an unstable basis on tender soil. Exploring the remainder of the close by sq. will take you thru non secular monuments akin to church buildings and baptisteries which had been all added to the sq. at totally different factors in historical past.

However Pisa has extra to supply than simply the leaning tower, it has an extended and engaging historical past.

Situated in a strategic place on the mouth of two rivers, Pisa’s port enabled it to grow to be one of many biggest maritime harbours of the Center Ages.

At the moment, there are lots of causes to go to this stunning Italian metropolis and it’s regularly visited by cruise ships every summer time.

For these searching for one thing to do past sightseeing, Pisa is filled with artwork galleries, distinctive outlets, and scrumptious meals!

7. Island of Elba

people on th ebeach swimming and sittin gunder umbrellas

The Tuscan archipelago is among the most stunning hidden gems in Italy, and any go to right here wouldn’t be full and not using a go to to the biggest island within the group, Elba Island.

Nestled away inside the Tyrrhenian seas, the island of Elba is a cultural icon of the realm.

First established by the Etruscans, after which later by the Romans, there’s loads of historical past that may be explored together with loads of enjoyable and thrilling actions to refill any vacation itinerary.

Elba island is all in regards to the seashores. Make sure you absorb some solar on the Spiaggia di Sansone, Spiaggia di Capo Bianco or Spiaggia delle Ghiaie. Wherever you look, you’ll be surrounded by turquoise waters and pure white seashores.

Tradition vultures ought to remember to discover its many cultural websites such because the ruins of the Castello de Volterraio.

8. Livorno

homes on the water

Situated alongside the Tuscan shoreline of Italy, Livorno is a ravishing seaside metropolis with historic roots relationship all the best way again to 1017, when it was constructed as a fortress to guard Pisa. It’s typically used as a gateway to Pisa for cruise ships, however don’t simply skip it for Pisa!

Not solely is there a vibrant and vibrant harbour stuffed with fishing boats and day cruise vessels, however there’s additionally a historic centre full with attractive structure that options gothic, Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings.

Fashionable points of interest in Livorno embody the Terrazza Mascagni, Sanctuary of Montenero, and Monument of the 4 Moors, that are all excellent for getting a style of the realm’s historical past and heritage.

For these searching for one thing distinctive in Livorno, the town showcases its genuine Italian tradition by way of its distinctive regional delicacies, akin to its well-known cacciucco fish stew!

Along with consuming scrumptious meals from native eating places, guests can even get pleasure from luxurious buying in Livorno Marina or discover native artwork galleries positioned all through the town.

9. Grosseto

boats in the water and homes on the mountain

Grosseto is a fascinating place to go to in Tuscany with roots stretching all the best way again to 1564 when it was based by Baldassarre Lanci.

Town is exclusive in that it’s inbuilt a round form, surrounded by basic Italian hills panorama and composed of gorgeous renaissance structure.

As you delve into its historical past, remember to go to the cathedral of San Lorenzo which dates again. to the thirteenth century, in addition to the Museo Archeologico della Maremma.

Piazza Duomo supplies a picturesque spot to get pleasure from a few of Grosseto’s nice meals and wine whereas watching the locals go by.

Grosseto has loads of actions to supply guests too – spend a leisurely afternoon visiting one in every of its many artwork galleries or take a hike by way of the close by Parco Regionale della Maremma for some pure magnificence, mountain climbing and biking trails.

10. Volterra

people sitting in an alleyway

Volterra is stuffed with historical past. It was first settled earlier than the eighth century BC, and was an essential nook of the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval civilizations.

At the moment, guests can nonetheless get a way of this historic previous by exploring piazza grande, which is taken into account the guts of the city. It was made well-known after it appeared within the Twilight film, New Moon.

There are a number of different piazzas as nicely, all providing quaint cafes and eating places serving the most effective of Tuscany’s vibrant meals tradition and showcasing charming structure. It’s no marvel why Volterra has attracted vacationers over the centuries.

11. Pienza

side of brick building with views over the green valley

Pienza is a fascinating village in Tuscany that’s well-known for that includes in lots of Hollywood motion pictures akin to Gladiator and Romeo and Juliet. It’s surrounded by rolling hills, rural landscapes, and breathtaking views.

It’s also known as probably the most stunning areas on the earth and is what many think about after they consider Tuscany.

Pienza has been formally acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Web site. It was as soon as a humble village overlooking the Orcia river valley, however now this small city has grow to be an essential cultural heart and is among the most unmissable locations to go to in Tuscany.

Make sure you head over to the Val d’Orcia for some lush views of the Tuscan countryside.

12. Cortona

Stairs leading up to building with clock tower

Cortona is a small Italian city brimming with magnificence and wealthy historical past. Based by the Umbrians, after which quickly after conquered by the Etruscans, this metropolis is filled with awe-inspiring historic artifacts starting from wall work to tombs.

Immerse your self within the Renaissance structure of Cortona by strolling by way of the streets and admiring its magnificence at each flip.

As for actions, don’t miss out on visiting a few of its church buildings – not just for their non secular significance but in addition as a chance to marvel at gorgeous works of fresco artwork which every have distinctive tales behind them.

It isn’t exhausting to note Cortona’s affect from rustic Tuscan tradition whereas strolling round.

Exuding charming little outlets the place locals promote home-grown produce or distinctive wines, its rural vibes will certainly make you are feeling proper at dwelling.

13. Arezzo

vuildings in plaza

Arezzo is a tremendous place to go to within the Tuscany area of Italy, providing guests a quintessentially Italian expertise.

With its age-old roots going again to the Etruscan civilization within the 4th century BC, Arezzo boasts many must-see historic websites, together with the spectacular Cattedrale di Arezzo, a shocking Roman cathedral.

The Piazza Grande is particularly memorable with its palazzos and weekly vintage market because it reveals off the attraction of Arezzo’s historic previous.

If you’re completed taking within the historic sights, head to Casentino Valley for some out of doors journey and out of doors actions like mountain climbing and mountain biking.

Plus, wine lovers will likely be happy as there are a number of acclaimed wineries close by the place you may style a few of the greatest wines that Italy has to supply.

14. Montepulciano

buildings on the hill with views of valley

Montepulciano is a vibrant Italian metropolis that was as soon as inhabited by the Etruscans and was an influential heart of commerce within the Center Ages.

At the moment, Montepulciano is dwelling to a captivating tradition and distinctive points of interest. Guests can discover the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio which was constructed within the 1500s, in addition to the famend Palazzo Vecchio.

Town heart is surrounded by historic partitions stopping guests from getting misplaced in time on this idyllic Italian paradise.

Make sure you attempt all of the native delicacies akin to contemporary pressed olive oil. It’s additionally well-known for its vino nobile crimson wine, specifically, Brunello di Montalcino wine.

Make sure you try the wineries and wine cellars right here, because it’s one of many prime issues to do in Montepulciano!

Finest Time to Go to Tuscany

The very best time to go to Tuscany is within the Spring or Autumn. That is when there are fewer vacationers and you’ll nonetheless get pleasure from some heat climate.

July and August are the busiest months, as that is when the colleges are closed. It has stunning climate, however you have to to e-book forward to keep away from queues and to safe the most effective lodging.

Earlier than Visiting Tuscany

So there you will have it, these are essentially the most stunning locations to go to in Tuscany. As you may see, every place has one thing particular and distinctive about it, and it merely highlights the range of this fascinating nation.

We hope this information helped you intend your subsequent journey to Italy and gave you the perception it is advisable to select locations so as to add to your itinerary.

Wherever you resolve to go, we all know you’re in for an unimaginable journey in Tuscany! It’s actually probably the most various and delightful provinces in Italy.

No matter your vacationing choice, Tuscany, Italy is bound to please you with its spectacular skyline views, pleasant individuals, and superb meals.

Bio: A Cook Not Mad, a meals weblog with bouts of journey, was began by Tim & Nathalie Harris in 2011 after they offered their enterprise and determined to journey by way of Europe. Now that the journey has began they don’t need it to finish. Be part of them as they journey farther bringing you tasty recipes and fairly photos from totally different components of the world.

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Have you ever ever been to Tuscany? Do you will have any ideas for locations to see in Tuscany and issues to do?

5 Places to See in Tuscany, Italy



Supply: www.ytravelblog.com

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