Tuscany Travelers Recommend

From picturesque farmhouses to auburn sunsets, Tuscany is one of the most romantic and visually seductive areas of the world. The pomp surrounding this region isn't pomp, but rather well earned admiration. The rolling hills, the amber grasslands, the sunny vineyards; they all make for splendid living - and boy, do the Italians know how to drink full from these rich waters of life. An easy day trip from Florence is all it takes to see them yourself. Gourmands and sommeliers from around the world gather to this illustrious region to sharpen their palettes and indulge in a little gastronomic extravagance. A small group tour of Chianti and the surrounding areas is a good way to stay intimate, and appreciate more. Scenic sunsets and drives through the hillsides are another romantic foray into Tuscany, but perhaps the most personal route is Tuscany on horseback. Can there be a better way to see the countryside?

The cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming. Cradle of the Renaissance and home of Machiavelli, Michelangelo and the Medici, the city seems unfairly over-blessed with art, culture and history. It is understandable then, that the labyrinthine alleyways get confusing. Orient yourself with a tour, either by bike, Segway, or the Hop-on Hop-off tour. The Uffizi and Accademia Galleries are world famous for their prisons and for housing numerous famous Michelangelos and masters of the 14th and 15th century Florentines, so consider starting your day off there. From here, a walk into behind-the-scenes Florence, where a tour of the Vasari Corridor will lead you on to Piazza Santa Maria Novella and its magnificent Dominican church. Florence has many wonders to behold, but one of those wonders is the legendary Italian Countryside. Easily accessible from Florence, the town of Pisa lies a scenic 102 kilometers west.

Siena is a city for exploring in foot. It's small – if a little confusing given that the streets tend to circle around the central piazza, and cars are not allowed in the historic center. Begin by orienting yourself in the heart of the city: the Piazza del Campo. Admire the uniformity of the palazzos ringing the square, the marble fountain Fonte Gaia, and the magnificent city hall, Palazzo Pubblico and its bell tower Torre del Mangia. Siena has one of Italy's best art galleries: Pinacoteca Nazionale. It's in the 15th century Palazzo Buonsignori and has some of the best Sienese art of the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as a vast collection of paintings from northern Europe, including Durer. There is also an extensive sculpture collection. Tuscany is not huge but it is rich in history and beauty. If you've ever had enough of what Siena itself has to offer, think about a day trip to Florence to see the differences between these arch rivals in art.

The city’s cathedral is a reminder of Siena’s proud centuries of independence. Siena is just one of the glories of this area. Dotted across the landscape are the high walls of hill towns which once repelled marauders, but now welcome travelers, like Little Monteriggioni, with its quiet winding streets and perfectly preserved fortifications, and San Gimignano. This town’s fame rests on its extraordinary grouping of medieval towers (14 in all). This UNESCO World Heritage site is also noted for its association with the great Italian writer Dante Alighieri, and for its churches abounding with fine Renaissance artworks. If you’re staying in Florence, you can see Siena and San Gimignano and surrounding areas on a day trip. Some of the finest Tuscan cuisine is served up here, and you’ll want to sample fine wines in the numerous historic vineyards. Honey and olive oil are among the other local specialties.