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 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.

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.

Take Pisa, for example. Not only is there so much more to see that its iconic leaning tower, but taking a day trip from Florence to Pisa, particularly with a knowledgeable guide, can only enhance a trip to Italy—without wasting valuable time. If Pisa is on your must-do list, an afternoon tour of Pisa from Florence feels like nothing more strenuous than a stroll after lunch – but you'll be able to see all the sites and still be back in Florence in time for dinner. And with a private tour, you can even skip the line and climb up the Tower of Pisa! If instead you're looking to efficiently visit more than one place (and have a full day on your itinerary), then a full day trip to Pisa and Lucca from Florence is the way to go. From the modern daily life lived around Pisa's historic monuments to the quiet, medieval vibe of Lucca, you'll have a wonderful overview of Tuscany's treasures.

Take your vacation to the next level with local food expertise and a cooking class, too. You can take a small-group Italian cooking class in Florence in a private home, where you'll make a four-course Tuscan meal from the ingredients you pick up – with your chef and teacher – at the San Lorenzo Market. For an even more exclusive experience, sign up for a VIP cooking class in a noble villa and a farmers’ market tour with one of the best chefs in Florence. If you only have a half-day to spare, you can still get some useful cooking tips with a cooking class to learn how to make gelato and pizza. There's nothing quite like savoring your own culinary creations in the country where they were born. Perhaps you're more enthusiastic about the dining experience than the cooking? You can take a small-group Tuscany wine-tasting tour from Florence that includes visits to two Chianti wineries. You'll sample six wines, enjoy a three-course lunch and explore a quintessentially Tuscan town.