The captivating ‘Tuscan Escapes‘ await you in the beautiful region of Tuscany along Italy’s west coast, making it one of the most popular places to visit in a country that already is very popular itself with travelers.
There are many great reasons to visit Tuscany; the fantastic local wines and regional foods of the area, the stunning beaches, the museums with a wealth of renaissance art in places like Florence and the quaint small towns and villages of the countryside.
Tuscan Escapes: Exploring Art, Wine, and Countryside Treasures
Places like Siena, Florence and Lucca are chock full of fantastic art, sculptures and architecture, but the outlaying countryside features castles, vineyards and picturesque rolling hills. This is where you will often find the best Tuscan specialties and many of the vineyards offer wine tasting tours too. The most famous regions are Montepulciano, Chianti and Montalcino. Although they are best known for their red wines, the whites from these regions have been steadily improving over the years. Wine tours are a very popular activity. If you are feeling adventurous, there are numerous opportunities to take a cooking course also.
Navigating through the plethora of options to explore in the region can be challenging, but with ‘Tuscan Escapes‘ as your guiding keyphrase, it becomes feasible to encompass vibrant urban experiences and idyllic rural retreats within a single journey. Embark on a captivating day excursion strolling through the historic streets of Florence or Siena to kick off your ‘Tuscan Escapes‘ adventure. Subsequently, consider coordinating an invigorating hike or a picturesque horseback expedition through the charming country hill towns. The entire expanse of Tuscany unfolds like a tapestry, adorned with remarkable national parks that offer an array of experiences ranging from serene solitude to meandering rivers, sun-kissed beaches, and captivating archaeological excavations.
Discovering Medieval Marvels and Artisan Treasures
Like many of the ancient towns of Tuscany, Monteriggioni sits atop of a hill. This medieval town, constructed in the 13th century, resembles its original form. Modern facilities exist within the old city walls. It is like visiting and outdoor museum. Very close to Siena and Florence is Colle val d’Elsa. It sits along the pilgrim route of ‘Via Francigena’, for travelers headed to Rome from Central Europe during medieval times. The artisans of Colle val d’Elsa continue to produce the renowned crystal glassware.
Siena is a fantastic place to spend a few days. Few cities in Italy rival the sheer beauty that you will find here. Siena’s Old Town alone, with its charming streets and historic sites, could keep you busy for days exploring Tuscan escapes. However, the entire city has much more to offer. The pristine condition of the magnificent architecture, built hundreds of years ago, will never cease to amaze you. Do as the locals do, grab a gelato and have a stroll through the ancient streets in the evening. The people are very proud of their city and will point out many places of interest if you ask.
