Sunflower fields as far as the eye can see, endless hours of sunshine, idyllic vineyards, and cosmopolitan cities that breathe art and culture have made Tuscany one of the preferred spots for vacationing in Europe.
The birthplace of the influential Italian Renaissance, Tuscany has also been hailed as the planet's prime wine-tasting destination. A well-planned visit to Tuscany will reveal abundant natural wonders, imposing historic buildings, and museums that are home to some of the most influential works of art in history.
While the more obvious choice for a Tuscany visit would be to stay in Florence or Siena, a sojourn at one of the many available villas in Tuscany is the best way to experience the region's beautiful countryside, while discovering its long wine-making tradition, which dates back over a thousand years.
A traditional Tuscany villa located in the vicinity of one of the region's most captivating towns will grant visitors the possibility of truly enjoying the spirit of everything that Tuscany is about.
Florence
You have to look at Florence from the top of the Duomo to realize just to what extent this is a fairy-tale like city. The light-colored walls and the orange domes, traversed by the blue thread of the Arno river with its dreamlike bridges, set against the blue skies will conjure sights sure to excite the imagination.
Strolling down Firenze's pedestrian streets or stopping to contemplate the sunset over the Arno can be sufficient pleasures, but then, there is the fabulous Uffizi gallery, where you can see major works by the likes of Boticelli and Da Vinci. There are picnics at the stunning Boboli or Bardini gardens, high-street shopping for great Italian bags and shoes, savoring Florentine steak accompanied paired with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, and more, infinitely more. Like very few cities in the world, Florence is, in itself, an inexhaustible treasure.
Pisa
In every traveler's mind, Pisa is the tower. However, there is much more to discover here. Since crossing the city's majestic entrance, Pisa brings utter bliss. A green garden, surrounded by beautiful ancient architecture, crowned by the magical unreality of the tilted tower, this city has a rich history, which can be glimpsed at the National Museum of San Matteo. The 300 steps to ascend the famous tower will lead to an experience well-worth the effort, as the panoramic views of Pisa and beyond are quite spectacular.
One detail not many people take into account about Pisa is that there are some lovely beaches very nearby, such as Viareggio, which will make a perfect corollary for a fabulous day in this magical town.
Lucca
The charm of Lucca has a lot to do with an elusive "frozen in time" quality. A historical town surrounded by still-standing medieval city walls, Lucca is also home to a beautiful cathedral called Duomo di San Martino and a well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
Lucca's top attractions are the beautiful Guinigi Tower, which offers panoramic views of Lucca from the top, and the central old city with its meandering narrow streets, charming piazzas and numerous ancient churches.
Siena
Set on a beautiful hill, only a half-hour drive from Florence, Siena boasts numerous medieval buildings, such as the stunning Grand Cathedral, which features several stunning areas, including an Opera Museum. The beautiful town square, called Piazza del Campo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Â
One of the top attractions for short trips outside of Siena, the Abbazia di San Galgano is surrounded by breathtaking countryside, while the ruins of the abbey itself are nothing short of impressive.
The area is so packed with first-rate attractions that renting a villa somewhere on the beautiful land between Siena and Florence is a fantastic idea to enjoy the best of all the Tuscan worlds.
Cortona
A haven of Roman and Etruscan heritage, Cortona has many attractions, including its beautiful Cathedral, the Museo Diocesano, where you can find Fra Angelico's Annuciation and many important works by Renaissance masters, and the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca, which features an impressive collection of Roman and Etruscan era pieces. In the later years, Cortona has achieved increased popularity as the original setting of the book (and movie) "Under the Tuscan sun."Â
 Tuscan bliss
Tuscany travel will surely yield busy and enriching days spent in charming towns as well as delightful afternoons in beautiful gardens, looking over vineyards, lakes or sunflower fields, while tasting some home-made bread and delicious local Olive oil and wine. The picture will be best completed with some traditional Italian music playing in the background. The rich scents and flavors of Tuscan food and wine will delight the senses, while the region´s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes transport you to a world of unimagined beauty and utter relaxation.
The birthplace of the influential Italian Renaissance, Tuscany has also been hailed as the planet's prime wine-tasting destination. A well-planned visit to Tuscany will reveal abundant natural wonders, imposing historic buildings, and museums that are home to some of the most influential works of art in history.
While the more obvious choice for a Tuscany visit would be to stay in Florence or Siena, a sojourn at one of the many available villas in Tuscany is the best way to experience the region's beautiful countryside, while discovering its long wine-making tradition, which dates back over a thousand years.
A traditional Tuscany villa located in the vicinity of one of the region's most captivating towns will grant visitors the possibility of truly enjoying the spirit of everything that Tuscany is about.
Florence
You have to look at Florence from the top of the Duomo to realize just to what extent this is a fairy-tale like city. The light-colored walls and the orange domes, traversed by the blue thread of the Arno river with its dreamlike bridges, set against the blue skies will conjure sights sure to excite the imagination.
Strolling down Firenze's pedestrian streets or stopping to contemplate the sunset over the Arno can be sufficient pleasures, but then, there is the fabulous Uffizi gallery, where you can see major works by the likes of Boticelli and Da Vinci. There are picnics at the stunning Boboli or Bardini gardens, high-street shopping for great Italian bags and shoes, savoring Florentine steak accompanied paired with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, and more, infinitely more. Like very few cities in the world, Florence is, in itself, an inexhaustible treasure.
Pisa
In every traveler's mind, Pisa is the tower. However, there is much more to discover here. Since crossing the city's majestic entrance, Pisa brings utter bliss. A green garden, surrounded by beautiful ancient architecture, crowned by the magical unreality of the tilted tower, this city has a rich history, which can be glimpsed at the National Museum of San Matteo. The 300 steps to ascend the famous tower will lead to an experience well-worth the effort, as the panoramic views of Pisa and beyond are quite spectacular.
One detail not many people take into account about Pisa is that there are some lovely beaches very nearby, such as Viareggio, which will make a perfect corollary for a fabulous day in this magical town.
Lucca
The charm of Lucca has a lot to do with an elusive "frozen in time" quality. A historical town surrounded by still-standing medieval city walls, Lucca is also home to a beautiful cathedral called Duomo di San Martino and a well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
Lucca's top attractions are the beautiful Guinigi Tower, which offers panoramic views of Lucca from the top, and the central old city with its meandering narrow streets, charming piazzas and numerous ancient churches.
Siena
Set on a beautiful hill, only a half-hour drive from Florence, Siena boasts numerous medieval buildings, such as the stunning Grand Cathedral, which features several stunning areas, including an Opera Museum. The beautiful town square, called Piazza del Campo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Â
One of the top attractions for short trips outside of Siena, the Abbazia di San Galgano is surrounded by breathtaking countryside, while the ruins of the abbey itself are nothing short of impressive.
The area is so packed with first-rate attractions that renting a villa somewhere on the beautiful land between Siena and Florence is a fantastic idea to enjoy the best of all the Tuscan worlds.
Cortona
A haven of Roman and Etruscan heritage, Cortona has many attractions, including its beautiful Cathedral, the Museo Diocesano, where you can find Fra Angelico's Annuciation and many important works by Renaissance masters, and the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca, which features an impressive collection of Roman and Etruscan era pieces. In the later years, Cortona has achieved increased popularity as the original setting of the book (and movie) "Under the Tuscan sun."Â
 Tuscan bliss
Tuscany travel will surely yield busy and enriching days spent in charming towns as well as delightful afternoons in beautiful gardens, looking over vineyards, lakes or sunflower fields, while tasting some home-made bread and delicious local Olive oil and wine. The picture will be best completed with some traditional Italian music playing in the background. The rich scents and flavors of Tuscan food and wine will delight the senses, while the region´s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes transport you to a world of unimagined beauty and utter relaxation.
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