The Tuscan countryside is a thing of beauty. The rolling hills and medieval churches and villages scattered in the greenery of the idyllic region never cease to enthuse the soul. Among the best loved holiday destinations in Tuscany are the vineyards of Chianti, a beautiful wine and art-rich area just south of Florence. Here visitors can enjoy a spot of wine tasting and rambling in gorgeous landscapes. Those looking for medieval art should visit the quaint town of San Gimignano and explore its famous towers and the glorious Cathedral (Duomo). The Val D'Elsa region where San Gimignano is situated is also host to several more beautiful little villages well worth a visit, such as Colle Val D'Elsa walled town, Abbadia a Isola, Casole d'Elsa, Mensano and Monteriggioni. For lovers of art history and architecture, the Etruscan art trail is perfect: the southern part of Tuscany bordering with Lazio is home to extensive pre-Roman cemeteries and evocative archaeological remains of the mysterious civilisation: one of the hotspots for Etruscan art and grand mortuary architecture is The Parco Etrusco at Pitigliano. Nonetheless, visitors should travel sotuh to the Colline Metallifere region, the location of the Etruscan cemeteries of Volterra, Poggio Buco and Populonia. Visitors can go for health kick in the small thermal town of Chianciano, enjoying healing water treatments if they so wish. Finally, the scenic rural Val D'Orcia is the site of picturesque hamlets and town such as Montalcino, Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, Castiglione, Rocca d'Orcia and Bagno Vignoni.
The birthplace of Renaissance, Tuscany region is located in central Italy. Among the region's most popular wines are Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. There are various blends of the world famous Chianti red wine. Aptly named the "Bordeaux of Italy", Chianti wines are usually made from 80 percent of Sangiovese grapes and other varieties of grapes. Chianti Classico is the premium type, which is produced in the original jurisdiction for production of Chianti wines. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano red wines originates from the charming town of Montepulciano and its surroundings. Though these wines are also mainly made from Sangiovese grapes, but the aging time in oak and other factors vary from the Chianti wines. For a taste of the world famous red Brunello di Montalcino wine, take a trip to the historic and charming medieval town of Montalcino. Among the varieties of Brunello di Montalcino wines, Rosso di Montalcino stands out. This particular variety is made from 100 percent Sangiovese grapes. To learn about how any of these wines are made, taste various blends and buy a couple of your favourite wine bottles, you can visit any of Tuscany's wineries. Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which refers to a thick T-bone steak that is made from Tuscany's Chianina cattle, is one of the must-try traditional Tuscany dishes. Another must-try food is the disc-shaped, sweet caramel Biscotto Fiorentino. This dark chocolate based biscuit is made from ingredients like candied cherries and nuts. Whether to sample or buy various Tuscany cheeses. There are Italy's famous hard Pecorino cheese, which is made from sheep's milk, Raviggiolo, ricotta and other kinds of cheeses for your selection.
Sights that are fun for all age groups include:Lucca is a magical city. The historical center can be explored in a day and there are many visual treats within a short distance. It’s an absolute joy to explore Lucca on foot—the sense of community and unique local culture is palatable. For kids, it’s all about the walls. They surround the city and are wide enough for biking and strolling. What an absolute blast it is to explore the city from above as you are positioned above the city on the walls. You can rent pint-sized bikes and trailers at all the shops in town. I must mention that if you are in this area, Pisa is a relative short drive away. There is not much appeal other than the tower, but school age and older kids appreciate experiencing this iconic Italian landmark first hand. San Gimignano. Everyone will get a workout by climbing to the top of the open tower. The climb is not toddler-friendly. Too many unsafe steps and drops. School age and older kids will be thrilled as a pre-climb gelato will provide the sugar rush to get everyone to the top with minimal discomfort. Pienza: the Val D’Orcia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most stunning landscapes in Italy. Close your eyes and visualize an idealized version of Tuscany and this is what it looks like. Pienza is a highlight of this area. The views from this perfectly preserved Renaissance town are gorgeous, the village is charming, and best of all, this is home to pecorino cheese production and there are ample opportunities to sample a delicious variety of options. Continues on part 2.
Siena. If you are lucky enough to be in and around Siena during the Palio, you are in for a memorable and exciting treat. Regardless, Siena is a must-see attraction any time of year. The Piazza del Campo is a stunning, immense space that attracts children from all over the world. If you want to have one of those travel moments where your kids interact with others from around the world, this is a likely venue. Forte dei Marmi. Forte dei Marmi is on the Tuscan coast bordering the province of Liguria. Although Cinque Terre is a much more famous coastal attraction for tourists, Forte dei Marmi is where many Italians go for sun and sand.What makes this town special is the quintessential Italian resort atmosphere. Strolling, relaxing, eating, enjoying, shopping—everyone is participating in one of these activities. Kids are everywhere and the long list of beach clubs makes it easy to enjoy a beach experience hassle-free. An intentional omission from this list is Florence. Of course, the essence of Florence is a very deep look at Renaissance art and architecture. Given the time it takes to get into the city and the crowds relative to kid-appreciation, a strong recommendation is to get organized first if you want to visit the Renaissance town!
The stunning landscape of Tuscany includes a large area of hills and the stunning Apennine mountain range that sees many quarries sitting side by side with steep slopes that make for a perfect winter ski location. One of the top areas of this beautiful part of southern Tuscany is the always popular lava dome of Monte Amiata, which is home to an amazing ski resort sitting around 600 to 800 metres above sea level. The northern Apennines run through the Tuscan area with the highest mountain in Tuscany is Monte Cimone, which is more than 2,100 metres in height and is a great choice for those who enjoy summer hikes and trekking to explore the abundant wildlife. The winter months see a large level of snowfall that sees the area frequented by large numbers of snowboarders and ski enthusiasts. Many of the lower hill regions are home to beautiful Tuscan villages and towns, which can be explored for their architecture and small local restaurants and bars.
Tuscany is well known for its traditions, landscapes, history, influence on high culture and artistic legacy. It is considered home to many influential figures in the history of science and art and also a birthplace to the Italian Renaissance. The region has beautiful landscapes in which the green of the rolling hills, mix to the yellow of the ears and purple of the vineyards offers spectacular emotions for the sight. Tuscany hosts many special territories to enjoy your rural holidays. Discover Val d’Orcia: This region extends from the hills of Sienas’ south to the Monte Amiata. It has also been marked as a protected world heritage site. Visiting this region, you will be able to see charming farmhouses, sunny rolling hills, isolated rural homes, medieval castles, isolated hilltop towns, rows of vineyards, golden wheat fields, olive groves and avenues of cypresses. You will also see the suspended and surreal land that is home to the appreciated Italian wines of: Nobile di Montepulciano, the Rosso Orcia and the Brunello di Montalcino. Other interesting places include the museums of: ancient castles and abbeys; the thermal baths in Bagni di San Filippo , Bagno Vignoni. Another must see site is the suggestive and beautiful Sant' Antimo Abbey Romanesque the best example architecture of the medieval monastic. Discover Maremma: If you visit Maremma you will get the chance to see fishing areas, archeological parks, hills, Mount Amiata, tuff cities and natural parks. Some of the areas you would not wish away to visit in Maremma include: Talamone: It’s one of the charming villages of Maremma situated to the southern border of Uccellina mountain range. You will visit the Orbetello Archeological museum where you will see the 7 against Thebes and the beautiful Maremma’s Natural Park that is part of the park of Uccellina.Saturnia: The town stands on top of a hill. Here you will see the famous thermal baths or springs; the medieval Santa Maria Maddalena church which has splendid artistic masterpieces Aldobrandeschi Fortress, Archeological Museum and the two outdoor waterfalls of Cascate del Gorello and Cascate del Mulino. Capalbio: here you will see long sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, ancient tombs that date back to Bronze Age, tall stand tower of Aldobrandeschi fortress, the ancient palace of Collacchioni which displays piano that was used by Giacomo Puccini. Visiting the main square you will a chance to see ancient San Nicola church. The Tarot Cards garden with ancient sculptures made by the Sante Phalle Niki the French artist. Discover Chianti: This is a hilly landscape stretching about 20kms that is surrounded by art cities with its highest point being the San Michele mount. Visiting this countryside you will be able to see the view of the beautiful vineyards’ green geometry, the olive tree’s silver view, the tall green alignment of cypresses and borders of yellow broom woods gives a beautiful view like a painting will give you a thrilling experience. You will also have the opportunity to see the historical Brolio Castle, residence to Grand Baron Ricasoli inventor of wine making; the Badia Passignano the headquarter of Chianti league. Crete Senesi: This is the one of the best places with unique landscape characteristic that is formed by hills composed of eroded reliefs over the years. Here you will be able to see the museums of Buonconvento and the Museo d’arte; you will also see mansions, castles and palaces.
Tuscany is full of wonderful beaches. It is not easy to establish a ranking of the most beautiful beaches of Tuscany, but we still tried to choose for you some of the most attractive areas of its coast, which are worth a visit during a beach vacation or adventure with your family. Let's discover some of the beaches of Tuscany that deserve to be seen and reached: Cavoli Beach is a sandy beach considered ideal for youngsters. It is located in the western part of the Elba island. The sea is crystal clear and the vegetation is pristine, typical of the Mediterranean. Castiglione della Pescaia, in the province of Grosseto, boasts the most beautiful sea of Italy and, for this reason, this year has been rewarded by Legambiente with five sails. It stands for the protection and enhancement of the coastal ecosystem and habitat conservation dune, with the involvement of schools, citizens and tourists. Near Porto Santo Stefano there is Cala del Gesso, that is one of the most beautiful coves of Tuscany and has a stunning view. Cala Bagno delle Donne is in the Maremma Park, near Talamone, in the province of Grosseto and it's protected by a rocky promontory. The sea is deep and clear; it can be reached via a steep ladder, after crossing the country. The seabed is perfect for diving. Cala Violina is a very picturesque cove and it has white and transparent sand. A feature makes it unique: the sounds produced when the beach is trampled by those who cross during periods of just season, when these places are not crowded. Feniglia Beach is located within the National Nature Reserve of the Dunes of Feniglia and it's surrounded by pine forests, Mediterranean plants and characteristics as sea lilies, mastic, myrtle, heather and spurge. The sea is clear, with sandy and sloping seabed ideal for swimming. Walk to the beach from Cala Galera or from the entrance of the Reserve. Versilia: not only vip, Viareggio has been considered for years a city suitable for children with its numerous initiatives. Near Montecatini Terme and Lucca, not far from Pisa, Pistoia includes in his province the Pinocchio Park, that is a veritable amusement park. Rather, it can be considered a tribute to the most famous puppet in the world and its author realized within the garden that acts as a sort of large open-air museum with works by famous artists from all over the world.