Tuscany Travelers Recommend

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.

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?

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.

Italian cities all have their own signature landmarks and salient qualities, and Pisa, of course, is no different. If you plan on climbing the tower, get there early, as the number of visitors allowed inside the tower is limited. The doors open at 8 am, so be prepared – it's a good idea to book tickets in advance. Even if you do not intend to climb the tower, you’ll get the best pictures before and after the crowds and vendors throng around it, so plan on taking pictures early in the morning or closer to dusk. If Pisa is the first day of your Tuscany ramblings, you might want to book a hop-on, hop-off tour. Highlights include sites such as the Piazza Arcivescovado and the Lungarni, a series of streets along the Arno river. From Pisa, you should visit Florence. Known as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is where you will find masterpieces such as Micheangelo's David and Giotto's bell tower.