TOURING TUSCANY

Tuscany is a region in central Italy with spectacular medieval hill towns and wonderful scenery. It is also one of Italy's top holiday destinations.

Tuscany attracts tourists in their thousands because there are so many amazing places to see in its 8,900 square miles, most notably Florence, the regional capital.

With its historic cities, Renaissance art, hill towns, beaches, and beautiful countryside, there's little wonder that Tuscany is so popular with tourists from around the world.

Florence

Florence can be found in the heart of Tuscany, and is often regarded as the “pearl of the Renaissance”.

This culturally rich and beautiful city is full of delightful Renaissance architecture and some excellent museums.

Take a guided tour of Florence's Cathedral, with its famous dome. Visit the Uffizi art gallery, home to the works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Rembrandt and Van Dyck.

Pisa

To the north of Tuscany, you will find Pisa which is famous for its extraordinary leaning tower.

This famous leaning tower has tilted since it was built over six hundred years ago and still remains one of the most popular tourists attractions around the world today.

Join a guided tour and take a selfie which looks like you are leaning on the tower itself.

San Gimignano

San Gimignan is a beautiful city southwest of Florence and is well known for its amazing Towers.

This medieval walled hill town has 14 surviving medieval towers which create an outstanding view from the surrounding countryside.

You can also see medieval houses and fountains as you take a guided tour through this enchanting market town.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is another walled city in Tuscany which is built on a sloping and narrow limestone ridge.

Montepulciano also has an impressive main square as well as many beautiful Renaissance buildings to wonder at.

You can try some exquisite wines in nearby Montalcino, which has a castle at the edge of the town that has wine tasting.

Siena

Siena is a wonderfully classic medieval hill town in Tuscany famous for its large fan-shaped piazza, the Piazza del Campo. It is one of the finest medieval cities in the world.

The Piazza del Campo now stands where the Roman forum once stood, and is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tall bell tower, Torre del Mangia. Climb the 500 steps or more too experience a wonderful view of Siena and its extraordinary surroundings.

There is still more plenty to see on a guided tour, including the Civic Palace, Civic Museum and Siena's Beautiful Gothic Cathedral.

The Chianti wine region

Particularly popular among travellers, the Chianti Classico wine region lies between the larger cities of Florence and Siena. This region is renowned for its picturesque villages,  beautiful countryside and very special wineries.

A delightful drive through the cypress and olive groves will bring you to some beautiful places where you can explore medieval castle, taste local produce and explore many artisan shops and cafes.

Touring the region also provides a chance to visit wine-makers to get an insight into their wine making process. This allows free wine tastings and soaking up the glorious atmosphere - perfect!