Most travelers to Tuscany fly in an out of Florence or Pisa but shouldn’t limit themselves to those hubs. From the Mediterranean coast to rolling hills and mountains, this Italian destination has a wealth of culture and scenery to explore. Each region has its own exclusive personality with art, architectural gems, exquisite wines, and fresh farm-to-table fare. Travel to most places by bus or train. Renting a car is also an option, and U.S. drivers will appreciate that the road rules here are similar. Be sure to visit these top places in Tuscany.
Florence
This top Italian city is the heart of Tuscany with its amazing Renaissance architecture and art museums. Visit Florence’s cathedral with its iconic dome, the Baptistery, the Museo Galileo, and the Museo Galileo. Florence is a good base for winery tours and day trips to the close-by towns.
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Siena
Visit this classic medieval town in the hills of Tuscany. Stroll the ancient streets for shopping and sampling traditional cuisine and local wines in a rustic trattoria. Siena is also the site of the Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia. Summer travelers shouldn’t miss the Il Palio, an annual horse race featuring bareback riders.
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Pisa
Of course, a trip to Pisa makes the list of top Tuscany destinations. The cathedral and the baptistery in this northern Italian town both of which date back to the Italian Renaissance. The Piazza dei Cavalieri is another historic site not to miss. For some of this region’s best scenery, take a stroll along the Arno River.
Lucca
Lucca is another northern Italian town with several historic cathedrals. It’s best known for the Renaissance-era wall which encircles the city. Visitors can walk or bike the paths and gardens atop the wall for a fantastic view of the historic center. For more great views climb some of the old well-preserved towers around town.
Cortona
Fans of Under the Tuscan Sun by Francis Mayes should consider a visit to Cortona in the Tuscan hills. The amazing architecture here includes the 3,000-year-old Etruscan walls that surround the city. The Abbazia Farneta and the Chiesa San Francesco are interesting buildings to visit. Many of the locals speak English because of the large American expatriate community.
San Gimignano
Called the City of Beautiful Towers, this classic medieval is known for its famous 14 surviving medieval towers. They’re visible in the skyline from the surrounding countryside. Top sites to visit are the Museo Estrusco and the historic Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta. Get totally immersed in the culture by sampling local cuisine. Try cinghiale (wild boar) dishes at the Ristorante San Martino.
Originally published at sonhandoestwick.net on December 28, 2018.
