4 Best Tuscany Tourist Attractions that You Should Not Miss On Your Italy Tour
Why is Tuscany at the top of almost everyone’s travel wish list?
What is it about strolling from hill town to hill town in Tuscany, wandering around large stretches of lush vineyards, that appeals to so many travelers? Why would you desire to travel this idyllic corner of the globe? And where should you kick start your journey in your Tuscany tours?
To begin with, Tuscany is backed by a long history, going back to the Etruscans in 900 BC and continuing through Roman times to the tumultuous, art-loving city-states of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Tuscany’s well-preserved towns and cities hold plenty of their pasts’ beauty and flavour, presenting a time machine of perceptible experience of days gone by. Moreover, Tuscany has maintained its own peculiar version of timelessness from Etruscan to Medieval to Renaissance to modern times, all boldly exhibited in its museums and churches, but also denoted in the “living museum” of its buildings, streets and piazzas, and art.
And, while speaking of Art, Tuscany has one of the World’s largest art collections, with remarkable masterpieces of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and others, bringing the heritage of the region to life through sculpture and art.
Add to that the over-the-top, designed-to-impress architecture of its colossally lavish cathedrals, which feature multi-colored marble façades, centuries-old inlaid marble floors, and towering domes that were themselves architectural wonders at the time they were built. These monumental edifices include several masterworks of sculpture, fresco, and stained glass, all working together in an apparent effort to evoke awe in the people and humble them into compliance as if some further embellishment could potentially be required.
The unique experiences available throughout the country, in any Tuscan town or area, large or small, are equally appealing. The excellent wine, which is locally produced here in town… The mouth-watering food… The buzz of piazzas, open-air gathering places brimming with crowds and surrounded by bustling outdoor cafes. Not to forget about the gelato at the street markets!
4 Best Places to Visit First in Tuscany
You owe it to yourself to get the most out of your trip to Tuscany by maintaining a balance among tiny, charming towns with larger, well-known cities. Begin your journey in the mid-sized city of Siena. Then visit San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Cortona, which are all small hilltop towns. Florence should be saved for last.
You’ll be perched on hilltops in captivating, ancient towns, engulfed by breathtaking landscapes, with vineyards and fields stretching out in every location as far as the eye can view, during your time in Tuscany. Make a conscious effort to value being there as much as seeing sights.
Begin your journey in Siena…
The First to Siena, Frozen in Time
Begin your Tuscan journey in Siena, Florence’s rival city, which is now favorable with the time. Siena is one of Tuscany’s most stunning cities, engulfed by olive groves and Chianti vineyards. Winding alleyways and steep steps link the area, which is built on three hills. Siena, like Florence, has magnificent statues and artwork that demonstrate its stature.
To have a perfect Tuscan experience in Siena, you can start with a Grand Piazza, the Piazza del Campo, located in the city’s center. For a closer glance, look for the Fountain of Joy and the Venus Statue. This vast open area was once the site of executions and bullfights, as well as a center of trade.
You’ll also see your first extravagantly resplendent Duomo, with its gold-leaf exterior and white, pink, and green marble. Invest some time to examine the 56 masterpieces incorporated in the floor panels, which represent stories of legends, adventuring, wisdom, and fortune.
Next to San Gimignano, a Town of Towers
San Gimignano is a small walled hill town located halfway between Florence and Siena on the old trading and pilgrimage path between France and Rome. It is well-known for its medieval architecture and defensive towers that stand above the town walls and can be seen as you approach the town.
San Gimignano is a labyrinth of historic buildings threaded by small pedestrian-only streets and engulfed by intriguing shops and galleries selling the art of local artists and artisans — leather, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, embroidery, and paintings. Undoubtedly, it is one of the top-notch places to visits in Italy.
Relocate now to Montepulciano….
Montepulciano, World-wide Popular for its Vino Nobile
Montepulciano, located 43 miles southeast of Siena and 77 miles southeast of Florence, is the next destination to visit after Siena. It is one of Italy’s most stunning hill towns, situated along the curve of a 1,985-foot limestone ridge and favored by the nobility of Florence for their lavish second homes.
This hill town is mainly surrounded by walls and fortifications, and it is full of Renaissance-style palazzi, historic churches, quaint piazzas, and mysterious corners, as well as breath-taking views of the nearby hills and valleys. However, the town is best known for its excellent local wines, known as “Vino Nobile.”
Piazza Grande is the cornerstone of Montepulciano and the site of several of the city’s major events, covering the annual Bravio delle Botti barrel-racing competition. In 2009, New Moon, the sequel to the Twilight Vampire Saga, was shot here.
Now, retrace your steps back to Florence to complete your journey…
Move to Florence, the Renaissance’s Birthplace
When you arrive in Florence, you will be surrounded by incredible sculpture and architecture, palaces and piazzas, Renaissance masterworks, and exquisite work by modern-day artisans. Besides, you will find unrivaled painting and architecture here, masterpiece after masterpiece. You’ll enjoy shopping in the leather markets and relax on the piazzas while observing people-watching and sipping mouth-watering Italian wine. In other words, Florence is more than a tourist destination. It’s a flame that rekindles your inner poet or artist.
These are the most beautiful spots in Tuscany and of course, a visit to these places should not be missed while you’re on a Tuscany country tour.
To book your Tuscany tour in Florence, call +39 338 167 3705.
