Captured within the virtual
pages of this travel guide is the land that the Tuscans call home. They are
proud to share it with you. And so are we.
Tuscany, which, for
centuries has fascinated holiday-makers from all over the world, including the
rich and famous, offers a huge variety to enjoy: medieval, Gothic and
Renaissance art and architecture, mountains with crisp peaks and rolling valleys,
streets lined with outlets selling the latest fashions alongside artisan shops
where you can purchase local specialty products.
In this guide we will
travel to towns immersed in art and history such as the ravishing Florence,
Lucca, Pisa and Siena, beautiful scenery carpeted with
vineyards and olive groves as well as the intimate and captivating villages of Chianti.
Here travellers will find information on What to See and Do and advice on Where to Eat and Drink. We aim to help you make the most of your stay in a region which will enchant anyone lucky enough to visit.
In the Where to Eat section
we have selected the most recommended trattorie (informal restaurants), high
end, and family restaurants, so whatever atmosphere you´re looking for you can enjoy
Tuscan dishes lovingly prepared with the prized fruits of the land.
Tuscan architecture is
simply unrivalled. Blessed with the fortunes of many powerful families that generously
left much of their wealth to embellishing Tuscany with its magnificent churches
and palaces.
The Settimana Musicale Senese, the Palio (twice a year in July and August) and the Siena Jazz are just some of the special events held in the summertime.
More festivals visistors
might want to see are the Joust of the Saracen in Arezzo and the Joust of the
Archidado in Cortona. At these celebrations people dress up in traditional
attire from the Middle Ages for a fun atmosphere. Another kind of festival is
the sagre, gastronomic celebrations themed on a particular food, which are also
held in this region.
As is often the case there
are towns packed with people day in day out but there are still towns where
you´ll find more elbow room! Eastern Tuscany is home to Casentino´s peaceful
forested farming region and medieval towns like the walled Sansepolcro.
Tuscany´s scenic and
architectural beauty has attracted film directors to the region too. “Life is
beautiful” and “Under the Tuscan sun” were filmed in eastern Tuscany in Arezzo
and Cortona.
In the How to Get to section visitors will find tips on the region´s transport network. Travelling becomes a pleasure in Tuscany. The cypresses, hills and colourful fields that accompany rails and roads, often shrouded in a fine mist or glowing in golden sunshine, add to the experience.
If you are looking for accommodation in Tuscany you can visit our two websites for both Villas in Tuscany and Villas in Italy and also our new website dedicated only to Tuscany Villas.
Tuscany is undoubtedly a region offering everything a traveller seeking an unforgettable holiday experience could want.
