Tuscany

Tuscany is a picture-perfect region in central Italy. Its capital, Florence, is home to some of the world’s most recognisable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s “David” statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo basilica.

Tuscany is diverse in nature and encompasses the rugged Apennine Mountains, the island of Elba’s beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and Chianti’s olive groves and vineyards. It is little wonder that tourists from all over the world flock to this region in Italy and come for many reasons – some come in search of the fine art, others to explore the countryside and gourmet and wine buffs flock to sample the wonderful wine and cuisine. As well as the countryside, Tuscany boasts many wonderful beaches.

There are many cities to explore including Florence. Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo’s architectural genius.

Siena is probably Italy’s loveliest medieval city, and a trip worth making even if you are in Tuscany for just a few days. Siena’s heart is its central piazza known as Il Campo, known worldwide for the famous Palio run here, a horse race run around the piazza two times every summer.

Pisa has become a popular stop thanks the the famous Leaning Tower. In addition to the tower, the city offers many other interesting things to see worth at least an entire day. A lot of people also stop in Lucca – Most of the attractions show its ancient history: from the trace of the Roman amphiteatre that can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to the archeological remains under the 12th century church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata (the first city cathedral, located just around the corner from the present-day cathedral of San Martino), to the various towers and villas from the 12th to 16th centuries.