A few suggestions for your Tuscany vacation
Tuscany is a region located on the west coast of Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea . For decades, it has been one of the most popular resort areas for visitors from both Europe and North America. The reasons for its popularity include warm people, authentic Tuscan cuisine, excellent collections of renaissance art and architecture, and culture. For the tourist, one moment you may be consuming native Tuscan cuisine, enjoying some of the best local wines of the Chianti region, surrounded by medieval history- all this within a few miles away from a beautiful coastline with pristine blue waters. It is one of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit and spend time here on a Tuscany vacation.
Tuscany is made up of ten provinces and includes famous Italian cities like Florence , Arezzo, Pienza, Pisa, and Sienna. Tuscany has a very diverse background - the medieval cities such as Florence , Sienna, and Pisa , and on the other hand, the wine growing districts of Chiusi and San Gimignano. Distributed along the countryside are any small towns many with small castles, villas and vineyards. There are any number of Tuscany tours you can arrange for yourself either online or by reading a book which suggests a number of routes you can take.
Most tourists arrive to Tuscany via Milan or Rome. From either of these two cities, one can rent a car for the three hour drive to Tuscany. There are also airports at both Florence and Pisa that cater to international flights. Most of the smaller cities in Tuscany also have a railway station. If you are taking the train or bus, you will have an excellent opportunity on your Tuscany holidays to view the wonderful countryside, something you would miss if you fly.
So what does one do after arrival in Tuscany?
Tuscany is a large area and it is best viewed by a tour bus. Most of the Tuscany hotels can arrange a tour bus with guides. The tour buses pass through all the major cities and the most common sites visited include the cathedrals and other monuments. When in Florence , you will surely go and see Michelangelo’s most famous masterpiece, the statue of David, and the Uffizi Gallery, with its large collection of Renaissance art. When in Pisa , you will, of course, be able to see the Leaning Tower.
Other than sightseeing of the Gothic buildings and artwork, one can also learn to cook Tuscany style, play golf, go horseback riding, visit a spa, or just tan at the beach. For the individual who is more into cooking, you can also take a cooking course that will teach you how to make delicious Italian pasta, lasagna, panzanella, ribollita, and tiramisu, and of course, you will get to know how to make the best espresso. There is so much to do and see on your Tuscany vacation.
Since Tuscany is very well known for its famous vineyards, many tourists visit Chianti. Here you will be able to take a Chianti winery tour drink red and white wines of the Chianti region and get to taste some of the best grapes in the world. There are also organized tours to go to the vineries with lunches included. Some of the wine regions worth visiting include San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Montepulciano.
As far as accommodation in Tuscany is concerned, Tuscany has made a lot of effort in providing apartment and housing rentals for tourists. Even though there are plenty of hotels in Tuscany, renting is a good alternative to enjoy the region. Many Italians have renovated castles, farmhouses, villas, barns, and palazzos that are available for rent. There are also some owners who will exchange homes with you. Most rental accommodations in Tuscany are fully furnished and come with all the necessary amenities for daily living. Many country homes will sleep six to ten people – perfect for a family vacation in Tuscany. By the way, in most rental homes you will not find a TV or a telephone. Many rental homes are now listed online with pictures posted and the available features.
Renting or exchanging a home in Tuscany does require that one does their homework. One should be realistic and have to understand the risks associated when dealing with an unknown property owner, who may speak very little English. To avoid hassles, get in touch with an agency that can deal all your negotiations.
These are just some of the options for what to see and do and where to stay when planning your Tuscany vacation.
