Once you have booked your Villa with us, here are some places you must see
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When I travel to a new place, I prepare a list of things and towns that I absolutely have to see to make the most of each day. If this is your first time in Tuscany, I imagine that you’re looking for top itinerary tips. This post is for you!
When planning your first trip to Tuscany, remember that you must take transportation into account (unless you have your own car or a rented one). Also consider that opening hours of museums, shops, restaurants and other places may have varying hours or unexpected closures.
A general go-to tip is that you should check opening times of any attractions you want to see. Book in advance if a reservation is advised. At the same time, though, don’t over-schedule! It’s important to take travel as it comes, leaving yourself a lot of free time to just walk around—you’re on vacation, right?
If you are drowning in a deluge of potential destinations, these are 10 major “must-sees” in Tuscany:
1. Florence
Magical, historical, charming… no adjective can adequately describe the Cradle of Renaissance. We could never leave Florence off the “top 10” list. Piazza della Signoria, the Cathedral, Ponte Vecchio… everything here is worth a visit. But if you only have one day, check out this itinerary of 10 things you must visit. If you have a weekend, read this post. And if you have 3 nights in Florence, here’s how to spend them.
2. Pisa
In addition to Florence, Pisa is at the top of the list, not only thanks to the famous leaning tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), but also because of the many hidden treasures that deserve a visit. Here is a post with the top 10 things to do in Pisa in one day. It’s a pity to visit Pisa and only stop in Piazza dei Miracoli: continue along, crossing Piazza dei Cavalieri, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo, Piazza delle Vettovaglie, eventually reaching the Lungarno. Here you can find noteworthy spots such as the San Matteo Museum and the beautiful “Chiesa della Spina” church. Alternatively, consider following a Galileo itinerary.
3. Chianti
The iconic vineyards and olive trees associated with Tuscany are spread throughout the Chianti area, situated just a few kilometres from Florence. You’ll find a series of country roads perfect for a car or bike trip, and this whole area is considered a food and wine paradise. There are many different itineraries to choose from. One of these is the Chianti Classico route, which touches the towns of Greve in Chianti, Gaiole and Castellina. Another itinerary focuses on the Pesa Valley, including Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, San Casciano Val di Pesa, San Donato in Poggio, Badia a Passignano and other hidden gems in this undeniably beautiful area. Check out the three-day itinerary.
4. Siena
Coming to Tuscany and haven’t scheduled a day in Siena? Don’t make this mistake! Siena has a unique charm and an ancient history: try to dedicate a whole day to this city, walking along its cobblestone streets in the shadow of its brick buildings. Siena is known worldwide for the Palio, held every year on July 2nd and August 16th. The heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, with its unmistakable shell-shape. From here, you can admire the 88 meter Torre del Mangia. Another must-see is the Cathedral, boasting a black and white façade and a spectacular interior. Take a look at this itinerary, which features the top 10 “must-sees” in Siena. This is also a special year for Siena’s Duomo because you can now go up to the top of the Cathedral, following the “Gate of Heaven” itinerary. You can take a guided tour through the walkways (till January 6, 2015) or take in the magnificent view of the marble mosaic floor.
5. San Gimignano
Known as the medieval Manhattan, San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful hill towns of Tuscany. It is characterized by stone towers and narrow streets, surrounded by an expansive countryside filled with vineyards that produce the famous Vernaccia wine. The main square is Piazza del Duomo (home to the Cathedral) where you can also take in the Palazzo del Podesta, Palazzo del Popolo, the Loggia and various medieval towers. For a postcard-perfect view of the Tuscan landscape, climb the Torre Grossa, a tower housing masterworks by Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi, Pinturicchio, and Lippo Memmi. For directions and tips, read the post “San Gimignano: one day itinerary”.
6. Monteriggioni
In the countryside of Siena there is another must-see Tuscan hill town: Monteriggioni, which is important from both an architectural and cultural perspective. It was mentioned in the Inferno of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. The town is home to perfectly preserved ten-meter-high fortified walls, along with fourteen towers that stand out from afar. When you enter the medieval doors, you are already in the heart of the village. The center has been very important since the Middle Ages due to its position along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. In addition to being beloved by pilgrims from all over the world, Monteriggioni is also known abroad for its medieval festival, celebrated every year in July.
7. Val d’orcia
When you think about Tuscany you probably visualize green fields, vineyards and rolling hills. This is the idealized image of Tuscany, but the good news is that it genuinely exists—and you’ll find it in the Val d’Orcia! This area, extending from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata, boasts very famous towns such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Monticchiello, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia… you’ve probably heard of them! The whole area is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and each small village has its own peculiarities. Hot springs fans will find their heaven in Bagno Vignoni, Bagni San Filippo and Vivo d’Orcia. If you can never eat enough cheese, you’ll love Pienza. Finally, wine lovers will be happy everywhere they go in this area!
8. Volterra
Volterra is one of the most beautiful hill towns of Tuscany. It’s a walled town with a well-preserved past, as evidenced by its medieval and Renaissance buildings, its Roman theatre and its Etruscan sites. Must-see attractions in Volterra include the Piazza dei Priori, home to the magnificent Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo Pretorio with its Tower of the Little Pig, the Romanesque Cathedral and its Baptistery, the Roman Amphitheatre and much more.
important stop on your itinerary is the Basilica of San Francesco and its astonishing Cappella Bacci. Don’t miss the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pieve. For a complete itinerary,
9. Lucca
Nicknamed the “city of 100 churches”, Lucca is famous for its perfectly preserved and walkable 16th century walls. This 4 kilometer walkway overlooking the town is a great starting point for a tour of the town. Don’t miss the Roman Amphitheatre and its elliptical shape, the Guinigi tower and its trees on top, the forum located in the S. Michele square, and the beautiful San Martino Cathedral. You can access the city centre from 6 different “porte”, or gates. Walk around within the city walls, following the narrow streets.
10. Arezzo
Arezzo has ancient origins and a well-preserved city centre with plenty of monuments, churches and museums, offering visitors a chance to travel back in time. Piazza Grande is a good starting point for a city tour, boasting the Loggiato Vasariano and Palazzo delle Logge (designed by Vasari). Another important stop on your itinerary is the Basilica of San Francesco and its astonishing Cappella Bacci. Don’t miss the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pieve. For a complete itinerary,