Tuscany

TUSCANY – WHY GO?

So much has been written in praise of Tuscany that first-time visitors could be forgiven for wondering if the reality can possibly live up to the hype. Quiz them on their return, and they’ll almost certainly tell you the real Tuscany was even better.

Tailor-made for a cultural odyssey, Tuscany can’t be beaten for its wealth of art treasures and history. It’s also bursting with vineyards and classic hillsides topped by graceful villas. This really is Italy with all its bells and whistles.

Florence
(See our separate Florence guide). Rather like a rich plum pudding, Florence dazzles with its glittering Renaissance jewels. The Duomo soars above the city's terracotta rooftops just as it did in medieval times, while Michelangelo’s David, towering as high as a double-decker bus, awaits in the Galleria dell’Accademia. The crème de la crème of museums is the Uffizi, where you could spend literally days gazing at works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Titian and Italy’s other grand masters.
 
Don't miss some retail therapy along Via Tornabuoni, jostling with designer stores. Spanning the River Arno since the 13th century, the famous Ponte Vecchio is another little shopping hotspot – though boutiques selling gold and gems have long since replaced the butchers and tanners of olden days. 

San Gimignano
A forest of towers pierces the skyline of San Gimignano, where you can take in the frescoed Duomo and have a wander through the town’s narrow streets.

Montepulciano
Crowning a hilltop with far-reaching views, Montepulciano is another must-see, with its high-sided 15th century streets and wonderful churches.

Siena
Siena is another cultural must, dominated by Tuscany’s tallest tower and another dazzling Duomo, not to mention the vast Il Campo piazza. This glorious square is the home of Torre del Mangia, and you can climb all 503 steps for an unmissable view of the city’s rose-coloured rooftops.

Cortona
Setting for the classic novel Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona is a medieval gem with its winding streets, palazzi and piazzas. It also has a famous basilica and Etruscan tombs.

Montalcino
This is a must in any grand Tuscan tour. It's also the place to imbibe full-bodied local Brunello wines.

Lucca
Not far from Pisa, Lucca is a wonderful place to start or finish your Tuscan tour. The city walls are now a tree-lined esplanade, while the town itself is a picture of lovely squares and churches. It's an easy drive to check out Pisa and its famous leaning tower. 

MAKE A DATE

February
Carnevale di Viareggio. Dress up and don a mask for Tuscany's version of Venice's famous festival.

June
Puccini Festival. Enjoy a feast of Italian opera at the festival town of Torre del Lago.

Giostra del Saracino. Medieval jousting gets underway in Arezzo, with teams of crusading knights and a procession.

July
Cantiere Internazionale dell’arte, Montepulciano. There's a packed programme of ballet, theatre and classical music.

Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia. A must on the music calendar, and an easy drive from southern Tuscany.

Festa di San Paolino, Lucca. Don't miss the torchlit parade, when players in period costume honour the city's patron saint.

Early July and mid August
The Palio. Siena’s world-famous horse race gets underway, with steeds thundering through the streets in a chaotic mix of entertainment and nail-biting drama.

August
Tuscan Sun Festival, Cortona. This is one of Italy's most prestigious cultural events and one of the top arts festivals in Europe. Don't miss the open air evening concerts in Piazza Signorelli.

Bravio delle Botti, Montepulciano. You’ll get a barrel of laughs at the Bravio wine barrel race – a custom dating back to 1327.

TUSCAN ROMANCE
Never mind Tuscany's feast of cultural treasures –  sitting on the terrace of one of the region’s fabulous hotels with a chilled glass of Soave Classico, looking over a timeless vista of rolling hills and vineyards, is guaranteed to hit the spot.





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