Tuscany is famed for its dramatic landscapes, charming cities and delicious local cuisine – from its famed Tyrrhenian coast seafood dishes to traditional classics such as pappardelle alla lepre or al sugo di cinghiale (fresh pasta with wild boar sauce), Tuscan cuisine is rich and varied.
Florence has long been associated with the Medici family’s influence; their influence can be found everywhere from art and music festivals, to fashion shows, to cuisine. Traditional dishes created under their direction often employ local produce in their preparation.
Chianti
Chianti was long associated with straw-covered bottles of inexpensive fruity red wines; however, due to improved winemaking techniques and an impressive series of vintages it has recently undergone a renaissance. Perfectly balanced between fruit, acidity and tannin it makes an easy wine for everyday drinking – great with pizza, pasta, Asian food or classic cheeseburger.
Tuscany’s vineyards are planted predominantly with Sangiovese grapes – the region’s premier variety. Trebbiano dominates most remaining vineyards but some producers are producing stunning examples with other indigenous varieties like Vermentino.
Chianti can be broken down into smaller regions such as Chianti Classico, IGT, and Colli Aretini with each having specific regulations on wine production methods and the quantity of a given grape allowed in them. Wines aged for at least a year before release are known as Chianti Superiore while those meeting even stricter criteria including lower yields and increased alcohol content can be labeled Riserva.
Experience Tuscan wine like never before on a wine tour led by local experts! These tours can include visits to small family-run wineries where you’ll get to sample an extensive variety of wines; plus you may visit vineyards that may not otherwise be accessible by car.
Florence
Florence, Tuscany’s capital city and an internationally acclaimed center of Renaissance culture, is widely revered for its art and architecture. Home to such landmarks as Brunelleschi’s Duomo with terracotta-tiled dome and Uffizi Gallery’s “David” sculpture as well as Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” Florence has something for everyone in terms of art, architecture and Renaissance culture.
Florence emerged as an influential cultural, economic, and political hub during medieval Europe; later becoming one of Europe’s premier cultural, economic, and political centers through the rise of the powerful Medici family. These patrons of the arts included Domenico Ghirlandaio, Lorenzo de Medici (known as Lorenzo the Magnificent”) Piero della Francesca Sandro Botticelli Michelangelo among many others.
A stroll through this city’s many museums and historic buildings, churches and medieval streets will prove fascinating. A particular highlight is Mercato Centrale food market which features more than 30 stalls offering cheeses, pizza, pasta Sicilian cuisine fish meats vegetables & more!
Just outside of the city lies Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and small town situated along medieval alleyways. Here, visitors can sample wine and olive oil at local vineyards and oil mills before stopping off at traditional trattorias for delicious traditional Italian fare. Siena also serves as a fantastic venue to witness its historic horse race called Palio di Siena that takes place each July and August among different neighborhoods competing against one another around its main square.
Siena
Siena, Italy’s medieval city, is an absolute treasure and must-visit destination. Encased within its city walls and gates is an area filled with old churches, palaces, and the beautiful shell-shaped square known as Piazza del Campo; all of this work so well together has earned Siena World Heritage status from UNESCO.
The Palio di Siena, an ancient horse race held twice annually around Piazza del Campo and attended by thousands of tourists, is an annual medieval-originated horse race held twice each year at this ancient venue. Ten randomly selected Contrade (city neighborhoods originally formed to defend the city against enemies) compete to be honored with a painted banner to occupy Piazza del Campo’s main square as part of this event.
Siena is known for its delicious cuisine, from pici (thick homemade spaghetti) to the succulent cinta senese pork breed cured meats. Osterias and restaurants serve traditional as well as modern interpretations of local dishes while shops and bakeries sell treats such as ricciarelli, cavallucci, panforte, and schiacciata all’anice pasquale – among many others!
Sports fans will want to catch a game by Associazione Calcio Siena, an Associazione Calcio Siena club based in the city and competing in Italy’s top football league, Serie A. Monte dei Paschi di Siena is also located here and has been operating continuously since 1472 – it is still considered active today and should be visited for its impressive history-laden complex! All history enthusiasts should see this spectacular place.
Pisa
Pisa may be best known for its famous leaning tower, but this iconic monument only scratches the surface. Pisa’s medieval center boasts numerous great restaurants and stores offering meals and goods – here are just a few!
Mercato Centrale is an important food market that serves both residents and tourists. Here you can sample some of Tuscany’s renowned produce – olive oil and cheese being among them – as well as meats and fish products from all around Italy.
Pisa’s Duomo Cathedral stands as one of its most emblematic structures, completed around 1170 CE. With an exterior made entirely from white marble featuring decorative windows, pillars and columns enclosing it and an equally impressive interior complete with choir and pulpit seating, its grandeur cannot be overstated.
Pisan cuisine features strong Mediterranean elements and is rich with seafood dishes. Enjoy mussels in tomato sauce at Trattoria da Stelio or try something more unusual such as lampredotto (mashed octopus served with spicy Calabrian sausage nduja).
If traveling with children, be sure to pack snacks and water as the climb up Pisa’s Leaning Tower takes about 35-45 minutes and includes 251 uneven steps. In order to maximize enjoyment during this experience, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended; either at a train station or online is fine.
Lucca
The city’s 16th-century walls are the main attraction here, but there’s so much more to discover! Lucchesi locals are famous for their impeccable manners and sense of refinement that is evident throughout town’s layout and appearance; strolling through its old medieval centre feels like walking back in time with only cars on some streets and antennae or dishes visible on rooftops as modern additions.
Sloping alleyways are lined with cafes and boutiques that make shopping seem effortlessly civilised. Keep an eye out for old shop fronts with swirling gold lettering and mahogany panelling to give an extra sense of civilized living.
Palazzo Mansi is an essential stop if you want to gain a true appreciation of Lucca’s artistic history. Built in 17th-century, this mansion now serves as home for an art gallery featuring works by internationally acclaimed Italian artists from Renaissance periods – among them.
Lucca’s old town lends itself to fantasy, as evidenced by events such as Summer Festival and October Lucca Comics & Games festival that attract cosplayers from across Europe. Or take a break from street life at Tenuta Adamo Vineyard outside the city where five wines plus charcuterie can be experienced for EUR30 as a great way to wind down after a busy day exploring!
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most well-known towns and is often included on tours to this part of Italy. Renowned for its hilltop setting, medieval towers, delicious food, and wine; San Gimignano makes for a memorable visit.
This town is famed for its forest of medieval towers, creating a distinct skyline and earning the name of “Medieval Manhattan”. Only 13 remain today from what was originally over 70. Their construction displayed wealth and status among wealthy families who ran these hilltop towns while providing protection from marauding armies.
Walking through San Gimignano’s narrow streets and admiring its towers is the best way to appreciate them, with walking being your best bet for experiencing their magnificence. There’s much to see and do here, from visiting its Civic Museum and Duomo (900 years old!) featuring breathtaking frescoes to climbing Torre Grossa (also called Devil’s Tower) for stunning panoramic views.
Visit San Gimignano early morning or late evening when crowds have dispersed and the streets are virtually deserted, to take full advantage of all that it offers. Be sure to sample some local delicacies, such as Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine and pici pasta dishes; don’t leave without tasting a delicious gelato from Gelateria Dondoli located on one of its beautiful squares; this experience will have you coming back time after time!