It is known all over the world, and everyone would like to come here at least once in their life and live here. The most feature this incredible region of Italy is an amazing variety of climatic zones and landscapes, which, together with rich history makes the region ideal for any traveler deciding to travel to this amazing corner of Italy. Let's sketch out a rough map of the most interesting places in Tuscany to help you plan your own itinerary.
- the most visited coast, especially in summer, one of the most popular in Italy, and the Tuscan archipelago is very picturesque, unique in its kind. Seven large islands and many small- everyone is worth visiting. There are mini-day cruises from Castiglione della Pescaya and from the port of San Stefano, but we would not recommend them: you need to explore paradise at your own pace.
Depart Piombino and arrive in Portoferraio in an hour by ferry. A city worth visiting (at least to admire the yachts anchored in the bay) because of Napoleon's villa - Palace of Mulini- the main attraction of the old city, giving the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view from the island.
But you can visit two fortresses, - Fort Falcone and Fort Stella. After that you can plunge into the crystal clear waters of the bay, walk along the sandy beach, where the Argonauts rested and dried in the sun after arrival.
An entire book is not enough to describe everything the island has to offer, we mention one place of interest: Sansona beach located along the road from Portoferraio to Viticcio, with its white pebbles, which presents some difficulty if you walk (10 minutes), but the result of such a walk exceeds all expectations: swimming in this uncrowded place among fish and octopuses, you begin to understand your place in nature.
Tuscany: Marciana, Poggio, Marciana Marina
In addition to small coastal towns, it is worth visiting the higher place, Marciana (375 m), for a walk (or even the annual Walking Festival) along medieval streets of this city, going into small colorful shops, and, if you are not afraid to trample the soles of your shoes, walk to Temple of the Mountain Madonna where the ubiquitous Napoleon met Maria Walewska. The small chapel has 16th century frescoes dedicated to Sodom.
To return, take the cable car to Mount Capanne for wonderful views of the Elbe and other nearby islands. At the end, grab a bike and ride through the chestnut forest and winding streets Podjo, take a look at Marciana Marina and spend a few hours on the streets " Little Marsilla».
Leaving the island with a pain in your heart (and believe me, we understand you), take as a souvenir aleatico infused with honey (very sweet wine) or Alchermes liqueur.
Tuscany: Piombino, Talamone, Monte Argentario, Giannutri
Back on the mainland at Piombino, head southeast to forest park Maremma, site of Etruscan-Roman and medieval sights such as the abbey Saint Rabano.
A visit to the park will tire you out, so it's time to stay for an evening in Talamone, where you can go kitesurfing.
In the morning look at dune Giannella and then on dune Fenilla.
From Cape Argentario, walk counterclockwise until port of St. Stefano... Avoiding the crowds that fill the city in summer, walk along the Seafarers' Quay and catch the ferry (50 minutes) to Giannutri, another island among the seven gems of the Tuscan archipelago: the absence of cars brings additional sound design to the mixture of Roman history and unspoiled nature, to the sound of the sea.
Pitigliano
Leaving the sailors, let's go in search of the real owners of these lands - Etruscans... This people, known for their mystical origin and no less mystical disappearance, fought with the Romans, who, among other things, took some inventions from the Etruscans, the Rassenes, as some called them, were a people who inhabited the entire territory and left many evidence of their existence (those who are interested in details - be sure to go to Chiusi Museum). One of the witnesses of those times that have survived to this day is the network of streets carved in stone near Pitigliano, nicknamed Streets of Quarries.
The purpose of these crossings, up to twenty meters high, is not exactly known, perhaps they were water canals or sacred paths connecting burial sites. From this mysterious place you can get to archaeological excavations in Sovana, visit Archaeological park Tufo and the astonishing Etruscan necropolis with about a hundred tombs. Pitigliano himself , or "little Jerusalem", also worth a visit, for the sake of synagogue, cathedral and fountain of Seven Trumpets.
Abbadia San Salvatore and Mount Amyata
We will continue our path over rough terrain to the ancient volcano Amyata mountains, most high point(1700 m). On its slopes there are small settlements, almost villages, in the midst of beech and oak forests, with churches symbolizing the presence of the divine in the forces of nature. Roe deer, fallow deer, porcupines and - at nightfall - wolf howl will accompany the journey at the headwaters of the Fiora, Albena and Paglia rivers. Therefore, take the safest roads Abbadia San Salvatore, where on the way you can visit the beautiful Benedictine Abbey, founded in 743 by the Longobard king Rakis, and where the Amiatinus Codex, a copy of the oldest manuscript of the Bible, has been located for 1000 years.
Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano
To strengthen your body (for your soul, it will be enough for you to admire the local landscapes), take a look at Baths of Vignoni famous for their hot thermal waters, then head to Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano - cities worthy of special attention, built before 1000 and retaining features of the Middle Ages: buy wine, cheese and wine again, visit churches and cellars to see how many labor is worth the production of Brunello and why is it so expensive.
Sienna
After all, go to Siena - a city in two thousand years of history, where there is a university and the oldest bank in the world, Monte dei Paschi, founded in 1472. Siena is beautiful for its architecture, combining three styles (the city seems to have made a leap in time from the Middle Ages to modernism). More precisely, it is like a museum under open air.
And also the famous Siena Banner, which is carried twice a year, in July and August, through ten blocks of the city, selected from 17, to Campo Square. Those who are not indigenous to the city will probably never understand the essence of this race just a few minutes long and the historical procession in front of it, as well as why this ritual "lives" all year round, permeating the public life of the districts in which the selected quarters.
Visit Manja Tower(1348), listen to the big bell, so called Sunto dedicated to Madonna Assunto; municipal palace with precious frescoes by Simone Martini and Ambrogio Lorenzetti; St. Augustine Church where you will find unique works of Sienese art; a former hospital now Museum of Santa Maria della Scala, an architectural monument and repository of a whole collection of archaeological masterpieces; Siena Cathedral, made in the Romanesque-Gothic style.
Monteridgioni, Colle Val D'Elsa, Poggibonsi
Having bought Cinta sausages, Ricciarelli cookies, Panforte (Sienna Easter cake) and Cavallucci, we will go to the center of the region - Florence. On the way you will come across places where it is difficult not to stop: Monteridgioni and its 1200 fortress and restaurants with excellent cuisine; Colle-Val-D'Elsa and Arnolfo di Cambio square and medieval spirit upper town; Poggibonsi and holiday of Pigio.
Florence
And we will find ourselves at the gates of Florence. But - let's not rush, we will stop at Galluzzo, monastery with frescoed by Pontormo depicting the Passion of Christ. Having ascended spiritually, we will go to the Siena street at the Roman Gate, where we will go to Boboli Garden. It once belonged to the Medici family, next to Torrigiani Garden and Garden of Corsi. Walk the hills to a small Michelangelo square where you will meet what this city has prepared for you. You have two options here. You can leave your car and walk along Rampa del Poggi to the San Niccolo quarter, where Church of Santa Maria del Carmine with Brancacci Chapel and frescoes by Masaccio. Alternatively, you can drive to Piazza Beccaria, and then walk on foot through the city center, pedestrianized and small, as in other medieval Tuscan cities.
Not far from the center is Basilica of the Holy Cross, which preserved the "Urns of the Strong in Spirit" and the chapel of St. Francesco with frescoes by Giotto, the crucifixion of Cimabue in the Chapel of the Mad, where the conspiracy of the same name took place.
Immerse yourself in the world of streets with workshops and shops, the Bargello Museum. However, do not forget that we are no longer living in the days of Odoardo Spadaro or the characters in the movie "My Friends". The good nature of the shopkeeper was replaced by the greed of the shopkeeper. In the meantime, you are already on Church Gallery Squares, one of the most famous museums in the world. There, in a small space, history is revealed and masterpieces related to the city are collected. Old Palace, Lanzi Lodge, Old Bridge, jewelry shops, Chulochnikov street with luxury shops, Florentine Cathedral. Or the church of Santa Maria del Fiore, over 150 meters high with the grandiose dome of Brunelleschi. Directly ahead is the Florentine Baptistery, a magnificent example of Florentine romanticism. And a copy of Ghiberti's Paradise Gate and Giotto's bell tower, which the author never saw completed.
Tuscany: Artiminino, Montelupo, Empoli, Vinci
The list of attractions in this great city can be endless, but it is time to leave it too. From the station of St. Mary Novella we leave by train to Pisa. We pass along the way West Coast and beautiful medieval towns Pistoia and Lucca(worthy of a separate story) and Baths of Montecatini... The journey to the ancient Republic of Marinara does not last long, less than an hour, but you can stop. For example, visit Villa Medici "Ferdinanda" or Villa Hundred Fireplaces, near Artimino , between Florence and Pistoia. Marriage ceremonies are held in it today, museum of ceramics in Montelupo , where exhibits from 800 years have been collected. Also, on the way, you can call in Empoli, on Farinata degli Uberti square, and in Vinci, hometown Leonardo may not be as gorgeous as his famous city dweller. However, the museum of the great genius, housed in Fortress Conti Guidi may amaze you. Do not forget to enjoy truffles in San Minato, already in the suburbs of Pisa, and the town itself, with its churches and palaces, is worth a walk through.
A forged road along the Arno takes you to Pisa , where you will join thousands of tourists in Cathedral Square. It is also called Miracles Square on which stands Romanesque cathedral 1100, with works by Bonanno of Pisa, baptistery of St. Giovanni Battista. He executed in the Romanesque style, near Saint Paul, and of course the famous Falling tower , a tilted bell tower. It is remembered by everyone who has been to this city (however, in Pisa there are two more inclined bell towers, near the Church of St. Nicholas and the Church of St. Michele Scalzi).
Be sure to walk along the long Roma street to the Vettovaglia street, mentioned in the novels of Marco Mulvaldi, and to the Borgo Stretto street, on the Medzo bridge. There the last Saturday of June takes place procession Bridge Game ... On other days, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the embankments of the Arno River, which divides the city in two. On the shore stands a beautiful Gothic Church of Santa Maria Spina. Nature lovers should go to western part the cities where the masterpiece Migliarino is located, San Rossore and Massachuccoli - an extensive forest park. In some areas it is always open to visitors, in some it is only on certain days and under certain conditions. If you want to feel like a man of the nineteenth century, you can walk in the park by horse or carriage.
Whichever means of transportation you choose, in the end you will still get to the sea. See with your own eyes the protected area of Secque della Meloria and find yourself at the starting point. Or maybe you prefer the liveliness of Versilia and the city of Viareggio ... and a little later there will be Volterra and other cities ... Welcome to!
Tuscan cities not to be missed. When you see Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, Pienza and others, fall in love with the region forever! The guarantee is 100%.
The first trip in is usually the most impressive and ... the most exhausting. Famous landmarks attract too many tourists. Rome, Florence or Venice in summer time unwittingly suggest that the planet is overpopulated, and the queue at the Uffizi Gallery is generally not a sight for the faint of heart. If you have already completed the obligatory tourist program, then the second or third trip to Italy can be devoted to the study of individual regions. One of the most scenic spots is Tuscany.
Tuscany has several charming cities that have their own attractions, and can also serve as a base for excursions to Florence and other "noisy" places.
1. Lucca
Lucca, according to the Tuscan tradition, is distinguished by the complexity of the building
Giacomo Puccini's hometown is an hour's drive away. Its architecture is considered one of the finest in Tuscany. If you think that Cathedral in Florence has a complex structure, then you just have not seen the cathedral in Lucca or the church of San Michele in Foro. Also, don't miss the square and the medieval buildings on the site of the ancient Roman amphitheater.
The first place of this city of Tuscany is well deserved!
Tuscany is one of the largest regions in Italy. It is here that you can see endless green hills and plains, lined with strict lines of vineyards. It is here that immortal monuments of architecture and painting are collected, which are eager to see millions of tourists who come to Tuscany from all over the world.
This area is home to luxurious hotels and old villages that seem to be stuck in the Middle Ages.
On the map of Italy, Tuscany is easy to find in the western part of the country, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Rome.
The capital of Tuscany is beautiful Florence.
Location of Tuscany on the map of Italy
The region consists of 10 provinces: Florence, Pisa, Massa Carrara, Pistoia, Prato.
Since the 8th century BC. Etruscans lived on the territory of present-day Tuscany. At the beginning of our era, the lands were conquered by the Romans. In the 5-7 centuries, Tuscany developed rapidly, large cities were founded. Following the construction of roads and bridges, the main cities appeared - centers of culture and industry.
During the Middle Ages, the major cities of Tuscany, such as Florence, Lucca were in a state of continuous wars among themselves for new lands and influence.
By the 15th century, the power of Florence and Pisa had reached such heights that they became the main centers of culture and production.
Until the Spanish army captured Florence in 1530, it was an independent republic.
Until 1860, when Tuscany entered the united Italy, the region was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty of Lorraine, Napoleon Bonaparte (represented by his sister Eliza), then the Habsburgs returned.
An interesting fact is that from 1865 until 1871 Florence was the capital not only of Tuscany, but of all of Italy.
sights
Tuscany is a treasure trove of the world famous heritage amazing architecture and painting amazing the human consciousness. Most likely, having arrived in this region rich in attractions for a short vacation period, you will not be able to fully realize the beauty of Tuscany. But if you still decide in advance what interests you most, you can plan an approximate route that meets your personal preferences.
You will learn all the details about Tuscany from the video:
What must be seen in Tuscany?
Florence
Florence is famous for its attractions:
In Pisa
There is something to see in Pisa:
In Siena
In Siena, you should definitely visit:
You will learn in detail about all the sights of Siena
In Lucca
Lucca is called the city of churches. Definitely worth seeing:
Thermal springs of Tuscany
Another plus of the Tuscany region is the thermae (thermal springs, in other words, hot springs).
Private hotels-houses with a wide variety of services are often arranged near the springs, so almost everyone can afford to relax in Tuscany, as in a balneological resort.
The most famous and beloved by tourists are:
Local holidays, events
The most striking holidays in Tuscany are:
Choosing a tour or a route in Tuscany, it would be great to find an opportunity to visit an Italian holiday, because there any guest is sincerely welcome.
Kitchen and wine
Typical products and dishes
Probably every person has ever heard of Tuscan cuisine, its unsurpassed quality and variety with absolute simplicity.
Some facts:
- In any restaurant they will offer wine for lunch or dinner; if the guest refuses, they will hardly understand;
- Tuscan bread is unique in its kind in that it is made without salt.
The Tuscan menu consists of meat, vegetable and of course fish dishes.
Here are the main dishes for your everyday lunch / dinner:
Desserts (dolci):
- The most recognizable dessert is baked from chestnut flour with the addition of Castagnaccio pine nuts;
- Dessert from Florence - zucotto, usually served with ice cream;
- Sand cake - bischeri;
- Cantuccini (Italian Cantuccini) - very dry cookies with almonds;
- Tiramisu, the invention of which is claimed by the Tuscan (Sienese).
The Sienese believe that tiramisu is their invention
Wine of Tuscany
Super Tuscan wines are not just words of praise, it is a term in a complex wine-making craft.
It was in Tuscany, the most wine-growing region, that they produced for the first time and to this day they successfully produce and sell Super Tuscan wines, popular in Italy, loved by many.
For the first time in 1968, wine was produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety Sassicaia (Sassicaia), which became the ancestor of these wines with a loud name. In this wine you will find shades of black currant, cherry, plum, with the time the wine is stored, they only intensify. The color of the drink is deep ruby color.
One of the famous wines of Tuscany is red wine "Villa Antinori" with a fruity-peppery flavor and aroma of dried cherries.
You can list a huge number of other names of excellent wines in this area, here are some: "Guado al Tasso", "Ornellaia", "Sanjovese grosso" and others.
You will learn all the details about Tuscan wines from the video:
Tourists often come to Tuscany to participate in wine and food tours.
Road To Tuscany
In the Tuscany region major airports located in Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport) and Florence (Amerigo Vespucci Airport):
- You can arrive both from Milan and Rome by local Italian lines and international flights;
- You can get from the airport by taxi or order an online transfer in advance;
- You can always get to any city in Tuscany from the airport in the most convenient and economical way - by train. Tickets are purchased online in advance on the Italian website. railways or on the platform in the vending machine / in the checkout window.
Weather
The weather in Tuscany in winter is quite warm, the air temperature almost never drops below 0C, the average is 3 - 8C, it rains.
Summers are hot and dry, with a temperature of 27 -30C, which attracts tourists and local residents to the sea.
Beaches
The most visited beaches in Tuscany:
- In the province of Lucca: Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore, Cecina, white sand beaches in Rosignano;
- The peninsula in the province of Grosseto is Monte Argentario, people come here to the beaches located on both sides of the isthmus that connects the peninsula to the land;
- San Vincenzo in Livorno.
Tuscany is famous for its beautiful beaches
Conclusion
So, in order to fully experience Tuscany, you need to visit a large city and certainly, in a small town or village.
Explore and appreciate the architectural mastodons and ancient narrow streets, whimsically, lovingly decorated by the inhabitants.
Go to a restaurant (not in the center), where they dine locals, order a steak and a glass of local wine. While waiting for the order, soak up the aromas, review the photos taken ...
That's all, the vacation was a success!
Tuscany, Italy - detailed description with photo. All about Tuscany: Popular cities and places, how to get there, gastronomy and shopping, where to stay.
Tuscany Region (Toscana)
Tuscany is a region in Central Italy. This place endless hills and vineyards, beautiful nature, the focus of the world cultural and historical heritage. Tuscany is a unique combination of history, culture and traditions that make this region so interesting and distinctive.
Tuscany is bordered by five other regions of Italy: in the northwest with Liguria, in the north with Emilia Romagna, in the east with Umbria and the Marche, in the south with Lazio. The territory of the region is extremely hilly. Plains cover less than 10 percent and are located in the valley of the main Tuscan waterway - the Arno River. The climate of Tuscany is quite comfortable, with very warm summers and mild winters. Better time to visit April-May and September-October. Summers are quite hot here, and Tuscan winters are distinguished not only by mildness, but also by cold nights. In this case, the temperature differs in different places Tuscany. On the coast and in the valleys, the climate is warmer and milder than in the foothills.
Tuscany has been inhabited since ancient times. On its hills, the Etruscan civilization flourished, which was replaced by the mighty Roman Empire in the 3rd century BC. In the Middle Ages, the Florentine Republic was located here, which became the cradle of the Renaissance and Renaissance. The Tuscan dialect has become the basis of the modern Italian language.
There are many reasons to visit Tuscany. Someone goes to touch the world's artistic masterpieces, history and culture, someone wants to enjoy the Tuscan nature, gourmets want to try Tuscan cuisine and wine. But no matter the purpose of the room, you will not be disappointed and will get a vivid and atmospheric experience.
How to get to Tuscany?
Tuscany has two international airports- in Pisa and Florence. Although most international flights operate to Rome and Milan airports. These towns are located approximately 3 hours from the capital of Tuscany.
By train and bus, you can easily reach Florence and the major Tuscan cities from many regions of Italy. You can find out the schedule and buy tickets here - http://www.trenitalia.com/. You can get around Tuscany by local buses. You can view the flight schedule and buy tickets on this website - http://www.busfox.com
Gastronomy
Gastronomy is one of the reasons for visiting Tuscany. except Italian cuisine here a traditional Tuscan cuisine has developed, which is characterized by the use of fresh and seasonal vegetables, fruits, cheeses and meats. Despite the simplicity of the preparation of many dishes, Tuscan food pleases with its richness and variety of flavors and can satisfy any gourmet. Typical Tuscan cuisine:
- Soup in vegetable bread
- Tomato soup
- Pasta with egg or meat (hare, wild boar)
- Minced meat with bread
- Florentine steak
- Game - hare, wild boar, pheasant, etc.
- Sauteed vegetables, spinach, beans with olive oil
- Various salads
Local products:
- Olive oil
- Cold cuts (sausages, ham, etc.)
- Truffles
- Vegetables and fruits
Tuscan wines are no less an attraction than artistic and cultural masterpieces. Here you can find the wine of the most different types(white, red, sparkling) and price categories. And it's all just great quality. The main wine-growing region is located between Florence and Siena and is called Chianti. This is a real kingdom of vineyards and agritourism.
Where to stay in Tuscany
If you do not want to waste time moving around the region or you do not have a car, then it is better to stop in the cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, which are perfect for this.
If you are not afraid public transport Italy or you are renting a car, we recommend staying in the countryside between Siena and Florence. Here you can feel not only the real atmosphere of Tuscany, but also embrace more impressions. After all, an hour's drive is located not only the most interesting cities but also the beautiful borgo and Chianti wine region.
Shopping and shopping
The best cities for shopping in Tuscany are Florence and Siena. Shopping - local products: cheese, olive oil, wine, leather goods, wool, gold, ceramics. There are several outlets for fashionable and economical ones:
- The Mall - Via Europa 8, Leccio - Reggello (Firenze)
- Designer Outlet di Barberino - Barberino del Mugello (Firenze)
- Valdichiana Outlet Village - Foiano della Chiana (Arezzo)
Popular cities and places in Tuscany
There are so many interesting things in Tuscany that sometimes you don't know what to choose and where to go. Most popular cities- Florence, Siena, Pisa can give you an amazing experience of exploring the masterpieces of architecture and culture.
But the list of interesting places and cities is not limited to these three. We highly recommend visiting the wine-growing province of Chianti, admiring the rural landscapes and picturesque Tuscan farms and villages.
If you have time, you should definitely look into other Tuscan cities - Arezzo, Lucca, San Gimignano.
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Briefly about Tuscany: why go and what to see
Tuscany is a region of Central Italy traditionally associated with endless Tuscan fields and major tourist attractions such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca and others. In addition, Tuscany is also famous for its spacious sandy beaches, which Italy, in general, is not spoiled for. It is not surprising that it is here in Tuscany that the prestigious beach resorts of Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Punta Ala, Marina di Grosseto and many others are located. There are also several thermal resorts in Tuscany, which, unlike beach resorts, are in demand all year round - these are Montecatini Terme and Saturnia.
Michael Cahill / Historic Center of Arezzo
Visa and entry rules for Italy
Italy is a member state of the Schengen Agreement, therefore, to visit the country for tourist purposes, you will need to open a tourist Schengen visa type C. The visa is opened at the Italian embassy or consulates located on the territory of the Russian Federation. You can also submit a ready-made package of documents for consideration in numerous Italian visa centers, which are located in almost every major city.
The set of documents is standard for the Schengen countries, in addition, when submitting, you will need to take electronic fingerprints. To visit Italy, you must have an insurance policy with a coverage cost of at least 30 thousand euros. The policy is attached to the main set of documents for applying for a visa. If you are planning to travel on a tourist visa, then you must attach a hotel reservation, if on a guest visa, then an invitation from the Italian side.
CucombreLibre / Lucca Climate and weather of Tuscany
The climate of Tuscany is typical Mediterranean. The coast is washed on one side by the warm Tyrrhenian Sea, on the other hand, it is covered by the Apuan Mountains, which do not allow winds and cyclones to seep ashore. That is why beach holidays in Tuscany are quite long, starting in May and ending in October, and lasts longer than anywhere else in Italy. In the summer months, the weather in Tuscany is quite hot, the thermometer often rises above +30 degrees, so some tourists prefer to visit beach resorts in the so-called "velvet" season - in September-October.
Winters and low seasons in Tuscany are mild and great for excursion tourism... In addition, during the "low" season, the concentration of tourists in cities such as Florence, Pisa or Lucca decreases, which makes exploring the top attractions more comfortable. As for precipitation, the rains are not rare in November-December and in March, but more often they are not prolonged. In general, Tuscany is far from the rainiest region in Italy; in summer, precipitation is quite sporadic.
Michele / Natural Park Maremma How to get to Tuscany
Recently, it became possible to get to Tuscany directly from Moscow thanks to the launched Moscow-Pisa flights operated by the Russian low-cost airline Pobeda. On this moment, this is the cheapest and fastest way to get from Russia to this region of Italy. The flight time is 3.5 hours. You can clarify the flight schedule on the search services:
Distance grid and lane numbers for road trips from Pisa:
| Where | Where | Distance | Route |
| Pisa | Marina di Pisa | 15 km | Track number SP224 |
| Pisa | Viareggio | 24 km | |
| Pisa | Forte dei Marmi | 38 km | Route number A12 / E80 |
| Pisa | Lido di Camaiore | 26 km | Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia |
| Pisa | Montecatini Terme | 47 km | Route number A11 / E76 |
| Pisa | 18 km | Trails No. SS12 and SS12 radd | |
| Pisa | Arezzo | 160 km | Line SGC Firenze - Pisa - Livorno and A1 / E35 |
| Pisa | Florence | 87 km | SGC Circuit Firenze-Pisa-Livorno |
| Pisa | Rome | 357 km | Route No. A1 / E35 |
Tuscany cities
The cities of Tuscany are famous for their rich historical heritage, so the flow of tourists coming to the region for sightseeing purposes does not dry out all year round. The most visited cities in the region are undoubtedly Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena and Arezzo. Beach resorts follow with a slight lag, but their attendance is seasonal, mainly from May to October. So, about each city in more detail.
Florence- the city is famous for its museums and architectural historical monuments... Must-see attractions include the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiori, the Ufizzi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, the Basilicas of San Lorenzo and Santa Croce, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti , Boboli Gardens and much more. In short, every building in Florence is some kind of important landmark. The city was founded in the first century BC, it is not surprising that the historical heritage of Florence is the richest, and it will take more than one day to study and survey;
- the city was, is and remains one of the most visited cities in Tuscany, and this is connected, first of all, with such an outlandish attraction as the leaning tower - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The town itself, or rather its historical part, is small, and the inspection will take no more than one, maximum two days. Of the obligatory, in addition to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, - Cathedral Square, Pisa Baptistery, Cathedral. Conveniently, all these attractions are located next to each other, i.e. within walking distance;
- the city is an ideal place to feel yourself in the scenery of the Middle Ages. Narrow streets, ramparts, towers, cathedrals, low-rise colorful houses and lush palazzo - all this creates a unique atmosphere for all lovers of history and architecture. And to see the red tiled roofs of the city from a bird's eye view, it is enough to climb the observation deck of one of the towers of Lucca, the views from there are undoubtedly magnificent;
- another town where you can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The city is truly graceful, sophisticated, and many local buildings have been preserved in their original form, which is why the historical heritage of the city can hardly be overestimated. The absolute must-see of Siena is the Plaza del Campo, the Siena Duomo (by analogy with Milan), the Basilica of San Domenico, the Tower of Mangia and numerous palazzo;
- slightly less known than previous cities, but this does not negate its importance and value. Piazza Guido Monaco, Petrarch's house, Medici fortress, Prato park, Cathedral, various palazzo, churches, basilicas, abbeys - this is what makes Arezzo truly unique city... If you have only a couple of days left for Tuscany, then experts advise you to definitely spend one of the days on Arezzo;
- the city of “towers”, as the locals call it, gained fame thanks to 15 towers located in the historical part of the city. Here you will also be enveloped in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, and the Cathedral Square and numerous palazzo will definitely not leave you indifferent, let alone the magnificent Tuscan landscapes that open up in the vicinity of San Gimignano;
and - two sophisticated Tuscan towns with beautiful landscapes, thermal springs and gastronomic tours. Both cities combine a lot of opportunities for tourism - sightseeing, tasting, relaxing. Montepulciano and Montalcino are excellent holiday destinations for connoisseurs of real provincial Tuscany;
- a fortress, a castle, a cathedral, several squares, as well as the ancient gates, which were considered the main entrance to the city - all this is Volterra in all its splendor. And the location on the hill makes the place great observation platform for those who want to admire the real Tuscan landscapes;
Is not just another Tuscan town of sights, but also a real UNESCO heritage. The architecture of the city is amazing, and its author can be called the famous Italian architect Bernardo Rossellino. The elegant Renaissance city will not leave indifferent any connoisseur of exquisite architecture and world heritage.
In addition to historic cities, Tuscany is famous for its beach resorts, which literally come to life with the onset of warmth. Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Grosseto, San Vincenzo and others - further in our article.
harshil shah / Lucca Tuscany beaches
The Tuscan coast is famous for its beaches. Here, like nowhere else in Italy, you can find spacious sandy beaches equipped with everything you need. The Tuscan coast is washed by the warm Tyrrhenian Sea, and the swimming season lasts almost six months (from May to October inclusive). Off the coast of Tuscany, the entrance to the sea is shallow, the water is clear, there are no big waves, the place is great for both self-rest and for families with children.
It should be borne in mind that one feature of Italian beaches (not only in Tuscany) is their charge. Most of the beaches in Italy are divided among themselves by hotels, which are engaged in cleaning the territory and its equipment, so the entrance to such beaches is paid (the price varies). Tuscany, in this sense, is no exception. But if you wish, you can always find free sites, you can "recognize" them by the absence of any equipment - sunbeds, awnings, umbrellas.
- is considered a "paradise" among the resorts. Its golden sandy beaches, warm sea and soft Mediterranean climate make the place extremely popular in the summer. In addition, the infrastructure of Viareggio is considered one of the most developed on the coast. For a comfortable stay, there is almost everything here - accommodation for every taste, all kinds of entertainment, attractions, cafes, open-air bars, restaurants, promenades, festivals and celebrations that are held annually. In short, you won't be bored in Viareggio. But the cost of rest here, on average, is higher than along the coast;
Is another tourist attraction, along with Viareggio. The beaches of Forte dei Marmi are some of the most comfortable, clean and environmentally friendly places for recreation. In addition to passive relaxation on the beach, Forte dei Marmi also offers sports tourism, go shopping or see local attractions such as the 18th century marble fortress. Forte dei Marmi is considered a fashionable and popular resort, so the price tag here is also slightly higher than on the coast;
- is located on the southern tip of Tuscany and is administratively divided into the historical part with its many attractions and the beach. The beach part of the resort is called Marina di Grosseto. Unlike other resorts of the Tuscan Riviera, in Grosseto you can find quite a lot of preserved historical monuments - these are fortress walls, cathedrals, churches, and museums. In addition, in the vicinity of the resort is located nature Park"Maremma" with its various attractions. As for the beaches, in Grosseto they are fine sand, with a gentle entrance to the sea, while equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay;
- a resort located in the neighborhood of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, while more intimate and calm compared to its "neighbors". Coastline Lido di Camaiore stretches over the horizon, the beaches here have a pleasant golden hue, while there are much fewer tourists, even in the "high" season. Lido di Camaiore is perfect for families as well, as 3 amusement parks are open here at once. If you are a big nature lover, then from Lido di Camaiore it is convenient to go for a walk to the Apuan Mountains Natural Park;
Allie_Caulfield / Grosseto - a small but respectable resort with 10 km of sandy beaches, sports and wellness centers, tennis courts, a marina, golf courses, beautiful gardens and parks for hiking and cycling. Several historical monuments have survived in the town - squares, towers, cathedrals, and the ruins of a fortress. In the vicinity of San Vincenzo, there is the Rimigliano Natural Park, which includes moving dunes, coniferous forests, marshlands, meadows, rare plant and tree species and secluded sandy beaches. Also close to the shores of San Vincenzo is Elba Island, perhaps the best diving spot in Tuscany;
- a separate resort located on a promontory, while there is all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay, including sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests, a yacht harbor, opportunities for diving and surfing, water skiing, golf courses, tennis courts and much other. In addition, it is in Punta Ala that sailing regattas are held annually;
- "heavenly" corner of the northern part of the coast of Tuscany. On one side, Pietrasanta is surrounded by the Apuan Mountains and pine groves, on the other it is washed by the sea, and sandy beaches stretch along the resort coast. In addition to beach holiday, in Pietrasanta, you should definitely stroll through the old part of the city and see the local sights. And in your free time, you can go to conquer natural parks Versiliana and Apuan Mountains;
- located in the province of Grosseto, in the southern part of Tuscany. The local area is famous for its pristine beaches, it is not for nothing that the beaches of Follonica are marked with the Blue Flag insignia, as the most clean beaches the world. Walking along the embankment, you can stumble upon an ancient fortress, one of the sides of which is right in the sea. As entertainment from Follonica, you can take a ferry to Elba Island, here it does not take much time. In general, the main advantage of the resort is, of course, its nature and primeval beauty;
Is a very small resort town adored by all locals. His distinctive feature is the presence of three sand bars extending to the Monte Argentario peninsula. Orbetello will conquer you with its lagoon, its historical monuments and, of course, its unforgettable natural views. Foreigners know little about the resort, so you have a chance to become a "pioneer".
Francesco Porrà / Lido di Camaiore beaches Baths of Tuscany
The Baths of Tuscany are another significant component of recreation in the region. Thermal resorts Tuscany is open all year round and is in great demand among vacationers, although in terms of attendance it is still inferior to similar resorts in Germany or Austria.
- there are four large thermal springs, they all have different properties and are actively used for healing. In Montecatini, more than nine different terms are open, each of which specializes in something different. Thus, some are suitable for drinking, while others are only for bathing. The most famous in this sense are the thermal complexes Tettuchio, Redi and Excelsior. You can diversify your vacation in the historic quarter of Montecatini Alto, where many interesting architectural monuments have survived. In addition, Montecatini is located close to cities such as Pisa and Lucca, which can be easily reached by train;
- a resort located in the southern part of Tuscany and has open cascading pools with mineral waters. The natural pools Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello are in demand in the summer, while in the winter they offer their services to hotels with spa areas that use as the basis of their care mineral water local sources. Another feature of Saturnia is its nature. The resort town is surrounded by green forests and low mountains, and itself is located in a cozy valley, so the air here is always clean and the views are stunning.
Theo K / Thermal springs of Saturnia Hotels in Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist regions in Italy, it is not surprising that the corresponding infrastructure is mature and developed here. This also applies to all kinds of placements. You can stay in Tuscany in classic hotels, apartments, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and even hostels. There are also more fashionable options - club hotels or rental villas.
In large cities such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, bed and breakfast hotels prevail. tourists rarely stay here longer than a few days. Such hotels have all the necessary set of options, while at the same time they have a democratic cost of accommodation. Other accommodation conditions are typical for the resorts of the Tuscan Riviera - often these are apart-hotels or rent of detached apartments, because travelers stay here for more long term... Of course on beach resorts Tuscany also has standard hotels of all star categories.
The recommendation for booking accommodation in Tuscany is to search and book early, because local resorts are quite in demand, and all the most successful options in terms of price / quality ratio are sorted out the fastest, especially on the eve of the summer swimming season. You can always find a suitable hotel / apartment on the coast of Tuscany or in the cities of the region, as well as check the availability of places for specific dates, on specialized services for finding hotel offers, which are convenient because the maximum number of available accommodations is compared here.
Booking - hotel reservations in 120,000 destinations around the world;
Roomguru – best offers from thousands of hotel booking sites.
Hotels in Tuscany, as a rule, meet all European requirements, there are no regional peculiarities here. Depending on your needs, you can always find hotels with parking, Wi-Fi or included food options (although there are not many all-inclusive hotels here, mostly only breakfast or half board is offered). The related infrastructure in the cities and resorts of Tuscany is also very well developed, you can always find cafes / bakeries / restaurants / supermarkets nearby.
Toscana Passion / Sea on the coast of Follonica Shopping, food, prices in Tuscany
Shopping in Tuscany can be very varied, depending on your own desires. Some tourists are not limited to a set of standard souvenirs and go shopping at local outlets, which are slightly less in Tuscany than in the vicinity of Milan. The largest outlets in the region are Designer Outlet (near Florence), The Mall Outlet (also near Florence), Urban Outlet (near Siena), Maria Sartini non solo cashmere Outlet (near Pisa), as well as Dolce & Gabbana Outlet, Valdichiana centers Outlet Village, Fashion Valley Outlet and Lorenzo Lori Outlet (Arezzo neighborhood).
In addition to outlets, shopping streets can be found in any major city in Tuscany. For example, Florence is famous at the same time for its mono-brand boutiques and large shopping centers. Famous Florentine shopping spots include the Gigli and La Rinasctnte department stores, and a curious porcelain gallery near the Ponte Vecchio. In Pisa, shopping streets are Borgo Stretto and Corsa Italia, which are famous for their mono-brand shops of clothing, footwear, accessories and perfume. From large shopping centers in Pisa is the Coin department store. In Siena, for quality shopping, visit Via Dei Montanini, Via di Citta and Banchi di Sopra; in Lucca - Via Fillungo; in Livorno - Via Grande.
Tuscany is considered a region of respectable recreation, therefore, in the high season, prices for accommodation and related services may be overstated, but not much. In addition, with proper planning, you can always find budget accommodations, food outlets, etc. In order to find affordable accommodation for a vacation in Tuscany, it makes sense to consider resorts with less loud and well-known names.
Next door to popular resort You can always find a quiet, calm resort, whose quality of service and the conditions offered will be no worse, but there will be no need to overpay for the image of a respectable resort. In general, we can say that the rest in the southern resorts of the Tuscan Riviera is slightly cheaper than in the northern ones, because they are still little "promoted" among tourists.
Tuscany is famous for its cuisine, while you can taste local delicacies not only in gourmet restaurants, you can buy fresh products in local markets and cook your own food. The proximity of the sea allows Tuscany to enjoy fresh sea fish and seafood with might and main at affordable prices.
As a snack, Tuscany offers tourists a huge selection of pizza varieties - pizzerias can be found here at every step. The dishes that are worth trying in Tuscany include, in particular, the Florentine steak, crostini appetizers, Panzanella salad, Ribollita vegetable soup, and Aquacotta thick bread soup. Tuscany is famous for its wines - it can be red, white, and pink varieties.
raffaele sergi / Landscapes around Follonica Travel insurance
Going on a trip to Tuscany or any other part of Italy, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out the insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this:
- online insurance for those traveling abroad and traveling in Russia;
- O online service for choosing and buying travel insurance with the ability to compare offers from various insurance companies;
You can buy a policy online, and then print it on a regular printer. The insurance must be attached to the visa documents, and you must also have it with you at the time of passing passport control upon arrival at the airport. Please note that the minimum insurance coverage for travel to European countries (including Italy) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Italy is paid and quite expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Graeme Maclean / Apuan Mountains We will be glad to answer your questions in the comments!
Photo at the beginning of the article: heipei
