Tuscany
Art, culture and history abound in Tuscany, the picturesque home of the Italian Renaissance.
Tuscany epitomises Italy’s long-standing reputation for art, architecture and food in its many charming cities and towns. Artistic tradition plays a leading role in Tuscany’s identity. Florence is often regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance; works by artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael are on display throughout its many museums. The most notable of these is the Uffizi. Allow yourself a day to marvel at the masterpieces in this worldrenowned gallery, from Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.
Other artistic must-visits in Florence include the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Museo degli Argenti and Galleria dell’Accademia. The latter of these is home to Michelangelo’s David, one of the most famous statues in the world. Book tickets for these popular attractions in advance to avoid lengthy queues.
Just over an hour’s drive from Florence is Siena, whose most famous artists include Duccio and Simone Martini. The medieval city is a work of art in itself: its majestic cathedral (known locally as Duomo di Siena) is the result of a century-spanning collaboration between Italy’s most prestigious architects and artists; while the Piazza del Campo provides a stunning spot to grab coffee or aperitivo while basking in the radiance of buildings like the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia.
Speaking of food and drink, Tuscany offers some of Italy’s very best. While fine dining can be found in Michelin-starred restaurants such as Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence and Bracali in Grosseto, you can easily experience the tastes of the region on a smaller budget.
Local specialities are often based on peasant traditions, and epitomised by the concept of ‘cucina povera’ making the most of the best locally grown ingredients to produce hearty, rustic and affordable plates of food. Foodies would be wise to spend their trip touring the region in search of signature dishes associated with each city, town and village. Look out for Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak in Florence, pici pasta in Siena, pecorino cheese in Pienza, and world-renowned Tuscan extra virgin olive oil wherever you go.
Tuscany’s most famous wine, Chianti, is a magnet for thousands of tourists each year (indeed, the region it is produced in has been teasingly nicknamed ‘Chiantishire’ for its high concentration of British visitors). Other reds worth sampling include Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, while Vernaccia di San Gimignano is considered to be one of Italy’s finest white wines.
To truly experience the traditions of Tuscan food, consider spending part of your trip on a residential farm, where you can meet the producers behind the region’s best dishes. Those who’d like to take home the secrets of Italian cuisine can enrol in a cookery class, and learn to rustle up local favourites such as pappa al pomodoro or crostini with olives and paté.
The pioneering artisans of Tuscany have undoubtedly taken some of their inspiration from the breathtaking countryside that characterises the region. With winding roads, vineyards, hill towns and villages, adventures through this rural idyll are best savoured slowly, taking the time to enjoy everything that the area has to offer.
Keen walkers will want to head for the valley of Casentino, an area found north of Arezzo. Stay in the tiny town of Poppi, where a 13th-century Vineyards can be spotted throughoutthe Tuscan landscape, particularly inChianti fairy-tale castle towers over the landscape and provides an easy marker to look for on rambles around the countryside.
For more challenging hikes, set your sights on Alpi Apuane in the north of the region, where 600 kilometres (373 miles) of mountainous terrain can be explored via marked trails. Around 300 species of bird live among these lofty peaks, meaning twitchers will have plenty to keep their eyes occupied.
Looking for a postcard-perfect Instagram photo of a world-famous landmark? A trip to Tuscany is surely incomplete without stopping in Pisa, the city synonymous with its iconic Leaning Tower. The skew-whiff structure draws crowds throughout the year, so buy tickets in advance if you plan on climbing to the top. But don’t let the tower-based hype detract from Pisa’s other architectural triumphs the Piazza dei Miracoli also includes a cathedral, baptistery, cemetery and museum, which are well worth a look.
Not all of Tuscany’s cultural attractions are buildings and artworks. Some, such as the Palio di Siena, are events that carry with them the full weight of Tuscan tradition. This dramatic urban horse race dates back to 1644, with ten bareback horses and riders representing Siena’s numerous contrade (city wards). Although the race typically lasts less than 90 seconds, its worldwide appeal means hotels become booked up months in advance. Plan your visit ahead of time if you want to witness the spectacle, which takes place twice every summer (on 2 July and 16 August).
For a quieter escape, the picturesque Monti Dell’Uccellina (Mountains of the Little Bird) are hard to beat. Wooded mountains meet pristine beaches in a stretch of coastal scenery that remains largely unspoiled by tourism. Spend your time here enjoying nature while wandering between landmarks, such as the ruined Abbey of San Rabano and the towers of Castel Marino. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some of the area’s abundant wildlife, which includes deer and wild boars.
The lifestyle in Tuscany tends to be laid back and friendly, just like its people. Many Italian shops and businesses take a ‘pausa pranzo’ in the middle of the day (roughly between 1pm and 3.30pm), closing trade for a couple of hours to spend time relaxing with friends and family. To make up for lost profits, many shops stay open later in the evening, allowing you to indulge in retail therapy until 8pm before grabbing an evening meal.
Weather-wise, Tuscany experiences blazing heat in July and August. If you plan on visiting outside the summer months, bring layers to equip yourself for varied temperatures and the cooler climes of Tuscany’s hills and mountains.
The best culture, art and food in Tuscany is e all accessible by car, so renting a vehicle for a road trip through the region is a great idea. Start your drive in Florence, the bustling regional capital and the place to be for Renaissance art fans. Allow a couple of days to explore the city’s galleries, gardens and cathedral before driving west towards Poppi for walking and wine tasting, enjoying Tuscany’s country views as you go. From here you can take a detour through Arezzo on your way to Siena both cities are excellent for sightseeing thanks to their abundance of historic monuments and impressive architecture. Complete the road trip by visiting some of Tuscany’s charming small towns Monteriggioni, Colle di Val d’Elsa and San Gimignano are all worth the drive, and ideal places to seek out rustic Italian food made the local way.