Places not to miss while your trip to Tuscany

The wine country which produces Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Morellino di Scansano and more to rile up the taste buds, is also well known for its distinguished cultural identity which is depicted in its museums. This nation within a nation was the backdrop of famous Renaissance paintings. You can enjoy the art here through their reputed hotels and resorts which will make your luxury holidays in Tuscany a beautiful reality. Well, there would be a lot that you will be exploring, here are a few places you shouldn’t miss at any cost.

Taste truffles in San Miniato

Truffles and Tuscany go together as there are plenty of places you can enjoy sampling this pricey delicacy. Take San Miniato for a location, which is a small agricultural town located between Pisa and Florence. You can book a tour over there since that place is famous for its white variety of truffles throughout Italy.

Take a day-trip to Cortona

If you want to enjoy some panoramic views of the place then head over to Cortona, which is an ancient hill town on the agricultural plain of Valdichiana. Climb on its steep streets to get an unforgettable view overlooking the Valdichiana and the Lago Trasimeno. Remember that there will be busloads of tourists so carry a camera because aesthetic appreciation of the place at that moment won’t be fulfilling.

Go wild in the Monti dell’Uccellina

Climb down from the steep streets to Monti dell’Uccellina and one of the last calm and beautiful stretches of coastlines of Italy. Visit the regional park where efforts are being made to preserve the once neglected natural treasures of marshes, coastal plains, and forest covered hills and empty upland interiors. This is a great place to visit if you want some quiet and to relax amongst nature.

Visit Montepulciano

This medieval town of rare beauty is a must visit while in Tuscany. Standing atop a hill not too far from Siena, Montepulciano boasts of elegant ancient churches, Renaissance palaces and vast scenic attractions from the Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia valleys. Visit Piazza Grande and watch the barrel racing Bravio delle Botti contests. The best way to enjoy this city is by just walking and strolling along its paths and vineyards. Pro tip: Take advantage of the strategic advantage of this place and reach Pienza, Montalcino, and other charming countryside villages easily.

Enjoy the beauty of Cortona

Located in Valdichiana, Cortona is a small town in the province of Arezzo (southern Tuscany). Witness the stone walls which enclose the city, dating back to the Etruscan and Roman periods. Sitting on top of a 600m hill, this place offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and Lake Trasimeno. Stroll up to the Diocesan Museum and then head over to the MAEC where you will be able to see the various artifacts found from the Etruscan archeological sites. From there, head up to the Santa Margherita Sanctuary and the Girifalco Fortress. You can take a break from the sightseeing to sip on some red wine while enjoying a traditional Tuscan cuisine in a restaurant or perhaps shop for souvenirs in the local handmade shops. Pro tip: Visit during the summer to enjoy the Tuscan Sun Festival where several international artists participate.

Visit Livorno

Located on the Western coast of Tuscany, this city is considered to be one of the most important ports of Italy. As such, if you are expecting to visit a quiet rural town then this modern city isn’t the place to head to. Livorno’s charm lies in its multi-ethnic aspect. You can visit the synagogue (you need to book an appointment actually) which stands different from the Italian architecture and is a statement of the Jewish community which has been living here since centuries ago. After this, head on to La Venezia which is a Venezia style quarter that dates back to the Medici era. The canals here with the small bridges and boats remind one of northern Italy. Livorno is a hotbed of great cultural festivities which include cultural, theatre and music performances. If you are going with family then there is the aquarium where the colorful fishes and turtles will keep your kids entertained. But if you are there for a romantic holiday then the Terrazza Mascagni, with its chessboard style terrace separated from the beautiful sea by a charming parapet with columns is the ideal venue for romantic evenings with the great seafood available.

Visit Montecatini

Situated between Lucca and its huge city walls, the hillside town of Montecatini is the splendor of Florence with its museums and historical sites. You can easily reach this destination by train, bus or a car to ultimately get down and walk on the well-preserved streets which will take you to a time now forgotten. That illusion is strengthened by its medieval fortresses and churches. Tired of sightseeing and walking? Then take a chair at any one of the pubs or restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food. While here, do step down to the base of the hill to view the waters of Montecatini Terme where the nobility of ages past bathed.

This beautiful place offers a whole host of delights to engage in- whether it is history you want to get lost in, scenic panorama you want to experience or taste authentic Tuscan cuisine; Tuscany has it all. So just pack your bags, book your flights and head off for a vacation into the corridors of the past.