Must See Sights in Spectacular Tuscany

By []Giovanni Balboni
Tuscany is an area of Italy situated along the upper 'shin' of the leg-shaped country itself. The region is large enough to offer both inland and coastal sites to visit - providing a snapshot of the best of Tuscany. Villas are available to book virtually everywhere you look, so you are bound to find just the right setting for your own personal holiday story.

In deciding the main highlights of the region, the choice is virtually endless in Tuscany: villas that will take your breath away, historical attractions, artistic treasures and spectacular countryside. Let's explore, shall we?

Top Cities Worth Visiting in Tuscany

English: Il Duomo, in Florenece, Italy seen at night from Michelangelo's Piazza. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

When you think of Tuscany you often think of rolling, sunburnt landscapes and it sometimes seems hard to believe that there are many cities that are worth seeing too. Here we have suggested four of the best to explore while you are there, although you would need a long holiday to see them all. However, in Tuscany, villa accommodation will allow you to do just that - and at your leisure.

What to See Outside of Florence, Italy

Many towns, such as San Gimignano, were enclosed with walls, causing crowding and the building of tower houses. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Florence is a beautiful city located towards the north of Italy. It's been popular with tourists and art lovers for years because of its cultural sights and great shopping, and it's one of those places that you really should take the time to visit if you're ever in the region. And while a short break in this fashionable city is always guaranteed to delight, the surrounding region of Tuscany offers plenty more fabulous places to visit. Next time you're in Florence why not try one of these great day excursions to see some of the quieter, less touristy towns.

Popular Day Trips From Florence, Italy

Many towns, such as San Gimignano, were enclosed with walls, causing crowding and the building of tower houses. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



By Larry Aiello


The city of Florence is a true artistic treasure, filled with lots of art and museums, along with the great fashion and is truly a must-see destination when you visit the country of Italy. However, if you do have some time and want to escape the city life to more tranquil destinations, then you should consider these popular day trips from Florence:
San Gimignano
From Florence, you can take a rental car and drive through the beautiful wine country down to San Gimignano, an example of Renaissance beauty. This town is famous for its medieval towers that will impress you very quickly as you approach the town. There is a charming old part of town that is easily accessible on foot. You can check out some of the restaurants, shops, alleyways and piazzas. Be sure to savor some of the local white wine called Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

A Car Tour In The Italian Middle Ages: Siena And The Via Francigena

Image via Wikipedia


"Cor magis tibi Sena pandit" (Siena opens up a greater heart than this gate) is the sign that greets visitors at Camollia gate, one of the gateways to the historic centre of Siena. This cordial invitation is the business card of a city that needs no introduction.



Founded, according to a popular legend, by Remus, brother of the legendary founder of Rome, Romulus, Siena is an open-air museum. The severe palaces and steep alleys of the old town have remained the same since the middle ages when Siena was an independent republic. A large part of the cities ancient pride is still present in the temperament of its citizens, which is expressed fully on July the 2nd and August the 16th of each year during the famous Palio festival, perhaps the oldest and most authentic popular celebration in Italy. In the heart of the city is the magnificent shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, dominated by the high Torre del Mangia, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe for architectural harmony and balance. However Siena also offers beautiful churches and museums in addition to the ability to surprise even the most hurried visitor with unforgettable views. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Italian Sights: Siena

Image by Eco . via Flickr
Author: Tatyana Kogut.

Siena reminds of a garden. Its a wonderful city standing on three scenic hills, with unforgettable views over the city suburbs opened up from their tops. You will like its narrow roadways, parks and ancient architecture. Thanks to this little city Italy got highly reputed for its wonderful medieval architecture. The centre of Siena is like a scenery erected specially for some historic movie. Unlike the other Italian cities, Siena has little Renaissance buildings. Most of its constructions follow strict gothic rules - this adds a dark charm to Siena’s image.