Tuscany has been associated with viticulture since the period of the Etruscans; the wondrous hills of Chianti produce marvellous red wines which are adored around the world. When traveling outside of Florence you are greeted with castles, churches, farms and lots of little ancient villages, in a suggestive itinerary that enables you to discover all that is Tuscany.

 

Colle Val d’Elsa - Colle Val d’Elsa can be described by narrow alleyways and palaces dating back to the XV century. The oldest and highest part is identified as the home of Arnolfo da Cambio, who was responsible for the design of Duomo of Florence. Colle Val d’Elsa is renowned around the world for its production of crystal and glass.

Siena - Siena is located in the heart of the Tuscany hills, and its wonderful historical centre preserves all the charm of a medieval village. This marvel of history is surrounded by palaces and narrow streets. You can travel into magnificent squares such as Piazza del Campo, that every year hosts Palio di Siena. This event is a medieval horse challenge that is held amongst the old city’s quarters.

 

Monteriggioni – A fortified town actually built in the 13th century by the Siena feudal lords. The town is surrounded by walls that attract archaeologists, historians and international tourists. In Dante’s Divine Comedy, the towers of Monteriggioni evoked the giants that encircled the abyss of hell. At night the towers and walls are lit up by a beautiful golden light that makes this city appear as if it is floating above the surrounding valley.

San Gimignano - This is another little medieval jewel known for the 72 towers that were built to defend the city and for the sweetness of its typical wine, “Vernaccia di San Gimignano”. When there, visit the Museum of Torture and the Torre Grossa, one of the highest towers of the city, located in Piazza del Duomo.

Pisa - Pisa shows one of Italy’s most gorgeous squares, known as Piazza dei Miracoli, UNESCO World Heritage site; here you will find the Roman Baptistery and the marble Learning Tower which was constructed beginning in the XII century. This tower is open to the public and from the top you can take in the breath taking views of Piazza dei Miracoli.

 

Lucca - Important centre of the ancient Via Francigena, that connected Canterbury and Rome, Lucca was virtually the capital of Tuscany during the collapse of the Roman Empire. The Renaissance walls of the city are one of the best preserved throughout Europe. When there visit the Roman Amphitheatre which dates back to the II century A.C.

Greve in Chianti – The capital of the Chianti wine region offers many shops selling wine and typical handicrafts. For centuries the central square of Greve hosted markets that supplied neighboring villages and castles. In the same square you can find the church of Santa Croce, that preserves works from the school of Fra Angelico (1400-55), and the monument to Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer, born nearby Greve in Chianti, who discovered New York.

Vinci – The birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci hosts a beautiful museum devoted to the Renaissance artist that is one of the most visited in Tuscany. Inside the Castle Of Conti Guidi, a marvellous medieval fortress dating back to the XI century, the museum contains an invaluable collection of Leonardo’s inventions.