There are numerous wineries in the region and many of them are open for tours and wine tasting, as well as some excellent choices for lodging. Whether it’s the wineries that the region is so renowned for or the historic castles, this is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy.

Sightseeing tours of Chianti abound and are very affordable whether. Whether it’s a tour for a couple seeking a romantic getaway or for large families or groups, there is something for everyone to take part in. The following is a list of suggested places to be sure and visit if you are planning a vacation to Chianti.

Galleria dell’ Academia Renaissance Art Tour

This tour will definitely enlighten you to the fact that Florence, Italy was truly the birthplace of the Renaissance. The various collections of art and sculpture found here in the Galleria will hold your interest for hours as you see first hand examples of the many creations of some of the masters of this historical period of world history.

Piazza Matteotti of Greve in Chianti

A weekly market in the main piazza of Greve in Chianti takes place every Saturday morning and is well worth exploring. It’s a shopping extravaganza to say the least with a wide array of merchandise at reasonable prices for the visitor to take advantage of.

Antiques and Collectors Fair

This fair takes place only twice a year on Easter Sunday and the second Sunday of October. You could easily spend the day exploring all that this event has to offer as well as bringing home some memorable reminders of a wonderful holiday in Chianti.

Plants and Flowers Market Exhibition

This colorful event happens only once annually on the first Sunday in May and is a testament to the beautiful colors that typify the Tuscany countryside. This is another must-see destination if you are prone to traveling before the summer crowds are out and about.

Grape Harvest

Usually takes place in late September or early October, but the date oftentimes varies from one year to the next. If you ever want to experience a celebration of the grape, then the Grape Harvest is well worth taking in when you are vacationing in the region.

Chianti Wine Festival

Occurring on the 2nd weekend of September, this festival spells out what the region is so renowned for. Chianti wine travels to all parts of the globe from this region, and this festival will entertain you to no end.

Photo of Chianti by Sara Carnati

Though Italy is held as a key destination for lovers looking to take in a romantic getaway, there is no lack for kid-friendly places in Versilia and families have come back from a wonderful stay in the region on numerous occasions. Here is a list of some of the more commonly frequented spots for families with children to take in while visiting this beautiful area in the Tuscany countryside.

Marina Di Pietrasanta (Coast of Tuscany)

With the Marble Mountains posing as a formidable backdrop for perfect picture postcard scenery, this coastal Tuscany region is one of the most visited beach areas in Italy. Surprisingly, it is not overcrowded due to the fact that Marina Di Pietrasanta is where the Florentines and Milanese spend their summers by the sea and they fight commercialization attempts tooth and nail. It is one of Italy’s better kept secrets, but tourists are still welcome and both children and teenagers alike can quickly make friends with the locals.

Pietrasanta

The mountains and the sea combine beautifully here in this small medieval town that straddles the Apuan Alps’ lush foothills. The town’s Roman origins are depicted by the Roman wall of which part of its remains are still standing. Both artists and sculptors the world over are drawn to the cultural hub that Pietrasanta is in the community. Artist studios are intermingled with the small elegant shops displaying their wooden shutters and ochre-washed walls deep within the alleyways that form the Piazza del Duomo.

Forte Dei Marmi

Known as the ‘Marble Fort‘ and located just over 1 mile from Marina Di Pietrasanta, Forte Dei Marmi shares the identical stretch of golden beaches and the spectacular backdrop created by the Apuan Alps. Despite its flair for the elegant and being extremely low key, this is acknowledged by many Italians as being one of the most chic and prestigious Italian beach resorts. Established around the turn of the century, this was one of the first bathing beaches in the region and was continually frequented by Royalty from all over Europe. Designer shops, sophisticated pavement cafes, and world famous restaurants abound for the tourist.

Photo of little girl at Torre del Lago beach, Versilia, Tuscany, by pasma

The likes Florence, Lucca, San Gimignano are beautiful, but is there more to this wonderful area of Italy than this? Well the answer is certain yes and if you keep driving on the E80 along the coast then you’ll find some of the most unspoilt and stunning parts of this well-trodden region.

Explore Massa Marittima

Massa Marittima is a gorgeous little town in the middle of no where is a real treat. Found inland between from Piombino and Grosseto, it is a welcoming ancient little medieval town. As you arrive you will be spoilt with the lush green hills that become wilder as you drive south through Tuscany. You’ll still see the hills and the Cyprus trees dotted all over, but the view is more unkempt and not too unlike southern England. The town is very proud of its cathedral, which dates back to the 13th Century, and it boasts the sarcophagus (funeral receptacle) of St Cerbone. Don’t miss the amazing local red wine (Monteregio) or a slice of locally caught wild boar.

Visit Castiglione della Pescaia

Forget the trees, sheep and hills of a second and get tuned in to the seaside towns that Tuscany has to offer. You’d be hard pressed to find a more tranquil and beautiful one than Castiglione della Pescaia. Having grown up around a medieval fortress it might not have been surprised to find it’s largely unknown to those not from the area or in the know, but it’s an amazing little place full of fishing boats and quaint little restaurants. If you drive into the town from the north west you’ll be hard pressed not to spot the ancient fortress remains at Vetulonia, which was a large part of the Etruscan empire. Thanks to the island of Elba a few miles off the coast, the beaches all around the town are warm and sheltered places for a sunbathe.

Relax at the hot springs of Saturnia

One of Western Europe’s hidden gems is the hot springs at Saturnia deep in the southern part of the province of Grosseto. 23 miles inland, the springs shoot out 800 litres of 37 degree sulfurous water every second, which flow out of the rocks and down the beautifully carved stones into pools. Legend has it that the god Saturn got tired with the wars of humans and so sent a thunderbolt to earth which then gave birth to the hot springs from the ground, giving it the name Saturnia. Nowadays you’ll find plenty of locals adorning the rocks and pools throughout the summer, treating themselves to a natural Jacuzzi and making their skin seem ever more youthful. Some of the pools you have to pay for as they’ve been bought up by spa companies, but most of them are free and open to all, or those who can put up with the smell of eggs.

Photo of Saturnia Hot Springs, Manciano, Tuscany, by davideoneclick

When visiting Elba Island, you will be afforded a wide array of attractions that is sure to tantalize your taste buds, and not just by virtue of the Italian cuisine that there is an abundance of on the island. Elba’s archaeological treasures, beaches, chestnut woods, emerald green landscape, and the Mediterranean seem to exist almost endlessly as you are out exploring this historical island gem. So much appears to be nestled into so little space that you will be absolutely amazed while visiting the island whether you are here alone or traveling with your family.

There are numerous bicycle, bus, and walking tours available on the island and the list that follows are recommendations for sources for the better tours available:

1. ElbaTuttaNatura

A website strictly dedicated to the enjoyment of Elba’s natural beauty and scenery. The itineraries include biking, horseback, and trekking tours as well as a wide assortment of information on the island itself, maps, photographic opportunities, and sightseeing attractions along with all types of tours.

2. Island Drive and Villa San Martino

This particular tour takes in a number of nice attractions including the summer estate of the Emperor, Porto Azzuro, and Punta delle Grotte. Porto Azzuro is located on the opposite side of Elba and is one of the more colorful fishing ports on the island, while Punta delle Grotte are the ruins of one of the more ancient and historical Roman villas.

3. Elba Island Tourism Board

This is a must-use website regarding tourism for the entire Tuscan archipelago. Aside from being loaded with information on the multitude of tours available, it also contains details on accommodations, the beach areas, cultures, historical sites, and recreational opportunities.

4. Moby Lines

Ferry service from Livorno and Piombino to Elba as well as coastal tours. The site contains useful information for planning tours, rates, routes, and ships that are available. Book your tour tickets directly online – it will save you time before boarding.

5. Toremar

Toremar provides a ferry service to Elba and tours of the entire Tuscan archipelago, as well as information on the ports, rates, services offered, and tour time schedules. Though the site is not in English, according to travel experts it is easily understood. (NOTE: Internet Explorer is required to use the site.

Photo of house in Portoferraio, Elba, Tuscany by giacomofe

Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo has the views of Florence and beyond. All you have to do is turn around once you walk the hike up through San Niccolo, up further as you start to get your camera out to take your first picture of Florence, you must press on to the tippy top. Once there, enjoy the markets, vendors with refreshing beverages and ice cream. Now what you see straight ahead of you is Fiesole up on the hill with the tiny bell tower in the middle. Fiesole is reached by bus number 7 to the end of the line.  To your right from Fiesole you will see below the stadium lights hanging over the Fiorentina soccer field. As you keep turning to your right you will find fields of olive groves and the Arno river heading in the direction of Monte Falterona where the river originates. Turning towards the city center, you will see the gorgeous Florence skyline. Containing the bell tower of Santa Croce, Il Duomo, Il Campinle, Palazzo Vecchio, and last but not least the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge). Sunset is a great time to capture the perfect Florence backdrop.

San Miniato

San Miniato al Monte can be reached from Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow the path to the church, where you see all those stairs. The stairs will lead you to a spectacular view of Florence. Sitting higher than Piazzale Michelangelo, you will see much, much more of the city. There is tradition I have, I make a pack dinner and escape the day to watch the sunset. It is breathtaking. If you happen to plan to stay all afternoon, at around 5 pm on certain days, the Monks of San Miniato will chant in the crypt of the church. Very calming and relaxing.

Fiesole

Fiesole has an array of vistas you can walk to easily from where bus 7 drops you in Piazza Mino. As you walk off the bus standing facing the bus, you will see the main Cathedral. Cross the street so you are right next to it. You will see a steep hill on your left. That is your path. Climb up slowly and periodically turning around to get a nice shot of the valleys surrounding Fiesole. Once you reach the top, you will be out of breath and ready to let it sink in. What a gorgeous view! On a clear day, you will have a perfect shot of the center as it stands like a miniature city. If it happens to be a foggy or gloomy day, take the picture anyways. It is a fabulous viewpoint nonetheless. The other picture perfect is on the other side of Piazza Mino. Following Via Giuseppe Verdi up the winding road, where you will see little old Italian men and women carrying heavy groceries up, you will once again know when you are at the view point. There is plenty of residences around that says to you, “I wish I lived right there” pointing at the terrace looking out to Florence. You may keep following the path up and up to an even better view. I could sit up there for hours just taking pictures.

Florence Cathedral

Santa Maria del Fiore (also known as il Duomo) has a nice workout as well as another place to take that one perfect shot. A great opportunity to see this fabulous view is to walk the 463 steps to the tippy top. There is a small fee for this exercise but it is well worth it. You have a 360 degree view of the hills that surround this Renaissance gem! Afterwards you can drag yourself to the nearest pizzeria and have a large Calzone.

Florence Bridges

Any Ponte (Bridge) can give you the shot of your dreams. Either you can face the Ponte Vecchio or spin around to the hills sweeping alongside Florence as if they were waves in an ocean. Nothing beats the capture of you standing on the ancient bridge looking east or west. But always try to enjoy the view of the Ponte Vecchio from wherever you are standing.

Photo of photographer taking pictures of Florence, Tuscany by acidcookie

Visiting Carrara is like going back in time. Where right and left all the nearby cities and villages in Versilia entered the new century, Carrara seems to be anchored in the past, unable to move forward. This also contributes to her un-lacking charm, for those who value authenticity more then anything. No tourist shops for those who like to purchase gadgets (apart from some tourist’s stops visiting the marble quarries), a shortage of hotels, and then imagine this: the only one in town suffers a shortage of clients!. This is mainly due to her lacking services that failed to adapt to this new century. But nevertheless Hotel Michelangelo preserves a feeling of ancient glory, with her big leather sofa’s and dark rooms filled with art-works.

The streets are full of holes due to the constant passage of trucks loaded with marble blocks, thundering alongside the city center, impressing her visitors with the amount of marble that leaves the quarries. And even from Carrara center, you still have an ample view of her tortured mountains, whose outlines are continuously remodeled by the constant diggings, which are going on. In short: an experience to never forget!

But despite all these defects, or maybe because of them, Carrara is still crowded with artists, good and bad, some famous and others worth of fame getting by unnoticed, coming and going and camping out. You’ll find them having a drink at the bar ‘Fuori Porta’, or having lunch at the bistro ‘Nerina’.

A true art lover/collector should hang out over there and make contacts, visit the private studios and discover works of American artists like Manuel Neri and Robert Gove, just to name a few, or the Japanese section with Makiko Nakamura and Okata, not to mention the Belgians, Germans, and God knows how many other nationalities who are crowding the region. The only thing you’ll find in abundant quantities apart from the marble, is original art. That is if you know where to look. You’ll find it hidden beyond the huge and faltering production of commercial marble sculptures, destined to decorate cemeteries, churches and even the Vatican!

Do not allow the industrial feeling of Carrara to induce you to believe there is nothing to see. If you are coming by car, it only takes five minutes into the mountains to find breathtaking spectacles! Few places on this earth are blessed with such dramatic and rapidly changing scenes of nature. For lovers of the outdoors there are immensely beautiful walks at close range, from sea to mountain and beyond. And as long as you stay away from the coast, few other tourists to be found.

Photo of sculptor’s studio in Carrara, Italy, by g.sighele

The rolling hills, diagonal sloping vineyards, clear skies and spectacular light are just a few of the elements that take your breath away while traveling throughout this province in northern Italy. Its no wonder that artists in Florence, Pisa and other northern Italian cities re-defined images of perfection and beauty during the Renaissance, when they were surrounded by the natural wonder that is the Tuscan countryside. However, most people traveling through Tuscany normally stop in the major cities that house the largest concentration of famous museums, architecture and seats of culture. However, once you leave the large cities, there is a wealth of smaller towns that once seen redefine your image of Tuscany. The benefits of cheap Italian transportation means that most towns within 2 hours of Florence can be reached by bus or train for €5-7. And when you consider that some bowls of gelato in Florence cost €5, paying the same for a day trip out to the country is a steal.

For the more adventurous, it is incredibly easy to buy a bus ticket and head out into the hills. Make sure that you know if there is a bus back to the city that afternoon (nearly every town within an hour of Florence has at least 5 buses heading back into the city, even on Sundays), and then just hop off the bus at a small town that appeals to you. The air is so much clearer, and although there is rarely much to ‘do’ in the smaller country towns, the hills and vineyards make for spectacular photos. Also, the food in smaller rural restaurants is often far better than food in the city and costs half as much. Towns I can personally recommend are Greve in Chianti, Borgo San Lorenzo and Poggibonsi.

For visitors who are less sure about just jumping off a bus in the middle of nowhere, my absolute highest recommendation is to take a day trip out to Lucca. Located around an hour away from Florence by train, and half an hour from Pisa, Lucca is a small but significant jewel in the Tuscan crown. The train from Florence costs €5 and run frequently seven days a week. Lucca is nestled in among a chain of large, majestic hills (which visitors from flatter locales may call full-on mountains) and is mostly contained within the old medieval city walls.

Lucca was first settled by Tuscan tribes, then occupied by the Romans. The traces of the Roman amphitheater can still be seen in the centre of town, now a picturesque circle of houses around the ‘Piazza del Amfiteatro’. The city then followed the path of many Italian cities and was thrown back and forth between various monarchs and aristocrats, and by the 17th century was the largest city-state after Venice and controlled over 70 ‘districts’ in the region. This ended in the 19th century when it was handed over to Napoleon’s sister.

The amount of change and turmoil undertaken in the small city is very clear to see, as there are an astonishing number of beautiful Romanesque/gothic churches in a very small area, as powerful families attempted to out-weigh their counterparts. The Duomo in Lucca is the most beautiful with its façade of colonnades, but the Church of San Michele in Foro and the Basilica di Santi Frediano are also well-worth a look.

The main street is lined with modern fashion shops, but once you turn off into some of the smaller shadowed streets, silence sets in. But the centre of the city is very like the small streets of Siena, Florence or Pisa. It is the city wall that sets Lucca apart. At the base of the city walls are pastures of grass (previously used for grazing livestock when the entire population lived within the walls) where children kick a football around, families meet up to eat and talk and teenagers lie on top of each other whispering sweet Italian nothings.

Around the top of the wall is a tree-lined bicycle path where people walk with their children, and elderly men circle around the 5-kilometer perimeter. The views offered around the city wall are astonishing…the mountains loom up on every side of the city, making you feel like Lucca is a little bubble in the Tuscan countryside, a town set apart from the rest of the world somehow. At dusk, the setting sun colors the mountains in deep reds and purples, a sight that even manages to rival Michelangelo’s ‘David’ or the ‘Mona Lisa’. On the side of the city opposite the train station is Piazza Santa Maria, where there are several shops to rent bikes. The rental fee is only €2,50 per hour, which is more than enough to enjoy a refreshing ride around the edge of the wall, taking in the fresh air and the brilliant scenery.

If you find that Lucca is somewhere that you want to stay overnight or for a few days, there are quite a few hotels, and Hostel San Frediano is a Hostelling International sight in the centre of the town.

There are also several state museums in Lucca, including the home of the opera-composer and Lucca-native Pucini. In July/August, there is an opera festival celebrating Pucini featuring outdoor performances and fairs.

So if you feel like you’ve only seen the largest cities on your trip through northern Italy, I highly recommend train/busing it out into the country. Transportation is cheap and easily accessible in Italy, making it simple to explore the guilded-edges of Tuscan culture and countryside. For more information on train times, visit www.trenitalia.it

Photo of Piazza dell’Anfiteatro in Lucca, Italy,originally posted by RedGlow82

Dear Travel Agony Aunt, Florence to Lucca, on a Saturday afternoon. Train or bus? Any suggestions for day trips from Lucca, as I will be there for four days. Also, how do I check out concerts in Lucca and Florence? I will be there in September. Thanks!
L. Brock, age 58, from Ottawa, Canada

Dear L. Brock,

I’ve travelled around Tuscany many times now and I’m very glad to help you out. So let’s begin with your first question. Lucca can be easily reached both by train or bus service from Florence in approximately 1.3 h travel time. Trains to Lucca depart every 30 minutes from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence and arrive at Lucca’s railway station on Piazza Ricasoli. I definitely suggest you to take the train: regional trains in Italy are really very cheap and sometimes more reliable than buses.

I have several ideas regarding day trips from Lucca. Of course, the most popular destination is Pisa, with its famous Leaning Tower, only 30 minutes by train. But there are several interesting hill towns just north of Lucca like Barga, Castelnuovo and Bagni di Lucca, all accessible by bus. This region called Garfagnana is best explored by car and will reveal some spectacular scenery. Throughout the summer months many traditional festivals take place in each of the villages and offer delicious local specialties. Other popular city destinations well worth a visit are the charming medieval town of Pistoia, that can be reached in just 1 h by train, and Carrara, famous all over the world for its valued white marble.

Viareggio, in Versilia, is one of the most famous beach resorts in Tuscany and not far away lies Torre del Lago, a quiet and small seaside town known for being the home of Giacomo Puccini. His house is open to the public and attracts tourists from all over the world. 2008 is the 150th anniversary of his birth and special events and exhibitions are dedicated to the Italian composer in all the province of Lucca. For further information check out these two websites (www.puccini2008.it and www.puccinielasualucca.com). The Lucca opera season runs from September to December and surely it will be an exciting experience to see one of Puccini’s operas in the city where he was born!

Hope I’ve helped another traveler in agony and maybe my loyal readers would like to give you some more advice based on their own experience. Good luck!

Photo of tuscany originally posted by andrew chang

Planning a gourmet trip to Florence, Tuscany?  On Suite101 read an article about Lori De Mori’s new food and travel book on Tuscan cuisine.

Women-only hotel rooms: The Naumi Hotel in Singapore has set aside a floor entirely dedicated to women travelers with female-only staff and ladies-only guest rooms and suites.

Budapest bistro-style bar: Read Globespotters’ review of the Deryne bistro, a new Budapest bar situated on the Buda side of the Hungarian capital city.

These days, with budget airlines and a plethora of hotels to choose from, one is spoilt for choice when it comes to transport and accommodation – and it is very easy to find a good deal. But the lifestyle in metropolitan Italy is notoriously lavish. Is there also a way to enjoy the city in an economical way? Our answer is YES! if you stick to these five simple steps

• Eat Local

You are in the middle of a country proud of using good, simple ingredients in tasty food. Remember those Olilvio adverts? There is nowhere better to get a rustic meal than in the Mediterranean, so don’t think that you need to go to a posh restaurant for that memorable holiday meal. Grab a slice of pizza (not caked in god-knows-what kind of cheese like at the hut!) and a pot of gelato for a scoop of what some of our most popular foods taste like authentically.

• Travel on Foot

Unlike a lot of cities in Europe, the public transport system in Florence isn’t terribly comprehensive. Perhaps for a good reason, as most things are within walking distance if you pick a fairly centrally-located hotel, like the Hotel de la Ville. A city sightseeing tour is recommended for those who need to know what the key attractions are, but with the money you could save on travel overall, you could afford a short horse-drawn carriage ride around the Ponte Vecchio area at dusk.

• Get a good Guide Book

A lot of tourists fall into extra expenses by relying on hotel staff, tour guides, and taxis to advise them on their day-to-day activities, all of which come at a premium. Invest in a guide book with a good map that you can flick through on the plane to find the places you will truly enjoy. If you’ve booked in advance, do an internet search to find those little-known niche places of interest.

• Dove siamo?

Three simple words (meaning “where are we?”) can get you further than you think if you’re lost, and can avoid those embarrassing “I am a tourist who expects you to speak English” moments. Indeed, the more Italian phrases you can pick up, the easier it will be to blend in on your trip, and stand a better chance at haggling in the markets off the Via Porta Rossa.

• Watch your Entrance

Unfortunately, most attractions in Florence have compulsory entrance fees, which are unavoidable. But you can avoid adding unnecessary fees to this yourself. The cheapest way to book is on the day, at the attraction, despite what guide books and your hotel will tell you. You will end up having to queue to buy pre-booked (and surcharged) tickets anyway, so the extra charge is unnecessary. Also look out for child, senior citizen, and student discounts, which should apply across the EU.

Picture of the River Arno, Florence originally posted by Strocchi

San Francisco

Recommended by: Federica, 30, information architect
I just got back from San Francisco where I went on honeymoon with my husband Luca (also a Venere.com employee). San Fransisco is my favorite city because every area is so different from the next one. I especially liked Fisherman’s Wharf with its excellent sea food.
Tip: Have San Francisco clam chowder, enjoy!

Copenhagen

Recommended by: Simone, 34, software developer
I love Copenhagen! I like the fact that its landscapes are flat, I like the bicycle traffic and the absence of sky scrapers. I especially like Danish Museum of Art & Design. Copenhagen has a high quality of life and excellent food and yummy salmon.
Tip: The city center is a must-see.

Pienza, Tuscany

Recommended by: Mascha, 27, junior SEO
Pienza is a small gem, the typical Tuscan village like you would imagine when you watch pasta commercials. The little town square is lovely and Pienza has been an inspiration to film makers like Federico Fellini who regularly visited the town. It was also the setting for the successful Minghella movie The English Patient.
Tip: Visit the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena at 20 km outside of town. The monastery was the setting for most scenes of The English Patient.

Dublin

Recommended by: Francesco, 32, credit controller
I lived in Dublin for 3 years and although I don’t find the city itself particularly beautiful, it does have a very relaxed and joyful atmosphere and the people are open and friendly, ideal for a weekend break. It is also very suitable as a destination for tourists traveling alone, being that it is so easy to meet other people. There are several great parks for walking or cycling, such as Phoenix Park and St. Stephen’s Green Park.
Tip: The village of Howth in the suburbs of Dublin is definitely worth a visit.

Berlin

Recommended by: Rita, 31, software developer
I am an architecture enthusiast and I love visiting Berlin. Berlin is full of great works by extrovert architects that also use ecological technologies. I especially like the building of the Reichstag (where the German parliament is housed) because of its historical appearance on the outside and the modern insides of the building, including its solar panels.
Tip: order pork shanks for dinner

Ravello

Recommended by: Alex, 28, SEM Analyst
I lived in Ravello, Amalfi Coast, for 10 years and still love to return often. It’s in the heart of the Amalfi Coast but contrary to other towns in the area the historical center of the town is at 300 metres (980 feet) of altitude. It doesn’t get too hot or crowded during the summer months. There is a great annual visual arts festival from June to September that I wouldn’t miss. Also, there is a boat connection to nearby Positano, Capri and Amalfi for day trips.
Tip: Visit the Villa Cimbrona and the Villa Rufolo where festival events are being held at sunrise. For dinner go to the Ristorante Cumpa Cosimo or to the upscale restaurant of the Hotel Palumbo.

Panzanella born on the fields of Tuscany grown with passion. Living a hard life, the farmers produced this amazing and fresh salad from the ground. When they were working during the summer, they would arise from sleep at around 3 am and then by 4 am be out in the fields harvesting the crops. As 8 am came around, the sun starting to warm the earth, they came in for breakfast. Bringing the necessary ingredients from the garden:

basil leaves
cucumbers
tomatoes
red onions

Soaking the day old bread in water so it is easy to break apart. Then mixing all the ingredients together, tossing with olive oil and vinegar, salt and pepper. How easy is that? By the time 11am struck, the farmers were back home having seconds of the Panzanella from the morning break.

Panzanella recipe:

Day old Tuscan bread
2 Tomatoes
1 Cucumber
1 Red Onion
15 leaves of Basil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Red Wine Vinegar
Ground Pepper
Salt

First you soak the bread in a bowl of cold water until the bread has absorbed the water. Then chop the tomatoes, red onions, and place in a bowl. Peal the cucumber and chop. Add to bowl with tomatoes and red onions. When the bread has soaked up the water, remove from bread and squeeze out the water into the sink and crumble into pieces and place in a new bowl. Then add the bread to the tomatoes, red onions, and cucumber. Season with salt and pepper, olive oil and vinegar. Add more olive oil to make the bread more manageable to toss until completely mixed.

Photo of homemade panzanella originally posted by fugzu

1. La Sala, La Panca (Greve in Chianti)

Surrounded by 45 acres of parkland, La Sala farm home offers comfortable accommodation in the area of Greve in Chianti, Tuscany. Featuring three apartments housed in a beautiful, picturesque Tuscan farm house and an old barn, La Sala boasts a vast garden with outdoor swimming pool and barbecue, the perfect setting for either a romantic break or a family vacation in Tuscany.

Situated on Via Francigena pilmigrage route, 19 miles south of Florence and 26 miles north of Siena, Greve in Chianti is a great base to explore Tuscany and the splendid Chianti wine district. Some of the main sights of interest in the area are the Franciscan monastery in Greve’s old town and the Castle of Verrazzano.

2. Podere Poggetto, Barberino Val d’Elsa

Located in Barberino Val d’Elsa, about 9 miles from San Geminiano, Podere Poggetto is a small farm house nestled amongst the splendid Chianti hills. Perfect for a relaxing family holiday in Tuscany, the house features two apartments and offers leisure facilities including outdoor swimming pool, barbecue, bowls game, table tennis, as well as children playground with slide and swing.

Lying on the Cassia, the road which connects Florence to Rome, Barberino Val d’Elsa boasts a beautiful medieval old town and offers breathtaking views over the splendid Chianti vineyards and olive groves.

3. Il Piastrino, Vinci

Located about 1 mile from Vinci town center, Il Piastrino farm house offers good value accommodation in the very heart of Tuscany. Boasting a friendly atmosphere, the house is a great place to stay for both gourmets and nature lovers. Il Piastrino farm home has a large garden with outdoor swimming pool and offers guests delicious home produced Chianti wine, vino santo, olive oil, honey and biscuits.

Surrounded by the Tuscan hills and situated only 20 minutes from Florence and 30 minutes from Pisa, Vinci is picturesque city also known for being the birthplace of Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci. Tourist attractions include the Castle of Vinci, Piazza dei Guidi square, the church of Santa Croce and the sanctuary of Santissima Annuziata. If you are in Vinci in July, do not miss the medieval fantasy festival called Festa dell’Unicorno.

4. Conio, San Donato in Poggio (Tavarnelle Val di Pesa)

Conio farm house enjoys an excellent location in San Donato Val di Pesa, halfway between Florence and San Geminiano. This beautiful Tuscan farm house offers accommodation including 5 private apartments and guest rooms only 0.3 mile from San Donato old town. Ideal for a family vacation in Tuscany, Conio farm home features a swimming pool and a small private lake. The farm house also produces its own wine and olive oil, and organizes cooking lessons for Italian food lovers.

Boasting a rich historic heritage, San Donato in Poggio is a lovely medieval village which is worth a visit. Sights of interest include the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie e Pietracupa, the abbey of Pieve di San Donato in Poggio and the main Piazza Malaspina square with its Florentine architecture and original water well.

5.Casolare San Lorenzo, Montespertoli

Surrounded by a vast parkland with lakes, olive groves and vineyards, Casolare San Lorenzo is a splendid farm home in Montespertoli, Florence that enjoys fantastic views over the Chianti hills.

Built in traditional Tuscan style featuring wooden beams and terracotta bricks, this elegant farm house is the rural equivalent of a 4-star city hotel and offers a wide range of facilities: outdoor swimming pools, children’s swimming pool, soccer field, tennis court, tennis table, children’s games, laundry room, and private parking area. The 10 farm house apartments are named after the main protagonists of Tuscan Renaissance culture, from Michelangelo to Dante to Galileo and offers all you need to enjoy a relaxing stay in Tuscany. Located in the very heart of the Tuscan countryside, Casolare San Lorenzo estate also produces its own organic olive oil and wine.

From the fragrant whites of the north, to the sun drenched reds of the south, Italian wine is pure pleasure on the tongue. That is as long as you know what you’re looking for.

So where to start? Let’s start where we normally start; with the ABC’s, or rather the DOCG’s DOC’s, and IGT’s. The Italian system of classifying wines can be described as a pyramid with DOCG being at the top.

• DOCG (Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed)

DOCG, Denomination of Origin Controlled and Guaranteed, was first applied in 1990. There are 33 DOCG’s in Italy, the largest amount hailing from Piedmont in the north. Each DOCG has its own rules and regulations that a producer must meet in order to get the coveted pink and green labels proclaiming its own authenticity. Pink labels for red wines, and green for white. The rules always include specifications on where the grape comes from, the soil it’s grown in and a limitation on the yield of production. They also often include rules about aging, bottling, and the wine making process. Some of my favorite DOCG wines include Barolo, Amarone, Chianti, and Chianti Classico for reds, and Gavi, and Greco di Tufo for whites. I feel I must also note that just because these wines are at the top of the pyramid does not necessarily mean they are always the most interesting, or the best of all the Italian wines. They are simply guaranteed to be produced in certain ways. I also am sad to report that does cheating takes place when it comes to the rules, numerous articles on the subject were in Italian newspapers last winter. I think it is best to look for smaller, more traditional producers if you want to be more sure.

• DOC (Denomination of Origin Controlled)

The next level down on the pyramid is DOC; Denomination of Origin Controlled. There are over 300 DOC’s throughout Italy. The rules are about the same as DOCG except slightly more relaxed and they often include larger areas. Sometimes they are extended productions of a DOCG; when a DOCG is limited in its yield the extra wine or grapes are often made into a DOC, usually the aging process is just a bit shorter and the price a little lower. Good examples of this situation are Rosso di Montalcino instead of Brunello, Rosso di Montepluciano instead of Vino Nobile, and Valpolicella instead of Amarone. I love these three wines because they give you all the characters of the DOCG’s but they are younger and easier to drink, more appropriate for a broad range of foods. You can recognize DOC wines by the words Denominazione di Origine Controllata written directly on the bottle’s label.

• IGT (Typical Geographical Indication)

The third pyramid tier is the IGT category. IGT stands for Typical Geographical Indication, and is a very loose category. IGT was first introduced in 1997 as a way of giving importance to wines that weren’t necessarily traditional to Italy. The famous Super Tuscans are now IGT’s, before they were in the Table Wine category (see below), this has promoted the innovation and creation of new interesting wines, using international grapes that aren’t allowed in the DOCG, and DOC categories. The results of these wines have been varied. Some are the most expensive wines in Italy such as the famous Tignanello and Sassicaia from the Bolgheri region of Tuscany, but many are cheap wines a step up from the bottom of the heap; good for every day drinking. An IGT wine will say IGT on the label.

• Table wine

The bottom of the pyramid is the Vino di Tavolo, or Table wine. These are wines produced in bulk specifically for the everyday needs of Italian wine drinkers. They are the house wines of trattoria’s, and the large bottled wines in the markets. They are cheap, and easy to drink. Sometimes they are good, sometimes bad, and usually you can’t be sure of where or when they came from. The bottle’s label only needs to say the region it was bottled in, the amount of alcohol, “do not litter”, and the amount of wine in the bottle. No vintage necessary. Drink these wines with low expectations, though it is possible you may stumble upon something spectacular.

There is no way to know without doing the dirty little job of drinking!

Photo of Italian wine bottles by Fiona Lapham

• Be assertive

When you get onto the bike know the direction you need to go. Of course look both ways or one way (if it is a one way street), there could be a scooter coming out from your blind spot. Following the direction of traffic is a must. Note: if you are riding against traffic be extra careful where you ride. Slow down if you know the car will not make it around you. While riding look behind you twice before crossing the street to the other side. Drivers do not handle slowing down on small narrow streets lightly. Keep pedaling once you have chosen the direction you want to go in a busy piazza. Always keep your eyes forward on your target direction if you glance at the bus coming at you, that could be trouble.

• Riding on the sidewalk or the street?

You are able to ride on the sidewalk as much as you want but if you know Florence, there aren’t the biggest sidewalks in the world. In the center there is, but have you forgotten the crowds of tourists that will be marching down them?

The street is the better choice to get where you want to go fast. Riding with the flow of traffic can be an advantage because on some point will you going just as fast as a Smart car. On the sidewalk you have the potential of running down innocent people and well, getting yourself hurt along the way. Now the most horrifying thing is that you will be riding your bike alongside scooters, cars, and yes, LARGE buses. You must stay calm and be alert.

• Riding next to traffic

Calm and alert. The scariest part for me when I started riding alongside traffic that you could actually reach out, and touch the car next to you. Also the traffic speeds by you like you are invisible. It is not like in the States where the cars make a semi-circle around you. In Italy, you are literally part of traffic, not a Sunday afternoon rider in the park.

Once I caught myself behind a city bus on a street which he could not pass. I pedaled my heart out however still being honked at. This is normal, bus drivers seem to have a dislike for bicyclists, every time one is going a bit slow in front of a non-passable bus, they must honk to make themselves known. My advice is to keep moving, the bus will be stopping soon and then treat yourself to gelato for cheating death.

• Small narrow streets

Usually there aren’t many cars on such streets but if you are riding down Via Cavour or other streets leading into, for example, Piazza Liberta, Piazzale Donetello, or Piazza Beccaria, these are where the lines of traffic come into play. If you find yourself going down a one way street against traffic be aware that on one or both sides will have parking. There is no way this car or truck will be able to swerve around you. Stop your bike behind a car or come close to the sidewalk and smile. Be courteous, they are bigger than you. Now this isn’t Naples or Rome where drivers are said to be more aggressive than here, in Florence they won’t try to run you over.

• Once you get to the center…

Meeting a friend for a coffee, going to class or going to work, park your bike once you arrive in the center and walk to your destination. There is no need to ride through the chaos of picture takers, pointers at high towers, or large packs of fanny pack wearers. I usually find parking either in Piazza San Marco, Piazza Della Signoria or Piazza del Duomo. Most piazza’s or main streets like Via Cavour have bike parking along it. It saves you the struggle of parking outside the place you need to be where there is no parking.

Be aware, be assertive, and be aggressive when riding on Florentine streets. The first few times will be scary, so be patient with yourself. Then all of the sudden you will be a calm bike rider, where bike riding gets you to your destination faster and cheaper.

Good Luck!

Picture of old bike by Katie Greenaway

‘This hill takes a lot out of you.’ I thought walking briskly up the steep, main drag of Fiesole, Via Antonio Gramsci. This town is taken for granted sitting high above the valley that is Florence, Tuscany. You can see the grand bell tower from many different views throughout the city, although no one seems to know about it. Unless you take the sightseeing double decker bus, no one will venture to the tippy top of this grand and noble dwelling. Instead of the boring tour bus, hop on the #7 city bus and stride through the town of San Domenico, and up the winding strada (street),Via Angelico. Just as the street describes leading up to it, it is an Angel sitting amongst the stars. The #7 will drop you right in front of a newsstand and an Irish pub, J.J. Hill. As an ancient, mystical town welcomes you.

There are many trinkets to enjoy in this city above the valley. A neighborhood bakery sells freshly baked cookies, pastries, and pizzas everyday. A fruit stand has an array of delicious fresh from the garden fruits and vegetables. Many little shops selling baby clothes, swimsuits, and designer sunglasses along Via Antonio Gramsci have very friendly staff. Fiesole can be a great stroll for an afternoon of window shopping as well as a great workout.

If you arrive early enough in the day, I suggest a walk through the hills behind the main square. To travel to this secluded place, walk to the right of Piazza Mino that veers right even more when you pass the piazza. The street is called Via Guiseppe Verdi. Along this street you will have gorgeous views of Florence, as if you were a bird flying high. Follow this road, having views of Florence on your right and elegant houses lining your left, until you see an elementary school on your left with houses aligning the street heading down, then up into the hills. You are there when this tabernacle of the Virgin Mary appears at the entrance. It looks like this: Walk a bit through the forest up and up through carefully marked path, enjoy the solitude and beautiful sights of Tuscany at it’s finest.

After the brisk walk through the ancient Etruscan hills, come back the way you came and have a delicious lunch of pizza and pasta at Pizzeria Etrusca. Located closest to the Cathedral on the corner of Piazza Mino. There is a great outdoor café during the summer months and if it is a bit chilly the upstairs eatery is very cozy.

After a full lunch, why not venture to the Roman Forum and Theater right behind the pizzeria, enjoy the enchanting views of the neighboring villages from ancient ruins. From there I suggest making another trek up the hill of Via San Francesco for a great afternoon gaze of Florence. Up further, there is a quaint church called San Francesco with a monastery. Another jewel of this fantastic town. In the evening in Fiesole, there is a place you can’t miss. The cemetery of Fiesole is a spectacle in itself. The artificial lights on each grave lights up, more reason to go and sit in the silence of the flickering lights. It is located on Via del Cimiterio, right behind the Cathedral.

Fiesole is much cooler, quieter, and all around calmer than the busy city center of Florence. If this sounds like the perfect place for you I recommend the Hotel Villa Bonelli. I studied, lived there and have been staying with this staff for over 6 years now. I hope I have convinced you to partake in a ride on the #7 bus to a hidden secret.

Picture of Fiesole, Florence, courtesy of Hotel Villa Bonelli

• Val d’Orcia, Tuscany

The breathtaking landscape in the hinterland south of Siena and stretching out to Monte Amiata has inspired artists in the Renaissance and modern photographers. The Val d’Orcia with its flat chalk plains and almost cone-shaped hills contains beautiful old fortifications such as Pienza and Montalcino, incidentally home to the prestigious Italian Brunello di Montalcino wine.

• Rock Drawings in Valcamonica, Lombardy

The Valcamonica is situated in the Lombardy plain on the Oglio river upstream from Lake Iseo.The Valcamonica is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of prehistoric rock art: more than 140,000 petroglyphs carved in the rock over an 8,000 year period from the Epipaleolithic until the Roman and Medieval periods.

• Castel del Monte, Apulia

This magnificent fortress was built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II some 55 km (34 miles) west of Bari and the Apulia Coast in the Valle d’Itria. Castel del Monte is a blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic. It is an octagon-shaped prism with a bastion at each corner.

• Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily

The Villa Romana del Casale is situated on the South Coast of Sicily just outside the town of Piazza Armerina. The Villa contains the finest on site mosaics anywhere in the Roman world, which makes the Villa Romana del Casale the ultimate example of a luxury Roman villa.

• Archaeological Area and Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia, Friuli Venezia Giulia

This magnificent archaeological treasure lies in the province of Udine on the Venetian Coast. The town of Aquileia was one of the wealthiest and biggest in the early Roman Empire. The city was destroyed by Attila in the 5th century and most of the city remains intact and buried. The patriarchal basilica with its beautiful mosaic floor played an important role in spreading Christianity in the Middle Ages.

• The Trulli of Alberobello, Apulia

The Trullo is a typical building in the Itria Valley of Apulia, and the Trulli of Alberobello were added to UNESCO’s list in 1996. The trulli are limestone dwellings and are a remarkable example of prehistoric construction techniques. Most of them survived intact and are in use today.

Pictures of Trulli, Alberobello originally posted by fede_gen88, Val d’Orcia by the bbp, Lake Iseo, Lombardy by Franco Follini, Castel del Monte, Apulia by Andrea Rinaldi, Villa del Casale, Sicily by Neil Weightman, Basilica of Aquileia by orsorama

But the landscape changes, and gets even more suggestive, when you reach Siena: the earth has a brownish, dark orange hue, and the change in color is more evident at sunset or sunrise, when the sun casts its light on the land. You have entered the famous Crete senesi, a lunar landscape created by the peculiar composition of the clay, which was brought here by the sea that covered the area about 3 million years ago.

I usually suggest to visit Tuscany by car, in order to appreciate the countryside and have enough time to enjoy the scents and flavors of the area. This is especially true if you are going to Siena: before visiting one of the most fascinating cities in Italy, maybe the one that is best steeped in history, I recommend a gastronomic tour of the Crete, the area that goes from Siena to Asciano (you can also travel by Natura train, a steam-powered train that explores Siena countryside in a very relaxing way). You can find many farm houses that have the benefit of a stunning panoramic position, and enjoy sharing the Tuscan gastronomic tradition with their guests.

Food in Siena is rustic in character but at the same time refined; the cuisine tends to be simple, but it uses all the fragrances that nature can offer.

You might start with a bruschetta, slices of toasted Tuscan bread with garlic and olive oil, and accompany it with the famous Pecorino of Pienza, a scented cheese that has the taste of all the herbs that sheep eat during the year. All through the summer, there is nothing better than eating panzanella, and if you have never tasted it you don’t know what you have missed! Let me explain how simple and appetizing this dish is: some dried bread soaked in water and seasoned with red onions, ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, olive oil and vinegar. This recipe has humble origins because it was created by farmers who wanted to use their stale bread and all the summer vegetables they could find in their garden.

Needless to say, Siena is the area of fantastic wines such as Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Therefore, after some days in the Tuscan countryside, you are ready to plunge into the medieval charm of Siena. The ideal time to be there is in July and August, when the 17 contrade (quarters of the city) fight for a painted banner in the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place in one of the most magnificent Italian squares, Piazza del Campo. However, the exciting atmosphere of the Palio is not limited to the dates of the race (2nd July and 16th August), but it pervades the lives of the people who gather, parade, shed tears and rejoice for their contrada during the rest of the year (I will tell you more about the Palio in a next article).

You can experience the culinary riches of Siena in the numerous restaurants you find in town, but don’t forget to go in bar o caffè, because there you can taste two of the gastronomic glories of Siena: ricciarelli (delicate sugar-almond pastries) and panforte (a fruitcake that dates back to the thirteenth century, made of candied fruits, walnuts, almonds, orange peel, cinnamon and other spices).

Photos of Siena countryside originally posted by peuplier

But if you are a curious traveler, get a car and drive around the hills of the beautiful Tuscan valleys, and you will find unexpected peculiarities that are not always described in tourist guides.

Sample the Tuscan prugnolo, the white truffle of mushrooms

For example, the Valtiberina (Tiber Valley), in that corner of Tuscany squeezed among the regions of Romagna, Umbria and Marche, is the home of the prugnolo, a rare and precious mushroom greatly appreciated for its intense aroma with hints of hazelnuts and thyme. The particular climate of this area – hot and dry in the summer, and mild and showery during spring and autumn – together with the presence of woods and chestnut forests, gives to the land where Michelangelo was born an incredible abundance of mushroom crops.

The prugnolo was well know during the Renaissance, when it was also known as St. George’s mushroom, because it was believed that, every year, the first prugnolo sprouted exactly on 23rd of April, St. George day.

The round patches of grass that hide these tiny treasures, and the charm of their aroma have generated several legends about witches and satanic dances. Legend has it that, on the mountain pastures of this valley, witches dance their Sabbaths leaving a trace: it might be a “spooky” fantasy, but if you are a searcher, look for the mysterious place where the darker green grass draws a semicircle, and you won’t miss a handful of fragrant prugnoli!

I live in Valtiberina, and I know that it is not easy to find the exact area where mushrooms grow: fungai (mushrooms hunters) are jealous of their secret places, and they will never tell you where these precious and delicious gems flourish. Therefore, the only way to taste something absolutely divine is either going to the sagre (Italian food festivals) that celebrate this mushroom, or finding the best restaurants that serve dishes with prugnoli.

Go to the prugnolo mushroom festival in Pieve San Stefano, Arezzo

The people of a small and charming town in the heart of Valtiberina, Pieve S. Stefano, Arezzo on 3rd and 4th of May will gather in the main streets to organize a celebration of this mushroom and of the other products that are related to spring and the pastures : the sagra del prugnolo.

You will find stools that sell freshly-made cheese in characteristic wicker baskets made by local artisans; exhibitions of old photographs that represent the ancient Italian way of living; men, women and children dressed as shepherds and shepherdesses who dance and sing; but, at the center of all this festival, wherever you are in Pieve S. Stefano, you can find these mouth-watering mushrooms cooked in different ways: my favorite dishes are scrambled eggs with prugnoli, crostini (roasted slices of Tuscan bread) with prugnoli and tagliolini (egg noodles) with prugnoli, while, believe it or not, a famous chef some years ago has even made a prugnolo mushroom ice cream!

If you miss the sagra del prugnolo festival you can always find numerous Tuscany restaurants, where prugnoli are deliciously served:

Il Diario, Via Tiberina 95, Pieve S. Stefano (AR)

La Balestra, Via dei Montefeltro 29, Sansepolcro (AR)

Il Fiorentino, Via Luca Pacioli 56, Sansepolcro (AR)

Il Borghetto at Borgo Palace Hotel, Via Senese Aretina 80, Sansepolcro (AR)

Don’t miss the chance to taste what is usually called “the white truffle of mushrooms”!

Photo of Tuscany landscape originally posted by JackiePix

The best thing to do, instead of going to a busy and fattening fast food, is to eat typical Italian food at one of the numerous delicatessen stalls in the main markets in town.

1. Panini with lampredotto

The most distinctive Florentine street food is something that may sound disgusting but, believe me, once you have tasted it, you’ll want more: Panino con il lampredotto. Lampredotto is the final part of the cow’s stomach, and when it is stewed for hours, seasoned with hot red chili sauce or green parsley sauce and eaten inside a delicious Italian sandwich dipped in the broth, you just have to close your eyes and taste the flavors of Tuscany. The best places to find lampredotto are in Via Gioberti, Piazza Tanucci, San Frediano, and in two small villages near Florence, Grassina and Antella.

2. Frittelle di riso

Frittelle di riso (rice fritters) is another typical Italian food you can find along the streets of Florence: they are usually made for the feast of St. Joseph on 19th March, the day in which Italians celebrate Father’s day. The ingredients are: rice, milk, sultanas, pine nuts, eggs, rum, lemon zest, which give the fritters a delicious flavor you can smell from a long distance!

3. Panini with porchetta

You can also taste a tantalizing range of cheeses and cold cuts, and don’t forget to try a sandwich with porchetta, slices of a small pork which is roasted whole, heavily salted and stuffed with garlic and spices. Mercato Centrale in the heart of San Lorenzo is the ideal place to find a great number of delicatessen, and also to have a chat with very loquacious Italian vendors!

Photo of Florence food stall originally posted by phototram