If there was ever an easy decision to be made it is whether or not you should go to Tuscany. Filled with more beauty than you could ever hope to digest in just one vacation, the region in the North of Italy is one of the most revered destinations on the planet.
Tuscany is like a summary of everything that makes Italy so incredible – great food, outstanding architecture and a rich cultural heritage that permeates every street, building and monument.
Sitting on the fence about whether or not a Tuscany tour should be on your radar? Here is a handful of the hundreds of reasons why this region deserves your attention.
It Is the Home of Florence
Florence is hands down the most beautiful city in the world. World-class buildings topped with terracotta roofs spread out as far as the eye can see. From Piazzale Michelangelo, panoramic vistas show you the extent of the city’s magnificence. This might sound mawkish but it is impossible to over-romanticize Florence.
The Florence Cathedral alone makes a trip to Tuscany worthwhile, with its intricately carved walls and gigantic dome that dominates the landscape.
You Can Pretend to Hold Up a Tower
You’ve seen hundreds of photos of people pretending to hold up the leaning tower of Pisa. It looks ridiculous but you know that if you were there you would do it too. Fortunately, Pisa is in Tuscany and while you are on this North Italy tour, you can tick that activity off your bucket list.
You don’t actually have to pose like an idiot if you don’t want to. You can just wander around the tower and admire it without snapping a single shot. Either way, it is a fantastic experience.
You Can Go Wine Tasting
Ok, so you can drink delicious wine anywhere in Italy but in Tuscany the scenery makes the experience even better. In Chianti, terraced vineyards stretch out to the horizon, laden with the grapes that will eventually slip down your throat in liquid form.
If you are thinking about doing an Italy tour or, more specifically, a Tuscany tour, then make sure you have a wine tasting stop on your itinerary. Not only will you get to guzzle wine all afternoon, but you will also learn all about the fascinating process that goes into creating the wines we know and love.
You Can Walk Through the Vie Cave
Tuscany was once home to the Etruscan people. This ancient civilization is believed to have lived here as early as 800 BC and the remnants of their legacy can be found all over the region. One of the most impressive things the Etruscans left behind is the Vie Cave, a network of caves linking various settlements with an Etruscan necropolis.
No-one knows how the Etruscans managed to dig these paths, which makes a visit all the most intriguing.
You Can Explore San Gimignano
Tired of cities and want something a bit more peaceful? San Gimignano will leave your jaw dragging on the floor as you gawp in amazement at what might just be the most beautiful place on earth.
No North Italy tour would be complete without an afternoon strolling through the narrow streets of this gorgeous hill town. Be sure to give yourself time to stop for lunch and a gelato!
