Toscana
Dreamful holidays
Right in the middle of Italy, Tuscany is without doubt one of the most popular destinations choosen by the tourists, thanks to the variety of its landscapes (ranging from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea), the immense artistic heritage, important cities and villages making, with their wonders, this region unique in the World.
Tuscany has more than 2000 years of history and its traces are still visible; from the remains of the Etruscan people and the great Roman civilization, to the glorious Renaissance, whose main representatives were born and lived in this land. For this reason Tuscany holds a unique historical and artistic richness, inherited by some of the most famous artists, writers and scientists of the past. In addition to its cultural treasures and routes, there are numerous reasons to choose Tuscany as a holiday destination; First its beautiful landscapes, ranging from mountain to hill, from the sea to the islands, offering the possibility to spend pleasant stays in contact with nature, relaxation and sport. And yet the cuisine, simple and genuine, that attracts travelers from around the world who come out here to taste the traditional country dishes and famous local wines.
Arezzo
Nestled in the hills of Tuscany, the city of Arezzo is located just few kilometers away from the village of Castiglion Fiorentino. Its origin is ancient and is possible to find in it ancient evidence of the Etruscans and Romans. It has been the birthplace of the great poet Francesco Petrarca and great artists such as Piero della Francesca, Masaccio, Michelangelo, Luca Signorelli, Pietro da Cortona and Vasari, who left works of art of immeasurable value. The most beautiful sights of the historic center have been the set for some scenes of Roberto Benigni’s movie “Life is Beautiful”, winner of 3 Oscars in 1999, which has brought the city to an international stage. Some of the events that a tourist can not miss are the Antique Fair, which takes place every first Sunday and the Saturday before, and the Giostra del Saracino, historical re-enactment held twice a year in June and September. The illustrious poet Carducci said: “Arezzo would be enough to the glory of Italy”.
Siena
An incredible city of art where it seems that the time has stopped: thousands of Italians and foreign tourists come here to get lost among the narrow streets, discovering the districts and the towers, looking around the craft shops and visiting the buildings that make a “must see”. Even the surrounding area retains a magical atmosphere: the Terre di Siena offers suggestive paths among the gentle slopes of the hills, forests, farms and wineries. Numerous testimonies dating back to medieval times are scattered along the Via Francigena, the ancient road traveled pilgrims to Rome that crossed the Val d’Elsa, the city of Siena and the Val d’Orcia. Along this route you can admire old abbeys, like the one of St. Antimo, Romanesque churches and picturesque villages such as San Quirico d’Orcia or San Gimignano, which still retain their original medieval appearance. Near Siena you can not miss the Chianti area, a must for the food lovers, home of the famous wine and vineyards, dotted with villages perched which offer delicious food and wine tours.
Florence
The magnificent city of Florence, one of the most beautiful in the World, is an unmissable stop for those coming in Tuscany. Unanimously recognized cradle of the Renaissance and World Heritage Site according to UNESCO, each year attracts crowds of tourists thanks to its beautiful churches, the sumptuous palaces and museums that make it unique in the world. In fact, here are preserved the artistic masterpieces of the greatest masters of Humanism and the Renaissance, artists who have left their indelible mark in the field of architecture and art of all times: from Giotto to Brunelleschi, from Michelangelo to Vasari, by Donatello, Leonardo, just to name a few. Florence extended its appeal even to the surrounding area, starting from the hills that surround it in which they are the only places where you can follow many paths of art and food.
Pisa
Located on the banks of the Arno river, Pisa is one of the most famous Tuscan cities in the world, thanks to its universally recognized symbol: the Tower of Pisa. In the past it was one of the four Maritime Republics who ruled the Mediterranean, during which expanded its dominion over vast territories. At that time it was a world power. The city is a real artistic treasure chest that contains Romanesque and Gothic churches, squares and palaces scattered in the quarters winding along the Arno and the ancient streets. Do not miss the famous square called “Miracle”, a UNESCO heritage site, home to the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery, the Cathedral, masterpiece of Romanesque-Pisa and the famous leaning tower, about 56 meters high. South of Pisa is Volterra, a typical medieval village, full of extraordinary beauty such as the Duomo and Piazza dei Priori, in addition to treasures like the oldest port Etruscan and Roman Theatre.
