Five exhilarating day trips in Tuscany
The diverse and scenic lands of Tuscany are brimming with fabulous things to do for all ages and tastes. Vintage Travel explores five memorable day trips in Tuscany waiting to be experienced.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre are UNESCO villages in Tuscany poised above azure water, several of which are suspended on craggy cliffs. Riomaggiore is a medieval town from the 13th century. It has narrow winding cobblestone streets and is famous for its wine. Manarola has the famous via dell’amore, translated as the path of love, high above the sea and amidst gorgeous mountains. Monterosso is an old fishing village, where you can dive into the sea from its lovely beach. Venazza has a lovely old port area and plenty of places to enjoy a cool drink. The best part of the Cinque Terre is you can visit all five of these magical villages in one day.
Florence
Florence is definitely one of the most famous art cities in the world and if you are in Tuscany then you just have to visit this incredible city. Stroll around the Piazza dell Signoria, Piazza Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. Also recommended is the Uffizi Gallery and Pitti Palace. The city will easily take up at least a day of your time, and will definitely be well worth it.
The Val D’Orcia region
Visit fabulous hill towns such as Montepulciano and Pienza, a world heritage site conceived as a utopian village. When you’ve explored these charming hillside towns stop off at a vineyard or two, venturing into their cool medieval wine cellars, where one of Italy’s finest wines, Brunello di Montalcino, is stored. Not far away is the Abbey of San’Antimo, where Gregorian chants are still performed daily, as they have been for centuries.
Medieval Towns and Chianti region
San Gimignano is a medieval UNESCO heritage site, famous for its narrow streets, but more so, its white wine. Stop and take refreshment then head for Siena and its Piazza del Campo, renowned for the Palio Horse Race and seek out the splendid Palazzo Publico. Continue your exploration of the area through the Chianti hills to Monteriggioni with its medieval city walls, then round off the day with a visit to one of the famous Chianti wine estates.
Pisa
Visit the marvellous cathedral (try to book in advance) and the world famous leaning tower. Immerse yourself in Tuscany’s compelling history by visiting the old historical quarter, the church of San Sisto, the oldest church in Piza, and the Piazza dei Cavalieri.