Tuscany is the Italy of Hollywood movies and romantic daydreams. It is one of the most spectacular areas of the country, filled with green hills, mountains and astounding scenery. There are enough quaint towns and gelato stands to satisfy the most culture-hungry traveller. Whether you’re an adventurous nomad or there for a break in one of the many beautiful rental apartments in Florence, it’s easy to spend a lot of time exploring the region. If your time is short, centre your trip around Florence.
As a former capital of Italy and the centre of the renaissance movement, Florence is rich in ancient history. Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli and Dante are just a few people to come from here. Florentines are proud of their city and are passionate about art, food and beauty. As such, it’s a must-see for all visitors to Tuscany.
The famous Duomo and Baptistery are stunning but forever crowded with tourists, as is the city’s large piazza. However, the bustle adds to the vibrance of the city. The Galleria Dell Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture David, is particularly worth visiting. You can get taste of how the rich used to live by checking out the palaces and gardens of the Medicis, Italy’s most infamous family.
Something a bit quirky is the collection of ‘love locks’ on the Vecchio Bridge. Lovers over the years have covered the bridge in padlocks of all shapes and sizes. Leaving a lock here is said to ‘lock’ your current love forever. The Italians, they’re so damned romantic…
The AFTA bus service around the city is excellent, although be warned, you have to buy tickets before you board and there is a fine if you don’t have one. Florentines love to get on their bicycles, so that’s another option for getting around. It might make you feel like a local, too.
One more thing…
How often do you get to marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World? The leaning tower of Pisa is a strange attraction, but if you’re in the region, it’s worth jumping on the train to make the half-day trip to Pisa. Just to take one of those ridiculous photos if nothing else!
If Florence has whet your appetite to see more of the country, then a quick – and very scenic – train ride will take you further south to Rome. By taking the slower (and cheaper) intercity train, you’ll stop at Chiusi, Orvieto, Terontola and Arezzo, before arriving in the capital. Take a few hours strolling round Orvieto and drink in the picture postcard views of the Tuscan hills and snap some pictures of its impressive cathedral.
As for Rome, it makes the perfect end to a relaxing break in Tuscany. You’ll be overwhelmed by the number of things to see, do, and places to eat. Rome apartments can be rented by the week, giving you time to explore this amazing city in full. Make sure you don’t miss the Trevi Fountain, Rome’s iconic masterpiece.