Every corner of Tuscany is steeped in history and art with magnificent landscapes made even more beautiful by beaches and splendid hills, not to mention the sea of the Tuscan Archipelago, the largest Marine Park in Europe, and the thermal waters at Montecatini, Saturnia and Bagno Vignoni, places of ancient curative powers and modern wellness centers. Picturesque medieval towns and splendid Renaissance cities, local specialties, and top quality wines. Have you been tempted?
AREZZO
Located among the hills of eastern Tuscany and having very ancient origins, Arezzo was at the very beginning an important Etruscan city, then became a Roman one, and finally a Renaissance center at the time of the Medici who turned it into a fortified town. Piazza Grande testifies to the passage of time which has kept intact its special gentile charm: towers and medieval small palaces, the gothic Santa Maria della Pieve, and the Vasari loggia, frame the wide area where every penultimate Saturday of June and every first Sunday of September takes place the very impressive Giostra del Saracino (Tournament of the Saracen), a stunning historical costume reconstruction with very colorful parades with participants and flag wavers, with the spectacular horsemen tournament finale.
Among the itinerary we suggest you retrace the steps and works of Piero della Francesca, an artist of exquisite methaphysical paintings, who paved the way for the development of the Renaissance, between Arezzo (Basilica of San Francesco and Cathedral), Monterchi (the Madonna del Parto in the small museum) and Sanseplocro, his native town (Civic Museum and House of the Artist) and follow in the steps of San Francesco that from Assisi would journey to La Verna. In the midst of a very lush natural setting (you are in the area of the National Park of the Casentinesi Forest) you will reach Chiusi della Verna to then access Monte Sacro, the Saint's retreat, among the most natural and intense spiritual scenery.
Splendid Florence, one of the most beautiful cities of Italy, is like a big open-air museum concentrating so much of Italian history of art and culture. It was here that Dante lived and here governed the Medici who with Cosimo and Lorenzo brought the Signoria to its maximum splendor. It was in this place that the Renaissance took place which revolutionized the course of art (with Brunelleschi, Donatello and Masaccio) and inspired greats like Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo, and here also emerged the Mannerism style of Vasari. All of this can be experienced among the narrow medieval streets and the Renaissance squares, among museums full of masterpieces from the greatest painters, among churches, cloisters, and convents that are treasures of works of art and devotion, and also among the walls of austere palaces which belonged to bankers and merchants. The Florentine people were so industrious and full of the zest of life. They would pour into the streets with their crafts such as the weaving of wool and silk, the making of garments, the working of leather and furs, and the fashioning of all sorts of gold and precious stone objects, etc. Their legacy was passed on from parents to children who have inherited the shops and boutiques that nowadays line the elegant downtown streets.
Florence is a precious gem in the Arno Valley and is set among gorgeous hills where only a quarter of an hour away you will find Fiesole, Chianti, the Medici villas and the Wine Roads and also the most delicious tastes of the culinary tradition...
The Maremma area is unique for the atmosphere and the landscapes it offers: the fascinating beauty of the countryside and the sandy beaches, that for years have earned the European Blue Flag for the clean sea and the quality of the services offered, ideal to pass a vacation in the open air between the modern and mundane Follonica and Punta Ala, among the pine groves of Roccamare and the old sea town of Castiglione della Pescaia, or else on the stretch called Costa d’Argento (Silver Coast) for the gleaming sands of the very beautiful Tomboli di Orbetello, Giannella and Feniglia, or else near the delightful Capalbio.
To discover the Etruscans you must go to Roselle (Archeological Park) and to the large necropolis of Vetulonia and then to the Tumulo (bassoon) of Poggio Pelliccia, a monumental aristocratic tomb, and finally you arrive at Lago dell’Accisa, among mine wells, dwellings and tombs dating back to the 6th century B.C.
You should visit Grosseto with the imposing Medici Walls which are practically intact and can be walked, and also the monument to Leopold II of Lorena, a beloved Grand Duke of the Maremma people for the many fertilization projects he carried out at the beginning of the 19th century, making the Maremma a fertile and prosperous land.
The Maremma Natural Park can be accessed via Alberese or from Talamone: you have to go through trails -either walking or on mountain bike-, to get to the famous Maremma horses and to see rare plant species or get to the pristine sand; climb up to take in the stunning spectacle of the islands of the Archipelago -Giglio, Montecristo and Elba-, and towards the south, the spectacular Cala di Forno bay, the Argentario with the tomboli (dunes) that cordon off the Orbetello lagoon, and finally the ruins of San Rabano Abbey.
The biggest of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba is a succession of marvelous landscapes: hills covered by very thick Mediterranean vegetation made up of chestnut and live oak forests of very intense green that slowly slope down to the sand which gleams -due to the minerals- with the most amazing colors (turquoise, red and black pebbles), and on the white sand of the beaches, or in the stunning cliffs that fall to the crystalline sea of a thousand blue hues.
Settled by the Etruscans and then by the Romans, it was renowned for the rich iron and mineral mines, for its the wine -Pliny called it Insula vini ferax (island abundant in wine)-, and for its mild climate and thermal waters. With the passing of time the Island of Elba has been able to keep intact its particular charm which can be experienced in its medieval towns, Renaissance Spanish fortifications which embellish hills and marinas alike, and as well Napoleon's villas. Marina di Campo, Marciana Marina, Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri, Rio Marina, Rio Elba and Marciana are towns found on the 150 km beautiful stretch of the Elba coast, with quiet bays, wild cliffs and ideal sand beaches for days of relaxation or for when there is a breeze, outings on a sail boat and windsurf, and diving in the spectacular seabed of the National Marine Park “Tuscany Islands”. A must see is the very interesting Parco Minerario, immersed in history and suggestive places, and Terme di San Giovanni Park, to discover the tradition of wellness in one of the oldest thermal centers of Europe.
A crystal-clear sea wedged between coves and small harbors, long beaches of pebbles and sand and enchanting pine groves reminiscent of a mysterious ancient population. This is the Etruscan Coast, between the Versilia and Maremma, a rare spot where you can experience the real Tuscany through its nature, history, beaches and hills. Start from Livorno, an ancient fortified fort of the 16th century, with splendid and imposing bastions where Viale Italia starts -a historical stroll that connects the city to the town of Antignano. Along this road, Terrazza Mascagni is the best place from which to admire the splendid view that spans the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica. Going up the Romito, a rare beauty cliff, you reach Quercianella, immersed in the silence of the pine grove and the perfume of the Mediterranean green area.
The itinerary continues toward Castiglioncello, a typical town of Etruscan origins atop a small and striking promontory: the lush pine groves and crystalline sea awarded the European Blue Flag make it a real “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian” Pine grove after pine grove all the way up to Rosignano Marittimo and Vada, famous for the amazing white beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. Next come the pine groves of Cecina with its Marina, where the sea, with ultra-equipped concessions and free areas on the beach, is more accessible. Take a pause from the coast and go to Bolgheri to admire the cypresses which were sung by the poet Carducci in “Davanti a San Guido” ("In front of San Guido").
At San Vincenzo you enter the heart of the Riva degli Etruschi, the magic and mysterious atmosphere starts at the wild Parco di Rimigliano where sea lilies grow, and where pine trees, holm oaks, and cork oaks grow right up to the beach. The Riva ends at Baratti, the pretty gulf with its golden sand beach sealed by the headland of Populonia. This is the starting point for the trail leading to Buca delle Fate, a charming bay which gets its name from the Etruscan tombs scattered in the rock. Stop at the very top, the landscape from there is unforgettable.
Surrounded by very beautiful 15th century walls that have remained practically intact and were transformed by the Bourbons in a very pleasant and treed walking trail, Lucca has an atmosphere all its own, intimate and at the same time very lively, friendly and proud, that evokes the old and more recent history of this unique city-state of Tuscany, independent since 1847. In the medieval historic heart of the city, artistic and historic landmarks follow each other as a testimonial to the greatness of the city throughout the centuries: the Roman Amphitheater that nowadays gives character to the gorgeous Piazza Anfiteatro, the Roman Duomo of San Martino, a splendid repository of important medieval and Renaissance works of art, among which the stunning Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto; the original Torre dei Guinigi (Lords of Lucca), unmistakable and crowned with a holm oak, and Villa Bottini or Buovisi, with the amazing garden full of statues and flower beds dating from the 16th century and remodeled in the 19th century. Lucca is also a city of deep musical tradition. One of the great musicians born here was Giacomo Puccini, the most important opera composer between the 19th and 20th centuries, and whose house is a Center for Studies and a Museum.
As soon as you get out of the city, gently sloping hills gradually become majestic mountains at Garfagnana framing valleys that are crossed by the Serchio River that flows into limpid lakes in which are reflected picturesque towns, and eventually goes down to the Lucca prairie until it reaches the sea at Versilia. From Forte dei Marmi to Viareggio there are beautiful and fully equipped beaches, animated by lively and modern resort establishments, and also natural parks and pristine oasis: the Lucca territory is truly amazing!
A landscape that in only a few kilometers rises from the sea and becomes mountainous with peaks that almost reach 2,000 meters: from the beaches of the Versilia, to the hills of the Lunigiana, to the Apuan Alps, in the midst of a natural setting, you will find seaside towns, art cities, Romanic rural churches, ancient castles, marble quarries, and natural parks that carefully protect rare flora and wildlife, with the sea always in the background and in the horizon. The land around Massa is unique, the itineraries wind around the small towns starting from Massa whose Renaissance castle Cybo Malaspina dominates the city to this day, and from Carrara, the city of marble where you can admire the other castle of the Cybo Malaspina, the Romanic Duomo, all done in Apuan marble, Via Santa Maria, a typical city street where at number 14 lived Petrarch, and the Marble Museum, and finish at Pontremoli, an attractive medieval village, and the “Porta dell’Appennino” (the door of the Apennines) on the Via Francigena.
You then go on to the quarries of the famous and very sought after marble, the one favored by Michelangelo. For security reasons you cannot enter the quarries, except during some special events and demonstrations, but from different vantage points on the road you can enjoy the fascinating landscape dotted with quarry workers. You must make a stop at Colonnata and taste the famous Lardo, the ancient food of the quarrymen, a delicacy obtained by preserving thick slices of lard in marble pits on a bed of salt and spiced with garlic, sage, and rosemary.
Piazza del Campo is incredibly beautiful: Duomo, Baptistery, Tower and Cemetery are elegant white marble embroideries, a harmonious design between earth and sky, a meeting between faith and riches as requested by the most powerful Marine Republic of the Tyrrhenian Sea between the 11th and 15th centuries: it is worth the trip just to take in so much beauty in the heart of Pisa. Just outside the city you will find the Tenuta di San Rossore, a Medici hunting reserve from the 16th century, later the summer residence of the Savoy and the President of the Republic. Today it is a splendid park and an integral part of the Regional Park of Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli that extends for 30 km along the coast and the hinterland and can be visited on foot, bicycle, or in a carriage.
More to the south another wonderful city: Volterra, perched atop a hill and dominating a landscape that at time seems stark, yellow or ocher, and made of gullies and clumps of clay, and at other times appears very green with holm oak, and oak forest, interspersed with vineyards and olive trees. This is a very ancient city and already from the 4th century B.C. had seven kilometers of wall system built by the very industrious Etruscans. Through the centuries it has come down to us with medieval austere squares and towers, charming Renaissance buildings and very interesting museums, and artisan shops that from generations have been working with alabaster. Also not to be missed are the Piazza dei Priori, practically intact, the Roman Theater of the 1st century B.C., Palazzo Inghirami from the 17th century, the Renaissance Palazzo Minucci (today Solaini) and the Civica Pinacoteca of Volterra where you can admire the Deposition by Rosso Fiorentino, a masterpiece of the Mannerism style.
In the heart of Tuscany, among hills that produce excellent wines (Chianti Montalbano DOCG) and top quality olive oil (extra virgin Montalbano IGP), on the slopes of mountains that almost reach 2,000 meters between the districts of Cimone and Abetone, covered by snow in winter (for skiing enthusiasts, 50 km of tracks!) and crossed by trails that make for great summer trekking discovering the flora and fauna of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano Park, Pistoia is the delightful capital of an area that offers regeneration and wellness in the thermal centers of Montecatini and Monsumanno. Fairy tale and poetry are the rule instead in Collodi, Pinocchio's town with a Park and the Country of Toys -an artistic expression in the middle of old towns where contemporary works are found in the open air among very lush greenery that is protected by the Natural Reserve of Padule di Fucecchio.
When in Pistoia you must visit the Piazza del Duomo, framed by the two colors of the Cathedral and Baptistery and by the very beautiful Palazzi dei Vescovi, Comunale and Pretorio. In Collodi visit the fairy tale Pinocchio Park, and at San Marcello Pistoiese, the Osservatorio Astronomico to observe the sky completely undisturbed by sounds, lights, or pollution, while at Mammiano Basso, admire the Suspended Bridge on the Lima: with 220 meters in length and 40 m at the highest point, it is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.
Behind the Emilia Romagna region, you will find the very green forests of Val Bisenzio and the flat land stretching between Florence and Pistoia, and then by going up the gently sloping hills of Montalbano you will be among vineyards, olive groves and Renaissance villas. These places around Prato are a perfect mix of nature with very old and contemporary art -an original juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern. Prato can be a very interesting historical excursion that starts in the middle ages with Castello dell’Imperatore, the Romanic Cattedrale di Santo Stefano, the city Duomo and the stunning Palazzo Pretorio, continuing with the Renaissance with the splendid Church of Santa Maria delle Carceri. The 17th century and Neoclassic style are embodied by the Fontana del Bacchino (Small Bacchus fountain) and the Metastasio Theater, and the avant guard period is represented by the “Luigi Pecci” Center of Contemporary Art, an international reference point for today's modern artistic trends. The towns of Poggio a Caiano and Carmignano are authentic pearls of art, history and landscape. They were very much loved by Lorenzo and Ferdinand de Medici who built here their beautiful country homes such as “Villa Ambra” and “La Ferdinanda”. Not to be missed in the Pieve di San Michele a Carmignano, the sublime late-Renaissance fresco of the Resurrection, by Pontormo.
The land of the Palio and of colors, and also of wine and good living, art and hills, of Chianti and olive trees. There are no words to describe the beauty, atmosphere and charm of these places. They are unique and among the most beautiful in the world and offer stunning poetic sceneries. Sensations that can be enjoyed from a hill top, a town's narrow street, or from a medieval tower, having a good wine, or savoring a delicacy from the local cuisine. Siena art city, Siena and Chianti, Siena and Le Crete (Clays), Siena and the Thermal waters, Siena and San Galgano: a great number of itineraries through hills immersed in the memory of times gone by, discovering traditions that are still kept alive, make for a unique journey in this corner of Tuscany. We will be waiting for you...
