In the centre of Italy lies Tuscany, with Florence being its capital. It’s home to famous Renaissance art and architecture, including those of Michelangelo and Botticelli. Its landscape diversifies from the Apennine Mountains to the beaches of the island of Elba, to the olive groves and vineyards or Chianti. Does this sound like a holiday for you? Then look no further than Voyage Prive.
Getting there
If you’re living in Europe, it’s relatively easy to travel by land to Tuscany but you can also find good deals with low-cost carriers, like Ryanair. If you are going to visit other regions in Italy, you might want to consider travel by train due to convenience.
By Air
There are two international airports serving Tuscany, Pisa is home to the Galileo Galilei International Airport while Florence has the Amerigo Vespucci Airport, AKA Peretola. Both airports are only 80km apart, with Galileo Galilei being the larger of the two.
Both of the airports serve flights from/to major European cities but Pisa handles the majority of European flights so bear this in mind if coming from within Europe. If you’re flying from beyond Europe, most airlines offer flights to major European hub cities, from where you can then connect to Pisa or Florence. If flying long haul, it might be better to use Florence as your base so you won’t have to use buses or trains.
Food
Fettunta
The people of Tuscany love their bread, olive oil and traditional bruschetta, known as fettunta in Florence. Typically a starter, you’ll get freshly toasted Tuscan bread smeared with garlic, sprinkled with green olive oil and topped off with a sprinkle of salt.
Panzanella
Tuscan farmers use the leftovers from their bread to make summer bread salads with their ripened vegetables: cucumbers, onion and tomatoes, seasoned with vinegar and olive oil. You can also get a rich version of panzanella with tuna and capers.
Two Places to Go
Visitors venture to Tuscany for many reasons among the fine art and medieval history. Some come to explore the picturesque countryside and its sweeping hills. Foodies visit Tuscany of course for the delicious cuisine and famous wine. In summer, holidays at the beautiful beaches and islands are a hot choice for people. Students will come to Tuscany to learn the Italian language and experience the Tuscan culture. Let’s look at two hot spots to visit in Tuscany:
Florence
Florence the capital of Tuscany and is best described as a giant outdoor museum due to its array of art and architecture beauties. Spectacular churches, such as the domed Santa Maria del Fiore, and art galleries of international acclaim such as Ufizzi and Pitti Palace are home to some of the great masterpieces of Florence.
Sienna
Built on three hills in the epicentre of Tuscany, Siena takes tourists back in time to the Middle Ages with a well-preserved historical centre and its medieval horse racing tradition, known as Il Palio. This is one of the most popular spots in Tuscany and remains a ‘snapshot in time’ with its many spectacular works of art and architecture.
Before you trek to Tuscany, find out more useful information to help you prepare for this great Italian location.
As you can see, foodies, art lovers and historians alike will love Tuscany for its delights. One of the great Italian holidays you can go on!