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Tuscany The golden sun beats down hard on Tuscany, and lovers of Italy’s most splendid countryside can’t seem to get enough of it. Whether hiking through the green pastoral Firenze region, sipping deep red wines in Chianti, taking in the gothic splendor of Siena, or even baking in the sun watching the MotoGP Grand Prix in Mugello, it’s a good idea to slather on the sunscreen and enjoy the Tuscan sun, every waking hour of your stay.
With an ideal climate and soil composition, Tuscany makes for one of the world’s best wine growing regions. Indeed, modern regions across the globe have been inhabited by French, German and, yes, Italian families who have been producing wine for generations in the new world. In Italy, however, wine production is practically an ancient art. Adding to the charm is the way in which tours are arranged. You have to call ahead and make a special reservation. While some tourists might find this inconvenient, many enjoy the slower, more relaxed pace. The individualized nature of these tours also creates a sense that you are a special guest, a feeling that further accentuates the warmth of Italian hospitality.
The coastal regions of Livorno and Grosseto as well as Pisa, Lucca and Massa-Carrara, claim some of Italy’s most pristine, beautiful beaches. The posh resort town of Forte dei Marmi boasts white, powdery sand beaches that are sufficiently wide – expect a Felliniesque selection of the rich, famous and beautiful from both Italy and abroad. Those seeking a more curative experience will have numerous inviting spas to choose from here. Families should head straight for Torre del Lago, which combines the coastlines of both sea and lake for a wet, hot and thoroughly sun-soaked getaway. Those who like snorkeling along a pristine, yet rocky coastline should travel to the sparkling port city of Livorno.
A stronghold of the Etruscans for various centuries, Tuscany offers a wealth of historical attractions that range from ancient ruins to gothic wonder to architectural evidence of renaissance splendor and modern day efforts at preserving it all. One of the preferred outdoor sports in Tuscany is hiking, seconded only by cycling through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside. Savvy travelers often group together with friends, rent apartments for various weeks and make several day trips out into the countryside, the beaches or select destinations. The only requirement is that the sun shine brightly overhead, and in Tuscany, that’ll hardly ever be a problem. |
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