Tuscany |
|
Tuscany is one of Italy's most famous vacation destinations. With it's rolling countryside and enchanting landscape that leads from the mountains to the sea, Tuscany offers a wide variety of itineraries for any travellers. In the heart of Tuscany is the picture perfect Chianti region. With it's walled villages, cypress trees, ancient stone farmhouses, and vast fields of brilliant red poppies, sightseeing is mostly just meandering the countryside and wandering through quaint little villages. One village that is a must to see is San Gimignano which is known for it's 14 towers. During the Middle Ages the towers represented a status symbol for nobel families and the higher the tower, the greater the image of welath and importance. There were 72 towers at one time. Not far from San Gimignano is the town of Siena. The perfectly preserved massive gates that still guard the city are evidence of this towns importance during the medieval times. The citys most popular site is the giant fan shaped square, Piazza del Campo with its surrounding streets that convert into it. Today, Siena is the host for several univerisities and througout the year the piazza is the local hangout for many students. To write enough about the beauty of Florence would take an endless amount of pages. There are so many beautiful sites to see that you should be generous with your time and explore the many historical sites, museums, bridges, restaurants, and shops. You must, pay a visit to Michelangelos David in the Galleria dellAccademia located just off Piazza San Marco. In the heart of the city is the Piazza della Signoria, a characteristic medieval square dominated by the bell tower of Palazzo Vecchio. Of course, you cannot miss Flornece's landmark, the Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge), which crosses the Arno River and is lined with quaint shops just as in the 14th century. You cannot make a trip to Italy without visiting Pisa and the Leaning Tower, considered by many the symbol of Italy, . Although congested by tourists and souvenir shops during the summer season, the main piazza with its gleaming white Duomo and its companion Leaning Tower are quite impressive. Even more interesting and not near so touristy is the picturesque town of Lucca. Lucca is a tiny gem of a town embraced within its famous walls. On top of these walls, where the citys soldiers once patrolled, now the citizens ride their bicycles and walk their dogs. In Lucca, you can visit the St. Martin cathedral, San Michele, Torre Guinigi, Piazza del Mercato and if you want you can also rent a bike and do the wall bike tour around the city (about 2.5 miles). Lucca is also the birthplace of the opera composer Puccini and you can see his house that now is a small museum. For food lovers it is to be mentioned that Lucca is also famous for its olive oil and good food. The antique shops and markets are also worth seeing. Lucca is definitely worth a days trip. |