Attractions in Italy

Tuscany and Umbria contain some of Italy's most photogenic landscapes. The two regions include the famed cities of Florence, Siena, Assissi, Perugia, and Pisa; miles of coastline; and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. While Tuscany is known for its blend of cosmopolitan culture with classic architecture, Umbria is known as the "green heart of Italy,” perfect for walking, caving, hang-gliding and rafting.

CiaoBambino has gathered together some of the most useful online resources for Tuscany and Umbria. It’s a complete guide with some of the best links to online travel guidebooks, Pisa's best architectural sites, and information on Tuscany’s renowned archipelago.

Touring Italian Architecture
Two-thirds of the world's architectural heritage is located in Italy, and Tuscany is at the center of it all. A great way to take in the Tuscan heritage is on bicycle.

The Tuscan Archipelago
One of Italy's most untouched landscapes is the chain of islands in Italy's Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Some islands are only accessible by special permit, and some still serve as active prisons.

Traveling by Train through Tuscany and Umbria
Find rail travel maps and calculate distances. CiaoBambino has listed the sites that you need for your trip planning.

Eating Out: The Top Restaurants
Montepulciano is known for its incredible food. Chances are, if you're traveling between the two regions, you'll end up here.

Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts.

Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".    

Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here.

The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of Italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions.

Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city. One of the most popular areas in Italy is Tuscany which is located in central Italy. Known for it's beautiful landscape and picturesque towns and villages including Florence, Lucca, Siena and Cortona.

Located in central Italy, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Full of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and medieval towns, you could spend unlimited time seeing the sites, tasting amazing food and wine, and experiencing all that Tuscany has to offer. Some of the most popular destinations in Tuscany include Florence, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Lucca and the famous Chianti region. On our first trip to Italy we spent a week in Tuscany, and it was barely even enough time to scratch the surface of this amazing place.

Getting to Tuscany

If you're flying into Tuscany, the main airport is in Florence, however you can also fly into Pisa. If you are traveling from other parts of Italy, the train is your best option, unless you have already rented a car.

Transport

Just like the rest of Italy, Tuscany has an excellent public transport system, and you can get to most main destinations on the train, and smaller towns on buses. This however, can restrict you to only seeing the towns and cities of Tuscany. I found that the best transport option was to hire a car to travel around. Car hire in Italy is fairly cheap, and it gives you the freedom to go where ever you want and truly experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside. It also makes traveling to small towns a lot easier as you don't have to worry about changing trains and buses, which can be a bit of a hassle. Along with this, driving on the roads with the Italians is quite an experience!

Accommodation

All main towns and cities in Tuscany offer a wide range of accommodation. Hostels and inns are very affordable, and there are all ranges of hotels available as well. One of the best options however, is to rent a villa or apartment to stay in during your time in Tuscany. This is a great way to experience Tuscan life and it can be very affordable, especially if you are staying for a week or more. We rented a villa in the countryside south of Florence, and it was a fantastic experience. Tuscany is small enough to base yourself in a central location, and do day trips from your villa or apartment. You can also save money on meals by cooking your own food in your kitchen. This will give you an excuse to buy some of Tuscany's fantastic produce, and shop with the locals.

So the best way to travel through Tuscany? I'd have to say hire a car, rent a villa and truly experience this wonderful place. Let yourself fall in love with Tuscany!

Where can be a better and more relaxing place to go for a family vacation or trip with friends than the region in Italy, Tuscany! It is the center and heart of the Italian culture.

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and most popular for tourism. It is better to rent Florence villa as they are the perfect place of lodging if you are intending to save money besides living in a standard place. They are built in such an area that it makes them perfect for lodging of the tourists because they are mostly strategically situated in the centers of the population making the Florence villa establishments of commercial and tourist.

If you are interested to walk on the mountain paths or cycle around the hills which are rolling, then the Florence villa is simply perfect to serve your purpose. The rentals are available near the seacoast as well. It is the best way to live near the pieces of culture and the museums.

The villa would give you a feeling of being at home, which is not achievable by hotels, motels or other accommodations. No matter how many people you are on the vacation, a villa would charge you simply for the home only, unlike hotels. The system of the charge is usually on a weekly or monthly basis, unlike hotels or motels which charge you for your each day of stay. This is undoubtedly an intelligent way to save on money besides being benefited by the numerous advantages of renting a villa in Florence, Tuscany.

Tuscany is proving a very special lodging rental system of a variety of choices and opportunities for the tourists at a very reasonable cost and it will make your vacation more fun.

Tuscany is one of Italy's most visited regions for family holidays, romantic breaks and even relaxing spa excursions. With large hotel numbers and a host of interesting and educational sites a trip to Tuscany is both comfortable and entertaining. But what is there to see and do in Tuscany? What are the fundamental inclusions in any holiday itinerary?

Obviously any trip to this region of Italy should include a visit to Florence. As an example of Renaissance architecture and art it is hard to find a better city anywhere else in the world. The city does however experience large tourist numbers so for those who would like to avoid the hustle and bustle, a hotel in the beautiful Tuscan countryside is advisable. Florence will however fill the needs of those with a love of art, with hundreds of the most famous paintings and sculptures on the planet; it can truly be described as the jewel in Tuscany's crown.

Another destination of note is the town of Siena. With a glorious fan shaped piazza, the Piazza del Campo that acts as the centrepiece for this marvellous medieval hill town. In addition, if visiting in the summer it is well worth seeing the famous horse race that takes place in Siena each year. The horse race brings a fantastic festival feeling to the town and will be enjoyed by all members of the family. San Gimignano is a city of towers, a rarity in this part of Italy where natural disasters and warfare have led to the destruction of most of the medieval towers. San Gimignano however has fourteen remaining towers that give the town one of the most memorable and beautiful vistas in the whole of Tuscany.

Another city that has wonderfully preserved medieval architecture is Lucca. The wall that surrounds the city is regarded to be one of the best in all Italy making walking or cycling around the perimeter a truly unique experience. As well as the historic attractions, the city of Lucca is well known for the wide array of shops and restaurants that adorn its streets. Although predominantly famous for its leaning tower, Pisa has much to offer the tourist with lush green parks and astounding architecture making it ultimately relaxing. The one time home of Lords Byron and Shelley, history is ever present and the enchanting river is perfect for strolls on lazy summer afternoons.

Those visiting with the family will almost definitely want to visit Pinocchio Park; a unique attraction that will enthral visitors of all ages. Journeying around the park presents the visitor with wondrous statues of the many characters from the story. Attractions include the regular marionette shows that bring to life the tale of this puppet who wanted to be a boy. The park is located near Collodi, the home of Carlo Lorenzini's mother, the author of the story.

Not all of your time should be spent touring the interior or the area near your hotel. Tuscany can boast some amazing beaches that make ideal family excursions. The beaches are famed for the clean water that laps at the shore making them perfectly safe for bathing. In addition to the beaches the coast of Tuscany has some fabulous small fishing villages where it is possible to gain a true understanding of the Tuscan culture and of course the sumptuous local delicacies. Tuscany as a holiday destination really does have it all. Whether you want to spend your time visiting the many fine architectural examples, the renaissance art or even the beach, a trip to Tuscany will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Fun for all the family, this region of Italy is magical, enjoyable and culturally rich. No matter what you hope to gain from your holiday, Tuscany will supply it by the bucket load.

There are some little facts that tourists and holiday makers to Tuscany need to know about the reputed food and wine that have made the Italian city a must-visit destination. It is well known among visitors and tourists to Italy that Tuscany has some of the Continent’s finest cuisines and wines which are mostly used to entertain first-time visitors. Wine adds a special touch to any occasion that is worth celebrating. This explains why people from all over the world choose to travel all the way to Italy and specifically Tuscany, to celebrate special moments. As for Tuscany, it is not in any way different from other favorite tourist destinations in terms of relaxation spots but what makes it stand out is the unique taste of its dishes; making it an attraction to all comers.

Tuscany wine has an unrivalled reputation among all others in the region with a distinct flavor that makes it a favorite to many wine lovers all over Europe and globally too. Since wine is known to add color to all events being celebrated, it is only wise for one to make Tuscany a preferred holiday destination. There are multiple wine zones in Tuscany. Some of the most important of these wine zones include Chianti Classico, Bolgheri and Montalcino.

It is arguably true that Tuscany is a major center of Italy’s wine producing cities because it is also widely said that Italy is the highest wine producing country in the world. Thus, Tuscany boasts of some of Italy’s finest with a wide variety of such wines. For many decades, wine has been a major attraction to Tuscany; what with the number of visitors and tourists flocking into the city regularly for their fair share of wine-dine sessions. In recent years, Tuscany’s wine makers have been putting in extra effort to enhance the quality of their wines which results in the high class products that make their way out of Tuscany’s vineyards.

The excellence of Tuscany’s wines are better tried and tasted for the above facts to be agreed. Whether it’s for domestic consumption or for the world’s markets, Tuscany can’t simply be ignored on a list of the best towns producing the best wines. As the saying goes, “the taste of the pudding is in the eating,” so does the taste of Tuscany’s foods and wines. Within the town itself, it is very easy to locate any restaurant, eatery or bar for a quick go at any of the city’s numerous foods and wines. For those who choose to take away the exotic wines, there are lots of stores where they can be found.

Tuscany’s wines have come a long way that the best among the different wines have earned the term “Super Tuscan Wines.” These are the types that are made using several blends of exotic varieties of fruits like grape, strawberry, cherry, etc. The west of Tuscany where the Bolgheri wine zone has its base is known as the birthplace of Tignanello and Sassacaia; both of which are Super Tuscan Wines. The wines from Bolgheri have lately been receiving more attention than ever before. Most especially in recent decades and this is largely because of their high quality among other Italian wines. Red Tuscany wine is one of the favored drinks among both locals and visitors to the Italian city.

This may be because of its unique mode of preparation whereby several different grapes like Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended together to give the finished product. The above grapes are also used to produce different types of wines. Although much has been highlighted about Tuscan wines, the city’s food also enjoys the same attention as its beverage counterpart with the comments and feedback of many visitors and tourists to Tuscany.

Holiday makers to Italy always love to stop over in Tuscany to have a taste of what they often read about on the pages of travel magazines and journals. For many visitors to Italy, there are more than enough varieties of cuisines to try for an entire month for those who may be visiting the country as first timers. There is equally a wide array of mouth-watering delicatessens to try for those who are regular comers to Tuscany.

As a good way of enjoying your stay in Tuscany, you can decide to take down the list of the most popular dishes that are common among locals. Along with this list, you may also copy the recipes of the dishes that are easy to prepare or that belong to your list of favorites; with love from Tuscany. In the absence of something new to take home as souvenir from Tuscany, one can take this simple but important list of cuisines back home so as to make something out of the Italy trip. Really, foods and wines in Italy and to be specific, Tuscany, are cheap, affordable and readily available too. Depending on your preferences, you just can't run out of what to eat or drink while you are out in the Tuscan home of Italy. See you there.

There are some little facts that tourists and holiday makers to Tuscany need to know about the reputed food and wine that have made the Italian city a must-visit destination. It is well known among visitors and tourists to Italy that Tuscany has some of the Continent's finest cuisines and wines which are mostly used to entertain first-time visitors. Wine adds a special touch to any occasion that is worth celebrating. This explains why people from all over the world choose to travel all the way to Italy and specifically Tuscany, to celebrate special moments. As for Tuscany, it is not in any way different from other favorite tourist destinations in terms of relaxation spots but what makes it stand out is the unique taste of its dishes; making it an attraction to all comers.

Tuscany wine has an unrivaled reputation among all others in the region with a distinct flavor that makes it a favorite to many wine lovers all over Europe and globally too. Since wine is known to add color to all events being celebrated, it is only wise for one to make Tuscany a preferred holiday destination. There are multiple wine zones in Tuscany. Some of the most important of these wine zones include Chianti Classico, Bolgheri and Montalcino.

It is arguably true that Tuscany is a major center of Italian's wine producing cities because it is also widely said that Italy is the highest wine producing country in the world. Thus, Tuscany boasts of some of Italian's finest with a wide variety of such wines. For many decades, wine has been a major attraction to Tuscany; what with the number of visitors and tourists flocking into the city regularly for their fair share of wine-dine sessions. In recent years, Tuscany's wine makers have been putting in extra effort to enhance the quality of their wines which results in the high class products that make their way out of Tuscany's vineyards.

The excellence of Tuscany's wines are better tried and tasted for the above facts to be agreed. Whether it's for domestic consumption or for the world's markets, Tuscany can't simply be ignored on a list of the best towns producing the best wines. As the saying goes, “the taste of the pudding is in the eating, so does the taste of Tuscany's foods and wines. Within the town itself, it is very easy to locate any restaurant, eatery or bar for a quick go at any of the city's numerous foods and wines. For those who choose to take away the exotic wines, there are lots of stores where they can be found.

Tuscany's wines have come a long way that the best among the different wines have earned the term "Super Tuscan Wines". These are the types that are made using several blends of exotic varieties of fruits like grape, strawberry, cherry, etc. The west of Tuscany where the Bolgheri wine zone has its base is known as the birthplace of Tignanello and Sassacaia; both of which are Super Tuscan Wines. The wines from Bolgheri have lately been receiving more attention than ever before. Most especially in recent decades and this is largely because of their high quality among other Italian wines. Red Tuscany wine is one of the favored drinks among both locals and visitors to the Italian city.

This may be because of its unique mode of preparation whereby several different grapes like Syrah, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended together to give the finished product. The above grapes are also used to produce different types of wines. Although much has been highlighted about Tuscan wines, the city's food also enjoys the same attention as its beverage counterpart with the comments and feedback of many visitors and tourists to Tuscany.

Holiday makers to Italy always love to stop over in Tuscany to have a taste of what they often read about on the pages of travel magazines and journals. For many visitors to Italy, there are more than enough varieties of cuisines to try for an entire month for those who may be visiting the country as first timers. There is equally a wide array of mouth-watering delicatessens to try for those who are regular comers to Tuscany.

As a good way of enjoying your stay in Tuscany, you can decide to take down the list of the most popular dishes that are common among locals. Along with this list, you may also copy the recipes of the dishes that are easy to prepare or that belong to your list of favorites; with love from Tuscany. In the absence of something new to take home as souvenir from Tuscany, one can take this simple but important list of cuisines back home so as to make something out of the Italy trip. Really, foods and wines in Italy and to be specific, Tuscany, are cheap, affordable and readily available too. Depending on your preferences, you just can't run out of what to eat or drink while you are out in the Tuscan home of Italy. See you there.