5 days in Tuscany …. between nature and culture
If you are going to schedule a quick visit to the Tuscan region, here are some tips to plan your perfect trip between culture, nature and gastronomy. In order to enjoy the beauty of Tuscany recommend the journey with a certain calm, keep in mind that the Tuscans are pretty relaxed and friendly people although a little wary. It is advisable to travel by car to explore the beauty of the countryside, and is also a way to find solutions overnight cheaper and more authentic.
Day 1: Pisa and Lucca. Unable to come to Tuscany without visiting the Tower of Pisa, a unique monument and surprising …. and as everyone will not resist to capture your visit to the classic souvenir photo! The visit to the Arno river and the Tower (of Pisa, the historic buildings that line the Arno) will occupy approximately 2 hours and 30, including the time for an excellent Gelato in Piazza Cairoli (Coppelia ice cream). Lucca is located about 20 km from Pisa reachable by car or train. The station is located near the historic walls that surround this precious city. The interior is a maze of narrow streets, antique shops and food of all kinds will be the party of your visit. Do not miss: Guinigi Tower, the Duomo, Piazza amphitheater (good time to visit about 4 hours)
Overnight recommended Hill Farm in L1071 from Euro 90 per night
2 ° / 3 ° day: Florence
Starting from Lucca by car takes about 1.15 to get to Florence
The visit of Florence takes much longer but if the days available are only 2 things not to miss are: The Cathedral with the Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile. From the Piazza del Duomo, passing via Calzaiuoli you arrive in Piazza della Signoria, where the Ufizzi Gallery. To visit the gallery is advisable to book tickets early to avoid long queues. For some years it was open on the Vasari Corridor that connects the Uffizi Gallery in Palazzo Pitti going from Ponte Vecchio. Florence is admired worldwide for the beauty of Renaissance palaces and churches, foremost that of Santa Croce, where the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo Rossini, Foscolo, and many other artists who have made unique Tuscany and ‘Italy.
The Shopping
Visit Florence necessarily mean visiting numerous studios of famous designers and craftsmen of leather. For this reason I suggest you visit the paths that lead from the Piazza del Duomo to Via Tornabuoni, where lies the historic palace of Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany, Prada, Guggi, Casadei, Armani, Tod’s, Cavalli, Fendi, Valentino and many others. After having enjoyed the luxury of the famous shop windows I suggest moving on smaller streets, in bars and in the direction of Via Calzaiuoli market of San Lorenzo. There are many shops of shoes, handbags and accessories of all kinds. The Florentine fashion has always been synonymous with originality and style, you’ll appreciate it just by looking at the streets of the old look of the young university and of the Lord “Well Florence.”
Where to Eat
Near the Central Market of San Lorenzo market and there are many “Wineries” to eat some of the delicious Florentine like Pappa al pomodoro, or Ribollita tasty canapé.
Overnight recommended M1054 Farm or Guest House in Chianti , about 20 minutes by car from Florence with half board and pool. Prices from 50 euros with breakfast, cheaper solutions in apartments.
4 th / 5 th day Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra.
My personal suggestion is to spend the last 2 days more or less wandering aimlessly through the Tuscan countryside, crossing hills, cypress trees and vineyards. Along the road from Greve in Chianti to Siena, drive through the heart of the whole Chianti until you arrive in the small town of Siena, where it will be impossible not to be charmed by the ocher colors that radiate from the Piazza del Campo across the city.
Not far from Siena lies the small castle of Monteriggioni. A few more miles and arrive in San Gimignano and Volterra, pearls of extraordinary charm of which we spoke in this very blog, and for which you absolutely have to cut the time to visit them. The bustard that connects these two cities is made of smooth curves bordering cornfields and vineyards, and is common to find tourists or Vespa 500 or experienced photographers looking to capture the colors of the hills surrounding Volterra.
I recommend staying between Volterra and San Gimignano, where sitrovano many farms or relay of great charm and you can taste typical dishes made with cheese and ham in small wineries in Volterra.
The indicative budget for this short tour is about 330 euros per person for bed and breakfast, which varies according to time periods chosen. I suggest you do the tour between April and June or in September to avoid file for museums and the prices very very cheap restaurants in high season. In high season, many facilities do not accept less nights a week. If you love good food you put in the budget also “meals”, pointing out that even an appetizer with small samples of salami, ham and cheese could cost about 15 euros, but you can eat more cheaply without sacrificing the quantity and above quality concerns in many rural especially those that offer half board.
Happy Holidays!
For information: info@divinatoscana.net
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