La Toscana, home of the most illustrious writers and artists, is located in the heart of Italy and extends from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea. A land that combines the ancient charm of art with uncontaminated nature and landscapes of incomparable beauty. The Tuscan scenario is characterized by its own smooth hills, from cities rich in history, from the castles and fortification systems. But also from the rural churches, from the green plains scattered with rows of cypresses and from the parched and colored land of Siena. A place between land and sea where history has been sailing for millennia.
The coast
The coast has cliffs overlooking the sea, golden beaches of fine sand, crystalline waters with a thousand shades and green promontories. Among them the highest is the Argentario, an ancient limestone island that with the mainland includes the Orbetello lagoon. This is a WWF oasis for its naturalistic and faunal richness. The islands of the Tuscan Archipelago can be admired from the top of the Argentario, in all their solar beauty. From the wilderness of Capraia, to the islands of Giannutri, on the island of Lily and Elba. The latter protected as a nature reserve and asylum for Napoleon Bonaparte. Of great interestOasis of Burano, on the coast of Capalbio and the historic centers of Orbetello, Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole and the archaeological areas of Ansedonia.
The Maremma
Entering the Maremma it is possible to walk among the most picturesque medieval villages of the region. Like Castiglione della Pescaia, perched on Mount Petriccio and surrounded by splendid pine forests. Or contemplate the suggestive abbeys such as that of Sant'Antimo. Don't miss the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve, rich in fish and marsh birds, for those who want to admire the Maremma as it once was. The sites of Pitigliano and Vetulonia they preserve necropolis and testimonies of the ancient Etruscans.
The Val d'Orcia
La Val d'Orcia is another area of Tuscany famous for its breathtaking and excellent landscapes Red wines. From the medieval streets of Montepulciano, to the towns of Pienza, San Quirico D'Orcia and Montalcino. Rolling hills, dotted with dark cypresses, red poppies and sunflowers make these landscapes a perfect postcard. It is possible to fully enjoy the tranquility of these places thanks to the numerous thermal sites. We are talking about Monsummano terme, Montecatini and Saturnia.
Florence and Siena
The area between Florence and Siena, characterized by hills covered with vineyards alternating with olive groves, is the beautiful region of Chianti, famous all over the world for its red wine. It is an admirable synthesis of Tuscan art and culture Florence, birthplace of Dante Alighieri and cradle of the Renaissance. Festivals and traditions find fertile ground in Tuscany, just remember The Palio of Siena, inspired by ancient rides and the Viareggio carnival, a festive and colorful parade of allegorical floats.
Eating in Tuscany
Tuscan cuisine is varied, tasty and based on genuine products. The cereal soup, Ribollita, the cacciucco alla livornese and the Florentine steak just to name the most famous in the world.
