The Finer Points Of Tuscany

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.

Food And Wine In The Tuscany Districts

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.