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Things To Do

VISIT FLORENCE It's arguably the cultural capital of Europe, and the birthplace of the Renaissance. It’s hard to believe so many marvels of art and architecture are held in one small city. VISIT A TUSCAN HILL TOWN So much of the charm of Tuscany comes from the vast countryside being dotted with fantastic, ancient towns built on hills and surrounded by stone walls. Some more famous than others, but each having distinct flavor, and offering a great mix of scenic beauty and rich history. From our home base outside of Florence, these are about a 1 hour drive. VISIT A VINEYARD The wine is incredible throughout Tuscany, pleasing both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. There are hundreds of establishments in the region that will show you their vineyards, give you a history of the vines and land, and let you taste their wines, nosh on some snacks, and buy or ship bottles home. It’s tough to have a bad time tasting wines outside in Tuscany in September.

Accademia Gallery

58 Via Ricasoli, Firenze, Toscana 50129, Italy

Michelangelo’s David (the actual one, not the replica) is a must see

Uffizi Gallery

6 Piazzale degli Uffizi, Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy

The greatest collection of Italian paintings in the world, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus

Bargello National Museum

4 Via del Proconsolo, Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy

Renaissance sculpture museum with pieces from Michelangelo, Donatello, et al

Cupola del Brunelleschi

Piazza del Duomo, Firenze, Toscana 50122, Italy

Florence’s iconic cathedral is the city’s physical and spiritual center. The dome itself took 16 years to complete, and was finished in 1436. Brunelleschi’s dome was a wonder of the age, and became the model for the dome of St. Peter’s in Rome and even the U.S. Capitol. The area around the Duomo is pedestrian only. While the outside view, as well as the nearby Baptistery with Ghiberti’s Bronze Doors are a marvel alone, there are separate stops inside the cathedral itself, as well as in the nearby Duomo Museum. Recommended to buy passes in advance at https://duomo.firenze.it/en/home/

Siena

Siena, Tuscany 53100, Italy

The ultimate and biggest hill town, with it’s famous titled town square (“Campo”), and an impressive “Duomo” of its own, it’s definitely worth a stop. Known worldwide for the annual Palio bareback horse race, where one rider from every neighborhood in Siena risks it all for glory in a sprint around the Campo with thousands gathered around the square to watch and cheer (and drink).

Pisa

Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Leaning Tower and all

Lucca

Lucca, Tuscany 55100, Italy

Ringed with a still preserved wall that serves as a walking/bike path

San Gimignano

San Gimignano, Tuscany 53037, Italy

Dotted with fourteen medieval towers

Volterra

Volterra, Tuscany 56048, Italy

Off the beaten path with Etruscan history

Montepulciano

Montepulciano, Tuscany 53045, Italy

Medieval cityscape with ancient wine cellars and proximity to many famous vineyards

Montalcino

Montalcino, Tuscany 53024, Italy

Easy access to Brunello wine country

Castello Nipozzano

Località Nipozzano, Nipozzano, Toscana 50060, Italy

Azienda Agricola Montefioralle Winery

Via Montefioralle, Greve in Chianti, Toscana 50022, Italy

Avignonesi Winery Fattoria Le Capezzine

1 Via Colonica, Montepulciano, Toscana 53045, Italy

Villa Medicea di Lilliano

82 Via Lilliano e Meoli, Grassina, Toscana 50012, Italy

Wine tasting, cooking classes and vineyard picnics are all available on site at Villa Medicea di Lilliano.