With its lush green rolling hills in the countryside and its stunning historical landmarks in the cities, the region of Tuscany Italy is a popular tourist destination for many travelers. Tuscany is situated in the heart of the country and is made up of ten provinces which include Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Masa, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena and Arezzo. Tuscany has a population of about 3.7 million and is renowned for its wine regions and cultural significance. Tuscany’s capital, Florence, has long been considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is often referred to as the “Athens of the Middle Ages.”
Having a coastline on the mediterranean side of Italy - Tuscany weather is quite pleasant most of the year. Summers are generally warm, dry and muggy, with clear skies and winters are long, partly cloudy, wet and cold. Throughout the year the temperature can be anywhere from 3°C to 30°C. The lowest temperatures seen during the winters can be around -1°C, while the hottest summer days it could be as much as 35°C. Most pleasant weather in Tuscany and great time to visit is late spring to mid summer, and late summer to early fall when it's pleasant and crowds are manageable.
A visit to Tuscany Italy wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Florence. It has a rich collection of galleries and museums as well as many historical sites and landmarks. In addition to being called one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the historical Centre of Florence was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galleria dell’Accademia holds the world famous statue of David by Michelangelo as well as many other iconic works of art. The Uffizi gallery is another must see with its paintings and sculptures from artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. Moreover, the Florence Cathedral or Duomo is one of the most famous cathedrals in the entire world. It can be seen for miles around with its domed roof and is the largest brick dome ever constructed. It is a breathtaking site to behold.
Pisa is perhaps a close second to Florence in regards to Renaissance significance. In addition to its famous leaning tower, Pisa has a wealth of museums, gardens and stunning scenery.
Lucca is another city of note in Tuscany Italy. It’s close proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea makes this a warm and temperate climate. This city is most famous for its city walls which are reminiscent of the Renaissance era. Other things to note about Lucca is that it boasts over a hundred churches in the area.
If instead you want to visit the rolling countryside and relax on your visit to Tuscany, it is truly a wine lover’s paradise! The gorgeous landscape of the region of Chianti is world famous for its food, breathtaking scenery and wine. On trips to this area, you will no doubt encounter medieval villages as well as legendary wineries. Wine tasting in this region includes the wines Classico, Chianti Rufina as well as authentic Italian local wines. Whatever type of activities you choose to do here - a trip to historic Tuscany Italy is one you will remember for a lifetime!
The region of Tuscany is known for its agricultural tourism and as a result, Tuscany is filled with interesting accommodation choices including villas, agriturismo, and wine resorts.
Travelling around Tuscany Italy is easy, economical and exciting if you take the train. Most of the major cities have their own train stations and service, so it makes it very convenient. For instance, from Florence, you can get to places like Milan, Rome, Naples, and Venice, among others. Check the schedules and prices to see if they fit with your travel plans. If you are visiting some of the outlying areas of Tuscany, you may need to rent or hire a car, but the train can get you most of the places you want to go.
Below is a map of Tuscany to help you with trip planning. Refer to the Italy train map for an overall glimpse of the country's railway system.
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