If you’re in the process of planning a luxurious getaway to Tuscany, Italy, simply continue reading to discover 10 attractions which are well worth visiting on your luxury vacation in Tuscany. 10 of the top things to do on your luxury vacation in Tuscany:
Book a wine tour of Tuscany’s top wineries
Tuscany is home to Italy’s most prestigious vineyards, so it’s well worth touring a few of Tuscany’s top-rated vineyards. Examples of which include the Antinori Chianti Classico Winery, which is located just 20km from the heart of Florence and has been in operation since 1385 and the Castello di Nipozzano, a 1,000-year-old castle which boasts a 600-hectare vineyard. If you book a wine tour, make sure to take a bottle of wine home with you as a souvenir of your Tuscan getaway.
Take a dip in Saturnia’s natural thermal springs
If you’re in need of a little rejuvenation, head to Saturnia a small town in Maremma which boasts free natural hot springs. Where you can soak, to your heart’s content. Make sure to visit the Cascate del Mulino, Saturnia’s most famous hot springs, which boast beautiful cascading waterfalls.
As an added bonus Saturnia has been occupied by the Greeks, the Etruscans, and the Romans, so there are plenty of archeological sites and museums, located within a stone throw of Saturnia.
Book a traditional Italian cooking class
If you’d love to be able to recreate your favorite Tuscan dishes, for your friends and family members back home it’s well worth booking an afternoon cooking class. As an example, the Villa Dianella, which is located near the town of Vinci, offers cooking classes, which gives tourists the opportunity to make Tuscan pasta from scratch! Better yet, should you book a class, you’ll get to sample Villa Dianella’s Chianti wines along with your flavorful meal.
Visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci was born in the town of Anchiano, which is located a short distance from Vinci. Should you visit Anchiano, you’ll get to tour the Home of Leonardo Museum, which features a holographic representation of Leonardo da Vinci, which narrates the inventor and artist’s fascinating life story. As an added bonus, you’ll also get to view the stunning hills, which surrounded da Vinci’s childhood home, which he later went on to paint in many of his sketches.
Galleria dell’Academia
The Galleria dell’Academia which is also known as the Gallery of the Academy of Florence is home to one of the most recognized statues in the world, Michelangelo’s David. However, if you’re an art lover or history buff it’s also well worth visiting the Galleria dell’Academia as it home to a variety of artworks which were commissioned by the Medici family. The Medici family were based in Florence produced not one but three popes rose and rose to prominence in the 15th century as a result of their success in politics and business. At one stage the Medici family, who gave themselves their own royal titles such as his royal highness, were the richest family in all of Europe, thanks to the success of the Medici Bank.
Treat yourself to a shopping spree on the historic Ponte Vecchio Bridge
The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most famous bridges in Europe and is a medieval stone bridge which traverses the Arno River, which bisects Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is unique as it boasts multiple shops, which sell high-quality leather goods, artwork and jewelry. There’s even a Rolex boutique located on the Ponte Vecchio. So if you’re looking to treat yourself to a bit of wrist candy, you’ll never forget purchasing a classic Rolex watch on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge.
Climb Giotto’s Campanile
Giotto’s Campanile is a narrow, marble-clad, free-standing gothic tower, which is part of the Florence Cathedral. If you’re looking for the perfect place to take a bird’s eye photo of the Piazza del Duomo, it’s well worth climbing the campanile’s staircase to its terrace which offers stunning views of the piazza.
Visit the picturesque Piazza del Campo and witness the Palio di Sienna
The Piazza del Campo, which is located in the heart of Sienna is one of Europe’s most famous medieval squares and is surrounded by immaculately maintained historic buildings.
If you happen to be in Sienna on the 2nd of July or the 16th of August, make sure to visit the piazza in order to watch the Palio di Sienna. A thrilling 3 lap, horse race around the piazza, which is contested by 10 bareback riders. It’s not unusual for riders to be thrown off their steeds as the Palio di Sienna, features plenty of tight hairpin style corners. The Palio di Sienna is a historic event which was first held in 1590 when the Grand Duke of Tuscany outlawed bullfighting as a form of public entertainment.
Escape to the tranquil island of Elba
Elba is a stunning picturesque island which boasts crystal clear turquoise water. So if you’re looking for the perfect spot to sunbathe and unwind, it’s well worth visiting Elba!
If you’re a history buff you may be interested in the fact that Elba was the location which the French Emperor Napolean was exiled to in 1814. If you’re interested in learning about Napoleon’s exile in Elba, it’s well worth visiting the National Museum of Napoleonic Residences, for more information.
Take a touristy photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa
It would be a shame to visit Tuscany without visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks! The tower was constructed in the 12th century but wasn’t completed until the 14th century. By which time the tower had already begun to tilt, thanks to the ground underneath one side of the tower being too soft.
Interestingly enough the architect behind the tower is a mystery as whilst its design was originally credited to Pisano, an academic study in 2001 indicated that Diotisalvi, may, in fact, have been the original designer behind one of the world’s most admired structures.
So if you have your heart set on exploring Tuscany as a luxurious getaway or, even as a birthday getaway to spoil yourself or a loved one, it’s well worth visiting each of the 10 attractions listed above in order to enjoy an authentic taste of Tuscany.
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