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Tuscany - The Best Towns and Cities

Tuscany is a region known for its picturesque countryside, history (this is the birthplace of the Renaissance) and culture. When it comes to towns and cities, there are a number of must-visits when here, so we’ve put together a small guide to help you out!

Florence
The capital of Tuscany is particularly noted for its wealth of stunning architecture and monuments. Everyone knows about Ponte Vecchio – the famous and photogenic ancient bridge dotted with pastel-coloured buildings. Florence Cathedral is of course a must-visit, with its mosaic pavements and historically significant works of art. We would suggest climbing up to the dome (for a small fee) – the views are remarkable and won’t soon be forgotten! From this vantage point you not only see other famous attractions, but also another side to Florence. Indeed this is not only a city of stunning architecture, but there is plenty of greenery too. Be sure to visit the beautiful surroundings of Michelangelo Square and the Bardini Gardens. A truly memorable day can be spent in Florence.

San Gimignano
Not the easiest town in Tuscany to reach, but certainly one of the prettiest! As you arrive inside the walls of this medieval hill town, you can’t help but feel you’ve gone back 600 years in time. First, the stunning views of the Tuscan countryside are pretty much unchanged, a seemingly never-ending series of rolling hills. And then of course you have the typically medieval narrow and cobbled streets, and the equally beautifully preserved buildings that line them. The town’s piazza is a great spot to relax and watch the world go by, with a gelato in hand. Or you can visit one of the restaurants surrounding this historic centre and sample some delicious Tuscan cuisine. Also well worth a visit are the palace, collegiate church and the medieval fortress.

Lucca
Lucca, in northern Tuscany, is perhaps famed above all for its well-preserved Renaissance-era walls. And what better way to enjoy this than to rent some bikes and cycle along it? (don’t worry – this is much more relaxing and less precarious than it sounds!) This is a great way to experience the town, with lovely views of Lucca all the way, and of its surrounding countryside. On a sunny day (rather likely), there’s nothing better. There are also some excellent restaurants in Lucca with fresh, local cuisine. The carbonara at Tre Merli is to die for! Museums, churches and botanical gardens also dot the town, making Lucca a great choice for a day out with something for everyone.  

Siena
Home of the 17 contrade that compete in the world-renowned Palio – a medieval horse race held biannually – Siena is a glorious city and a must-visit. Even if you’re not here for the Palio, there is a great multitude of things to see and do, from the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the city cathedral – a perfect example of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Excellent restaurants can be found throughout, offering typical Tuscan and Sienese cuisine. Top tip: the pici al ragù di cinghiale (a fat Sienese spaghetti with wild boar ragu) at Trattoria Fonte Giusta is a favourite of the locals.