5 ideas for guided tours in Tuscany

• Montalcino

  Montalcino is a picturesque town famous for its world-renowned red wine, Brunello di Montalcino.

  When you arrive in the town center, you will be struck by the beauty of its medieval architecture and its spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

  In addition to its panoramic views, the hills of Montalcino are also a popular hiking destination, offering scenic trails through vineyards and olive groves.

  For history and culture buffs, the town boasts a 14th-century fortress, the Fortezza di Montalcino, which houses a museum dedicated to local history.

  Art lovers should not miss the church of Sant’Agostino, with its frescoes and works of art dating back to the 14th century.

• Pisa

  Welcome to Pisa, a city located in Tuscany, famous for its leaning tower that attracts millions of visitors every year.

  But Pisa has much more to offer than just the famous tower, it is a city rich in history and culture that deserves to be explored in depth.

  Pisa’s history dates back to Roman times, when the city was an important port. In the Middle Ages, Pisa was one of the most powerful cities in Tuscany, with a thriving port that made it a hub for Mediterranean trade.

  It was during this time that many historic buildings were constructed, including the famous Leaning Tower.
  

  The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most famous symbol of the city. This 56 meter high tower was built in the 12th century and is leaning due to the weakness of the ground on which it was built. You can climb the 294 steps to get a great view of the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

  Besides the Leaning Tower, Pisa is full of other historical and cultural attractions.

  Piazza dei Miracoli is a spectacular square that houses the Leaning Tower, as well as other historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Pisa, a magnificent example of Italian Romanesque architecture.

  The cathedral is decorated with white and black marble, and its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes and sculptures.

• San Gimignano

  San Gimignano’s history dates back to Etruscan times, but it was during the Middle Ages that the town flourished as an important trading center along the Silk Road. Wealthy merchant families built defensive towers to protect themselves from attack, and the city eventually had more than sixty of them.

  Today, only about 15 of these towers still stand, but they are still a key part of the city’s unique architecture.

  Walking through the cobblestone streets of San Gimignano, you’ll discover a variety of historic buildings, including the town hall, the Palazzo del Popolo, and the church of Sant’Agostino, which houses beautiful frescoes dating back to the 14th century.

  The town’s main square, Piazza della Cisterna, is surrounded by medieval houses and towers, and is an ideal place to sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere;

  In addition to its medieval architecture, San Gimignano is also known for its wine production, including Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a dry and fruity white wine that is considered one of the best white wines in Italy.

  The vineyards of the area also offer beautiful scenery and wine tastings are offered in many establishments.

• Siena

  Siena is a medieval hilltop city famous for its Piazza del Campo, a shell-shaped square surrounded by red brick buildings.

  Every year in July and August, the Palio di Siena horse race is held here.

  The city is also known for the tower, Torre del Mangia which offers a breathtaking view of the city its cathedral, Duomo di Siena, an architectural marvel built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and has a Gothic facade adorned with mosaics and sculptures in marble.

  The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive with its frescoed vaults and beautifully decorated marble floors. The Piccolomini library inside the cathedral is also a must-see, with frescoes by Pinturicchio on the walls.

• The island of Elba

  The island of Elba is an incredible destination for lovers of nature, culture and history.

  Located off the Tuscan coast, this island is known for its sandy beaches, rocky coves and crystal clear waters.
  It is the third largest island in Italy and offers a wide variety of landscapes, from green hills to rocky cliffs, sheltered bays and pine forests.

  The island’s beaches are all beautiful, but some are more popular than others, such as Fetovaia beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.
  In addition to its breathtaking scenery,

  Elba is also rich in history and culture. It has been inhabited since ancient times and has been conquered by many civilizations over the centuries, including the Romans, Vandals, Goths, Lombards and Genoese.

  While exploring the island, visitors can discover the ancient ruins of the Etruscan city of Populonia, the medieval fortifications of Portoferraio and the many forts and towers that were built to protect the island from invaders.

  The island was also the place of detention of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1814, which has left many historical traces.