Grande Italia: Experience the Best of the Tuscany Region
Italy is one of the most romantic places to visit in the world, and when you are planning your Italian getaway you want to be sure that you experience the best it has to offer. When travelling to the very popular Tuscany region of the country, book your Tuscany villas and prepare to be blown away by the beauty, culture, and offerings of Italy. Here are the best areas of Tuscany to visit as awarded by U.S. News Travel.
1) Florence
The capitol of the Tuscany region, Florence is one of the top destinations in all of Italy. U.S. News Travel rated the city based on the value, food offerings, atmosphere, and overall experience and awarded Florence a five out of five in all categories. There is a rich architectural history in Firenze, but there is so much more to do and see than just pretty buildings. While in Florence, be sure to check out the Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Boboli Gardens—don’t forget all of the local shops and restaurants as well!
Florence, Tuscany, Italy by Chris Yunker
2) Siena
Scoring just behind Florence in the best places to visit in Tuscany is the city of Siena. The U.S. News Travel report gave it an overall score of 4.6 having scored a five in value and a 4.5 in each food offerings and atmosphere. When visiting Siena you will get a whole different experience than in a city such as Florence as it is the quintessential example of the Gothic era, as can be seen when taking in the sites of the area’s buildings and architecture. Some of the major attractions you won’t want to miss out on include: the Piazza del Campo, the Torre del Mangia, Museale di Santa Maria della Scala, and the Siena Cathedral.
Siena, Tuscany, Italy by Lars Magne Sunnanå
3) Cinque Terre
For the more adventurous and outdoorsy visitors, a trip to Cinque Terre is a must. It is not just one town, but rather a group of towns that lie along high cliffs that overlooks the Liguarian Sea. This beautiful pairing of villages has been protected from mass development as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a national park. Once you secure one of the beautiful Tuscany villas in the area be sure to come here to experience the hiking, beaches, and boat tours.
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy by Richard Kelland
No matter where you choose to spend your Tuscany vacation—whether you are experiencing just one city or the entire region—be sure to take full advantage of the wonderful sites, delicious food, and rich culture of one of Italy’s most popular regions.
Stephen Craig is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @SCraigSEO.