If, however, you are stuck for things to do, we’ve prepared this little guide on what is there to do in Tuscany, to help you make the most of your holiday.

Crete Senesi area, Tuscany, Italy

If you’re interested in history, you can hardly go wrong. Tuscany is the home of some of Italian’s most beautiful historic cities. Florence, Siena, and Pisa are all located in the heart of Tuscany. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is one of the most visited cities in the world and is home to some incredible art and architecture. There is so much to see and do there that it could take up pages by itself; whether you’re looking for the incredible sculpture of Michelangelo or want to spot some fashionable designs, Florence is an excellent choice.

David by Michelangelo in Florence, Tuscany, Italy

You also simply can’t miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the trademark images of Italy. Despite the fact that the tower is lopsided, you can still climb right up to the top and look at the nearby city and landscapes. The tower’s lean is stable, making it safe for you to enjoy its famous slant and the view of one of Italy’s many beautiful cities.

If history, art and architecture don’t really suit you, there is still plenty to do. Hiking and walking are both great activities; you can go on a day’s hike to mountains just on the edge of this beautiful region, or walk along the rolling farmland. There are a number of cycling tours, both mountain biking on those same peaks or leisurely bike rides through the countryside.

Shop in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy

Finally, if neither of those are your style and you’re seeking pure relaxation, there is plenty of that to be had in a Tuscan villa in Italy. You might choose to enjoy a wine tasting in Chianti or spend your evenings enjoying delicious local food in a series of cafes near your villa. With an abundance of local markets, you’ll find plenty to cook yourself in addition to enjoying elsewhere.

Don’t forget the shopping either; in addition to the shopping destinations in the city centres, you’ll find quite a few outlet shops to net bargains on Italian goods. Moreover, there are quite a few hand-crafted products that you can only get in Tuscany.

Tell us, what do you look forward to most from a Tuscan holiday?

Photos provided by cottagestocastles.com

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Most of the landscape of the park and the Veluwe was created during the last Ice Age. The alternating sand dune areas and heathlands may have been caused by human utilization of the surrounding lands. The park forms one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands.

The Hoge Veluwe National Park enjoys a wide variety of plants and animals and provides habitats to extremely rare Red List species. Together with the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Sculpture Garden and Country-residence/Museum Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, the Park forms a unique and (inter)nationally renowned combination of nature, art and architecture.

View Hoge Veluwe National Park in Netherlands in a larger map

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The city of Florence has been inhabited since the prehistoric times. However, it would not be until 59 B.C. that the city would become part of the Great Roman Empire. Nestled along the banks of the Arno River, Julius Cesar knew that the city would be great one day. Back in those days, Florence was known as Colonia Florentia. It started off as a military colony and grew into one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world.

Sunset over Florence, Tuscany, Italy by Steve

The history of Florence is both rich and very colorful. There are many landmarks and monuments throughout the city which have attracted countless visitors over the centuries. Some say that perhaps the most notable of these landmarks is the 106 meter tall Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore that was built at the end of the 13th century. From the top of the Duomo, you can see some of the best panoramic views of Florence imaginable.

The next most notable monument in Florence is that of the Ponte Vecchio. This old bridge which was built back in 1345 is not just a bridge, it is an entire community. Along the length of the bridge, there are several homes, various shops and boutiques. Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed back in the Second World War which makes it the oldest stone arch bridge in the whole of Europe.

Tower of Florence Cathedral, Tuscany, Italy by Ivan Borisov

Of course no one could be allowed to leave Florence without taking the time to stop by the Piazzale Michelangelo. Situated atop a hill, from the Piazzale you can get some of the most awe inspiring views of the city and of course, of the infamous Florentine sunset.

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