Travel by Air:

Toscana has two international airports, the Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa and Amerigo Vespucci Airport, also known as Peretola, in Florence city. Located only 80 km apart, the Pisa airport is the larger of the two airports…. Both airports handle flights to major European cities. Pisa handles the bulk of European scheduled flights so it might be easier to find flights landin in Pisa.

The Amerigo Vespucci Airport, the only airport in Florence, is just 3 miles away from the city center. As a small airport, it hosts many international flights and covers many important routes – both with major and low-cost airlines. About 3 million passengers land here each year. It is great for those who plan to visit the historic center of Florence and adjacent smaller villages. A taxi will cost about $17 or one can choose the airport shuttle bus for about $4 to the Santa Maria Novella train station in the city center. There is also the Tramvia which goes from the airport to the center city.

       

The Galileo Galilei Airport is considered to be the busiest airport of Tuscany with more than 5 million passengers per year. It gives access to the center of Pisa and northern Tuscany towns (Lucca, Firenze and Viareggio) in less than 1 hour because of the multiple means of transport offered. You can rent a car; take a local bus or a People Mover. The latter is an automatic shuttle, which will bring you to Pisa Centrale station in less than 5 minutes. A great option if you are traveling from Europe or the USA!

       

Travel by Train

Santa Maria Novella Train Station

Santa Maria Novella station represents one of the most important architectural breakthroughs. The current station was opened on October 30th 1935. A great atrium covered by the characteristic glass cascade and a central gallery, mirrors the one found in Rome with the same functions. The new station was built outside Santa Maria Novella church from which it takes its name. It’s a masterpiece of rationalism and one of the most important landmarks in Italy’s modern architecture.

       

Florence (Firenze) is on the principal Italian train route between most European capitals and Rome, and within Italy it is served frequently from Milan, Venice, and Rome by Intercity (IC) and nonstop trains, and Frecciarossa and Italo. Trains with a million passengers a month run on the high speed line connecting Turin to Salerno, Northern to Southern Italy.

High-speed trains in Italy offer travelers one of the most sophisticated and extensive rail networks in the world. For intercity travel in Italy, Trenitalia and Italo are the train companies you want to choose. While the former is the national system running both high-speed and regional routes, the latter is a recent private competitor offering high-speed train services on several lines.

“Le Frecce” (meaning The Arrows) are a series of modern high-speed trains, operated by Trenitalia. All “Le Frecce” trains offer a greater level of service and greater comfort compared to the Intercity trains and the regional ones, but they differ in their connections and the top speed reached. “Le Frecce’’ trains are split into two categories –Frecciarosso and Frecciargento: Frecciarossa trains make 187 daily connections and can reach a top speed of 300 km/h. The Frecciargento trains offer 48 daily connections and can reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h.

All of Italo’s trains are considered high-speed trains. Operated by a second railway company in Italy known as NuovoTrasporto Viaggiatori (NTV), Italo is among the world’s newest high-speed trains, connecting major Italian cities such as Florence, Rome, Milan and Naples. They are able to reach a top speed of 360 km/h, though it’s often limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) on the Italian railway network. These trains connect Turin – Milan – Venice in just over 3 hours and can cover the Milan – Rome journey in just 2h and 40m. Italo also connects to cities like Vibo Valentia in Calabria and Messina in Sicily.

The Florence tramway called “tramvia” is an important part of the light rail network consisting of two operational lines – one to Scandici and the other to the airport from the train station in Florence or from the airport to the center city of Florence. This trip takes about 15 minutes.

The new Florence tramway system is a faster and more regular system of transportation with less environmentl impact. Florence Tramway System, integrated with the railway and bus system, represents a new mobility concept where public transport is going to be the leader.

A normal ticket, valid for 90 minutes, costs €1, 20 if you buy them in advance.  They can be purchased at Tabacco stores or newstands/card stores. Depending on the length of your stay it is also possible to buy tickets that are valid for 24 hours, 3 days or a month.

Travel by Car

Rental cars are available at the airport and in the center city. Travel by car is prohibited in the center city, but there are extensive bus routes and taxi’s available for hire. Of course, visiting the region by car is very convenient, although expensive.

 

 

 

Toscana is filled with the history, art and culture of Italy, after all it was the seat of the Renaissance.  There are innumerable places and highlights that reflect the great importance of this Italian region. In fact, there are too many to list here.  Toscana is known for its spectacular cities each one unique in its own right, featuring great museums, great wine and food, spectacular medieval hill towns, beaches and beautiful countryside. It is difficult to narrow down “highlights” because everywhere you look is a “highlight”.  You will also find more specific information about sites not listed here under the tab “Cities” on our menu.

Firenze (Florence)

Firenze is the capital of the region of Toscana and probably one of the most visited cities in Italy, noted as the seat of the Renaissance; for its Renaissance architecture, art, its Duomo (Cathedral) and Baptistry.  It is the city of Michelangelo and many important artists including Donatello, daVinci, Giotto, Ghiberti and others whose works adorn the city to this day.

It is also noted for its palaces including the Pitti Palace, the Palazzo Strozzi, the Medici Palace and many other important works, as well as a leading source of fashion and leather goods. There is also the Ponte Vecchio famous for its jewelry and gold works of art. More on Firenze under “Cities” tab.

View of Firenze city with Duomo                                     Ponte Vecchio

         

Pisa

Pisa is the city famed for its Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. There many historic churches, palaces and bridges across the Arno river. It is also the home of the University of Pisa founded in the 12^th century. Some important sites include Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Villa di Corliano, Palazzo delle Vedove, Borgo Stretto, Medici Palace, Palazzo Gambacorti, Palazzo Agostini, Palazzo Reale, Church of San Nicola, Church of Saint Francis. So many works of art by famous Renaissance artists are found in Pisano churches and palaces. Surrounded by Medieval walls, Pisa was the birthplace of the early physicist Galileo Galilei. It also has a long history originating with the Etruscans. It played an important maritime role and maintained trade relations with other Mediterranean civilizations. The Romans referred to it as an “old city” and a great center. In modern times, Pisa has remained a great tourist city!

Medieval Walls                                                                          Piazza dei Miracoli

         

Siena

Siena is a beautiful medieval town about an hour by car from Firenze and can also be reached by train. It is the 12^th largest city by population in the region.  An ancient city founded by the Etruscans, it is a major banking center since the 13^th century.  It is divided into ward-centric areas called contradas each represented by a specific animal or mascot. Each of the 17 contradas participate in the Palio, a yearly horse race in the Piazza del Campo (main square) known throughout the world. It is not your usual horse race with riders riding bareback and dressed in the costume of the contrada. There are many sights to see including: the Siena Cathedral, a 12^th century masterpiece, with its relics of St. Catherine of Siena, the Piazza del Campo with its Torre del Mangia and the Palazzo Publico, the Palazzo Salimbeni, the original headquarters of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena, one of the oldest banks in Europe. There are also many churches, palaces and museums to visit as well as a historic Synagogue, and the University of Siena.

Palazzo Publico                                                                                 Piazza del Campo

         

            

Palazzo Salimbene                                                                    Duomo di Siena  

Lucca

 Lucca was certainly settled by the Etruscans, later established by the Romans with possible traces of earlier Ligurian origins dating from the 3^rd century BC. It boasts intact Renaissance-era walls surrounding its perimeter as well as other historic buildings located in the city center. . The walls remain intact even though the city has expanded and modernized and they are great for cycling or walking. Historic buildings include the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro originating in the 1^st century A.D., the Giungi Tower dating from the 13^th century and the Cathedral of San Martino begun in 1063. Thanks to the “Holy Face of Jesus”, an 8 ft. tall wooden carving of Jesus crucified located in the cathedral of San Martino, Lucca became one of the main destinations on the major pilgrimage route to Rome. In the Middle Ages, Medieval legend says that the cross was sculpted by Nicodemus who assisted Joseph of Arimathea in placing Christ in the tomb after the crucifixion.

Renaissance Walls                                                                   Giungi Tower

       

        

Cathedral of San Martino                                                       Statue of Giacomo Puccini

There are many palaces, villas and museums to be seen and restaurants in which to enjoy the local cuisine. Lucca is the birthplace of several world-composers including Giacomo Puccini, Alfredo Catalani and Luigi Boccherini. About an hour from Firenze,  Lucca is accessible by car, train or bus.

Cortona

Cortona, in the heart of Toscana, is about 1 hour and 23 minutes by car from Firenze; it is also accessible by train and bus. It is a Tuscan hill town which achieved fame through the book “Under the Tuscan Sun” written by Frances Mayes and later made into a popular movie. Previously it was somewhat unknown. It has a decidedly Etruscan origin and is still surrounded by 3,000 year old Etruscan walls.  It has a magnificent history through the Roman period and into the Renaissance. Cortona is noted for its Etruscan portal, the Porta Bifora and its Roman gate, Porta Sant’agostino, as well as Etruscan tombs and the funerary altar of Tumulus II of the Sodo. It became a Roman colony, and later a Ghibelliaian city (Renaissance) and eventually sold to the Medici family in 1411.  It is near Lake Trasimene where Hannibal ambushed the Roman army in 217BC. There are numerous churches, museums and palazzos with art and artifacts from the Etruscan times through the early Renaissance to modern times.

Cortona City Hall                                                                 Old Roman Gate

       

        

Etruscan Funerary Altar                                                 Etruscan City Gate.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small medieval town known for its fourteen surviving towers (essentially tower houses). Located in north central Toscana about 56 minutes by car from Firenze, it can also be reached by bus and train. It is a medieval walled city sitting on a hilltop with picturesque views of the countryside.  It is famed for its remarkable skyline with about 14 well-preserved “tower houses” for which it is known internationally. The town originated in the 3^rd century BC; a small Etruscan village. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era, Catholic pilgrims made their way through San Gimignano to the Vatican and Rome.

The Towers  San Gimignano                                           Piazza della Cisterna

       

It is acclaimed for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture found in churches which house artworks from many early renaissance artists, and medieval fortifications.  The Piazza della Cisterna is the main square, surrounded by medieval homes; and in the center is a well which was the main source of water for the town. At the top of the Piazza Duomo is the Collegiate Church or the Duomo of San Gimignano. Also located in the Piazza Duomo is the Palazzo Comunale, the town hall and seat of authority for the town, dates from the late 13^th century. San Gimignano is also known for its saffron and Vernaccia wine.

The Duomo di San Gimignano                              Palazzo Communale

       

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a beautiful, walled Tuscan hill town, known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, located in southern Toscana about 95 kilometers (77 miles) from Firenze.  According to legend it was founded by the Etruscan King Lars Porsena; in Roman times, it garrisoned legions guarding the main road to Rome. There are many early renaissance works of art and works of many noted Italian architects and painters.

The Santa Maria Assunta or the Duomo of Montepulciano is noted for the massive Assumption of the Virgin Triptych painted in 1401 by Taddeo di Bartolo. Below right is the Piazza Grande with its magnificent town hall and well.  It is the seat of government for the city.

Santa Maria Assunta                                                      Piazza Grande

       

         

Museo Civico                                                                       Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio

The Museo Civico di Montepulciano houses a wonderful collection of archeological artifacts, but more importantly exquisite examples of terracotta works by the Della Robbia family. The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio located outside Montepulciano was designed by Antonio da Sangallo between 1518 and 1545 with a façade of white travertine.

 

Montepulciano is also noted for its cheeses and its Rosso di Montepulciano wines.

There are too many other highlights to check out in Toscana. Be sure to look under the cities menu for other notable Tuscan cities and towns.

 

   

 Things to do in Toscana

Toscana is alive with exciting things to do and visit: from its many outstanding cities to its verdant country sides, from the sea to the mountains and in all seasons.  Here is a list of our recommendations with short descriptions:

Visit the Chianti region    

Sample the wine and visit the vineyards of Chianti, a region of beautiful vineyards and charming hilltop towns that stretches from Florence to Siena and on to Arezzo. About 35 kilometers from Florence, the Chianti region produces some of the best wines in Italy including the Chianti Classico made principally from the Sangiovese grape. The earliest chianti wine dates back to the 14^th century. Chianti can be reached by car, and rail and bus from Firenze and major cities of Toscana.

        

See the Historic Center of Firenze (Florence)

Firenze (Florence) the center of the Renaissance in Europe is not to be missed. There are too many things to see in Firenze. The historic center of the city includes the Duomo (the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) with its historic dome, campanile (bell tower) by Giotto and its Baptistry with the bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Climb to the top of Giotto’s bell tower if you dare! Do not miss the Museum of the Duomo to learn how the dome was built and to examine all the original statues on the façade of the Duomo. The Piazza della Signoria with its Palazzo Vecchio (town hall) designed by Michelangelo; the bell tower offers fantastic, panoramic views of Firenze, the Loggia dei Lanzi with its many sculptures including Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa and the Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna among others, are unforgettable.  Visit the Accademia which houses the original Statue of David by Michelangelo.  Cross the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) to admire the opulence of Florentine gold and a fantastic view of the Ponte Santa Trinita, one of the most beautiful bridges across the Arno built by Bartolomeo Ammannati in 1567. Once across the Arno river continue on to the Pitti Palace, the seat of fashion shows in season and the home of the Boboli Gardens.

Facade of Santa Maria del Fiore          Palazzo Vecchio                         

                                                                                                                                                                     Baptistry     

The Loggia                                                                              Piazza della Signoria

   

Ponte Santa Trinita`

Ponte Vecchio

 

 

 

 

Boboli Gardens                                                                           Palazzo Piti

       

Michelangelo’s David

Michelangelo’s David is found in the Galleria dell’Accademia where it was moved in 1873 from the Piazza della Signoria to protect it from the elements. In 1910 a copy was placed in its original location. It is the first larger than life-sized marble statue produced in the early modern era and was unveiled in 1504. It was to become the symbol of Renaissance Florence. Originally it was designed to adorn the façade of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore along with  a series of other statues.

     

          Casa Buonarroti

The Casa Buonarroti (right) was the ancestral home of Michelangelo in Firenze. It is now a museum and contains two early sculptures by Michelangelo, family archives, a ten thousand book library and some of Michelangelo’s letters and drawings. There are also painting by Artemisia Gentileschi and other ealy 17^th century painters.

Enjoy the panorama of Firenze from Piazzale Michelangelo

The view of Firenze from Piazzale Michelangelo is extraordinarily magnificent. The piazza was dedicated to Michelangelo and displays copies of some of his most famous works including the bronze statue of David and the four allegories of the times of day found in the Medici Chapel of San Lorenzo.

Calcio in Costume

Soccer in medieval costume is played every year on June 25 in the Piazza Santa Croce.

       

A team from each quartiere of the city competes for the championship. This rivalry began in the Middle Ages and has been repeated every year since. It is a very rowdy time! Tickets are sold years in advance and are very hard to get, so plan way ahead.

Don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery

One of the most import and most visited art museums, the Uffizi is one of the largest and best known in the world especially for its collection of priceless works of art, particularly from the Italian Renaissance. Uffizi meaning “Offices” is named for the offices of renaissance government officials which were housed on its floors. Not to be missed.

So many things to do in Firenze!  Visit Firenze under the “Cities” tab on our menu for other suggestions.

The Palio di Siena

Held in the Campo (main square of Siena), the Palio di Siena is a horse race in which ten horses and riders representing contradas (sections) of Siena compete to win the race.  It is usually held 2 times per year on July 2 and August 16. The Corteo Storico, a historical costume parade takes place before the famous horse race and commemorates the ancient institutions, customs and greatness of the Republic of Siena. It is almost impossible to see this race in person, but it is broadcast on Italian TV.

Palio                                                                                     Corteo Storico 

     

     

Go Wine Tasting in Val d’Orcia

Visit the wine country including the towns of Montalcino, Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia. First the town of Montalcino named for a variety of oak tree prominent in the terrain. Built on a high hill, Montalcino overlooks the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valleys alive with olive trees, vineyards, fields and villages. It is probably of Etruscan origin located about 68 miles from Firenze. It is known for its famous and expensive wines called Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino and Moscadello.  There are more than 200 wine producers today and many offer wine tasting in the town.

Montalcino is a medieval town with walls and a fortress/castle which can be visited. Inside the walls of the     fortress is a wine   shop where you can taste and buy the best wines of the region including Brunello.

     

You might like to visit the Abbey of Sant’Antimo (below), a 12 the century monastery and Romanesque church found in the olive groves outside of Montalcino. It contains the relics of Saint Anthimus moved to the abbey in the late 8^th century.

     

Pienza is situated between Montepulciano and Montalcino. First mention of this town is in the 9^th century     under a different name, but around 1300 the Franciscans settled there. Noted for its wine and cheeses,       Pienza is a lovely hill town in the Tuscan style. Visit the Central piazza to see the town hall and the Palazzo   Piccolmini which can be visited. It contains an enclosed Italian Renaissance garden.  Drop in to see the   Duomo which has a German flavor. On the third side of the piazza is the Palazzo Vescovile built by Cardinale Rodrigo Borgia; it is now a museum with important works and religious artifacts from the 14^th and 15^th centuries.

Pienza Countryside                                                                 Duomo di Pienza

     

Cheeses of Pienza                                  Piccolomini Gardens

        

Visit the Thermal Baths of Saturnia

The Thermal Baths of Saturnia or Cascate del Mulino are a group of hot springs ( temperature @ 99.5F) located in Manciano which is a few kilometers from Saturnia.  According to Etruscan and Roman legend, the Terme di Saturnia were formed by lightning bolts thrown by Jupiter who missed the target and threw the bolts toward Saturn, forming the baths.  The spa is free, but can be very crowded from June to September.

Terme Di Saturnia                                                                   Cascate del Mulino

       

Relax in the Spa at Montecatini Terme

One of the “Great Spa Towns” of Europe, Montecatini Terme offers eleven mineral springs, or you can relax in a sauna or in the healing thermal water, have a mud bath or a beauty treatment! It is an ancient town with evidence of humans in the area from Paleolithic times. It has an expansive history through the Renaissance to modern times. One can also visit Montecatini Alto, with great views, by funicular.

Montecatini Alto                                                                         Montecatini Thermal Baths

       

Visit Arezzo

Arezzo, the city of gold, is set on a steep hill about 50 miles southeast of Firenze. A medieval town of Etruscan origin, it is believed that Arezzo was one of the 12 most important Etruscan towns; it was conquered by the Romans in 311 BC. Inside its medieval walls are many art treasures. The Piazza Grande, which was once the marketplace of the city, is now the known for the Vasari Loggia, and the remains of the Communal Palace and the Palazzo del Popolo.

Churches to visit include Santa Maria della Pieve  a Romanesque church with a massive square bell tower. The Basilica of San Domenico is renowned for the medieval crucifix painted by Cimabue in 1265. The Basilica of San Francesco houses the “History of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesco (1453).

Piazza Grande                                                                               Vasari Loggia

         

         

Palazzo Communale                                                                  Basilica di San Domenico

       

Santa Maria della Pieve                                                          Basilica di San Francesco         

Wander about in the Roman amphitheater. If you are lucky you may be in Arezzo for the historical reenactment of the Saracen Joust taking place every year on the next to the last Saturday of June.

Saracen Joust                     Roman Amphiteater

          

Enjoy Surf and Sun on the Beaches of Toscana

The beach resort of Viareggio is located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea renowned for its Carnival of Viareggio held in July and August boasting magnificent papier-mâché’ floats.  Walk along its “passeggiata a mare” (boardwalk along the sea) or along the Burlamacca canal with its old lighthouse or just relax on the beach!

     

Castiglione della Pescaia

Located in Toscana in central Italy, Castiglione della Pescaia is a modern town that grew up around a medieval 12^th century fortress.  Its attrractions include fantastic beaches, natural parks, biking trails, historical Etruscan archeological sites, a panoramic medieval hamlet and a natural reserve.

Hilltop Fortress                                                                          Beach

       

There are many other seaside resorts in Toscana, too many to list here.

Explore the Fabulous Islands of Toscana

Enjoy the spectacular beaches of Giglio, Pianosa and Giannutri which can be reached by boat from Porto Santo Stefano. These islands have many exciting places to see Including the Forte Teglia, Palazzo della Specola on Pianosa, the lighthouse of Giannutri and its Roman villa, and the Giglio lighthouse and the Etruscan shipwreck.  There is much Etruscan and Roman history on these islands to be explored for those who are interested in ancient history.

Coast of Giannutri                                                                       Giannutri

         

Porto di Pianosa                                                                          Forte Teglia, Pianosa

         

Giglio Porto                                                                                  Giglio Lighthouse

         

Don’t Miss Napoleon’s Exile Island, Elba

Elba Island is connected to the mainland by 4 ferries offering routes from Piombino to Portoferraio on Elba. Napoleon was exiled to Elba by the British in 1804 after he abdicated the throne of France. Visit Napoleon’s residence, walk in the small towns on the island, hike, bike, swim or snorkel. The capital city is Portoferraio.

Cavo Beach                                                                                    Elba – Enfola

         

Portoferraio

There are so many other things to do in Toscana that it is impossible to list them all here, but from time to time some will change and some will be added. Be sure to check under the Cities tab for other Toscana towns of note.