In Florence, the capital of Tuscany, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) dates back to 1345 and spans the River Arno. The Uffizi palace, built in 1560, is full of Renaissance art treasures, including works by Giotto, Lippi and Botticelli. Michelangelo's statue of David stands in the academy and the majestic cathedral with its famous dome is a work of art in itself.
Siena is another historic and beautiful city. Its main square, the Piazza del Campo, houses an intricately sculptured fountain and the Palazzo Publicco, a palace dating from 1297 with an amazing collection of frescos. Breath-taking views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside can be seen from its tower, the Torre del Mangia, which is over 100 metres high. Siena's cathedral or Duomo has an unusual marble inlaid floor and a gothic and Romanesque fa?ade.
The countryside between Florence and Siena is the Chianti wine-producing region, filled with vineyards, olive groves and chestnut trees. In the town of San Gimignano, medieval towers, built by rival families, decorate the skyline. Hilltop towns and villages with interesting buildings and medieval streets include Montalcino, Asciano and Monteriggioni.
Beyond wonderful historic sites, you will find amazing food in Tuscany. It is not that the food is what you would call "gourmet". It is the simplistic preparation of traditional ingredients. The The simple and becomes complex. Most of the ingredients are grown locally. The Mediterranean sun imparts a special flavoring to all that grows under it's rays.
Wherever you go in Tuscany, you will be struck by a sense of beauty and history that will remain with you long after you leave.
