Locations

The Magical Tales

Florence The #1 City In The World

There’s a reason the readers of Conde Naste Traveler have voted Florence the #1 city in the world for years on end.

Florence remains unrivaled in history, art, and architecture.  In addition to being the birthplace of the Renaissance, the Firenze of recent years has had a modern makeover and it’s now perhaps Italy’s most vibrant city. New museums abound, bold chefs are putting unique twists on traditional cuisine, and there is a recent addition of shops and restaurants across the city. This is all being done without disturbing Florence’s timeless, heart-lifting beauty.

Toscana

In addition to Florence, Tuscany is filled with magical hilltop towns and valleys.

 

Siena

The city of Siena is famous for its olive oil from the hills of Chianti and its traditional Tuscan cuisine, “Cucina Povera”.

Established upon three hills in the heart of Tuscany, Siena offers tourists a step back into the Middle Ages with its well-preserved historic center and medieval horse racing tradition, known as Il Palio. It remains one of most popular places to visit in Tuscany, as it still retains many of its stunning works of art and architecture from that time period.

 

Chianti Wine Region

Chianti is arguably the most stunning area of Tuscany. Within this wine region, travelers can drive past vineyards, charming parishes and country homes, olive groves, and rolling green hills. In addition to the charming villages and breathtaking countryside, this serves as a paradise for wine lovers.

 

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a medieval town in southern Tuscany. It is full of elegant Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, enchanting squares and hidden corners. You will be surrounded by a panoramic view of the majestic Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana valleys. The city is also famous for its wine. Connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile among Italy’s best.

San Gimignano

A small medieval town dating back to the eighth century, San Gimignano is perhaps the most famous of Tuscany’s small towns. The pride and joy of this town are the 14 medieval towers of the 72 that once existed and overlooking picturesque olive groves and vineyards. Travelers who want to know what Tuscany was like in medieval times must visit San Gimignano and stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets.

It is also home to “The world’s Best Gelato Store”, Gelateria Dondoli.

 

Cortona

Cortona is one of the oldest hill towns in Tuscany and is featured in Francis Mayes book, Under the Tuscan Sun, which was later made into memorable movie. The medieval streets are pleasant to wander and you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the countryside along the medieval town walls. Cortona has remnants of its pre-Roman Etruscan past, Renaissance artists Luca Signorelli and Fra Angelico, and Baroque artist Pietro di Cortona.