Charming Tuscany, Italy (Photos)

There are places one can’t help but fall in love with it. Tuscany's picturesque landscape, its gentle countryside and colorful nature amazes everyone. The art, the lights, the world-famous Italian cuisine attract lots of tourist every year.

Tuscany is certainly one of the world’s most beloved and welcoming destinations, an iconic itinerary. Italy's most beautiful region is very unique; it has the most enchanting landscape of the world.

The countryside of Tuscany has an unrivaled, sophisticated charm, it is truly fascinating. Woods alternates here with olive groves, vineyards, majestic villas and farmhouses. Curvy roads and picturesque hills follow here each other. The land in July is richly decorated by bright, yellow sunflowers. It is simply beautiful. The Mediterranean fauna, the countless cypress trees, the curvy roads, the fertile hills between Florence and Siena are very beautiful. It is always a very unique experience to discover the fascinating canvas of Tuscany.

Where to go, what to see?

Montepulciano is a place where there is something for everyone. It is a fantastic little hill town for tourists in search for beauty, excitement, excellent wines, great local Tuscan foods, and hospitality. It is a town of surprises, art and cultural heritage. It has a magical atmosphere and a very unique charm. To discover the secrets of the town, it is nice to walk along the medieval streets of the center.

Place to stay: Albergo Il Rondo

Good restaurants to try: Osteria Acquacheta, Le Logge Del Vignola, Ristorante La Grotta, Ai Quattro Venti and Trattoria Di Cagnano.

Attractions in Montepulciano: Palazzo Tarugi, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio

Festival: The Fiera delle Tre Berte is a typical festival held in Montepulciano every year in May.

San Gimignano is a medieval town located in the district of Siena. It is a declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. San Gimignano is a city of beautiful buildings and tall towers. This small walled medieval hill town is really famous for its beautiful architecture. Besides the narrow streets, steep stairways, historic monuments, the main square of the town is a big attraction. People with all kind of background meet here. They take countless pictures, or just sit down and enjoy the atmosphere of the place rich in history, old towers and squares.

Place to stay: Il Casale del Cotone

Good restaurants to try: Le Vecchie Mura, Il Pino, Ristorante La Stella, Dorando

Attractions: Piazza Del Duomo, Piazza Della Cisterna, The Towers, San Gimignano Museum, Church of Sant' Agostino

Festival in town: Fiera Delle Messi is held in San Gimignano every year in June.

Siena is a small and very colorful city. It is located in the heart of Tuscany. The capital of the province of Siena is a must-see place. The glorious main square alone with the historic monuments makes it worth to visit. This medieval town is beautifully preserved, walkable, even walking the streets is a treat. Tourists easily fell in love with Siena the first time they set foot on the Piazza del Compo. It is known for its unique beauty and architectural integrity. Siena is usually full of tourists. The historic center of the city is one of Italy's most visited tourist attractions.

Good restaurants to try: Check out the local restaurants here

Featured hotels in Siena: Book your stay here

Attractions in Siena: The Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, The Duomo of Siena, The Cappella di Piazza

Pisa: The celebrated leaning tower of Pisa attracts many tourists. It is one of the most beautiful treasures of the city. Pisa is really famous for its architectural beauty.

Attractions in Pisa: Piazza del Campo, Duomo, The Tower of Pisa

Good restaurants to try: Check out the local restaurants here

Featured hotel in Pisa: Relais dell'Orologio

Florence is an outstanding city with many spectacular sights. The city is perhaps best known for being the seat of Renaissance art. Many great artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo walked on its streets. Florence contains a dazzling number of the world’s iconic masterworks. The city is certainly a superb place for art connoisseurs. Florentines are so proud of their hometown. Some of them never want to leave this famous town which is the cradle of the Renaissance. Florence is home to many monastic buildings, lovely statues, squares and a richly decorated cathedral.

Featured hotel in Florence: Hotel Torre Guelfa

Place to eat: Trattoria 4 Leoni, Da Garibardi, Ristorante La Giostra

Attractions in Florence: Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo), Giotto’s tower, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, the Academia. This famous gallery is now home to Michelangelo’s most famous work, the monumental statue of David.

For more pictures, please check out this photo book: Charming Tuscany

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, LA Travel Photography Examiner

Reka Peti-Peterdi is a Los Angeles based freelance photographer from Europe. She was born and educated in Hungary, in a country full of history and art. She studied communication and French in order to become a teacher. She embraced different professions before getting into photography (teacher,...

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