Activity Highlights

History Sneak Peek

Visiting Tuscany beyond its grand cities is a great way to learn what lies behind the authentic Tuscan character. The identity of locals is closely tied to this territory and its eventful past.

The region sits west in the central part of Italy, north of Rome. The Apennine Mountains line Tuscany from the north and east, the Apuan Alps from the northwest,  and the Tyrrhenian Sea from the west.

The area we know as Tuscany today used to be home to the advanced Etruscan civilization. However, eventually, Rome consumed the territory in 351 BC. Things didn't change much until the fall of the Roman empire when Tuscany fell under a variety of rulers. Interestingly, in the end, the region emerged from this turmoil as an independent political entity with its own rulers. The most influential Tuscan cities gradually achieved independence and formed republics. By the high Middle Ages, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, Pistoia, and Florence became wealthy commercial, agricultural, and cultural centers.

To this day, Tuscany is one of the most prospering farming regions in the whole of Italy view by our Horse Riding Tuscany Tour. Their staple products include wine, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Besides the practical perks, Tuscany stands out for its one-of-a-kind natural beauty.