Tuscany (Toscana in Italian) is one of the most popular regions of Italy appreciated for its lush nature, rich history, and mouth-watering wine. It occupies the central-west part of the country and prides itself on a capital interwoven with Renaissance influences, Florence. Its name, Tuscany, derives from an Etruscan Tuscia tribe which settled in the area around 1000 BC. The Tuscan landscape is a mix of rolling hills, formidable mountains, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Apuan Alps border the region to the north and northeast while Ligurian Sea Tyrrhenian Seas stretch along its western coastline. Unsurprisingly, rolling hills make up almost two-thirds of the region and the mountains make up further 25%;
Beyond the frenetic streets of Florence are the rolling hills that characterize this regions natural beauty. Recognized the world over, Tuscany landscape marries nature and culture to beautiful effect and can be enjoyed by foot, car or bike. Diving into an exploration of the local countryside is a fail-proof recipe the best of Tuscany.
With its roots firmly in peasant tradition, Tuscans have unjustly been labeled by other Italians as mangiafagioli – or bean-eaters. However, food and wine are the best of Tuscany. The sun-dappled region, with its hillside villages, is happy to let its food speak for itself. It is, without a doubt, a gourmand’s paradise.
Tuscany, the cradle of Renaissance and home to few of the wealthiest ancient city-states overflow with unmatched artistic and architectural heritage. Florence, the region’s biggest city, is home to one of Italy’s most famous art museums, the Uffizi gallery, Accademia Gallery and Duomo Florence. Undoubtedly, admiring art and architecture are among the best things to do in Tuscany.