It seems like everyone wants to go to Tuscany. There are good reasons for that attraction. Tuscany is beautiful at any time of the year but Spring when everything is beyond green and September/October when the harvest season is upon the region is the best time in my opinion. Most people come to visit Florence and while that is my favorite city, there is a lot to be said for touring around the Villages and Hill Towns of the region. I have done day trips from Florence and you can travel through some beautiful country roads in a day without feeling rushed. Stop at your will and enjoy a coffee, stop by a winery for a tasting or grab lunch in one of the quaint villages along the way. Better yet rent a Villa or Country House for a week or whatever time suits you.
Monteriggioni
This is a lovely fully walled town about an hour from Florence and closer to Siena. I was told about this place many years ago by a wonderful woman named Francesca who helped us plan our wedding. I have been coming back and taking others here ever since. Stop in and have some coffee or drinks in the Piazza. The place seems to be frozen in time with its fortified walls still intact. It is a good stop on the way to Siena as it is only about 25 minutes away.
Chiantigiana - SS222
Not a place but a road that goes through many places. The best route from Florence to Siena is via this road. It will take you through the heart of Chianti country. You can stop along the way to have a wine tasting and purchase some bottles. There are also lovely villages along the way. It will take you through Strada in Chianti, Greve in Chianti (My Favorite), Panzano and Castellina in Chianti. All in all a lovely trip for a days drive.
Siena
Please, please, please make it here. Siena is a picture book medieval town. At one time it was the rival of Florence and there were numerous battles that took place between them. The place is famous for the Palio. This is a crazy horse race where the different neighborhoods, Contrade, of Siena compete against each other in the Piazza del Campo. The rules are loose and a horse can still win without a rider aboard. The race is held twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th. However, there is plenty to enjoy here all year long. Take a walk through the maze of medieval streets and try the local food. On your way, take in the various sights of a beautiful and unique city.
Piazza del Campo
The Piazza is like a fan that spreads out before you and it is one of the highlights of the city. It is one of the most unique and breathtaking piazzas in Italy. This is one of the places I say to sit down and have a drink and damn the prices. Remember, you can linger as long as you want to enjoy this unique setting and they will not force the check on you.
Duomo
The church name is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and it was competed in the 14th century. The facade itself is worth a visit for its overwhelming beauty. The interior is covered in black and white stripes, which is unique. The exceptional Marble Inlaid floors are only uncovered for September and October. A huge addition was planned that would have doubled the size of the church but that was never completed. You can see parts of it to the right of the Cathedrale and it now hosts the Museo del Opera.
Hotels
Grand Hotel Continental Siena
If you want 5 star luxury and a great location then this is the place for you. The place was built in the 1500s and it has a great sense of history while roaming its halls and Salons. The staff is wonderful and they serve an excellent breakfast.
Hotel Minerva
This is a lovely hotel that is outside the walls but 12 minutes away from the piazza del Campo. Ask for a room with a view and you will be treated to a nice room with a vista of the city
Lucca
We loved this city so much that we named our dog after the city. Lucca was a wonderful dog. We came back many years later to spread some of his ashes on the wall. When we were ready to spread the ashes, we heard a woman call out Luca (the spelling of the name of a person)! We took that as a sign.
Lucca is a beautiful city. The city is famous for its original protective walls. There is a lovely path on the top of the walls and you can take a passeggiata along the ramparts which encircle the city. Many come to Lucca for a day trip but I think it warrants much more than that. I would say to stay here for a minimum of two days. It does not have the number of attractions that Florence has but it is wonderful to walk the city and enjoy its many excellent cafes and restaurants. It is peaceful here especially at night when the daytrippers have left.
What to See
Cattedrale di San Martino
This Cathedrale dates from the 11th Century. This lovely old building is accompanied by a bell tower. This is one of 99 churches located within the walls. It was built in the Pisan Romanesque style.
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro Romano
This is an oval Piazza built over the Roman Amphitheatre that once stood here. It has a wonderful collection of Renaissance buildings. A lovely place to sit for a coffee or drink.
Hotels
Albergo alla Corte degli Angeli
This is a lovely hotel within the walls of the city. Irpt is in a wonderful old building that is blessed with murals on the wall and high ceilings. The staff is wonderful and the rooms are well maintained. The breakfast is very good.
Eats
Ristorante Caffe delle Mura
A nice place to stop for a coffee or drink while exploring the city.
Ristorante Cantine Bernardini
This is a fine restaurant with outside seating and a lovely interior with vaulted ceilings. They have typical Luccese dishes here. They make some nice homemade pasta dishes here as well as meats and fish. Located by Piazza Bernadini.
Osteria San Giorgio
We enjoyed a Mixed Salad, Tordelli Lucchese (Semicircular Ravioli with meat stuffing and meat sauce). A good stop for dinner or lunch. Within the walls.
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