Monday, 28, Feb 2011 11:57

Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and home to a lush landscape filled with scrumptious produce, sunny Tuscany is a traveller's dream. Throughout each year, countless visitors flock to the region in central Italy to enjoy its culinary and visual splendour. With this in mind, here are ten things we know you'll adore about Tuscany:

 

1. The food

From truffles and olives to fresh vegetables, cheeses and breads; Tuscany's dishes are so tasty because the ingredients used are of such high quality. Simplicity is key in Tuscan cooking, letting flavours really come into their own and enhance rather than overpower each other. Some typical dishes to try include: Ribollita, a Tuscan bread and bean soup, truffles shaved over pasta, Florentine steak with high quality Chianina beef, Papardelle dishes which often includes game and Panforte, a desert made with honey, fruit and nuts.

 

2. The wine, especially the red

The perfect accompaniment to Tuscany's tasty treats is a good bottle of wine and the region is crawling with vineyards that produce it. Some of the world's most famous wine regions are located here, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Carmignano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, with 29 DOC (Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and seven DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita ) wines spread out across Tuscany's ten provinces. Eighty per cent of the region's wine production is of red wine - great news for lovers of the ruby nectar!

 

3. The art

You don't need to be an art buff to enjoy Tuscany's rich artistic legacy because it is home to some of the world's most renowned pieces. Florence is widely recognised as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, with art heavyweights such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli practicing their arts in the city and region. The result is countless museums and churches with well-known sculptures, paintings and frescoes; such as Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci's Adoration of the Magi.

 

4. The architecture

Another thing Tuscany has in abundance is beautiful and historical architecture. There isn't a town or village in the region that doesn't have something of cultural interest to explore; with many churches, walled medieval towns, cathedrals and monasteries dotting its picturesque landscape. Architectural highlights include the The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

 

5. The festivals

Celebrating all of the above, as well as to mark religious and folklore dates, is a busy calendar of events which keeps Tuscany in an almost perpetual party mood. From carnivals, religious celebrations and medieval costume fairs to wine festivals, truffle fairs and cheese events; it's not hard to catch some form of celebration on a trip to Tuscany. World famous events include The San Miniato White Truffle Fair in November and if you don't mind the masses, the famous Palio Horse Race which is held twice each year on July 2nd and August 16th.

 

6. The people

Known as the Toscanacci (bad Tuscans) an ironic term full of endearment, the Tuscan people are well renowned for their upfront warmth and hospitality. They have a distinctive accent which is acknowledged throughout Italy with the same warmth a sympathy that they are world famous for. Tuscan people are lovers of life which is reflected in their passion for food, the arts and their beautiful region.

 

7. The villas

If you're going to stay in Tuscany, you may as well do it the Tuscan way and rent a villa. They are usually situated in some glorious countryside as part of an ancient hamlet, a wine estate or working farm, giving your holiday a true Tuscan perspective. Many come with the luxury of a private pool and Al Fresco dining facilities to fully enjoy the mild weather, while some are converted castles or nestle in hillside locations. To Tuscany Villas has a extensive selection of over 300 Tuscany villas to choose from, catering for groups of two right up to 20+.

 

8. The scenery

While similar destinations which are only a short flight from the UK, such as The Canary Islands or Egypt, can feel a bit rugged and desolate, Tuscany's lush green rolling hills never fail to disappoint. Almost every corner is picture-perfect, from the criss-crossing vineyards and tree-lined hills to towns steeped in architectural splendour. It's this stunning scenery perhaps which first attracted so many artists to the region and which sees so many more flock to it today. Make sure you bring a good camera!

 

9. The weather

With a short winter and plenty of sunny days, the weather in Tuscany is overall extremely pleasant. Coastal regions can sometimes get hotter than the hilly interior and July and August are generally the hottest months, while spring and autumn enjoy a milder climate that is generally warmer and drier than that of the UK. The overall result is plenty of outdoor living and Al Fresco dining!

 

10. The activities on offer

With all of the above in mind, it's not hard to find something to do in Tuscany. Foodies will love truffle hunting and attending the olive harvest, while culture vultures are kept happy with the extensive range of art to throughout the region. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the countless walking and cycling opportunities and beach-goers can indulge in the generous stretch of Mediterranean coastline. For something a bit special, take to the skies in a hot air balloon for undoubtedly the best views of this spectacular region.

So if a heady mix of fantastic food, fine wine and world-class culture with a backdrop of stunning and sunny scenery sounds like a plan to you, what are you waiting for? Tuscany may just be your must-go destination this year.

About To-Tuscany

To Tuscany offers a wide selection of rental properties in Tuscany and Umbria with private swimming pools and gardens. The self catering accommodation ranges from pretty cottages for two people, to villas for families and groups of all sizes and including luxury estates for large gatherings or special events such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries.

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