The gorgeous capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, Florence, lies towards the centre of the country, a tiny city with a massive heart and an even larger supply of artistic and historical treasures. For centuries, travellers have flocked en masse to the birthplace of the Renaissance movement to marvel at its abundant array of grandiose masterworks of architecture and art. Paramount to any itinerary are Michelangelo’s David, the awe-inspiring Botticelli works, the Uffizi (packed to the brim with pieces by Caravaggio and Da Vinci), and, of course, Brunelleschi’s remarkable cupola, the religious heart of Florence, which dominates the skyline. Once these popular tourist favourites have been ticked off, take a stroll around the alluring Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience enthralling views of this beautiful, beguiling city.
In the heart of Chianti wine country, San Felice is a medieval hamlet set in the hills of the Sienese classic Castelnuovo Berardenga, Italy. This former ancient Tuscan village has been turned into a luxury hotel offering excellent accommodation options and an array of facilities. Visitors can take the opportunity to immerse themselves in medieval Tuscany with its enchanting stone cottages and incredible views. Wander the narrow picture-perfect streets, visit the local Romanesque church, rest in the beautiful village square, soak up the charming, laid-back historic atmosphere, and sample the traditional Italian cuisine.
Stretching along Italy’s magnificent west coast from the Umbrian border to the Ligurian Sea, Tuscany epitomises the archetypal romantic image of Italy. For centuries this exquisite wine region has had a magnetic effect on travellers who are drawn to its picturesque farms, endless olive groves and vineyards, frescoed churches, and quaint towns clinging to the hillsides. Despite its reputation for pastoral bliss, the region has some impressive urban treasures on offer, including Siena with its vast Piazza del Campo; Lucca with its ancient walls; and of course Pisa with its famous leaning tower. However, nothing quite rivals the endless cultural delights of Florence, where adventurers can get lost for days on end amid Renaissance artworks and countless architectural masterpieces. Tuscany offers a phenomenal combination of excellent wine culture, modern and historic city delights, and breathtaking countryside.
Set in Tuscany, Italy, roughly halfway between Livorno and Viareggio, the historical city of Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower of Pisa; however, visitors will discover a treasure trove of other historical sites and architectural wonders. The iconic tower itself is only one small component of Pisa’s breathtaking Campo dei Miracoli. This spectacular gleaming white architectural assemblage is comprised of the Pisa Cathedral, a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque architecture, an impressive Baptistery, and Campo Santo, a massive, oblong Gothic cloister. Venture slightly further afield to discover Renaissance piazzas lined with lively cafes and bars and a vibrant street life dominated by laid-back locals rather than hordes of foreigners. Other highlights include the Tuttomondo graffiti artwork, some wonderful hot springs, and the town's famous gelato.
Set in northern Italy’s province of La Spezia, Monterosso is both the largest and the northernmost village in the string of seaside towns known as the Cinque Terre. It is also the only town in the Cinque Terre that boasts a proper, sandy beach. The village comprises two distinct areas: a relatively modern resort area extending along the beachfront, dotted with fabulous restaurants and boutique hotels, and a busy, character-filled old town tucked away behind the pretty, historic harbour. While there are some notable attractions in the town, namely the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, The Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the statue of the Giant, Il Gigante, the main drawcard here is undoubtedly Monterosso’s spectacular scenery of beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Strung along Italy’s picturesque western coast, you will find five enchanting little villages collectively known as Cinque Terre. It is possible to hike along the cliffs from the first to the fifth village in just a few hours. Despite this proximity, each town possesses its own unique character. Four of the five villages have a charming old-world ambience characterised by narrow lanes brimming with haphazardly stacked multicoloured old houses. In contrast, Monterosso is far more modern, with its contemporary apartment blocks and upmarket tourist resorts. Each of the villages offer excellent swimming conditions. Some boast lovely beaches, others tiny harbours and Manarola is blessed with a deep swimming hole where visitors can swim off the rocks. Must-see sights include Cinque Terre Marine Reserve, the old castles at Monterosso and Vernazza, and of course the remarkable terraced vineyards around Corniglia.
As previously described
Located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, the picturesque city of Verona is nothing if not romantic. It is no surprise that Shakespeare chose this fairytale city as the setting for his great romance, ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Visitors flock here to visit Juliet’s balcony and to experience the surreal atmosphere of this elegant city. Despite its appeal, Verona hosts far fewer visitors than neighbouring Venice, making it a more relaxed place to visit. The city’s remarkably well-preserved architecture is crowned by its 2000-year-old Roman Arena, a wonderful venue for the city’s summer Opera Festival. Quaint narrow cobbled streets are strewn with baroque facades, handsome palazzi and museums brimming with historical and artistic artefacts. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the town’s array of upmarket shops and fine restaurants, which serve up some of Italy’s finest culinary delights.
Venice is a small, unique city in Italy’s Veneto region, a historical centre consisting of 118 small islands in a lagoon of the Adriatic Sea, linked together by a complex web of canals and footbridges. The stately palaces and ancient churches exist as fascinating remnants of what was once an important trading centre between Europe and the Orient. From the famous Gothic Palazzo Ducale, and the breathtaking Basilica di San Marco to the incomprehensible radiance of Titian's Assunta altarpiece illuminating an entire cathedral, Venice has remained virtually unchanged in the past 600 years. Other must-see attractions include the Bridge of Sighs, the spectacular Peggy Guggenheim Collection (art gallery), fascinating Gallerie dell’Accademia (museum), and of course, gondola rides along the canals.
