This is my third blog post on the amazing country of Italy. Italy is truly one of the most amazing countries in the world and in my twenty-two years of selling travel has always been a firm favourite to visit. It seems to feature on most people’s ‘bucket lists’ and the fantasy often relates back to dreams of staying in Tuscan farmhouses, relaxing in breathtaking countryside whilst eating the most amazing pasta, olives, antipasti and cheeses, sipping on Chianti, immersing yourself in local markets and rambling in the rolling hills. Many dream of spending six months (or more!) living this dream at some stage in their lifetime, and immersing themselves in the art and culture of this unique area.
Florence is one of the main cities in the Tuscan/Umbrian area, and encapsulates the ‘whole dream’. Florence is a beautiful city, situated on the River Arno, but it is elegant and quaint and really feels like a large village. Base yourself in Florence for a few days and you won’t be disappointed.
First stop has to be the Accademia Gallery – home to Michelangelo’s world-famous statue of David, and home to other important works by this renowned artist. And second stop should be the Uffizi Gallery which is close by, an art museum where you can enjoy and admire the paintings of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Masaccio and Cimabue. You will be taken back in time to the Renaissance period, and whether you’re an art ‘ buff’ or not, you cannot fail to be impressed by viewing these spectacular pieces.
The Ponte Vecchio is a fascinating bridge that is in the heart of Florence. It spans across the River Arno at its narrowest point and is home to rows of gold merchants and is quite different to any other bridge you will see. It’s popular with the tourists (definitely not the cheapest place to shop!) and is a sight to see, and then walk to the nearby Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiori which is one of the city’s landmarks and with a spectacular dome.
If you are ‘passing through’ the easiest way to explore and immerse yourself into beautiful Tuscany is to take a tour out of Florence for the day. Your scenic drive will take you through the Tuscan countryside to the gothic village of Siena, famous for its medieval streets, and also San Gimignano where you can walk between the fourteen towers and through the maze of cobbled streets and small piazzas. You’ll travel through Liguria and the Cinque Terre villages (renowned for walking tours and coastal views/scenery). You’ll also experience olive groves, Chianti vineyards and feast on fabulous local produce – breads, pasta, cold meats, salads etc.
Participate in a cooking course, local market visits, wine-tasting classes, pasta-making courses! You’re in the place where it all happens so enjoy and learn from the best. You will love and savour the tantalizing flavours and freshness.
And whilst in the Florence area, you must take the twenty minute drive to Pisa to see the amazing ‘Leaning Tower of Pisa’, probably one of the most famous towers in the world. The tower has seven floors and it takes around half an hour to climb the 296 steps and it really is a great experience. Everyone has seen pictures of this famous land mark but to actually experience it is quite incredible.
And it’s still slowly sinking, so definitely something to do sooner rather than later.
My ‘Tuscan experience’ in Florence was one I’ll never forget. It’s an area that will captivate your heart and make you seriously consider throwing ‘caution to the wind’ and buying that quaint little farmhouse to renovate – it is a truly amazing place in the world that you will want to lose yourself in forever.