Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Perhaps the best known region of Italy, Tuscany has it all - history, culture, food and natural beauty - in abundance.
Considered the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is filled with magnificent historic towns famed for their outstanding art and architecture. From the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo in Florence, to the beautiful piazza in Sienna and the world-famous leaning tower of Pisa, it is a region rich in culture.
But beyond the elegant towns, it is often the small mountain-top villages, built from honey-coloured stone, that enchant visitors. Overlooking rolling hills and fertile valleys, and often crowned with medieval castles, wandering through the cobbled streets and browsing in the markets of these lost-in-time villages is half the fun of visiting Tuscany.
And then, of course there is the food and wine: strewn across these hills and valleys, between the towering cypresses and oak forests, are vineyards producing some of the finest wines in the country and olive groves that produce equally high quality oils – all the better to complement the fantastic local cuisine.
The Tuscans are masters of ‘the good life’ and only too happy to share it with visitors.
| Languages spoken | Italian |
|---|---|
| Currency used | Euro |
| Area (km2) | 301,338 |
| Country name | Italy |
Activities for kids
Chocolate tour
Tour the Perugina chocolate factory and museum in Perugia. One-hour tours are available in various languages and include a taste of different chocolates!
www.perugina.it
Art for children
Bambimus, the children’s art museum in Sienna offers an introduction for kids aged 3 to 11 to the visual arts. As well as seeing the displays, you can book little ones into a workshop for hands on art activities, while you look around the city.
Children’s Museum, Palazzo Vecchio
The Children’s Museum at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence gives children an insider’s view of the palace. Among other things, they can explore secret passages, hear stories and take part in fresco workshops.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Sansepolcro
This attractive fortified town, located about 20 minutes drive from the villa, is famed for being the birthplace of Piero della Francesca, but it also has several interesting museums, some great boutiques and restaurants, as well as supermarkets should you need to pick up any supplies, and an outdoor pool complex, open in summer.
Anghiari
This small hill town enjoys lovely views across the Upper Tiber Valley, especially from the playground at the top of the town. There are also some museums to visit and good examples of restored frescoes at the Palazzo Pretorio. Wednesday is market day and shopaholics will also love the Busatti store where beautiful linens are made.
Olive oil tour
The Antico Frantolo Ravagni is an old olive mill, where visitors can go for olive oil tastings and purchase cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, infused oils and soaps.
Michaelangelo’s village
The tiny village of Caprese Michaelangelo is said to be the birthplace of the great artist and has a museum in his honour. It’s also the starting point for a pleasant half-day walk in the surrounding area.
Thermal Springs
At the Bagno di Romagna children and parents can enjoy a dip in the therapeutic hot spring waters, believed to alleviate all manner of ailments.
Two connected pools, one outdoors, one indoors, are filled with hot (34-37 degrees) sulphuric water, and include hydro massages and geysers, to pummel tight muscles. There is also a play area for little ones.
www.euroterme.com
La Grotta Grande del Vento
This huge cave system, only discovered in 1971, is said to be the largest in Europe. A walk or guided tour through the various chambers, which are spectacularly lit, takes around an hour.
www.frasassi.com
THEME PARKS
Mirablilandia Theme Park
The biggest theme park in Italy, Mirabilandia has everything from roller coasters to toddler rides, and a whole water park section, so plenty to keep all ages entertained.
www.mirabilandia.it
Fiabilandia
A particularly good theme park for younger children, Fiabilandia, in Rimini, is based around fairy tales. Entertainment includes a variety of shows and a pool.
www.fabilandia.it
Aquafan Riccione Waterpark
A huge water park that is open June to Sept, Aquafan is a fun day out for the whole family. There are water slides for all ages, a baby lagoon, lazy rivers, a wave pool and more.
www.aquafan.it
Activo Park
A great adventure park for all ages, Activo Park includes hanging bridges, zip lines, a dry ski slope, mini golf and trampolines. Approx 1.5 hours drive away.
www.activopark.com
San Marino Adventures
One of the largest adventure parks in Italy, San Marino provides cables, pulleys, bridges, tunnels, climbing walls, go-karts and lots more for an active day out. Suitable for all ages.
www.sanmarinoadventures.sm
Vincigliata Adventure Park
A tree adventure park, where bridges and nets are strung between the trees. There are five trails from one to ten metres above ground to challenge the adventurous, whatever their age or height.
www.treeexeperience.it
FAMOUS TOWNS IN THE AREA
Perugia
Perugia is a vibrant city with a rich artistic past. Spend a day exploring the submerged tunnels beneath Piazza Italia, the maze of medieval alleys and the collection of fine art within the Palazzo del Priori.
Assisi
The Basilica di San Francesco is Assisi’s star attraction, not only for its architecture but for also for the impressive collection of fine art within it.
Aside from the basilica, the narrow streets and open squares are fun to explore and the ancient, pink stone houses are particularly pretty.
Sienna
Another historic town with wonderful architecture is Sienna, a 1.5 hour drive to the west. Aside from the magnificent square – the Campo – top sights include the Duomo for its architecture and works of art, the Torre Civica for its views of the countryside and the Ospedale di Santa Maria della Scala, once a hospital and now a gallery.
Florence
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, can be visited in day, by car or train. Top sights in Florence include the Uffizi Gallery, the oldest art gallery in the world, the medieval cathedral with its iconic dome, the Ponte Vecchio bridge, lined with jewellery shops, and Michaelangelo’s David, at the Galleria dell’Academia.