Getting Away From It All - Real Holidays In Tuscany

"I need a holiday to recover from my last holiday!" is a popular travel-related joke, often accompanied by comic illustrations of rumpled and harried-looking people. However, like all great humour, it is the tiny kernel of truth that makes this joke funny. Traditionally, downtime spent away from home is meant to provide the opportunity to take a break from the everyday stresses of life. But at times, travelling can also mean dealing with many of the stresses you're trying to get away from: traffic, crowds, noise pollution, and a too-strict schedule, among other things. There are few places one can truly ‘get away from it all’, but, if you’re spending your holidays in Tuscany, you'll be able to enjoy doing just that.

Monteriggioni

Feeling the need to physically retreat from the noise, crowds and encroaching presence of the modern world? Consider spending some time on your holidays in Tuscany in Monteriggioni, a tiny (approximately 2000 residents) medieval walled town not far from Florence. Originally built to repel the attacks of the Florentines in the 13th century, now visitors can feel safe not only against invader attacks, but also against the intrusion of the modern world - at least to a certain extent.

In addition to the fortified walls, which have stood for centuries against potential invaders, the town also features 14 towers, a Romanesque church, and nearly totally traffic-free cobbled streets. (Visitors are asked to park their cars in a field outside the walls.) Come on an ordinary day and you can enjoy a quiet stroll through the town topped off with local wines and delicacies such as Tuscan ham, locally made chocolate, and handmade pasta. You can even shop for some wonderful antiques to take back home with you. However, even quiet towns in Italy know how to throw a party! Monteriggioni is famous for its medieval festival, held every first weekend of July, during which the entire village dress up in costumes and joins in the festivities – it's like taking a step back in time.

Manciano

If relaxation and rejuvenation are the main goals for your holidays in Tuscany, the town of Manciano - with its easy access to the healing hot springs of Saturnia - is definitely a must-visit. You can take a quick dip at the one of the two Mulino waterfalls or enjoy a more leisurely and pampered soak at one of the spas in Saturnia - either way, you’ll certainly feel invigorated by the warm waters and sulphurous steam. The hillside town of Manciano offers incredible views of the surrounding valleys and the ocean beyond. The springs are pretty popular and can get quite crowded, but once you’ve had your soak you can spend some quiet time relaxing in one of Manciano’s inns or farmhouses.

Montefioralle

If peace and quiet is your desire during your holidays in Tuscany, Montefioralle, which has been described as one of the most beautiful places in Italy, is the ultimate ‘getaway’ for those longing for a tranquil life. A mere 20-minute walk away from Greve, the town has less than 100 regular residents and features only two cafes, one tavern, and one grocery store. Named for the fig trees that grow around the medieval castello and in the surrounding area, the village is the perfect place to spend a few quiet days of self-reflection or a romantic weekend away.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect holidays in Tuscany their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.