4 of the Best Summer Holidays in Tuscany

Summer holidays in Tuscany have become, to some, a tradition, and to others an ambition. Whether it is your first time or tenth time, the simple truth is there is too much wonder to enjoy for even the most ardent cultural glutton to digest in a mere trip.

It's vital to plan your itinerary to take advantage of all the region has to offer.

The Sights of Florence

Many would suggest the first stop be at the heartbeat of high culture, Florence. Whether it is the first or last stop, however, holidays in Tuscany would be incomplete without adequate time spent in the region's capital. From the days when the Etruscan elite were first absorbed into the Roman upper-class, to the time of the Medici's steering Renaissance art, Florence has been a bastion of all that is fine and precious. It is no accident that the shape of its architecture and the galleries within its museums and halls call lovers of art and high culture from around the world on devoted pilgrimages.

The Tastes of the Fields

All holidays in Tuscany should make an effort to step out of the man-made testaments to beauty and art to also witness nature's marvellous efforts. The rolling fields and emerald slopes of the region beckon, with an idyllic blend of majesty and bucolic ease. From the vineyards that produce Chianti to the farmlands of soil that once fed the Roman senators, the natural surrounds are ecologically well-organised and inviting to the tourist. No matter how much or how little time you have to spend, the sound of birds and the impossibly picturesque sunsets will make an indelible imprint on your memory.

The Scent of the Valleys

Apart from the food and wines cultivated in the fields, there is something else in the valleys that can inspire you to reflect on the fine things of life while on holidays in Tuscany. The lush trees and swaying tips of grass speak of a simpler life, and harken back to an enduring legacy of farming and tilling the soil. In a way, this earthy scent and sensation captures the haute couture air of this Renaissance homeland as much as the fine artwork, sublime statues and glorious cathedrals.

The Sounds of the Culture

The Renaissance was a time that shaped the direction of human culture the world over. The course of its humanist science, art and architecture still is very much the basis of what much of the world defines as "modern". This region is the historical home of this cultural revolution and, as such, time spent in Pisa, Arezzo, Siena or Luca, simply tasting the food, viewing the artwork and hearing the sounds of the streets, puts you in the shadow of this pivotal epoch.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect villas in Tuscany, it can be made so much easier with our help. Our handpicked villas offer distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.