Take a moment and imagine your perfect trip to Italy. Did you picture terra-cotta roofs against the backdrop of rolling hills and a blue sky? Or maybe sitting down for a glass of a local spirit? Laughing with others over rich, creamy gelato? Or pondering quietly at renaissance statues and Michelangelo's creations? If any of that came to mind - you'll love Florence. Home to the Negroni, the Gucci Garden, Michelangelo's David, gelato, the Piazza del Duomo, and so much more - Florence is often our clients' favorite stop. There's plenty to do right in the city, but we recommend adding on a day in the Tuscan countryside. Keep reading to hear about two of our favorite cities outside of Florence.
A Day Tour in Siena
This quintessential Italian UNESCO World Heritage city sits an hour south of Florence. The former powerful city-state that rivaled Florence and Pisa is preserved in its Gothic styled architecture and Renaissance art that influences current day - making it a modern time capsule of Italian culture and history.
Start with Piazza del Campo, one of the most famous squares in the world for its peculiar fan-shape split into 9 sections. Wander around the rustic square and admire the medieval history preserved in architecture. Around the square, you'll see the old government buildings from the 13th century - Palazzo Pubblico. At the edge of the plaza is Torre del Mangia, the clocktower constructed to give thanks for surviving the Plague.
Pro Tip: While most like to take in the view of the clocktower from the plaza, we recommend the tour inside to see the view from the center courtyard, looking up at the Torre del Mangia's impressive architecture.
When you're done taking in that view, look for the Fonte Gaia across the plaza and learn the history of construction to get water to the city-state in the late 12th century.
Next, take a walk around Palazzo Salimbeni, where the oldest bank of Europe, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, used to regulate agriculture in the 15th century. Stumble upon the majestic Duomo of Siena, one of the most impressive examples of Italian Gothic architecture, with incredible detailed sculptures and paintings within that represent a deeply religious period of art in Medieval times.
Whether you come to Siena for history, art, or food, there's no wrong way to experience it. We think relaxing and taking in the stunning Tuscan views with good company over a glass of local wine is the best way to end your experience in Siena.
With minimal panoramic views of the area due to its architecture, we recommend stopping at one of the best and only terrace bars at Hotel Athena to take in the full scope of Siena's beauty.
Touring San Gimignano
Another must-see destination is the town of the towers: San Gimignano. A Middle Ages town that rises on a hill with its still intact towers rising out of the rolling hills of the valley, San Gimignano's architectural integrity of the original urban layout gives us a glimpse into medieval displays of wealth and power. San Gimignano's architecture is so peculiar and historically important that it was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy your free time in the town’s historical center, where you will find local artisan shops and palazzos. Shop for local Tuscan leather goods, the delicacies of local wild boar salami, or stop for a midday gelato at Gelateria Dondoli for some of their unique-to-San Gimignano flavors. With centuries of culture rooted in opera, theater, and music, Teatro dei Leggieri is a great stop to view a show and learn the historic important of the arts to San Gimignano.
Torre Grossa is the tallest tower in all of San Gimignano. Located at the Piazzo del Duomo, the 218 walk up Torre Grossa is worth it. From the top, you'll see panoramic views of the village and beyond, those terra cotta roofs with green rolling hills as the backdrop. On your way through the tower, stop by the heritage museum to learn the history of the town.
If you'd like your trip to San Gimignano to be less active, a walk to La Rocca di Montestaffoli will give you a way to soak in the Tuscan sun and architecture while having a picnic of locally sourced salami and cheeses. Resident artists and musicians set up shop on the lawn for onlookers, and on summer nights the town plays a movie for all to view.
San Gimignano is also the birthplace of Vernaccia, a white wine exclusively produced here. One of the oldest mentions of wine in a literary text, Dante's mention of Vernaccia in his Divine Comedy is not the only reason this wine is famous. While most of Tuscany is known for Chianti, Vernaccia is from a specific grape only grown in San Gimignano, so it is quite literally the taste of the town. Let's face it- we'd stick ourselves in Dante's Purgatory if it meant fresh, local wine under the Tuscan sun everyday.
Want to add more to your Florence trip? Contact us and we'll do the rest!
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