Tuscany
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| Capital | Florence |
| President | Claudio Martini (Olive Tree) |
| Provinces | Arezzo Firenze Grosseto Livorno Lucca Massa-Carrara Pisa Pistoia Prato Siena |
| Municipalities | 287 |
| Area | 22,990 km² |
| - Ranked | 5th (7.6 %) |
| Population (2001) - Total - Ranked |
3,497,806 9th (6.1 %) 152/km² |
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| Map highlighting the location of Toscana in Italy | |
Tom is filling in some information here... Will update again soon
Overview
Tuscany was the region in which the Italian Renaissance produced its first results. The unique artistic patrimony of this region includes architecture, painting and sculpture, collected in dozens of famous museums like the Uffizi in Florence and in situ in even quite small cities.
Tuscany is also known for its wines (most famous of which are Chianti, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino) and has 120 protected regions (nature reserves).
Notable tourist destinations in Tuscany include Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Maremma (in Grosseto province), Crete Senesi, and Siena. Though it is famous for its villas, Tuscany is currently promoting "agritourism" (Agriturismo), in which visitors stay on working farms.
Plan of action
Day 1 (Wed 14th September) - Home to Pisa
Out plane lands at 10:00 in Pisa so we will have the whole day to explore the city, sample the cuisine and perhaps even the nightlife!
Pisa Overview
By far the best known sight in Pisa is the famous leaning tower which is but one of many architecturally and artistically important structures in the city's Campo dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles to the north of the old town center. The Campo dei Miracoli is also the site of the beautiful Duomo (the Cathedral), the Baptistry and the Camposanto (the monumental cemetry).
Major Attractions
- Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) including the leaning tower
- Wandering around Pisa, maybe taking in this Crazy Keith Haring Mural
- Sample the local delicacy baccala alla Pisana (Dried Cod)
To do
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Book Accomodation |
Day 2 (Thu 15th September) - Pisa to Florence
I think we should get the train to Florence in to morning and spend some time seeing some of the sights there.
Florence (Firenze) Overview
A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is sometimes considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Florence is famous for its wealth of fine art and architecture.
It may be advisable to book tickets to the most famous museums in advance!
Must see attractions
- The Duomo / Campanile
- Palazzo Vecchicio and Ponte Vecchicio Bridge
- Uffizi - Picture Museum
- Gallery dell'Accademia
- Bargello - Sculpture museum
- Boboli Gardens - Sculpture + greenery
To do
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Book Accomodation |
Day 3 (Fri 16th September) - Florence (to Fiesole?)
See some more of the centre of florence
Must see attractions
We could see the main museums today as we know we will be there all day.
To do
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Book Accomodation |
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Book Museum Tickets(?!) |
Day 4 (Sat 14th September) - Florence to Siena
My friend James lives in Florence who could show us around today. We could get the train to Siena in the afternoon. Alternatively we could possibly go to the Chianti region to see some nice old villages and visit some vineyards.
Must see attractions
- Vineyards
- Scenery
- Jim
To do
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Book Accomodation |
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E-mail James |
Day 5 (Sun 15th September) - Siena to Rome
Siena Overview
Siena is described in my guide book as the perferct antidote to Florence, a unified modern city at ease with it's medieval aspect, ambience and traditions.
Must see attractions
- Architecture
- Il Campo (the main square)
To do
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Book Accomodation |
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Look at train availability |
Outward connection
We could get a train on Sunday afternoon to catch Matt's Central Leg of the journey.