Few places embody la dolce vita like the Tuscan countryside – rolling hills of green and gold, wineries producing among the finest alcoholic nectars in Italy, horseback riding through the fields and private tours of Tuscany’s fascinating village culture and cuisine.
But what makes Tuscany, well, Tuscany? Is it the architecture and history of Florence? The beaches, reefs and nightlife of Elba? The breathtaking hillside views from Cortona?
A Learning Experience
It’s not the sum of the parts that matters, but the whole. Tuscany in and of itself is a learning experience – a way to learn how to love life, how to live life. In Tuscany, it’s not just about surviving – it’s about taking a special moment in every hard day to stop, look, breathe, laugh and love.
When you’re taking a tour through Tuscany and living though the life lessons the region has to offer, there are some things you cannot afford to miss – especially if you want to know what a full experience of Tuscany feels like.
Reflecting on the Past
Among them is the history – one might argue that life is about living in the now, but you would be remiss to visit Tuscany without reflecting upon its past. Whether it’s the streets of San Gimignano, the Piazza del Miracoli and the Leaning Tower in Pisa, the modern botanical art of the Giardino del Tarocchi, or all of them combined, Tuscany prides itself in reliving history through art.
Another uniquely Tuscan experience is taking private tours of Florence, the capital city of the region, and the cradle of the Renaissance. Home to the works of Da Vinci and Michelangelo, Florence is a deeply artistic town – but also a contemporarily-minded metropolis, given its importance in national fashion.
For those who would rather take a step back from the crowded streets of Florence, and into another type of social scene, Elba is the place to be. Between partying and enjoying the crystal-clear teal waters of the island, there’s a historical side to the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago – the exile of Napoleon Bonaparte, for example.
For those who prefer Tuscany without the tourism, the region is filled with smaller islands and hillsides where nary a tourist would go – opt for private tours through companies like Italy Luxury Tours if you would like to see a quieter and quainter side of what’s underneath the Tuscan sun. No matter where you go, though, you’re bound to find something to fall in love with.
Italy Luxury Tours is a private tours organizer with connections to several local and international travel agencies and tour companies. They offer tours through both the hottest and the most beautiful spots in Italy. You can also follow them on Twitter.
