Tuscany and Italian Riviera:what else?

Is there anything that we can possibly say about two of the most iconic regions in Italy that you haven’t already heard?

Maybe not.  But we believe in “Repetita iuvant”, or repeating does good, as the Latin saying goes. And so we gladly remind you that Tuscany offers historic treasures, one-of-kind in the world.  The region sparkles with art cities like Florence, pearl of the Renaissance and homeland of Michelangelo and Leonardo, Siena, one of the most charming medieval cities, famous for its horse-race, the Palio,  Lucca with its medieval wall still intact and  Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo: picturesque little hamlets with infinite cultural heritage. Tuscany is unique for its  unmistakable landscapes, its rolling hills and the perfect geometry of vineyards and olive trees, such as those in the renowned Italian regions typical of Chianti and Val d’ Orcia.

Sea lovers can enjoy wonderful beaches and clear water along theTuscany coastline and the amazing marine protected islands: Elba and Giglio. There’s the Baratti Gulf, Punta Ala and Monte Argentario, the list is endless.

Tuscany offers unlimited entertainment options to satisfy all needs and tastes – art and architecture, a relaxing vacation,  food and wine and sports and outdoor activities.  From northern to southern Tuscany, from the Apuan Alps to the Maremma nature reserve, from Garfagnana to Casentino, many are the trails for trekkers, experts or beginners. Hikers can also retrace the journey of the pilgrims on their way to Rome along the Via Francigena with its fair share of monasteries, breathtaking views and quaint villages. Bicyclers are spoilt for choice: they will find countless itineraries suitable for racing and mountain-biking on roads with little traffic, that twist and turn magnificent landscapes. A hot air balloon flight above Val d’Orcia an out of the ordinary experience. Or it might be lovely to discover Tuscany slowly, aboard old steam trains with tours in Mugello and Garfagnana.  Bikers will be thrilled to explore on the always populaìr Vespa.

Those who favour a slow-travel and well-being experience can choose one of the many thermal resort, like Saturnia, in the Maremma area, Rapolano, Sorano, Chianciano, natural hot springs of Bagni di San Filippo or  enjoy a memorable thermal holiday resort in Montecatini.

Tuscany alone boasts some of the most prestigious wines in the world. Foodies and wine lovers, can follow the many “Wine Routes” which meander throughout in the region, from the hills surrounding Florence to the Chianti area, passing through the Etruscan Coast.  Along these pathways you can stop in a local winery or “agriturismo” to sample wine and the tasty cuisine at wonderful villas.  You can learn traditional recipes by taking part in one of the cooking classes held throughout the region.

Last but not least,  shopping fans are in the right place! high-fashion boutiques abound in Florence and Siena. Here are many of Tuscany’s fashion shopping outlets and countless shops where you can buy a range of artisan handicrafts:  leather in Florence, alabaster objects in Volterra, wool in Casentino, pottery in Montelupo, glass in Colle Val d’Elsa and much more.

If you happen to be in Tuscany on specific days of the year you should not miss the featured events: the famous historical reenactment of Palio the Palio di Siena (every year on 2 July and 16 August; the Carnival of Viareggio, with its famous papier-mâché floats, the “Scoppio del Carro”- explosion of the Cart, a folk tradition reenacted every year on Easter Sunday in Florence and the Saracen Joust in Arezzo, an equestrian tournament of medieval origin.

And just a couple of hour drive from Florence and 1 only from Pisa, you find the fabulous coastline of  Cinque Terre, better known as the Italian Riviera, (UNESCO Heritage Site since 1997, along with the lovely towns of Portovenere and Palmaria).  The Cinque Terre, meaning the five lands) is five lovely port villages, beautifully isolated in the most seductive stretch of the Italian Riviera, totally traffic free, surrounded by hills covered by vineyards and olive trees and edged with jagged cliffs overlooking a superb clear sea water; their names are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Cornilia and Monterosso.  In the Middle Ages these little towns, whose economy was based on fish, olives and grapes, were called the Five Castles. The tiny communities that lived here, were well-protected from the Turkish pirates raids because of their geographical location.

This ten kilometre stretch of Italy’s Riviera, which offers a unique traffic-free charm, that the happy result of its natural isolation, has made tourism the main activity of this area:just sun, sea and pebbles.  Italy at its most relaxed.  Choose a home-base among the five “Terre”, each with its distinct personality and all perched on the picturesque and hilly terrain.

The best way to approach the Cinque Terre is by train, The Cinque Terre Express  that ties the Five little villages to one another, by boat or simply by hiking along the several tracks. The first train line, cut into this tough coastal zone in late 1800s, just after the unification of Italy,  was considered an engineering marvel for those days and literally connected this isolated area of the country to the outside world.

The Cinque Terre is hikers’ paradise, as its towns are connected by scenic trails. Some of the trails are rough but manageable for all  levels of trekking. First stop in Corniglia, the only village not adjacent to the sea; for this reason it is even more remote than the other “Terre” and offers relaxing vibes.  The “Via dell’Amore” – Walkway of Love – the most famous of the Cinque Terre tracks is also the easiest stretch of the hike, offering spectacular Mediterranean views. You shouldn’t be surprised to learn that many artists and romantics are drawn to this region. Don’t miss to explore the several, small squares offering plenty of bars for “focaccia genovese” – a delicious flat bread – and “trattorie” – restaurants to sample the best Ligurian food like pasta col Pesto and anchovies, cooked in a variety of ways.

Italy’s Cinque Terre is an irresistible mix of nature, culture and human activity. It is not the only treasure of the small and beautiful Ligurian region: the list of beauties is long and rich.  Portofino, exclusive destination for international jet setters, is located east of Genoa, famous for its pastel houses, its small port and bays; Dolceacqua, a tiny medieval hamlet in the backcountry on the western side of the region, has been made famous by Claude Monet, who was captured by its suggestive bridges; il “Golfo dei Poeti” – La Spezia Gulf, was the preferred destination of writers and artists such as Lord Byron, George Sand, P.B. Shelley and the Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio; Sanremo, is elegant seaside resort, famous for its music festival that take place every year in February, for its Carnival and for its beaches and seafront.; Camogli, nestled in the rocks in the Gulf of Paradise, a charming village, rich in hiking trails such as the one that takes to the San Fruttuoso Abbey.  Last but not least comes Genoa, Liguria’s main city, a UNESCO Heritage Site since 2006, thanks to its “Strade Nuove” – New Streets.  These four streets in the old town, date back to the late 16th/early 17th century. Genoese aristocracy built their “Palazzi dei Rolli” here: wonderful noble villas in Renaissance and Baroque style that reveal the grandeur of the city to the world.