Italy is known for its unique and historic landmarks, towns, cities, food, wine, and more. My personal favorite region of Italy is Tuscany, the unquestionable first choice for foreign travelers like me. An almost encapsulated region colored with romantic images of hill towns and medieval villas, Tuscany’s green landscapes of lush open terrain have an enchanting impact on me. For the first European Destination edit, I break down the vast Tuscan scene for you!

Trequanda, Italy

Trequanda is a small town with an area of only 64 km and a population of about 2200. The economy of Trequands is based mainly on tourism.

Trequanda is quite close to Florence and Siena, so it is not a big problem to reach the city. Visitors from other places can take a flight to Florence and then take the bus to Trequandanda or the plane from Florence.

The city was first inhabited by the Etruscans, later taken over by the Romans and replaced by many hands over the centuries. The most significant development began in the Middle Ages with the construction of the Town Hall, the first of its kind in Italy, and the construction of a museum.

The Palazzo Communale is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province and the world. The palace was built as a residential palace and has beautiful architectural features and detailed works. Various impressive works of art and frescoes adorn the interior of the palace, as well as walls and ceilings.

When I stayed in Trequanda, I flew into Florence and rented a car. Renting a car is highly recommended! You’ll need it to hop from town to town, or vineyard to vineyard!

Montalcino, Italy

Wino Heaven! — If you love wine, espeically Italian wine like I do, then Motalcino may be the Tuscan mountain town for you!

This classic fairy-tale mountain town is surrounded by a circular circle of fortified walls and is guarded by mighty castles of medieval perfection. Montalcino, west of Pienza, is located in a beautiful village, immersed in the waters of Piazza della Repubblica, the largest lake in the region and the most famous tourist attraction.

Since the 16th century, the appearance of the city has hardly changed, and once you arrive in it, you can enjoy a picturesque country road that winds through immaculate vineyards.

Montalcino has been famous for its wine since the 15th century. Its fine red wines have matured along with a population of more than 1 million inhabitants to one of the most important wine cities in Italy.

One of the most important wine cities in Italy!

In 1888, Ferruccio Biondi Santi invented the precious formula for the fantastic Brunello, which was the first to have the idea of omitting all the grapes used and using only the Sangiovese variety. The Rosso di Montalcino is only aged for one year, but the Brunellos are aged in oak barrels, two of which must be in an oak barrel. After maturation of two years, they are aged for a total of four years in wine barrels to mature.

The historical center is dominated by the Castle of Montalcino, an imposing fortress built to mark the time of its domination of Siena. The view within the city walls is spectacular, reaching an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level and a distance of 1.5 km.

Conclusion

A trip to Tuscany allows you to see with your own eyes invaluable landmarks and attractions, like Florence’s most symbolic places - Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto's Campanile, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, and Palazzo Vecchio , the famous Leaning Tower, in Pisa, and the scenic Piazza del Campo, in downtown Siena, where the well-known Palio di Siena event is staged every year, attracting tourists from all over the world.

A short distance from Siena, you can find some of the region’s most characteristic locations, like the ancient village of Monteriggioni, on top of a hill, entirely surrounded by medieval walls and, in Chiusdino, the Abbey of San Galgano, an abandoned retreat that preserves a mysterious sword in the stone.

Want More Information on Tuscany?

Check out my recommendations for further reading:

1. Florence: cradle of the Renaissance and the Italian language, a real outdoor museum full of invaluable works

2. Siena: one of Italy’s most charming medieval cities, renowned all over the world for its historic “Palio”

3. Pisa: with its treasures of Romanesque and Gothic art, an unmissable stop-over for those who want to tour Tuscany’s art cities 

4. San Gimignano: with its tall towers and evocative alleys, a small jewel that preserves the medieval atmosphere intact 

5. Chianti: among small villages and solitary abbeys, the hills of Chianti are an invitation to relax and enjoy good food and good wine