Some years ago a friend of ours, Chris, was working out in Siena in Italy. We took this opportunity to visit him and spent a week in Tuscany, an area that we've never been to before. It turned out to be one of my favorite relaxing holiday.
If I had the choice, I would definitely go and live there for a period of time and learn some Italian. This is a highlight of the places I went to during this trip, and I will be sharing more in depth details about each place later on.
Florence
Florence was my first stop in Tuscany. I flew in from UK and spent three days here. Funny enough I can't remember that much about my three days here. It might be one of those periods where I did nothing at all when I go away, and just wander around aimlessly. Not a bad way to travel actually, if you're just looking to relax. Florence is rich in Renaissance culture and one thing that I had on my nice to do list was to visit the Uffizi Gallery. I made it in the end, but only just. That's for another story. Other than that, my recollection of Florence was a city that is deep in history and culture. In a way I feel its a bit wasted on me as I don't know how to appreciate it's beauty, but at least I tried!
My rating: 9/10
Siena
Siena was my base for the next few days as we were staying with Chris. It was perfect for day trips to the many stunning places in the Tuscany region. In way, I might have neglected Siena a little bit as I was out every day, but I did manage to spend a day in this lovel medieval town. Il Campo, the central piazza is the center of town, and the other famous landmarks such as the Tower of Mangia and Siena Cathedral can all be found here.
My rating: 9/10
San Gimignano
San Gimignano was recommended to me by Chris, and it was certainly not a disappointment. This town is perched on a hill, and if that wasn't high enough they are famous for the many tall towers built by the wealthy families in the 14th century. The towers were a symbol of you power and wealth so everyone was trying to build the tallest one. I loved how San Gimignano wasn't overly touristy and crowded with visitors when I was there. Perhaps November wasn't a busy season, or perhaps places just weren't so pack back in those days.
My rating: 10/10
Pisa
No introduction needed for where this is, and I'm guessing everyone who comes to Pisa would have done one of these silly photos. With Pisa Tower being Pisa Tower, and you really don't know if and when it will topple over (I think they say it won't), it is one of those places you need to come and tick the box. I'm glad I came and climbed up the tower. The view is awesome.
My rating: 8/10
Lucca
Another recommendation from Chris. Lucca is a famous walled city and also called the city of one hundred churches. I didn't count, but I don't think they had one hundred churches and I really can't say if they had a lot. All their architecture leaves one in awe in particularly the San Michele al Foro. The facade is stunning!
My rating: 9/10
San Miniato
I ran out of things to do on my last day in Tuscany and I didn't fancy going to the coastal towns that Chris recommended. I went googled for local events and came across this gem, San Miniato. You know the feeling, when you go away on holiday, and unexpectedly find an event that just so happens when you're in town. This was one of then. San Miniato is famous for white truffle and on this particular weekend there was a truffle festival. no way was I going to pass on this opportunity. And not to mention the town itself was exactly the type of places I loved.
My rating: 10/10
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