5 Brilliant Experiences under the Tuscan Sun
Italian summers. Sipping wine in a lush vineyard, licorice-scented breezes born from olive groves and sunshine as sweet as wildflower honey. Italy’s warmer months are filled with a distinct romantic air making everything seem right with the world. Add all this to Italy’s culture, art, history and decadent cuisine and you have a vacation that is priceless.
Without a doubt, Tuscany is one of the most charming regions of Italy and any trip to the country is not complete without a stay here.
We have put together five experiences you might want to consider on your next trip:
Wine Tasting in Chianti
Chianti is one of the most scenic areas in Tuscany and makes for a lovely driving tour with stops at various wineries. If you wish, a private guide will accompany you on a drive through the rolling hills overflowing with vineyards, olive groves, old stone farmhouses and medieval hamlets. Snap some memorable shots in the heart of the Antinori vineyards, visit Greve and sit awhile in the picturesque 16th century square surrounded by quaint traditional shops. Visit an underground wine cellar to sample the best vintages alongside a variety of hams, salamis and cheeses. A wonderful way to spend the day!
Get Lost in the Uffizi Gallery
The Palace of Uffizi, built by Giorgio Vasari at the end of the 16th century, is home to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous museums in the world. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence displays paintings on wood and canvas, antique statues, and masterpieces of art of all times. Visitors can see works by Giotto, Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca, Raffaello, Botticelli and many others. The gallery has an invaluable collection of ancient statues and busts from the Medici family, which adorn the corridors and consist of ancient Roman copies of lost Greek sculptures.
Truffle Hunting Tour
Get connected with the Truffle Hunter and his trusty canine companion for a truffle hunting tour. You’ll be shown how to uncover these delicacies in the woods, how to cook them and enjoy them. Tuscany is one of the most important regions in Italy for truffle production. It is advisable to use truffles when fresh and fully ripe. Each variety has its own particular aroma, and which is suitable for specific culinary uses.
Famous Cortona
The views of Cortona over Lago Trasimeno are astounding. Via Nazionale is the only horizontal street in the centro storico. Cortona’s steep streets are more or less untouched by modernism. Until the mid-1990s, the town didn’t get much tourist traffic, but in recent years, Cortona’s popularity has increased remarkably in the wake of books by Frances Mayes – Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany, which continue to entice her readers to the town. Even without its monuments, charming piazzas and art treasures, Cortona would still be a lovely place with beautiful surroundings and excellent restaurants.
With everything Tuscany has to offer, you might decide to make the area your mainstay while in Italy. Stay at a stunning traditional Tuscan farmhouse, embraced by vineyards, hiking trails, and even a private golf course just minutes away. Villa Gauggiole is the epitome of high culture elegance and country home romanticism.
A Pilgrimage to Mountain Top La Verna and Arezzo
La Verna in Arezzo, is the 13th century mountain retreat of St. Francis of Assisi, and now one of Tuscany's major pilgrimage sites. It's still a thriving Franciscan monastery.
And although many visitors come to explore, admire the wonderful views of the Apennines or pay homage, La Verna is far less touristy than Assisi. Meanwhile, Piero della Francesca’s frescoes make Arezzo enticing to travelers, but in Italy the city is equally well known for its jewelers, goldsmiths, and antique trade. In the area of the Piazza Grande, shops are filled with museum-quality furniture, and once a month the Fiera Antiquaria turns the piazza into a vast showroom.
When you place your vacation plans in the capable hands of LVH, every travel detail will be handled with exceptional professionalism. You will not only have luxurious accommodations including full services and 24/7 support, but LVH will also create a custom itinerary for you complete with all the things you would love to see and do. We always go the extra mile to provide you with an itinerary meeting your every wish, no matter how grand, ensuring your trip is one you will always remember fondly.