My Vacation in Tuscany, Italy by Gneb

After spending a week in Rome “reliving” in the era of the Roman Empire, it was time for us to move on to our next destination – Central Italy; hence, the next era - the Renaissance. We had rented a Fiat Ducato 10 seater van that we picked up from Rome. Driving in Rome is another challenge due to the heavy traffic and the Vespas that are swerving all over the place like nobody’s business.

It took us approximately 5 hours to get to Cortona, Tuscany; where our villa is located. As most of you would have already known, Tuscany is one of the world’s famous wine regions (Chianti) and that the picturesque Tuscan landscape (typified by olive trees and cypresses) has always been the subject and inspiration for many painters. It certainly is a big change from what you see in Rome. So, if Rome is full of historic remnants of the Roman Empire, Central Italy is full of medieval towns built on hilltops and Renaissance architectures. Below are some of the places of interest that I feel are worth visiting in this region.

Sienna

I actually prefer Central Italy to Rome, having seen the region now. All the medieval towns are so unique and charismatic. This is Sienna, doesn’t it look awesome?

Torre del Mangia (the bell tower) at Palazzo Pubblico (which is the town square for Sienna)

Perugia, Umbria

I believe this is called Fontana Maggiore, which is a fountain built in the 13th century.

Imagine living in one of those medieval “apartments” :)

Perugia is also located up on a hill, the view up from above is breathtaking (well, minus that scaffolding)

Florence

I guess this needs no further introduction. Florence is the birthplace of Renaissance. It’s also where the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David and the Ponte Vecchio are. Not surprising that it’s full of tourists.

The Ponte Vecchio – this is what greets you before you enter the city centre of Florence. The bridge is full of shops selling gold and jewelries. Apparently, Florence is famous for gold.

Along the river bank

Michelangelo’s David at Piazza della Signoria. This is not the original, but only a copy.

I think this is Hercules, also at Piazza della Signoria

The Duomo – the largest dome in the world I think..

One of the streets in Florence. Shopping here is an experience, you’ve got to check out the leather goods. Replay Jeans are cheaper than in Malaysia :)

Cortona

Another hilltop medieval town and this one is very near to where our villa was. In fact, we’ve been up here a few times for dinner.

Wine Tasting in Montepulciano

How could you miss wine tasting, when you’re in one of the world’s famous wine making regions? We were at this winery called Avignonesi

Huge and juicy grapes.

The Tuscan landscape

I love Central Italy. I think it’s beautiful and romantic. I definitely love the medieval towns and architectures. If you want a more visual description, I’d recommend you watch Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) starred Diane Lane and Sandra Oh. The film was shot in Tuscany, with features of the places I mentioned above.