Tuscany Holidays & The Tuscan Riviera - Italy
This popular and expansive region of Italy boasts extensive attractions. Mix a sun-soaked relaxing beach stay on the exclusive Tuscan Riviera the splendour of the Tuscany rural countryside. Visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa or the walled city of Lucca, or perhaps the medieval town wine producing town of San Gimignano in Chianti. Inland, marvel at Tuscany's wonderful green landscapes and golden sunflower patches whilst vineyards shimmer with Mediterranean sun.
Picturesque hill-top villages vie with the beautiful cities of Florence and Siena, steeped in history and must-see highlights of the region. Enjoy the rural Chianti area with its meandering hills dotted with vines and olive groves. Stop of at local cafés for a freshly-frothed cappuccino or a refreshing glass of the famous local wine. The Tuscan Riviera is home to some of the most exclusive beach resorts in Italy with fiery, golden sand splashed with warm azure blue waves. Venture to the Marina di Pietrasanta with its delightful historic old town or the chic resort of Forte dei Marmi, with its commanding mountain background. Tuscany is simply a delight to the senses.
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Where Is Tuscany & The Tuscan Riviera?
Taking Florence as a centre point, travel to Rome is roughly 250 kilometres (1.5 hours by train, 2.5 by car), Florence to Milan around 250km (3hrs train or car), and from Florence to Venice is roughly 200 kilometres (again, 3hrs).
Tuscany Local History
Tuscany is founded on the Etruscan civilisation of 1 st Century BC, where they leant their extraordinary artistic, creative and entrepreneurial influence to such areas as trading, farming and mining. Later, by the 3 rd Century BC, the Roman Empire would come to colonise Tuscany (the name itself deriving from the Etruscans).
With the fall of the Roman Empire to barbarian invasions, it wasn't until the Longobard (6th to 8th centuries) dominance and duchy (with Lucca as capital) that things began to settle again. Tuscany survived the invasion upheaval rather well, and many of its cities remained in tact. Over the years, Tuscany has installed an artistic feel into its landscape, cities and people which is visible in it's elegant architecture.
Later on, Florence emerged as a truly capitalist city, with particular strength in the tactile industry. I t also began to dominate on a cultural and artistic level – this took them through the Renaissance and Middle towards the formation of Italy as we know it today. The Italian language became common tongue, and cultural innovations became commonplace, giving birth to an era of unprecedented invention.
During the 15th century, the Medici Family came to prominence in Tuscany, eventually transforming the Commune of Florence into a principality. Under the Medici Family's reign, intellectual and original thought blossomed and helped shape not only the culture of Florence, but also the world as we know it today. Some of Florence's most famous citizens of past included Donatello, Alberti, Masaccio, Botticelli, Piero della Francesca and Leonardo da Vinci.
Tuscany made the transition from the Mediaeval Age to the Modern Age with relative stability.
In 1860, Tuscany entered into a united Italy, with Florence immediately establishing itself as a vital centre of an undivided nation - becoming temporary capital of Italy from 1865 to 1870.
The dawning of the 20th century saw much activity and unrest in Tuscany. After a long struggle, Tuscany submitted to Fascist dictatorship in 1922.During the Second World War, Tuscany held a front line against Nazi occupation down the Arno river, but despite their best efforts, Florence, Pisa and Livorno were very badly damaged by intensive bombing. The region took a very active role in the Resistance, as it did with the vigorous post-war reconstruction. Now-a-days. Tuscany thrives on small to medium size businesses, and bases a lot of it's trade on the tourist industry.
Tuscany & Tuscan Riviera Attractions
Although Tuscany is steeped in history, it still has a very modern outlook on life. Please do not fall under the impression that Tuscany is just a place of museums, art galleries, churches and detailed pictures of saints. Although these do indeed exist as fabulous points of reference, as well as the finest opera, you may be surprised to find more contemporary tastes are catered for.
Such well know singers as Elton John, Bob Dylan and Joe Cocker are featured at Lucca's annual music concert, whilst "Pistoia Jazz" and the pop concerts at Viareggio are renowned.
Away from the city with its grandiose churches and museums, take an outing to Tuscany's radiant beaches, ranked amongst the best in the Mediterranean. Partake in one or more of the many festivals that take place throughout the region, from Viareggio's Carnivale in February/March to the Luminaria in Pisa to the world famous Palio in Siena, and many more besides.
Tuscany & Tuscan Riviera Shopping
Tuscany truly is district with one foot in the past and one in the present when it comes to shopping.
Although it is home to huge Prada, Gucci, Armani, Fendi, and other factory outlets offering discounts of up to 50% on modern designer clothes, its range of traditional goods is expansive, from it's exquisite leather goods and crystal, to it's much sought after terra cotta and lace, sold throughout by local market-stall holders.
In keeping with past trade, Tuscany still thrives on it's centuries old terracotta ‘cotto' business, which, to this day, is still mixed by hand using soil from the Impruneta area, then fired in an oven to such a strength that it can withstand the worst of natures elements. Therefore, true terracotta from Tuscany is amongst the most expensive and prestigious in the world.
Tuscany & Tuscan Riviera Restaurants
For real insight into the world of traditional Tuscan cooking, you cannot do any better than the exemplary Osteria di Rendola. Service on angel-white table cloths, and the fine cuisine representing the best of Tuscan food, this outlet in Montevarchi, Florence, is amongst the best in the entire Tuscan region, representing classical dishes with a modern twist. Such is its influence, renowned gourmet chefs from all over the world frequent the premises regularly for inspiration.
If, however, you feel your language skills may embarrass you come ordering time, take a trip to the Giusti di Prulli situated in Montanino Reggello, Florence and owned by Marco, a young, multi-lingual and enthusiast host who is always happy to be of service. A large restaurant in scale, you are sure to find a table even at the busiest of times in this buzzing, atmospheric eatery.
For suggestion, why not try a thin and light pizza with a variety of toppings, or the highly recommended grilled Branzino, a succulent and large fish that is normal served by itself or to 2 people due to it's size – hope you are hungry!
Tuscany & Tuscan Riviera Cuisine
To put it simply, if you come to Tuscany and don't take the time to indulge in some of it's famous wines, then it could be argued that your excursion has been a wasted one!
Take in the flavours of the wines from such world-renowned vines as the Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Tuscan Trebbiano and Malvasia of Chianti, which have give us such fabled wines as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano.
Make essential time to sample some of these wines at one of the many local tasting festivals and events that seem to run throughout the year, almost to prove improvement in standard over time.
Sup a ruby red Chianti and revel in its soft velvety texture whilst ingesting the intoxicating floral aromas surrounding you on the hilly vineyards. Why not bring a few bottles home and enjoy in comfort, either with a roasted meat or game.
Tuscany & Tuscan Riviera Bars & Clubs
To single out one particular bar or club in the whole of the Tuscany region would be a little unfair, as you will come to find that any establishment you visit will no doubt protrude warmth and relaxation through a mixture of it's quaint appeal, rolling, picturesque surroundings and ingrained Italian quirks and culture.
Typical Tuscan bars come in a variety of guises; some are part of a restaurant, others are half bar/half shop. Some will sell cigarettes (indicated by a large capital ‘T' outside), some will sell newspapers, but all will definitely sell traditional cappuccino and strong espresso shots. Bars typically offer a range of daily baked cakes to nibble on, and, during the siesta period (around 1pm to 5pm) and evening, serve pick-me-up drinks such as sambuca or grappa.
Archers Direct Holidays in Tuscany & Tuscan Riviera
For a world of holidays that won't cost you the earth, you've come to the right place. From escorted coach tours and train tours to resort-based beach holidays to cruises and short breaks. From Europe to the USA & Canada to Australia, we have getaways to suit everyone – all featuring the amazing value that only direct booking can offer. Year round holidays (summer holidays, winter holidays, Christmas holidays & Xmas holidays, half term holidays, Easter holidays) include January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November & December. We fly from the following UK airports: London airports – Heathrow airport, Gatwick airport, Luton airport & Stansted airport as well as Birmingham airport, Bristol airport, East Midlands airport, Edinburgh airport, Glasgow airport, Manchester airport & Newcastle airport.
