Are you looking for a perfect romantic getaway? A place to enjoy beautiful sunsets, fine wine, and some history? Have you been searching for the perfect honeymoon destination? If so, the Tuscany region of Italy might be the answer to your questions. Italy is the main producer of wine globally, producing almost 20% of the world’s wine in 2015. Tuscany itself made almost three million hectoliters of wine that year — around 400 bottles of wine. If you’re considering visiting Tuscany, you’ll have to decide which city or cities to prioritize and whether to stay inside the walls or venture outside to some of the smaller towns in the area. Know what Tuscany has to offer and get your exploring shoes on.
Who is Tuscany Perfect For?
To be honest, Tuscany is pretty much perfect for just about anyone at any age and walk of life. If you’re a couple looking for one of the best honeymoon spots or beautiful destination wedding villas, Tuscany has all that and more to offer. What’s more romantic than getting married or spending your honeymoon in the rolling vineyards of Italy? There’s culture, divine food, backdrops that would make any wedding photographer swoon, and perfect of exclusive settings that can make your wedding one to remember.
If you’re one of the 70% of families looking to take one or two vacations in 2017 (per a recent AAA study), you can’t beat the old world charm and history of Tuscany. And if you’re a younger traveler, immerse yourself in the beauty and scenery of an old, old European region. In 2015, travelers between the ages of 15 and 29 accounted for almost a quarter of international travelers. Make your next international destination Italy!
What’s With the Walls?
If you’ve been researching Tuscany, you may see advice on whether to stay inside the walls or go outside them and be wondering, “What’s with this stay inside the walls thing?” Many Tuscan towns or cities are heavily fortified with walls, fortresses, and towers; remnants from the Middle Ages.
The walls were created to protect the cities from neighboring states and other invaders in the medieval age. Powerful warlords and ruling families ensconced their cities and homes with these walls to keep them safe from attack and demonstrate their wealth and security.
Today, much of the sightseeing that Tuscany offers is within the walls of the city you’re staying in. They boast excellent restaurants and a variety of activities and concerts for tourists and locals alike. If you choose to not stay inside the walls, you’ll need a car to get around, and may not see as much of the city quite as easily.
However, you should talk with the hotel or bed and breakfast you stay with about parking, as sometimes parking inside city walls can be tricky. You will also most likely have to travel outside the walls to visit vineyards.
What Does Tuscany Have to Offer?
Each little city within Tuscany has its own rich history and culture. Whether you’re looking for history, the feeling of living in Italy like a local, a walking tour to soak up the beauty of the area, or are just there for the wine, each city has something different to offer. Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, and Volterra are some of the Tuscan cities that have more mainstream name recognition, but there are plenty of others you should research and explore.
Tuscany can offer you a coast with sandy or rocky beaches, islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, the mountains with the Apuan Alps, a lagoon, beautiful historical ruins from the Etruscan and Roman era, and the gorgeous, rolling landscapes that inspired so many famous Italian artists.
Medieval villages, abbeys, and castles are in abundance, and if you’re looking for some relaxation, visit one of the many Tuscan spas. Furthermore, the Montepulciano and Chianti wines — among many, many others — stem from the Tuscan region of Italy. The region is known for its wine tours.
Enjoy the bounty of goodness that Tuscany has to offer today and plan your next vacation! You’ll be sure to have an unforgettable trip.