Hello friends! Today, I share with you my last trip to Italy and more precisely to Tuscany! What a magnificent region, 9 days to live and feel Italy like in the movies.

From Menton to Pisa

We stopped off in Menton before heading to Italy by car and in particular our first stop: the city of Lucca or Lucca in Italian. What an extraordinary little town surrounded by well-preserved medieval ramparts, its picturesque streets and its authentic atmosphere, you will be charmed without a doubt. The Cathedral of San Martino is a masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, famous for its richly decorated interior. The emblematic Guinigi Tower adorned with oaks on its summit. Climbing to the top offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains.

We go back down and enjoy the Italian aperitivo before finding an address to treat our taste buds. The city is known for its excellent catering. 1 or 2 nights in Lucca are enough (we found a gem of a hotel that I would be happy to share with you) and we hit the road again towards Pisa.

We all know the Leaning Tower of Pisa which is absolutely magnificent when you get closer. The details engraved in the marble are sublime. The construction of the Tower began in 1173, but its tilt quickly occurred due to the unstable ground. They then tried to straighten the tower gradually but it was impossible. It will remain like that. Pisa is also known for the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: a Romanesque church decorated with magnificent mosaics.

Florence, Oh Firenze

We continue the trip with a new stop and not the least: Firenze, the capital of Tuscany known for its incredible architecture and romanticism. We had found exceptional accommodation at a low cost in the city center. What an address!

Then, everything can be visited on foot of course. Stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, an iconic bridge lined with jewelers' shops, offering a picturesque view of the Arno. Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance: it was the artistic and intellectual center of Europe in the 15th century, thanks to the patronage of the Medici. The must-see is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, famous for its immense dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. What a beauty to admire up close. Also enjoy visiting the Uffizi Gallery: One of the most important museums in the world, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Heading to the South of Tuscany and the Val D'Orcia

We take the road towards Arezzo, a small medieval town 1 hour south of Florence. Known for its medieval and artistic heritage, you will enjoy imagining the knights of the time wandering in the heart of the city. It offers an authentic atmosphere, far from the crowds.

Let's continue the journey towards the Val d'Orcia known for its superb expanses of hills on which are systematically perched imposing stone residences (and sometimes a tower). The famous cypress avenues at the entrance to the residences are the emblem of this region, we love it! We had 2 nights in a wonderful agriturismo with swimming pool, in a very small village: Campiglia d'Orcia. Ideal for visiting the surroundings: Montepulciano, Montalcino which are absolutely charming typical villages to visit. A wine tasting of the region is also not to be missed! It's a delight! I recommend you taste the Brunello di Montalcino.

Wonderful Siena and Chianti

Let's now go back to the wonderful Siena and the Chianti region, also known for the vineyards. You will be able to compare the wines of the 2 regions because they are very different. I have my little preference, what will be yours?

Siena is a must-see city. With its famous Piazza del Campo and its Cathedral, a Gothic marvel all in white and black marble. If you pass by in the middle of summer, don't miss the famous horse race on the Piazza which takes place twice in the summer.

On the yum yum side, Tuscany is known for its Picis which are thick local pasta served with various sauces, such as duck stew or garlic sauce. It's a treat, I recommend them.

We then ended the stay in a new agriturismo in the heart of Chianti and took the opportunity to visit San Gimignano and Volterra. The choice of accommodation is very important for an extraordinary experience. I have plenty to share with you, shall we talk about it?