Tuscany & Umbria: hills, wine and medieval towns

Lucca stands out for its fully intact 16th-century city walls that enclose the historic center. The wide Mura di Lucca have been transformed into a green city park where walkers and cyclists enjoy the view high above the streets. Within the walls, a labyrinth of narrow streets leads to the impressive Torre delle Ore. From this historic clock tower, you can look out over the city's red rooftops and numerous church spires. The oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro forms the heart of the city and follows the contours of an ancient Roman amphitheater. At the edge of the center, the Duomo di San Martino displays a richly decorated facade with marble arches. The car-free core creates a relaxed atmosphere that invites hours of wandering past local shops and artisanal workshops. The absence of mass tourism makes this place a pleasant location for a stay in the northern part of the region.

Pisa is located in the heart of Tuscany, not far from the Tyrrhenian coast. The city is known for its monumental architecture on the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here stands the characteristic Leaning Tower of Pisa, which forms a unique silhouette due to its striking lean. Besides this tower, the square also houses the marble Pisa Cathedral and the richly decorated Baptistery of San Giovanni. A walk along the banks of the Arno River reveals stately palaces and atmospheric quays. In the surrounding streets of the Santa Maria district, you'll find numerous local eateries and markets. The proximity of the coast and the Tuscan hills makes the city a central location in the region. Visitors here experience a combination of monumental history and a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Florence is the artistic heart of Tuscany, exuding an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The imposing dome of the Duomo di Firenze dominates the skyline and serves as a natural landmark during a city walk. Along the banks of the Arno, you'll find the characteristic Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmiths have practiced their craft for centuries. In the Uffizi Gallery, you can admire one of the world's foremost art collections within a historic palace complex. The squares and narrow streets beckon you to wander for hours past marble facades and impressive statues. From the elevated Piazzale Michelangelo, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the terracotta roofs and the surrounding hills. This city offers a rich mix of architecture and gastronomy that captivates every visitor. It is a place where history is tangibly present in every detail of the streetscape.

The hilly Chianti region stretches between the art cities of Florence and Siena. The landscape is characterized by extensive vineyards, olive groves, and rows of slender cypress trees. Along the winding Via Chiantigiana, you pass historic wine estates and rustic stone farmhouses. In the heart of the region lies Greve in Chianti with its characteristic triangular market square. The imposing Castello di Brolio towers high above the valleys and offers sweeping views over the rolling terrain. The narrow roads lead through dense oak forests to secluded abbeys and small medieval villages. Here, travelers experience a serene atmosphere amidst an ancient Italian cultural landscape. The region invites a relaxing stay with a focus on rural life.

The skyline of San Gimignano features thirteen medieval residential towers towering high above the rolling Tuscan hills. Climbing the Torre Grossa offers panoramic views over the region's extensive vineyards and olive groves. At the heart of the town lies the Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square surrounded by historic palaces and stone houses. In the nearby Collegiata Santa Maria, impressive frescoes adorn the nave walls. Strolling through the cobbled streets feels like a step back in time, particularly as the evening sun illuminates the sand-colored walls. The local Vernaccia wine is widely available here and is inextricably linked to the region's agricultural tradition. Along the ancient city walls, paths lead to peaceful viewpoints overlooking the valley.

Volterra is situated on an impressive ridge, overlooking the rugged Tuscan landscape. The city exudes a mysterious atmosphere thanks to its ancient walls and the narrow, shadowy alleys of its medieval center. At the Roman Theatre, you can see the remains of Roman splendor, while the Porta all'Arco recalls its even older Etruscan origins. In the central square stands the Palazzo dei Priori, the oldest town hall in the region, proudly among the stone buildings. The area is known for its alabaster craftsmanship, a skill you can still admire in its many small workshops. A walk along the city walls offers panoramic views of the rolling hills and the surrounding valleys. It is a place where time seems to stand still, far from the main tourist crowds.

Siena is a medieval city located in the heart of the Tuscan hills. The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo is the central focal point where the Palio horse race takes place annually. The Gothic Duomo di Siena stands out for its characteristic black-and-white marble facade and a decorated interior. From the towering Torre del Mangia, you get a panoramic view of the red rooftops and the surrounding vineyards. You wander through a maze of narrow brick streets that are divided into city districts, each with its own emblem. The city exudes an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the political position of the former republic. Local artisan shops and outdoor cafes, where specialties like panforte are served, characterize the streetscape. Due to its central location, the surrounding area offers a landscape full of rolling hills and cypress avenues.

The rolling hills of this region form the iconic image of the Tuscan landscape. Amidst the golden grain fields and green meadows, rows of slender cypresses grace the winding roads. In the heart of the valley lies the town of Pienza, a prime example of Renaissance architecture. Visitors stroll past the characteristic Cappella di Vitaleta, standing solitary in the open landscape. The Cattedrale di Pienza dominates the central square and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside. The Cipressi San Quirico form a striking landmark on a hilltop along the main road. This region invites leisurely drives through a landscape that has barely changed over the centuries. The harmony between man and nature is tangible everywhere here.

The Maremma is the rugged and unspoiled south of Tuscany, where extensive pine forests and marshlands dominate the coastline. In the Maremma Regional Park, the characteristic Maremmana cattle graze in a landscape of rolling hills and deserted sandy beaches. The Monte Argentario peninsula juts strikingly into the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering a spectacular contrast of steep cliffs and deep blue water. Via the narrow causeways of Orbetello, you reach the charming harbour towns of Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. The panoramic roads over the massif offer sweeping views of the archipelago and the surrounding lagoons. Here you experience an authentic side of the region, far away from the hustle and bustle of the well-known art cities. The area is perfectly suited for long walks through nature or relaxing days in the sheltered bays.

Perched on a spectacular plateau of volcanic tufa, Orvieto towers high above the surrounding valley. The city's showpiece is the impressive Duomo, with its richly decorated facade and mosaics. Beneath the medieval streets lies a fascinating labyrinth of passages and chambers in the Orvieto Underground. The deep Pozzo San Patrizio, with its double helix staircase, offers a unique architectural spectacle. Strolling through the pedestrianized center, you'll encounter numerous artisan shops and local wine bars. The city offers sweeping views over the Umbrian landscape and the nearby vineyards. From the city walls, you have a panoramic view of the fields and olive groves below.

Assisi is nestled on the slopes of Monte Subasio, dominating the Umbrian landscape with its characteristic pink and white limestone. The monumental Basilica of Saint Francis houses frescoes by great masters and forms the spiritual heart of the city. Strolling through the steep, medieval streets, you pass the well-preserved Temple of Minerva in the central square. From the elevated Rocca Maggiore, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and the olive groves. The serene atmosphere in the monastery gardens and squares encourages a leisurely pace. In the evening hours, as the day-trippers depart, the mystical charm of the illuminated monuments truly comes to life. It is a place where art, history, and religion uniquely converge within a compact historic core.

Perugia is situated on a hilltop, offering expansive views over the Tiber Valley. Its medieval centre is accessible via a series of escalators that lead up through the foundations of an old fortress. On the central square, the richly decorated Fontana Maggiore stands as the focal point of daily life. Narrow alleys and covered passages invite you to wander through its historic heart. In the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria, you can admire an extensive collection of regional artworks. The city combines a stately grandeur with a lively atmosphere, thanks to its universities. It is a tranquil haven in the Umbrian landscape where history and modern convenience converge.