The city of Florence is a main attraction in Tuscany and, indeed, in Italy. The historic center of Florence is small and easily explored by foot. Some electric buses provide transportation to and from main areas of the city. While the building architecture, monuments and piazzas are a wonder in their own right, the real treasures of the city are found in the numerous museums. The Accademia Gallery is home to Michelangelo's "David" sculpture, as well as his unfinished "Prisoners." Perugino and Botticelli works are also found at the Accademia. In all, seven museums exist in Florence. Other must-see attractions include the Medicean Park of Pratolino and The Oblate Library. The local tourism office offers walking tours with English-speaking guides. Other activities not to be missed are cooking lessons by Vinarium and trying the various gelaterie in town. Visitors can choose from an array of accommodations, including charming bed-and-breakfasts, apartments, hotels and villas.
The Maremma region--which runs from the province of Livorno to Grosseto along the coast in southwestern Tuscany--is a scenic landscape of rolling hills dotted with blooming fields that stretch to the coast. Visitors to this region can explore the castle and ancient ruins at Talamone, the Tarot Garden at Capalbio and the rocky Argentatio Peninsula that overlooks the Tuscan Sea. The well-known thermal baths at Saturnia are also a must on any Tuscany itinerary. The region is perhaps most famous for its simple and traditional culinary specialties, always prepared with local, seasonal products. Almost all dishes from this region feature the Maremma extra virgin olive oil. Naturally, any meal in Tuscany is to be enjoyed with a good glass of wine, like a Morellino or the white wine from Pitigliano. Accommodation options include farmhouses, like the seaside Orbetello in Grosseto and villas, like the countryside Fattoria Maremmana.
Tuscany can evoke images of picturesque landscape with vineyards and small villages. Chianti is home to such landscapes. Quaint villages sit atop hills that overlook the rich and fertile farmlands, which produce some of the world's most famous wines. The Chianti region sits between Florence and Siena, and is best explored by car. Seeing Chianti by train or bus is possible but requires patience, as the schedules can often delay plans. Visiting the many vineyards and partaking in some wine tasting could easily take up an entire vacation in itself but Chianti also offers other attractions. Medieval villages, castles and walled towns like Panzano and Greve deliver ample photo opportunities. Accommodation choices include town hotels or bed and breakfasts, or country villas like the Renaissance Villa Il Poggiale with its elegant rooms and large garden surrounded by olive trees.
