Tuscany is probably the most famous region of Italy. Even so, there are things left to be discovered...from the sea to the mountains, to the manicured rows of grapevines and olive trees to the wilds of the Garfagnana. From Renaissance Florence to Gothic Siena, Tuscany, has something for everyone. It is our pleasure to familiarize you with the possibilities. Why follow a tourist guidebook, when you can experience the authentic life of the small towns and enjoy the best of what Italy has to offer.

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Eat...

Enjoy a cone (Florence). Italy's best gelato can be found in Florence, where there are many places to enjoy this inexpensive delicacy. Among the favorites are Vivoli's and Gelateria Carrozze.

Gran Caffe San Marco (Florence). Conveniently located near the Accademia and Museum of San Marco, Gran Caffe offers a good range of standard fare for a fair price.

La Buca (Pisa). This pizzeria/trattoria, located near the Leaning Tower, is a locals' favorite.

Play...

Palio delle Contrade (Siena). This exciting bareback horse race dates back to the Middle Ages, if not further. Riders representing the town's 17 neighborhoods dart around a dirt-filled Piazza del Campo. A colorful parade accompanies the race.

People watch (Florence). Depending on your idea of entertainment, you may enjoy finding a pretty place to park and watch the rest of the world (or at least the tourists) go by. In Italy, some would call this 'la dolce far niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing).

Explore...

Take a Renaissance walking tour (Florence). Tour the home of the Renaissance, from the Accademia (home of Michelangelo's David) to the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio to the Uffizi Gallery (paintings by Leonardo and Botticelli). With so many sights to see, you'll need more than a day.

Piazza San Martino (Lucca). The 12th century church of Santi Giovani e Reparata is a sight unto itself, but the reason for its popularity lies beneath where you can explore, literally, layers and layers of history.

Duomo (Siena). Exhibiting Romanesque and Gothic styles and beautiful contrasting marble, many consider this 13th century cathedral a must-see.

Shop...

Via de' Tournabuoni (Florence). One of several areas where upscale Italian fashions can be found, including fine Italian leather at a higher quality (and often lower price) than you would ordinarily find in the states.

Shop the estates (The Chianti). Various estates and village shops offer a wide variety of locally produced goods, including wine, cured meats, cheese, olive oil and vinegars. Just keep in mind that the U.S. has restrictions on certain edible goods.

Mercato Nuovo.(Florence) A covered market three blocks from Ponte Vecchio full of charm.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.