Tuscany Italy travel guide

Basic information

The region Tuscany (Toscana) is located between northern and central italy at the Ligurian Sea. The region has an area of 23000 km² and approximately 3.6 million inhabitants. The Tuscany (Toscana) consists of 12 provinces, the capital Florence (Firenze), Livorno, Grosseto, Pisa, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pistoia, Siena, Arezzo and Prato. To this region, rather to the province Livorno belongs also the island of Elba.

Geographically you'll find in the Tuscany (Toscana) mountanious regions as well as a vast coastline in the western part. The region borders in the north to Liguria and Emilia-Romagna. On the east to the Marche and Umbria and in the south to Lazio or Latium.

One of the most beautiful countrysides in this region is the Val d'Orcia which is included in the List of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2004.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The region Tuscany (Toscana) has numerous attractions which were included in the List of UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity. Under conservation of ancient monuments are the Old Town of Florence (Firenze), the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Campo Santo, the Baptistery of Pisa, the Val d'Orcia, San Gimignano and Pienza in the province of Siena.

Wine Growers

In the so-called Chianti Valley in the Tuscany (Toscana) are numerous places such as Montepulciano, which deals with the production of superb wine from the Sangiovese grapes. Among the most renowned wine producers in the Tuscany (Toscana) belongs the town of Montalcino, in which is produced the wine Brunello di Montacino.

The various Chianti wines are divided into the following sub-zones: Chianti Classico, Colli Fiorentini, Colli Senesi and Chianti Rufina.

Coasts and Islands

Along the Tuscan coast from Pisa to Grosseto, there are many beautiful beaches to spend your vacation or holiday at the beach. If the long sandy beaches aren't enough you can ferry across from the peninsula Monte Argentario, Livorno and Piombino on the Tuscan Archipelago.

Tuscan Archipelago

The island Elba lies about 10 km from the Italian mainland away and belongs to the Tuscan Archipelago which consists of seven islands.

To the Archipelago belong Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Giannutri, Gorgona, Pianosa and the famous island of Montecristo.
The Tuscan Archipelago is escpecially popular among tourists and is ideal for a relaxing holiday with penty of nature and tranquility.

Sightseeing

Besides the numerous attractions in each provincial capital in the region Tuscany - Toscana, there are also various events that you should not miss such as the Palia di Siena, one of the thoughest horse race in the world or the prison restaurant from Volterra on which the media has reported recently repeatedly.