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    Home » Travels » A Guide to Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany

    A Guide to Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany

    Published: Aug 13, 2016 · Modified: Aug 25, 2019 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 8 Comments

    Traveling in the heart of Tuscany title

    Have you ever dreamed of traveling in the heart of Tuscany?

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Make it a reality! Traveling in Tuscany is on many peoples' bucket list, and for good reason!

    Rolling vibrant hills dotted with stone farmhouses, cypress-lined driveways, tiny towns perched on the peak of steep hills, cobblestone streets, and outdoor cafés: this is Tuscany.  In real life, it's every bit as stunning and romantic as popular novels describe.

    If you're planning a trip to Italy, the Big Three: Rome, Florence and Venice are probably on your must-see list. But once you're finished with the crowds, the cathedrals and the craziness of those busy cities, the Tuscan countryside is a perfect place to head.

    Here, traveling in the heart of Tuscany, you'll find parts of the storybook Italy you've dreamed of:  world-class wines, rustic wholesome food, and warm, welcoming accommodation in sunny agritourismos.

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany |www.flavourandsavour.com

    One of our favourite routes while traveling in Tuscany is one we've driven twice. Just south of Siena is the real heart of Tuscany. This picturesque driving route makes a circle and touches on Pienza, Monticchiello, and Montepulciano, takes you through the Val d'Orcia, on to Bagno Vignoni and back to the junction at San Quiricio d'Orcia.

    From here, it's a short side trip to Montalcino (wine country and home of the famous Brunello di Montalcino:  some of Italy's most expensive wines). We followed Rick Steve's Heart of Tuscany Driving Tour of this region, outlined in his Italy travel guide and found it really useful.

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany |www.flavourandsavour.com

    I've included just a few of the hundreds of photos I took in this spectacular area of the Italian countryside, simply to whet your appetite.

    First stop: Pienza. Savour the views of the Tuscan countryside from the terrace and tour the main sights. Don't leave without trying some of the local pecorino cheese made from sheep's milk. Take time to simply sit and enjoy the views.
    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Tuscany is a photographer's paradise!
    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany . Street scene in hill town of Tuscany. |www.flavourandsavour.com

    The colours in this wine region of Italy are stunning.

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany. Street-side purple flowers. |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany Pienza view

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Head south to Monticchiello, a village which seemed less touristy to us, then north-west to Montepulciano. Take time to explore each of these hill towns. Sip, savour, slow down and experience la dolce vita.

    Traveling in Tuscany. Montepulciano

    Tuscany is not an area you want to rush through. Enjoy the mix of old and new.

    Traveling in Tuscany. Montepulciano portico

    Traveling in Tuscany. Church of San Francesco in Montepulciano

    Savour the flavours of fresh produce, crusty bread, and sun-ripened tomatoes.

    outdoor cafe in Pienza, Italy

    Traveling in Tuscany. Outdoor cafe

    Driving in this region of Italy can be much more relaxing than it is in the narrow streets of small towns. Pull over to the side of the road, take some photos, and drink in these vineyard views! If you're planning a driving holiday in Italy, see 10 Tips for Driving in Italy to make your trip easier and more enjoyable!

    Traveling in Tuscany

    Traveling in Tuscany. View of cypress tree-lined driveway

    Take a side trip to one of the many hot springs in this area. Bagno Vignoni is an odd little spa town, but it was fun to stick my tired, aching feet in the warm water.

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany. Bagno Vignoni

    And if you can't be traveling in Tuscany now, you can still enjoy the flavours of that region! Host your own gathering, create a platter of antipasto items and enjoy the tastes of Tuscany.

    How to Make An Antipasto Platter : 6 Tips

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany. How to Make an Antipasto Platter. 5 Tips to make a fabulous antipasto platter that everyone will love. |www.flavourandsavour.com

    Prosciutto with Melon and Mint

    Proscuitto with Melon and Mint by Flavour and Savour

    Hearty Tuscan Salad with Creamy Gorgonzola Dressing

    Hearty Tuscan Salad with Creamy Gorgonzola Dressing

    Traveling in the Heart of Tuscany, one for your bucket list!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gary Francis

      March 19, 2019 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks for this. We're heading there in a few weeks. Your pictures are lovely.

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        March 19, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        Thanks so much, Gary. It's hard to take a bad photo in Tuscany. The sites are absolutely stunning! Enjoy your trip.

        Reply
    2. Rita

      September 10, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Elaine, You described Italy beautifully and loved the photos. We did the same trip , Rome, Venice and Florence. Than relaxing in the countryside of Tuscany. Loved reading your blog which brought back wonderful memories. Now I'll have to create that antipasto platter.

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        September 10, 2016 at 7:48 pm

        Thanks, Rita! It's such a wonderful country to visit. There is so much to see, and do, and eat! Lots of happy travel memories.

        Reply
    3. Kari Peters

      August 18, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      I've always wanted to go to Italy, and I'm so happy to hear that Tuscany is just as storybook like as it seems!

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        August 19, 2016 at 3:46 pm

        I hope you get a chance to go one day, Kari!

        Reply
    4. Elaine

      August 15, 2016 at 6:06 am

      That is quite possibly the most beautiful photo of antipasti I've ever seen! All of your photos are wonderful! I was instantly transported to Italy. Thanks for the mini-vacation.

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        August 15, 2016 at 11:19 am

        Thanks Elaine! That's too kind! It seems we share more than our name--I love reading travel posts too! Thanks for stopping by.

        Reply

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