Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 09:23 pm
The Italian region of Tuscany is famous the world over for itsfood and wines, art, culture, history, and stunning landscapes. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Tuscany, you’ll want to pack in as much as you can. We’ve compiled three must-do activities that you can squeeze in during your weekend break.
Before you head off though, it’s wise that you take care of travel insurance. In the current climate with the risk of covid still looming, holiday cover is more important than ever. Well-known providers like Staysure will also offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions which will help out if any potential medical expenses come up due to an illness.
So, what are the three activities you have to try while in Tuscany?
1.Taste the wine and food
You can’t go to Tuscany and not savour the wine and the food.The region is world-famous for its vineyards and olive groves, so much so that many visitors go to Tuscany purely for this reason.
There is an abundance of wine tasting and vineyard tours around Tuscany, but if you had to choose one, we’d suggest the Chianti region. This area in southern Tuscany is renowned for its prestigious wines, so it’s something that you should definitely experience while you’re in the vicinity. Spending a day in this picturesque region, with its rolling hills and stunning landscapes, is an opportunity not to be missed.
As well as fine wines, Tuscany is well known for its delicious food. While you’re there, why not go on a food tour? The region is rich in farmland and olive groves and offers numerous food-related tours. You can savour the tasty cheeses, olives, meats, and more, all while learning about the region and its culinary delights. There are also lots of cookery classes available to visitors, from pasta-making sessions to learning to prepare and cook a traditional Italian meal.
Check out my Italy travel tips for for more information on exploring Italy alone or as a family
2.Explore history in Pisa
The city of Pisa is best known for its famous Leaning Tower, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is an absolute must-see for visitors to Tuscany. The tower, located in the pretty Piazza dei Miracoli, is constructed of 207 columns and tilts at an angle of over three degrees. If you’re feeling particularly brave, why not climb the 250 steps to the top? It might sound daunting, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the area.
However, there is much more to see in the city of Pisa than its famous tower. Pisa is renowned for its stunning architecture, history, and culture. It’s also the location of one of the oldest universities in all of Europe, the 14th century University of Pisa. The Museo delle Sinopie, Museo di San Matteo, and Museo dell’Opera are also all worth a visit and will give you a rich and interesting insight into the city’s cultural and artistic past.
3.View the art of Florence
Known as the capital of Tuscany, Florence is the home of Renaissance art and is a definite must-see if you’re in the region. Florence has inspired artists and writers for centuries and its easy to see why. With its stunning Greek, Roman, and Renaissance architecture, stepping into the city is like stepping into the past. There are beautiful churches and monuments galore, the most well-known perhaps being the Santa Maria del Fiore. This domed cathedral was built in 1296 and is a perfect example of the Gothic style.
Among Florence’s most iconic pieces of art is Michelangelo’s David, a Renaissance marble statue sculpted between 1501 and 1504. Standing at over 5 metres tall, Michelangelo’s masterpiece is in the Galleria dell’Academia, although a replica can be seen outside the Palazzo Vecchio. Another famous Renaissance masterpiece in Florence is Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, which you can find in the Uffizi Gallery.
Conclusion
Tuscany has lots to offer, but if you’re only there for the weekend, then these are three activities that you can’t miss out on.
