Author Julia
Tuscany is a region, which attracts tourists. As well as other places in Italy, I would call it a region of love and beauty. Today I will tell you about several cities that you definitely need to visit.
San Gimignano
It is a small town on top of the mountain, where 14 stone towers are located. Having reached its peak in the Middle Ages, the city has changed a little since then and has perfectly preserved its medieval appearance.
Before going there, I would recommend you searching for some interesting information about this town, especially why there are so many towers. The town itself is rather small, and if you travel by car, you will have to park it closer to the centre, where you can only get on foot. Winding streets will take you right to the very top, and there you can look at the magnificence of the Tuscan hills, take photos and, if you are lucky enough, take a seat in one of the restaurants overlooking these magnificent views!
In case you cannot find a free place with a beautiful view, best not to worry: there are numerous restaurants situated in the very centre, where incredibly delicious food is served! Here you can try traditional Italian dishes, as well as local Tuscan cuisine.
My favorite dish here is focaccia. Well, how could we do without it! By the way, focaccia is made differently in many regions, and it is amazing that a product based on flour and water can be so varied!!! Personally, I adore focaccia with rosemary, and its taste definitely won’t leave you indifferent.
The choice of wines in restaurants is for every taste! Of course, preference is given to Tuscan wines, and I recommend trying them.
Ask the waiter what wine he would suggest you with a chosen dish, and he will advise the best.
Also, make sure to try the local ice cream. I would say that each Italian region has its own one. Taste it!
Do not be afraid to gain weight in Italy, you will do it anyway, so why to be scared of it? You will lose weight at home. However, during your trip to Italy, enjoy the time you spend here and discover its wonders!
Firenze… Florence…
It is difficult to describe in words the beauty I saw in Florence. I think you just need to see it. My recommendations are the following ones: schedule at least a three-day trip to Florence, but if you have a possibility to stay longer, it will be great. Do not think that you will be able to perceive this city in one day. It is incredible, big, but cozy, with its own special atmosphere that attracts more and more.
I highly recommend paying attention to the architecture of the city: the beauty you will see there is hard to compare with anything. The same as in Venice or Rome, I advise you to take a private guide in Florence. As it is with a professional that you will be able to learn much more than if you just wander the streets, looking left and right, bumping into other tourists and getting irritated. With a professional guide, you will see much more and get information that is not available on the Internet.
Moreover, visit the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge, situated at the narrowest point of the Arno River, almost in front of the Uffizi Gallery. This is the oldest bridge in the city that was built in 1345 and has retained its original appearance to this day. Initially, there were butchers, today there are souvenir sellers and jewelry shops. If you are a jewelry connoisseur, feel free to go there, choose whatever you like, and bargain! It is a place where you can bargain and buy jewelry for less than the price indicated on the display.
Take a walk along the Arno River embankment, where there are all kinds of cafes and restaurants, where couples in love stroll and music plays.
In a cafe, you can take a ristretto and a delicious dessert or enjoy an aperitivo (don’t forget, in Italy it is 5 to 7 p.m.).
Naturally, Florence has brand shops, and if you feel like going shopping, you are in the right city.
One more recommendation about Florence is renting a scooter (if you know how to ride it, of course) and having a ride around the city! I will say right away that it is not that easy, as a huge number of pedestrians cross the roads wherever it is convenient for them, without paying attention to the road rules. Despite that fact, you will definitely enjoy riding along the streets of Florence.
Enjoy Florence; discover the world of art, architecture, beauty, a huge number of art galleries, where you could also go. In addition, of course, museums, fountains, sculptures – all that attracts and cannot leave you indifferent!
Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi means “The Marble Fortress” in Italian. The city got its name from the fortress that dominates the centre of the main square, built in 1788.
Forte dei Marmi is a paradise for those who love beautiful places. Sandy beaches, seaside restaurants with delicious seafood, elite boutiques and boutiques of local producers attract the tourist attention.
It is right here that you can ride a white bike along the white buildings, where elite brand shops are situated, and enjoy the beauty of this walk. I spent one day in Forte dei Marmi with my friend, who discovered this city for me. We had a great time, did some shopping and managed to have breakfast, lunch and dinner in various restaurants of this city. I drank the most delicious cappuccino exactly there. The abundance of Italian sweets (dolce) in the restaurants of Forte dei Marmi is very inspiring!
Plan a walk to this atmospheric seaside town for at least one day and you will discover something special in this amazing place of Tuscany.
Translated from Russian by Anastasia Moskalenko
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Falling in love with Italy: new chapters
Author Julia
Основательница Сoffee Time Journal
