Holidays

[majestic]

Anyone been round Tuscany on thier travels?

Yes, I went in 2018 (I Think) and it was amazing. It was just me and my now wife so no kids, and I think the type of holiday we done kids would find it pretty boring, so take that into consideration.

Flew into Pisa, hired a car and travelled down to a town called Castiglione della Pescaia, we loved it here. It is a lovely seaside town, not touristy at all, but clearly a place favoured among Italians for a weekend trip or staycation.

From there we headed inland to Pienza (small walled town, with stunning surroundings and scenery) and Montepulciano for a vineyard visit.

We then headed north to San Gimignano, stayed in a local Agriturismo, which was a nice experience, they produced their own olive oil and wine.

The food on the trip was stunning throughout, as was the scenery and the locals all very friendly (we found that if you make a small effort to speak Italian they warm very quickly to you).

Driving was abit nuts however, luckily we avoided any accidents, but the locals are very fast, and lack lane discipline even on blind corners.

Also done a night in Pisa, which has nothing in it bar the tower, have to get the picture, but I'd avoid staying any longer than the time it takes to visit it.

We stayed clear of the bigger cities, but thats just our preference.

Overall we loved it.

[Tony Baloney]

Anyone been round Tuscany on thier travels?

Yes, I went in 2018 (I Think) and it was amazing. It was just me and my now wife so no kids, and I think the type of holiday we done kids would find it pretty boring, so take that into consideration.

Flew into Pisa, hired a car and travelled down to a town called Castiglione della Pescaia, we loved it here. It is a lovely seaside town, not touristy at all, but clearly a place favoured among Italians for a weekend trip or staycation.

From there we headed inland to Pienza (small walled town, with stunning surroundings and scenery) and Montepulciano for a vineyard visit.

We then headed north to San Gimignano, stayed in a local Agriturismo, which was a nice experience, they produced their own olive oil and wine.

The food on the trip was stunning throughout, as was the scenery and the locals all very friendly (we found that if you make a small effort to speak Italian they warm very quickly to you).

Driving was abit nuts however, luckily we avoided any accidents, but the locals are very fast, and lack lane discipline even on blind corners.

Also done a night in Pisa, which has nothing in it bar the tower, have to get the picture, but I'd avoid staying any longer than the time it takes to visit it.

We stayed clear of the bigger cities, but thats just our preference.

Overall we loved it.

What time of year was that as Ive read it's not pleasant in summer

[armaghniac]

Anyone been round Tuscany on thier travels?

Yes, I went in 2018 (I Think) and it was amazing. It was just me and my now wife so no kids, and I think the type of holiday we done kids would find it pretty boring, so take that into consideration.

Flew into Pisa, hired a car and travelled down to a town called Castiglione della Pescaia, we loved it here. It is a lovely seaside town, not touristy at all, but clearly a place favoured among Italians for a weekend trip or staycation.

From there we headed inland to Pienza (small walled town, with stunning surroundings and scenery) and Montepulciano for a vineyard visit.

We then headed north to San Gimignano, stayed in a local Agriturismo, which was a nice experience, they produced their own olive oil and wine.

The food on the trip was stunning throughout, as was the scenery and the locals all very friendly (we found that if you make a small effort to speak Italian they warm very quickly to you).

Driving was abit nuts however, luckily we avoided any accidents, but the locals are very fast, and lack lane discipline even on blind corners.

Also done a night in Pisa, which has nothing in it bar the tower, have to get the picture, but I'd avoid staying any longer than the time it takes to visit it.

We stayed clear of the bigger cities, but thats just our preference.

Overall we loved it.

There is a reason that the great and good go to Tuscany on their holidays, it is hard to go wrong.
Florence is a bit crowded, but with good reason. North of Florence is Prato, Pistoia and Lucca, if you are on public transport stay in one and visit the other each for a day.
Siena is smaller than Florence and is excellent for a few days.
In addition to the places mentioned about, Montalcino is nice to visit for glass of the local vino.

Driving isn't so bad, you can drive between smaller places and it is like being in Donegal, bendy roads, maybe a boy racer. Parking requires parking on the outskirts and walking in, there are often restrictions closer to town, Siena has carparks at the bottom of the hill and long escalators up to the town. Volterra is a good spot too, with fewer tourists.

If you can get there this time of year or Sept/Oct the weather is more pleasant and it is less crowded.