Tuscany is a wonderful region, full of natural attractions and events not to be missed, in every season, for all types of tourism: cultural, food and wine, simple relaxation, sports, ecological. If you have decided to base yourself in Florence and then plan your day-to-day activities, you just have to choose. Naturally, the Tuscan capital offers various possibilities with its historical monuments, religious and civil architecture, museums, the leather market, Ponte Vecchio, the rose garden, the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the splendid squares set in the alleys. of the historic center, the undergrounds of the “La Pergola” theater that tell stories and anecdotes from every hole in the walls. Without neglecting the gastronomy and wines, offered by the brilliant and goliardic character of the Florentines.

Around the capital: the villages

As for the surroundings, and the vicinity of Florence, there is only the embarrassment of choice, as they say in these cases. There are dozens of medieval villages to visit, among the closest:

• Volterra,

• Anghiari,

• Win,

• Saint Gimignano,

• Certaldo,

• Scarperia,

• San Piero,

• San Casciano in Val di Pesa.

In San Gimignano, beyond the Duomo with Ghirlandaio’s frescoes, the historic center finds its fulcrum in Piazza della Cisterna, in the shape of a triangle bordered by medieval buildings: a jewel.

Certaldo is the birthplace and death of Boccaccio, and is full of historic buildings and monuments to visit.

Scarperia and San Piero, famous for the manufacture of knives, and for the beautiful Palazzo dei Vicari.

Volterra and its 3rd century Roman theater is a town that houses a rich collection of Etruscan artifacts. Furthermore, you can admire the Palazzo dei Priori with the beautiful medieval frescoes and, climbing the bell tower, the view will be wonderful and boundless. The Cathedral is also not to be missed, with its marble portal and gilded coffered ceiling.

Chianti and food and wine tours

If your choice falls on food and wine, then a nice tour in Chianti is for you: we are talking about one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in all of Tuscany, full of characteristic villages, such as Greve in Chianti.

The area offers the opportunity for a tour of the cellars and the countryside, along the “Chianti wine road“, picturesque and full of typical curves of the area: the wine tasting will be superb. This is one of those excursions that lend themselves well, also to be done with an expert guide, who organizes and chooses the places and wineries to visit, leaving you the task of enjoying the products and the fairytale landscape: and for those looking for adventure and sport, there are also alternative tours on horseback.

Nature near Florence

Those who love relaxation and greenery will not be disappointed by the opportunities that characterize the vicinity of Florence, and Tuscany in general.

A good dose of “environment” to eliminate toxins is what it takes.

Recharge your batteries by immersing yourself in the green, Florence holds infinite beauty secrets: paths and trails that surround the city like a treasure map.

From the banks of the Arno, to Bellosguardo, Castello, Galluzzo, Mensola and closer behind Piazzale Michelangelo: green itineraries of scenic and environmental interest to discover a different Florence.