Tuscany, Umbria and Chianti Regions of Italy
For Hotel recommendations and reviews: See this European Hotel Review Article...
Table of Contents: Tuscany, Italy
- Map of Tuscany, Italy
- Getting to Tuscany: Pisa
- European Highlights
- Duomo, Pisa, Italy
- Guidebooks for Tuscany
- More About The Region
- Tuscany on Wikipedia
- San Gimignano
- Photo Gallery
- Related Articles
- "The Manhattan of Italy"
- Getting Around
- Fiat 500 - Old and modern Classic Cars
- Italian Classic Cars
- Fiat 500 - Classic Italian Car
- Weather and Climate in Tuscany Italy
- Montepulciano
- Featured Lensmaster
- Italy
- Montepuluciano Travel Article
- Montepulciano
- Italian Wine
- Travel Articles
- Cortona
- Travel Articles
- View from Cortona
- Cortona Article
- Tuscan Food
- Italian Food
- The Chianti Road (Wine Region of Italy)
- Travel Photography
- Chianti Vineyards
- Tuscan Photographs
- Volterra
- Roman Ruins at Volterra, Tuscany
- Lucca
- Lucca Duomo
- Photography
- All About Me
- Please Leave Some Feedback
- Please Twitter Follow AndyPo
- My Zazzle Gallery
- Well Fed Italian Pidgeon
Getting to Tuscany
Getting to Tuscany: Pisa
A good place to start your tour
Many visitors to Tuscany from the UK or elsewhere in Europe fly into Florence or Pisa, but coming from the U.S. Or Canada involves flying to Milan or Rome first then getting a connecting flight or train to Florence.
Pisa, Siena or Florence all make a good starting point or base for a trip to Tuscany. There isn't a great deal to see in Pisa, except for the iconic leaning tower and beautiful Duomo. Florence however has enough art, architecture, excellent food and culture to keep you busy for days.
A good place to stay in Pisa is The Royal Victoria Hotel: old hotel with views of the river and antique furniture. An ancient tower. Good location a short walk from the main square in the historic centre. Pleasant small 4th floor roof terrace. No bar but drinks can be ordered at reception and served in the room, 'hall' or roof terrace
European Highlights
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European Travel Highlights
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A quick photographic tour of Europe to some of my favourite bits and links to a few more of my more detailed european travel articles, including: Tuscany in Italy Loire Valley and Brittany, France Gibraltar, U.K. (Near Spain) Richmond, London, Engla...
Duomo, Pisa, Italy
Guidebooks for Tuscany
Walking and Eating in Tuscany and Umbria: Revised Edition
Amazon Price: $13.60 (as of 11/27/2009) 
Italian Country Hideaways: Vacationing in Tuscany and Umbria's Most Unforgettable Private Villas, Castles, and Estates
Amazon Price: $25.60 (as of 11/27/2009)
Tuscany: Photographic Guide-Book (Guidebook)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
Regions of Italy: Tuscany (Guide-Book with Map of the Region)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/27/2009)
More About The Region
Tuscany on Wikipedia
Tuscany (, ) is a region in Central Italy. It has an area of and a population of about 3.6 million inhabitants. The regional capital is Florence.
Tuscany is known for its landscapes and its artistic legacy. Six Tuscan localities have been UNESCO protected sites: the historical center of Florence (1982), the historical center of Siena (1995), the square of the Cathedral of Pisa (1987), the historical center of San Gimignano (1990), the historical center of Pienza (1996) and the Val d'Orcia (2004).
San Gimignano
Places to Stay in San Gimignano: Hotel l'Antico Pozzo, Via San Matteo 87, San Gimignano: a 15th C palazzo once visited by Dante, with antique furniture Euro 110 to Euro 135 for doubles
Places to eat in San Gimignano: Dorado "the city's top restaurant": Euro 75 for starter and main course and a bottle of wine.
Related Articles
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San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
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San Gimignano is one of the many small walled medieval hill towns in Tuscany, northern Italy, not far from Sienna and Pisa. It is often referred to as "The Manhattan of Italy" because of the many towers, although these date from medieval times and ar...
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European Hotel Reviews
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Here is a selection of otel reviews and recommendations from my many travels (both business and pleasure) around Europe: UK, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Italy, Sweden, Estonia, Poland and Russia and many other countries. In England, a beautiful old...
"The Manhattan of Italy"
Getting Around
Getting Around
Driving in Italy
It is possible to explore Tuscany and Umbria by train and bus and I have sucessfully travelled all over Italy by train in the past, as a student. Most trains go in and out of Florence, so you may get bored of Florence station after a few visits. A car is probably the best way to get around as distances are small and scenery very enjoyable to drive through.
Driving in Italy is relatively easy on the main Autostrade roads, although is more difficult on the small road. A small car is a good idea for some of the medieval towns. Driving in cities is more difficult. I rented a Fiat 500 - a modern version of the classic 1960s Italian Car
Fiat 500 - Old and modern Classic Cars
Fiat 500 L Cream 1:24 Diecast Model Car
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 11/27/2009)
Fiat 500 Nuova Red Diecast Car Model 1/24 Bburago
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Fiat 500, 600 1955 TO 1992: The Essential Buyer's Guide
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1968 Fiat 500 L 1/24 Red
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(2) Mirror Decals " OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE LOSING" for FIAT 850 124 SPIDER SPYDER 500 L 2000 600 600L DINO BIANCHINA COUPE TURBO 1200 1500
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 11/27/2009)
Italian Classic Cars
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Ferrari 308 - Affordable classic (Magnum's car)
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The Ferrari 308 is an affordable Classic car; inexpensive to run and purchase, but with looks that still turn heads. And of course you will look like Magnum star, Tom Selleck! The Ferrari 308 and the almost identical 328 that followed were mid-engi...
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The Best Classic Cars and Future Classics
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What is the best classic car? Which ones can really be used and which one can you just look at? How difficult and expensive are they to own and run? Which cars are reliable and economical and how much do the parts cost to replace? How frequent and...
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Alfa Romeo Spider (The Star of The Graduate Film)
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The Alfa Romeo Spider was the beautiful star of the 1967 film, The Graduate, (also staring Dustin Hofman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross...) It was designed and manufactured by Pininfarina in Grugliasco Italy from 1966 to 1993 and its longevity was d...
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Fiat 500 - Classic Italian Car
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The Fiat 500 is a new retro-styled car based on the style of old classic 1960s car of the same name. This article is about the new Fiat 500 a modern interpretation of the classic Fiat 500 of the 1960s and a look at the original car, many of which st...
Fiat 500 - Classic Italian Car
Weather and Climate in Tuscany Italy
What's the weather like at the moment in Italy?
Current weather conditions in Pisa, Italy
Local Pollen Reports
11°C (Feels like 11°C)
Last update: 11/28/09 4:15 AM Local Time
Humidity: 94%Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 10°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1012.9mm rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 10km/h From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Low
Low: 11°C
Sunrise: 7:28 AM
Sunset: 4:44 PM
Saturday
Nov 28
N/A
High: 16°C
Low: 9°C
Sunrise: 7:29 AM
Sunset: 4:44 PM
Sunday
Nov 29
AM Showers
High: 16°C
Low: 9°C
Sunrise: 7:30 AM
Sunset: 4:43 PM
Monday
Nov 30
Showers
High: 15°C
Low: 9°C
Sunrise: 7:31 AM
Sunset: 4:43 PM
Montepulciano
Montepulciano
The medieval hamlet Montepulciano is the highest hill town in Tuscany at nearly 2000 ft and has excellent views of the local vineyards. Famous for the excellent red wine of the same name. There are many places offering 'free' wine tasting
Places to Stay in Montepulciano: Mueble I'll Riccio Euro 116 a palace built in 1280 with a roof terrace overlooking Valdichiana Valley. Small to medium sized double rooms. Nicely decorated and wonderful lounge/breakfast room with high ceilings downstairs.
Italy
Montepuluciano Travel Article
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Montepulciano,Tuscany, Italy
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The medieval hamlet Montepulciano is the highest hill town in Tuscany at nearly 2000 ft and has excellent views of the local vineyards. Famous for the excellent red wine of the same name (Vino Nobile Montepulciano). There are many places offering ...
Montepulciano
Italian Wine
Italian Wine for Dummies
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 11/27/2009)
Matt Kramer's Making Sense Of Italian Wine
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 11/27/2009)
Food & Wine Quick From Scratch Italian Cookbook
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/27/2009)
Travel Articles
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European Photo Gallery
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A collection of travel and wildlife photography from all over Europe. Europe has a very diverse variety of architecture and scenery and a long and fascinating history. Here is a selection of some of my photographs from my travel, in the form of pro...
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Worldwide Travel Photography
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This article is about travel-photography all over the world including Brazil, China, Peru, USA, Canada, UK, Morocco, Mexico, Egypt, India, Thailand. I have published several travel photography articles, which I have listed below with some of the ph...
Cortona
Cortona
A nice easy drive from Montepuluciano to Cortona via Castiglione del Lago in Umbria (not much to see there apart from the castel on the hill and the lake Lago Trasimeno, but Cortona is another beautiful historic hill-town.
There is free parking on the way up the hill so it is easiest to dump the car and walk to the entrance of the walled town. Hotel San Luca just outside the town-wall, overlooking the lake in Umbria.
Travel Articles
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European Travel Highlights
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A quick photographic tour of Europe to some of my favourite bits and links to a few more of my more detailed european travel articles, including: Tuscany in Italy Loire Valley and Brittany, France Gibraltar, U.K. (Near Spain) Richmond, London, Engla...
View from Cortona
Cortona Article
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Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
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Cortona is a beautiful medieval hill town in Tuscany withgood views of the the surrounding vineyards and across to the neighbouring italian region of Umbria and the lake, Castiglione del Lago. Cortona is an short drive from Montepuluciano
Tuscan Food
Italian Food
Why Italians Love to Talk About Food
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 11/27/2009)
Food & Wine Quick From Scratch Italian Cookbook
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/27/2009)
Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food
Amazon Price: $18.98 (as of 11/27/2009)
The Oxford Companion to Italian Food (Oxford Companions)
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 11/27/2009)
Tuscan Food
The Chianti Road (Wine Region of Italy)
Chianti Wine Region
The "Chianti Road" to Greve In Chianti via Radda In Chianti is an excellent route to take through the Chianti vineyards of this famous wine region. Greve In Chianti is the biggest town en route, but staying at a vineyard could be a more pleasant experience.
e.g. Hotel and restaurant Fattoria di Montagliari where you can drink their wine (Fattoria di Montagliari Chianti Classico bottled in Italy by David Migliorini, Panzana www.montagliari.it)
Travel Photography
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Worldwide Travel Photography
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This article is about travel-photography all over the world including Brazil, China, Peru, USA, Canada, UK, Morocco, Mexico, Egypt, India, Thailand. I have published several travel photography articles, which I have listed below with some of the ph...
Chianti Vineyards
Volterra
I drove to Volterra via the rest of the Chianti Road and Strada in Chianti. Easy drive with beautiful scenery and parked in underground carpark just outside Centre Storica. Checked into hotel right next to carpark: Albergo Nazionale, for convenience.
Places to Stay in Volterra: Albergo Nazionale. Basic room, but with a balcony overlooking an excellent view down the hillside. No mini bar, fridge, or icemaking facilities, unpleasant staff and awful breakfast, but very close to lots of good bars, cafes and restaurants.
Places to Eat in Volterra: Web and Wine Cafe for lunch. Excellent pizza and wine at this internet cafe (although it doesn't feel like an internet cafe)
Volterra has Roman ruins inside the city walls and the usual piazza Duomo etc. Surprisingly large amount of traffic negotiating the narrow streets.
Roman Ruins at Volterra, Tuscany
Lucca
Lucca is bigger than many of the other hill-top Tuscan towns and is the best place to go shopping, but still has the charm and history and big tree lines town walls and the famous tower with trees growing out of the top.
Places to stay in Lucca: Hotel: Alla Dimora Lucense, Via Fontana, 19 (0583 495722) guest house associated with La Luna Hotel (which was full) very comfortable room. Good decoration and bathroom.
Lucca Duomo
Photography
All of the photographs featured here were taken with a Canon Powershot G10 compact digital camera-
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European Photo Gallery
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A collection of travel and wildlife photography from all over Europe. Europe has a very diverse variety of architecture and scenery and a long and fascinating history. Here is a selection of some of my photographs from my travel, in the form of pro...
All About Me
Lensmaster AndyPo has been a member since July 7 2008, has rated 1,919 lenses, favorited 1,841, and has created 200 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Do You Really Need a New Phone: Palm Treo vs Palm Pre,Pro/apple iPhone". See all my lenses
My Bio
Hi, I am Andy. I live in the U.K. but have worked and travelled all over the world. I am a semi-professional wildlife and travel photographer (i.e. I sold a couple of photos once), semi-retired consultant physicist (i.e. unemployed bofin) with a keen interest in finance (i.e. get rich quick..ly):
My Home Page, More About Me!, My Blog and My other publications
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Volterra in Italy
Etosha National Park
Turtle Island, Borneo
Chianti Road, Tuscany, Italy
Chobe National Park, Africa
Danum Valley, Jungles in Malaysia
Lens Of The Day (Twice) and a purple star: "Rain Forests of Borneo" - 20th AND 30th November 2008
Please also check out my Zazzle Gallery
And a few other publications:
Safari in Botswana
Understanding ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds)
Rio de Janeiro: A Travel Diary
Waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina
Bangkok, Thailand (during a military coup)
Tiger Safari in India
Marrakech, Morocco
Vacation in Cuba
African Safari: Namibia
Classic Car Review: Ferrari 308 GTS
Car Review: Jaguar XJ12, Daimler Double Six
Car Review: Jaguar XKR
Investing in National Savings Premium Bonds
How to Reduce Risk of Your Investment Portfolio
Investing in Corporate Bonds
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Please Leave Some Feedback
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- kimmanleyort kimmanleyort Nov 18, 2009 @ 9:11 am
- Wonderful photography! I think I took a photo of the same boar.
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- EverythingMouse EverythingMouse Nov 13, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
- This region is definitely on my list of places to see - maybe next year.......
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- Michey Michey Oct 6, 2009 @ 10:17 am
- I love Italy, I was born not far away. Tuscany is a region to fall in love with it! the food and wine are exceptionally good.
Thanks
Michey
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- poddys poddys Aug 17, 2009 @ 5:52 am
- Faqntastic lens Andy. Some of your best photos yet. 5***** I would love to go to Italy, never had the chance - yet...
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- Taddeo Taddeo Jun 30, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
- Awesome! You have a great lens. Lots of nice pictures of Italy, I hope to go someday!
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- Shelly Shelly Jun 29, 2009 @ 11:37 pm
- Another visit to this beautiful lens, what a treat! I wonder if the Tuscan's have an unusual fasination with wild boars--they do make an unusual table base. The head on the wall is nice if one has limited space.
Thanks for acting as my tour guide!
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- Tipi Tipi Jun 29, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
- Absolutely breathe taking country sides to gaze upon for hours days at a time. I would have to say that this too is a part of God's Country! I'm glad to see this in local, makes more sense because you will most often have higher ratings...shhhh! There will be a lot of local lens coming out this week because that's the assignment for Giant Squid Summer School and to do a review of a place etc. Should be interesting. Keywords and tags are very important to work on for traffic, details. This is a great lens! :)
You are a blessing! (hello to the better half)
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Jun 18, 2009 @ 10:54 am
- This lens is featured on A Day of 100 Squid Angel Blessings.
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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Jun 16, 2009 @ 11:27 am
- Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my lens
Lizzy
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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Jun 15, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
- We have been to Italy several times, but spend most of our time in Southern Italy. There is so much more to explore. We need to go back...again
Thanks for sharing
Lizzy
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