Tuscany, Italy: Florence and Its Rural Charms.
Florence left us in awe, and within just three days of exploration, we felt like we had absorbed a wealth of experiences. With no fixed agenda for Florence, we strolled leisurely, meandering along cobblestone streets, savouring each moment. Our first port of call naturally was the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, a grand edifice completed in 1436 that remains a vibrant center of worship today. After capturing countless snapshots, we immersed ourselves in the Renaissance art and sculptures scattered throughout the city, serenaded by the melodies of classic guitarists and opera singers on the bustling sidewalks.
On day one of wallking the streets of Florence, we stumbled across the authentic charm of Osteria Vini E Vecchi Sapori, a local restaurant that not only delighted our palates with outstanding cuisine but also enchanted us with its welcoming staff and cozy ambiance. It was a lunch we will never forget.
Over the following days, we explored the tranquil waters of the Arno River and admired the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge, where one can indulge in luxurious brands if the budget permits. The area provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing the essence of the city and its vibrant buildings.
Crossing the river, we recommend venturing into the labyrinthine side streets before ascending the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking panoramic views of Florence, especially the majestic Cathedral. With an Aperol Spritz in hand, we savored the moment, soaking in the magnificent sights and sounds.
There is much more to share, but the true delight lies in experiencing Florence firsthand.
Where to stay
Valdirose - ‘Your home in Tuscany’
Nestled on the outskirts of the city, we stumbled upon a hidden gem that exceeded all expectations: Valdirose, a charming family-run boutique hotel. From its authentic Tuscan decor to the mouthwatering breakfast spreads, every detail resonated with the essence of Tuscany. It truly felt like a home away from home, thanks to the warm hospitality of Irene and Paolo, our gracious hosts who made us feel like part of their family from the moment we arrived.
Exploring the Tuscan countryside
One day, while traveling by train, we impulsively decided to rent a Fiat 500 for a couple of days and venture into the enchanting Tuscan countryside. With one particular destination on Tim's bucket list, we made a pit stop at Melaleuca bakery & bistro for what turned out to be the best flat white in the city, fueling our anticipation for the adventure ahead.
Florence to the countryside is a very manageable day trip. Given the vast expanse of Tuscany, we knew we couldn't explore it all, but the moments we savoured created memories to last a lifetime. Renting a car and setting our own pace allowed us the freedom to explore and discover the wonders that captivated us along the way.
Car Rental Details:
We rented our car from Sunny Cars in Florence central. This was by far the best rental experience. It was affordable & efficient. We recommend before driving away to do a walk around the vehicle to ensure any imperfections are noted and recorded to avoid any unwanted repair costs.
Tuscan Countryside
We searched for Vineyards near to our location while we were on the road and up popped Fattoria La Vialla… This is a family-run, organic-biodynamic farm and wine estate. Moments after arriving, we joined a farm tour that was free of charge. After this amazing experience we had the most delicious organic lunch under the olive trees. It was an authentic Tuscan experience, we had to pinch ourselves that it was happening. We will definitely be going back.
San Gimignano is an iconic hilltop town in Tuscany, surrounded by 13th century walls and renowned for the worlds best gelato, I mean come on, we had to go and experience it. We recommend parking at P1 Giubileo, an affordable parking lot and short walk to the towns entrance gates. Upon arriving we strolled the main road of San Gimignano, abundant with local curio shops, restaurants and boutique hotels. We settled down at a cosy table at Divinorum Wine Bar, overlooking the surrounding vineyards. We ordered some local cured meats, cheeses and a fresh mozzarella salad. After lunch we continued to explore this magnificent town, ending off with the world famous Gelateria Dondoli. It was that good!
The next day was our Wedding Anniversary, Valdirose put on a magnificent spread for us on their private terrace before we headed to Val d'Orcia and specifically here. This was a bucket list moment and it did not disappoint…
Just like anywhere, the more you drive, the more you discover. Tuscany is a region you can drive for weeks and weeks and keep on discovering. Before we wrap up our post on Tuscany, you may be wondering, did we go to Sienna, the answer is, yes… Whilst we found it very busy and a nightmare to find parking, we did see some beautiful sites and scenes, but we weren’t there for long. It is a university town, so naturally theres a lot going on. Don’t get us wrong, there is a lot of history and amazing things to experience, but if you decide to go, be prepared with patience to deal with lots of people.
Happy exploring and we hope this has inspired you.
