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3 Great Italian Renaissance Artists

Posted in Uncategorized | April 14th, 2011

3 great italian renaissance artists

Great Vacation Ideas in Tuscany Italy

Beautiful Tuscany holds great vacation ideas for every traveler whether you are looking for a family adventure, an historical exploration, or a romantic retreat.

From majestic mountains to medieval cities, from regal palaces to exceptional museums or galleries, from picturesque islands to unspoiled forests, Tuscany offers everything needed for an unforgettable vacation. Nostalgia, culture, unparalleled cuisine – sample everything this region has to offer and learn why it has become one of Italy’s most popular vacation destinations.

Tuscany For Families. Tuscany is very family-friendly, offering many sights and activities that will occupy active children and interest everyone in your group. Stay in a farmhouse, which is much like a condo in a rural setting. These beautiful ‘homes away from home’ provide all the necessities needed plus several luxuries including swimming pools, restaurants, tennis courts, horseback riding, and breathtaking scenic trails. The accommodations allow you to keep a relaxing schedule – watching your children play while you admire the beauty of an early morning sunrise from the comfort of your very own terrace.

Rent a boat and spend a morning sailing, snorkeling, or diving, followed by an afternoon on one of the pristine beaches. Book a cooking class and have an expert chef teach the entire family how to create authentic Italian pizza.

Help your children connect with the history of this region by visiting some of the many interesting museums. Palazzo Vecchio, Museo di Storia della Scienza, and Museo Stibbert are designed with children in mind, having special sections for kids that include several hands on activities.

Children will love exploring the wide open spaces and hedge mazes of the Boboli Gardens. Located behind the Pitti Palace, these famous gardens include statues, grottos, an ampitheater, and artistic landscaping.

Spend a day investigating Etruscan caves, climbing through Etruscan tombs, or traveling sunken walkways and paths. And if you have time, you can revisit childhood days with a trip to Pinocchio Park.

Tuscany for History and Art Lovers. With its artistic culture and fascinating history, Tuscany is the perfect location for those who appreciate the beauty and mystery of yesteryear. The countryside is dotted with numerous castles, abbeys, ancient ruins, and intriguing museums. Visit Paganico, an ancient town complete with city walls, towers, and the castles Monte Antico and Casenovole. Travel by foot, bike, or horseback from Sassofortino through a wooded area to discover a secluded castle, or make a point of stopping at the legendary castle of Grotti. Explore the spectacular cathedrals and tour the medieval walled towns of Siena, San Gimgnano, and Pienza.

For the history lover, other must-see sights are the ancient ruins of Vulci or Cosa and the Island of Elba, the famed place of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte. At Basilica di Santa Croce you will find the tombs of many illustrious Italians including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.

Tuscany is a virtual wonderland for art lovers, offering many world-class art galleries and museums. Visit Galleria dell’Accademis, the home of Michelangelo’s “David”. Or, stroll through the famous Uffiz Gallery which houses the world’s largest collection of Renaissance art. At the Museo Nazionale del Bargello you will be captivated by many Gothic and Renaissance pieces such as the works of famed scultpor Donatello.

Tuscany for Couples. Tuscany provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic couples vacation. Enjoy one of the acclaimed wine tours, stopping at vineyards and cellars, sampling local wine and cuisine, and traveling the countryside along beautiful “wine trails”. Imagine an intimate afternoon spent experiencing the soothing waters of natural hot springs or the rejuvenating spa and beauty treatments offered by award winning centers such as the Petriolo Thermal Baths and Natural Hot Springs.

Rent bicycles and explore the stunning landscape, hike through magical scenery, or take cooking classes with local chefs. Wander open air markets, relax on the isolated beaches of Pitigliano and Maremma, or simply enjoy the remarkable view from the window of your private villa, palace suite, or apartment.

And a couples’ retreat would not be complete without a visit to Cortona, the romantic setting for “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Located on a hillside, the narrow stepped streets, thick walls, medieval architecture, and awe-inspiring scenery will transport you back to the allure and enchantment of simpler times.

When looking for great vacation ideas, Tuscany offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Whether traveling alone or with a family, the beauty, history, and culture of this region will impress travelers of every age.

About the Author

Diane Best is a travel writer and photographer with a passion for helping travelers discover great vacations. Her personal travel stories at www.great-vacations-travel-guide.com include great vacation ideas in Tuscany, Italy.

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