Things to see and do Toscane

Pienza, a charming town in the province of Siena, has a tourist office called Prospettiva Pienza. The office also offers guided tours and provides information on accommodation, stores, restaurants and leisure services available in Pienza.

Discovering Florence is not so easy, group visits offer a traditional approach, but for those who want a vibrant visit to discover its curiosities, particularities and cultural richness, you have to get off the beaten track. A professional guide since 2010, Elva Conti is the right person to discover the soul of Florence and its inhabitants. It offers a great diversity of tours with an adaptation to everyone's wishes, which is why it only takes families or small groups of friends. An experience to live!

Florence's largest park has a curious name. Cascine comes from cascio which means "cheese" in old Florentine. In fact, since the 16th century, this place had been supplying the city with fresh produce. It was developed for this purpose by Alexandre and Cosme I de Médicis for the leasing of cattle and then for the cultivation of plants. The park evolved gradually, opening to the public on special occasions, until it became totally public under Napoleon. It was then transformed to resemble the romantic ideal.

In the main square of Montalcino, piazza del Popolo, stands this unmistakable palace of Sienese inspiration from the late 13th century, now the town hall. At its feet, the portico houses a statue of Cosmos I of Tuscany, by Giovanni Berti (16th century). It is surmounted by a high belfry and flanked by a Renaissance-style loggia with six 14th and 15th century Gothic arches. Also known as the Palazzo dei Priori, it is decorated with the heraldic coats of arms of the many podestats that successively ruled the city over the centuries.

It is on this off-centre avenue in the centre of Viareggio, bordered by the wild pine forest of Levante and facing the beach, that the night is warmest. About twenty stylish bars and other nightclubs have occupied the area in recent years. From 7pm, the traditional "apericena" (a reasonably priced formula with a drink and access to the buffet, usually copious) with DJ is all the rage. The site is so popular that young people from Florence or Siena come to Viareggio on weekends to celebrate.

The Museum of Statues is located in the castle of Piagnaro, which dominates the small medieval town of Pontremoli. It houses 25 original stelas and offers an explanation of the manufacture and use of these statues.

There is a deviation from the N 484 road, to taste the wine of Baron Ricasoli, the legendary character of the region. Cultivated around the imposing castle of the th century, which also hosts a agriturismo centre, the wine is sold to the Casa vinicola Barone Ricasoli.

This ancient abbey is worth a visit, both for its architecture and for its wine. Located at 600 m above sea level, on the line separating the Chianti from Valdarno, the abbey is dedicated to San Lorenzo di Coltibuono. It was built in 1049 by Firidolfi, according to a Latin cross plan. It is one of the happiest Romanesque achievement in Chianti.

The very good wine is on sale in the Tenuta di Coltibuono, near the abbey. For sale and tasting, the excellent local grappa. For the visit of the old cellars housed in the old cloister wing, call (0577) 74 94 98 or 74 93 00. All farm products (wine, grappa, honey, olives, holy wine) are also available for sale.

This tourist office gathers information about Radda and the many surrounding towns. The documentation is very complete, but nothing beats a few words with Silvia, who welcomes you warmly. She knows and loves the area, and wants to share her passion for this Tuscan corner. Whether it's the middle of summer or the end of November, if there's something going on in the alleys of Radda, this is the place to come for the latest news. You will also find activities and guided tours. A must for any successful stay.

Built around 1455 by the Florentine architect Michelozzo, the Medici villa of Fiesole stands on a hillside and enjoys a magnificent view of Florence. It is the very first Renaissance villa inspired by the ancient Roman villas. Built for Jean de Médicis, the youngest son of Cosme l'Ancien, it remained the property of the family until 1671. Unfortunately, you can only visit the terraced gardens (by appointment), the villa being a private property, but this place is ideal for a short meditation with a view of the Tuscan capital.