tuscany

The Tuscany journey began in Rome, where a car was rented and the first stop was Lake Bolsena. Accommodation was arranged at a farm by the lake, home to champion horses. The weather was exceptionally beautiful. The following morning, Civita di Bagnoregio was reached. Known as the “Dying Town,” this village rises above the mist on a hilltop, accessible only by a long pedestrian bridge. Over centuries, erosion has slowly reduced its size, leaving it today as an open-air museum where time seems to have stood still.

The route continued to Pitigliano, a stunning town built directly on the rock. Its narrow streets and breathtaking views make it unforgettable. It is also called “Little Jerusalem,” as traces of the Jewish community that settled here in the Middle Ages can still be found.

Next came the Cascate del Mulino di Saturnia. The natural thermal pools offered a perfect chance to relax, with the soothing waters washing away the fatigue of the day.

The journey then led into Val d’Orcia. Rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and golden sunsets created some of the most iconic landscapes of Tuscany. In San Quirico d’Orcia, a small but characterful medieval town was explored, particularly known for its Renaissance gardens and stone-paved streets.

Pienza revealed the vision of Pope Pius II, who in the 1400s transformed it into an “ideal Renaissance city.” Its geometric layout perfectly embodies the urban ideals of its time.

Montepulciano stood out both for its wines and its cultural connection. Among Gothic and Renaissance architecture, it was impossible not to recall that parts of the Twilight saga were filmed here, adding to the town’s already magical aura.

In Siena, the famous Piazza del Campo opened up like a seashell. This extraordinary square is the stage for the historic Palio horse race and is considered one of Italy’s most impressive piazzas.

San Gimignano was next, with its distinctive skyline of medieval towers. Once built by wealthy families to display power and prestige, the towers earned the town the nickname “the Manhattan of the Middle Ages.”

The journey culminated in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. The legacy of the Medici family is evident in every corner, while Machiavelli’s ideas also emerged from this rich cultural atmosphere. A stroll along the Arno River made it clear why Florence remains the beating heart of art and history.

The return flight departed from Bologna, marking the end of this unforgettable journey.