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It is virtually impossible to pick out the `best’ region of
Italy for a week’s driving holiday. In a country so diverse, with so much
ancient history and physical beauty, wherever you end up will guarantee an
experience to dazzle your senses and draw you back time and again. We’ve
selected one route as a mere taster of what can be found in this gem of a
country.
Tuscany epitomizes most people’s Italian dream. The home of
the Renaissance, it offers history, art, architecture, and culture in the
cities of Florence and Siena, rural charm and world-class wines in the hill
towns of Chianti, and a local cuisine which will leave you more than satisfied
after a day’s driving. The region is accustomed to tourists admiring its
beauty, and English is widely understood in the centres. Driving is perhaps the
best way to explore the hidden towns and ancient cities – the A1 links north
with south, while the famous S222 takes you the scenic route from Florence to
Siena.
Day 1-2
Florence
Weeks could be spent in Florence and you’d still be
discovering secret masterpieces hidden in its seemingly endless artistic
history. Birthplace of the Renaissance, home of Michelangelo and the Medici,
there are some things you just can’t miss. Leave your car at home to explore
the city by foot or public transport. If you’re feeling up to it, a walking
tour through the old centre, taking in the 13th century Duomo
(cathedral), Michelangelo’s tomb at the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Masaccio’s
15th century fresco cycle at the Basilica di Santa Maria del
Carmine. Worth a visit are the Uffizi Gallery; the grand Palazzo Pitti with its
collections of 16th-18th century art, modern art, silver
museum and costume gallery; the 16th century Giardino di Boboli
(Boboli gardens) for some afternoon relaxation; and the shopping (or
browsing) on the ancient, picturesque Ponte Vecchio (`Old Bridge’).
Day 3
Travel south into the Chianti region, home to Italy’s
best-known wine, to the 12th century town of San Gimignano.
34 miles south-west of Florence, take the Firenze-Siena autostrada and drive to
Poggibonsi, turning west along the secondary route S324 into the town, known as
the `Manhattan of Tuscany’ for its magnificent skyline of 13 ancient towers.
Park outside the town, and visit the Palazzo del Popolo, where you can climb
the Torre Grossa for spectacular views. Gasp at the horrendous medieval torture
instruments in the Museum of Medieval Criminology.
Day 4
Retrace your steps in the direction of Poggibonsi, taking
the route south to the enchanting medieval city of Siena. If you’re here
in early July or mid-August, you’re in for a treat, as this is when Il Palio,
the world-famous horse festival takes place in Il Campo, the city’s central
shell-shaped square. Siena is a good base from which you can explore the
surrounding hill-towns, so find a good place to stay for a couple of days. Don’t miss the Gothic cathedral with its
multicoloured façade, and the various museums and ancient churches. However, if
you do nothing else, take the time to get lost in this beguiling city,
wandering its timeless streets, sipping coffee in the local cafes and relaxing
in the enchanting squares. You’ll learn far more from this than from any
museum!
Day 5
Monteriggioni is a mere 14 km north of Siena on
the SS323, and epitomizes the famous Tuscan hill-towns. Built in 1203 as a Sienese
fortress to guard against attack from the Florentines, the original walls still
stand, encircling this tiny town, entered by only two gates. Within these
walls, one road and the charming Piazza Roma dissect this tiny town.
After lunch, head south of Siena and spend the afternoon
driving through the classic Tuscan hill country that changes colour with the
seasons. Take the SS2 south from Siena past Buonconvento to the 13th century
town of Montalcino. Walk through the small town and visit the cathedral
on via Spagni and the tree-lined Viale Roma, overlooking the spectacular
countryside. Treat yourself to a coffee at the wonderfully decorated Caffe
Fiaschetteria on the Piazza del Popolo, and a bottle of the local red wine,
Brunello.
Day 6
Leave the region of Siena and take the road south-west
towards Perugia, turning off towards the north on the S71 to Cortona.
Beautifully situated on the side of a steep hill, this walled town is the
capital of Chianti country and one of the oldest towns in Tuscany. The
birthplace of the artist and architect Pietra da Cortona, there is much to see
here, including the fascinating Museo dell’Academia Etrusca, with local
archaeological finds from ancient times, the 13th century Palazzo
Pretorio, and the 16th century Fortezza (fortress), standing guard
over the town.
Day 7
Leave Cortona and make your way through the town
of Sansepolcro to the north, the birthplace of Piero della Francesca.
Avoiding Arezzo (heavily bombed during the Second World War), make your way
back to Florence through the 7th century BC town of Fiesole,
8km north of Florence. This town attracted the likes of Proust, Frank Lloyd
Wright and Gertrude Stein with its ancient archaeological remains, olive groves
and views of Florence. Drive south to Florence via the 16th century villa
Medicea La Petraia (about 3.5km north of Florence). With its magnificent
garden, this is one of the finest of the Medici villas.
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