Florence Cathedral is an iconic landmark in Tuscany. The cathedral literally towers over Florence, making it almost impossible to miss. This year marks the 600th anniversary of the start of construction of the Duomo's dome, and since it is still an impressive piece of architecture today, you can imagine the admiration of it at the time. During your visit to the Duomo, you can climb the dome and enjoy a view of all the red roofs and sights of Florence. The best way to do this is with an online reservation or with a combined ticket that also allows you to visit the main museums. That way you can see all the most beautiful sights of Tuscany. 

The Baptistery is a slightly less well-known sight in Pisa than the Leaning Tower, but is at least as beautiful. The Baptistery of Pisa is the largest in Italy and is dedicated to John the Baptist. With its 55 metres height, the Baptistery, just like the Tower of Pisa, offers a magnificent view of the city. Moreover, it is a unique landmark in Tuscany because it is so old. The Baptistry was built between 1152 and 1363, which makes the architectural style a mix between Romanesque and Gothic.

These islands are also referred to as the Tuscan Archipelago. The group of islands on the coast of Italy belong to a nature reserve called Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano. The islands are not all inhabited, consist mainly of nature reserves and they vary greatly. Nevertheless, they are interesting sights of Tuscany because of their unique charm and the special atmosphere when you leave the mainland. 

San Gimignano is not just another picturesque village in Tuscany. What makes it a unique place to visit are its high towers, which create a real skyline. That is a special sight for a historic Italian hilltop village. It was an important status symbol for the inhabitants of San Gimignano to have the highest tower in the village, so the rich inhabitants started building diligently. In the Middle Ages, there are said to have been 72 towers, of which about 13 remain today (the exact number is disputed, Italians claim 16). The highest tower is 54 metres high and is called Torre Grossa. You can climb all the way to the top and take the most beautiful pictures, especially at sunset. In 1255, a law was introduced that imposed a maximum height, as a result of which some towers were made a little shorter.

Galleria degli Uffizi is the art museum housed in the Uffizi Palace and is located next to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. In Tuscany, Uffizi is among the most important sights, especially in the field of art. The greatest Italian works from the Renaissance can be found here, for example the Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Florence attracts millions of visitors every year because of its richness in Tuscany's biggest attractions, so the crowds can sometimes cause long queues. The Uffizi is also the most visited museum in Italy, so you should plan your visit well in advance by buying tickets online.

A very unique sight in Tuscany are the thermal baths of Saturnia. The hot spring owes its name to a mythical origin: the god Saturn is said to have thrown a boiling chalice of water on the earth as a punishment for the people. Whether this is true is left to doubt, but it is certain that these spas have been a popular destination for relaxation and wellness since the time of the Etruscans. Apart from some luxurious spa facilities, there are also waterfalls where you can enjoy the natural therapeutic effects for free.

North of Siena, Monteriggioni is one of the best preserved fortified towns in Italy. The town is one of the worthwhile places to visit in Tuscany. The castle of Monteriggioni has intact city walls of about 570 metres long, with fourteen watch towers and two city gates. Walking around the picturesque town, where time has stood still, is like being in a Disney movie. Are you going on holiday to Tuscany in the summer? Then don't miss the medieval festivals in July, when the ancient atmosphere comes alive. 

In Lucca, the wealthy families also fought for status in the Middle Ages by building towers. The city counted as many as 250 towers in that period, partly because it was a strategic tool with which enemy parties could be quickly seen. Torre Guinigi was built in 1384 by the rich family of the same name and was quite impressive at 44 metres high. Lucca is worth visiting anyway, and Torre Guinigi is a nice attraction because there are oak trees growing right on top of the tower. If you climb the tower all the way up, you will find yourself in an ancient and lofty garden. It is one of the most fairy-tale sights in Tuscany, especially because of the tragic family history of the Guinigis. 

The Chianti region of Italy is famous for its delicious wines. In the area between Florence and Siena, you can find wine trails, hikes and wine tastings. There is something for everyone, and the many vineyards and olive groves are typical sights of Tuscany in their own right. There is no better way to escape from the urban bustle than with a glass of Chianti wine with such views. 

If you are in the Chianti region, you must stop in Brolio. The Castello di Brolio is a breathtaking castle that is of course best known for one thing: the Chianti Classico. The castle has belonged to the Ricasoli family since the 12th century, so it is filled with ancient antiques and art. You can visit the small museum, the crypt and the beautiful gardens. Moreover, you can get a tour of the vineyards and wine cellar of Castello di Brolio. The estate is not accessible by public transport, so it is an ideal excursion that you simply must see if you are travelling by car in a villa in Tuscany.