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Hidden Tuscany

27th December 2021

Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Its capital, Florence, is home to some of the world’s most recognisable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s David statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo Basilica. The region also has a uniquely diverse landscape – from rugged mountains and sandy beaches to Chianti’s olive groves and vineyards. There are some amazing hidden places to explore too!

First up is Pitigliano. This southern Tuscan village rests on top of a cliff with a dramatic view. Carved from volcanic stone, this village gives off a mysterious and romantic air. The best way for you to get around this village is on foot. You can admire the walls and gates of the town and find traces of the Etruscan walls left behind. The Palazzo Orsini is the entrance to the old town. This square houses two impressive museums of archaeology and art which you shouldn’t miss. Pitigliano is known for its beautiful lanes and interesting architecture. Some truly picturesque landscapes also surround the town. There are various churches, museums and caves that give you a taste of the town’s history. There’s a network of secret tunnels carved into the rock on which Pitigliano is built. You can explore the tunnels and find age-old wine cellars and interesting chambers. A great place just to wander around.

Another beautiful and off-the-beaten-track spot in Tuscany is Saturnia, best known for its famous natural thermal pools. The hot springs make the perfect retreat for you after hours of exploring. Tired after a day of indulging in Tuscan food and wine? The thermal pools are a great spot for you to relax and unwind. And the best part about this experience, it is free! Legend has it that the waters are a gift from the Gods and supposedly possess healing powers. Even if the legend isn’t true, the pools do contain some therapeutic and relaxing properties. The waters are rich in mineral deposits, especially sulphur and have a temperature of 37.5°C, which ticks all the right boxes!

Montepulciano is one of the prettiest hidden gems in Tuscany. With its Renaissance architecture and beautiful churches, this town should definitely be on your list. It is surrounded by picturesque hills and is one of the more romantic and elegant towns in the Tuscan valley. The town has served as a religious and municipal headquarters for centuries and hence gives you a historical experience. Montepulciano has a lot to offer to wine and history lovers. The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the best wines in the region. You can taste this premium wine at any of the wineries in the town. The main square, Piazza Grande, is definitely worth a visit. It is the primary gathering spot for various civic and religious activities. The temple of San Biagio, Piazza Communale and Palazzo Neri Orselli are other spots worth seeing in the city. A real Tuscan experience.

Off the Tuscan coast is the idyllic Isola del Giglio which is a place of untouched nature and azure teal seas. The island has a 28 kilometres long coastline which is filled with surreal bays, granite cliffs, coves and sandy beaches. If you are looking for an undisturbed ecosystem, Giglio island should be the place for you. It is one of the most beautiful and largely tourist-free islands to visit in Tuscany. The best thing to do on the island is to discover the coves and beautiful beaches.

Val D’Orcia offers you a complete experience that includes architectural as well as natural sites to see. The entire area has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The valley gets its name from the river Orcia which flows through it. The surroundings are picturesque views of fabulous vineyards, cypress trees, olive groves and fields of sunflowers that look like a golden sea. To complement this, there are ancient villages, isolated homesteads, farmhouses and castles; all surrounded by beautiful hills and thermal springs. This amazing countryside is another of Tuscany’s hidden gems. Along with all the pretty towns and architecture, this Tuscan valley also offers a wide array of gourmet food items. The “Pecorino” cheese, traditional-aged wine, extra virgin olive oil, mushrooms, saffron, and to top them all, truffles are must-haves here.

And finally, a sit down meal! Da Delfina in Artimino is a brilliant restaurant. It’s perched prettily high on a hill outside the little village. There is no English menu, but don’t let that put you off! Simply close your eyes and point your finger, or ask the waiter to pick on your behalf – whatever you get is going to be good. The menu, which showcases all things Tuscan, changes depending on what is available at the market on the day, but may include the likes of fresh fennel salami, fried zucchini flowers, aubergine ravioli and bistecca Fiorentina (Italian-style T-bone steak). The spectacular views from the terrace are the icing on the cake. Not cheap but well worth it.

We hope you enjoy your Tuscan experience! To get you in the mood, why not click here to look through our curated list of 10 Great Books set in Tuscany?

Tony for the TripFiction team

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