Florence
Visit the Accademia Gallery (pictured below) to see the world-famous statue of “David” by Michelangelo. Although there are replica’s of this famous statue, nothing beats seeing the real thing. Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of Florence’s most popular tourist attractions. Admire masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Tour the Bargello Museum to see popular works of art, including Michelangelo’s masterpieces – Bacchus, Pitti Tondo (Madonna and Child), Brutus and David-Apollo. See beautiful mosaic artwork inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, just a few steps away from the Uffizi. Museo Galileo houses exhibits that include many ingenious scientific gadgets and the most famous bottle in Florence, containing one of Galileo’s fingers. Don’t miss walking across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge (pictured at top). It’s packed with jewelry shops and vendors selling Italian leather, paintings, and Venetian gifts and souvenirs.
Pisa
If you’re visiting Florence, hop on a train and get off at Pisa; it’s only about an hour away. Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower of Pisa, a freestanding bell tower, located behind Pisa’s Cathedral. The leaning tower got its name soon after its construction in 1173, when the foundation sank, causing the tower to lean. It stands (or rather “leans”) at about 185 feet. During our visit to Pisa years ago, we climbed all of the tower’s 294 steps to the top of the bell tower. It was quite a hike, but the view was worth it 🙂
Siena
Tuscany is considered by many to be the most beautiful region in Italy. And Siena is one of its most popular cities. Famous for its Italian architecture, Siena’s attractions include its famous cathedral Duomo and the The Palazzo Pubblico in the Piazza del Campo town square. Tuscany’s scenic rolling hills, enchanting landscapes, vineyards, medieval castles, Italian cuisine, and warm hospitality makes it a perfect Tuscan vacation.
Umbria
Umbria, the “green heart of Italy” and home to the famed medieval city of Assisi (St. Francis of Assisi), is renowned for its beautiful countryside and fine wines. The picturesque region is a fun place to go wine-tasting.