Italy landscape in Tuscany ()

Whether you are familiar with the Tuscan aesthetic and history or have only gotten as far as the Zuppa Toscana soup from Olive Garden, there is no doubt that the threads of Tuscan culture are woven throughout American culture thanks to generations of immigrants. However, you might be lucky enough to find yourself “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2003 rom-com). So, get ready for this central Italian region. Its cities and islands are rich with ways to utilize all five senses in Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Elba, Siena, Volterra, Pienza and more.

Smell

·    There is no doubt that truffle oil French fries are delicious. However, those tasty treats don’t just magically appear. One must hunt for the buried truffles, and you can go on your own truffle hunt in Tuscany. With the help of Massimo Cucchiara and his dog (the dog is doing most of the smelling) you can go on a hunt with Truffles in Tuscany in San Miniato.

·      Leather has a rich history in Florence, with the first leather workers’ union dating back to the 13th century, and there is no denying that distinct scent. A handmade leather item is a great Tuscan souvenir and you can use your nose to help you find some great keepsakes in the San Lorenzo Market.

·      Fall is the time of year to catch some final botanical beauties before winter sets in. Take in the floral scents of the Botanical Garden of Lucca through November 2, 2023. On-site you will find over 200 types of trees and shrubs, a botanical museum, greenhouses filled with tropical plants, rhododendrons, camellias and more.

Taste

·      Castellina is a medieval village found in Chianti; it is also home to cultivators of olive oil and wine. Several places all over town allow you to book an olive oil and wine tasting tour. La Castellina winery also boasts an exquisite extra virgin olive oil grown from their highest altitude fields.

·      Italy is known for great food and each region boasts its specialty; in Tuscany, pappa al pomodoro or panzanella integrates Tuscan saltless bread. Even within one region, cities have their own distinct flavors and styles. If you are taking your obligatory photo at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, make sure to sample some Pisano-styled food. Pisan food is known for meat-based dishes with local vegetables and fruit, such as Pisan tripe and wild boar.

·      Pienza is the birthplace of Pecorino cheese. Whether you like a strong Pecorino di Pienza DOP cheese or a mild Pecorino di Grotta, there is a Pienzan cheese for you. This cheese is so popular that every September there is a fair held in its honor, the Fiera del Cacio, where you can watch cheese rolling competitions, traditional shows and, of course, eat cheese.

Hear

·      As you sip some wonderful Tuscan wine, listen to the live jazz music at unTUBO. They have a wine list 33 pages long and also feature art onsite. It’s a great way to wind down after a day of exploring Siena.

·      After seeing all the sites in Florence, delight your ears with an auditory treat at the famous Teatro Verdi in Florence. The Orchestra della Toscana maintains a permanent residence here, but you can also listen to a variety of concerts, musicals and theater shows.

·      If you need a break from translating all of the Italian on your travels, you can take in a performance of the choir at St. Mark’s English Church in Florence. Not only can you catch them at a Sunday service, but they also have bi-monthly recitals and concerts at festivals.

See

·      If you want to see something atypical to the tourist experience, check out the “Filippo Civinini” Museum of Human Anatomy in Pisa. You can see an Egyptian mummy, the anatomical tables of Paolo Mascagni as well as anatomical and archaeological collections.    

·      Nestled in the Tuscan Archipelago, one great site to see is the medieval village of Isola del Giglio. Travel back in time with a visit to Giglio Castello, whose medieval walls and atmosphere have been little touched by time. Every year, at the end of September, celebrate the grape harvest with the Grape and Open Cantine Festival.

·      We cannot talk about things to see in Tuscany without mentioning the obviously famous Statue of David by Michelangelo and the collection at the Uffizi in Florence featuring art by Botticelli, Leonardo, Raffaello and Caravaggio.

Touch

·      Olive harvesting season runs from October through early December. Hand-pick some olives and take part in the harvest yourself. Villa Campestri prides itself on utilizing a completely organic process because their microclimate allows for a “superior” extra virgin olive oil.

·      While in Pisa, put your hands up and try your best to straighten the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You will not be alone in this attempt so make sure to purchase your tickets online in advance up to a day before your visit at opapisa.it.  

·      This is more of a feel than a “touch,” but you will definitely want to warm up in the Thermal Springs of Saturnia. These waters are nice 37.5 degrees Celsius (99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) all year long. Keep in mind that, according to the website Discover Tuscany, parking is free but limited, there is no lifeguard, the gravel can be rough on bare feet and it will probably be very busy.