While living abroad in Florence, I had the opportunity to explore some of the great and quaint small towns and villages that make Tuscany the famously romantic, and lovely place it is. These places are often the highlight of friends’ honeymoon trips, and I have never heard a bad report. These places are accessed via day trips on bus or train from city centers or easy to get to with rental cars.

EXPERIENCE

Siena: http://www.sienaitaly.com/ – Siena is super charming to walk the streets of.

Duomo of Siena: http://www.operaduomo.siena.it/eng/ is a must see while in Siena, other attractions include the towns many piazzas, local Italian foods and wines. Palazzo Pubblico and Il Campo are nice places to sit and take it all in.

Pisa: http://goitaly.about.com/od/pisa/a/pisa_sights.htm – Honestly, I do not have fond memories of this daytrip. While the Leaning Tower is of course iconic, there is not too much more to the city worth venturing there for. If seeing iconic buildings that are not really beautiful in and of their own right is of interest to you, go. If not, skip this. Camposanto, Opera del Duomo Museum and the Museum of the Sinopie are other attactions to see if you are trying to fill a day here.

Leaning Tower of Pisa: http://www.towerofpisa.info/

San Gimignano: http://www.sangimignano.com/sghomei.htm – This feudal town is absolutely adorable and a stop I would prioiritze. It is between Florence and Siena, so if you are traveling Tuscany by car, is not terribly inconvenient. This town is high up and has 72 tower houses. It is now a UNESCO work heritage site.

Orvieto: http://www.orvietoonline.com/orvieto_la_citta_di_orvieto.html This impressive town in Umbria is another must see. This town is lofted high and has amazing views of the Umbria countryside. Farmer’s stands with fresh food, citrus and local wines abound. You cannot miss the Pizza del Duomo, mechanical clocktower and the cities eerie underground passageways.

STAY

I honestly traveled all these towns in day trips from Florence, but please post great spots you have stayed, I have heard many friends have had wonderful and romantic stays at guesthouses and wineries in this part of the world.

EAT

All the Italian favorites! San Gimignano boasts great white wines in particular!