Toscana, Italy - Architecture, Scenery, Wine

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world is Toscana, Italy or Tuscany, Italy. Toscana is filled with beautiful scenery of rolling hills, exquisite architecture, and delicious wine. Several hiking, cycling, and walking paths carve the hills of Toscana. With so many sites to see in Toscana, you should plan on spending at least 7-10 days in this beautiful land. Here are some of the things you need to see while you are in Toscana:

• Lucca. Lucca is a beautiful town that is protected by 16th century walls. This quaint town is filled with history dating back to 160B.C. There are several antique markets to visit along with fantastic dining. Throughout the year, classical and rock music festivals are common. After walking through the hills, head out to the beaches that are less than 30 minutes away from the town. For a nice hike, climb to the top of the Torre Guinigi which is 130 feet tall with ancient oak trees at the top.
  
• San Frediano church was built in the 13th century and has a beautiful baptismal font and shrine to Lucca's saint, Santa Zita. The golden mosaic high on the facade of the church makes it instantly visible and distinguishable from the other churches in the region.

July to September is the best time of year to visit Lucca as you can participate in the festa della S. Croce and the Palio della Dalestra.

Perhaps one of the most well-known areas in the Toscana region is Florence or Firenze. Florence is the capital of Tuscany and the most popular tourist destination in Italy. The reason why Florence is so popular is because it is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world due to its unique architecture, delicious foods, and beautiful art and cultural heritage. If you are looking for the best ice cream in the world, head to the side streets of the Duomo. Since Florence is so popular, it is always packed with lines to practically every restaurant and church. Before you head out, plan your trip ahead of time so you can book all of your tickets and avoid missing out on some of the best tourist attractions. Here are some of the spots you need to check out in Florence:

• Pisa. Of course one of the most well-known tourist destinations is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Pisa is an beautiful bell tower that is found right in between the Cathedral and the Cathedral Square. The construction of the tower in 1173 quickly showed a faulty foundation and loose substrate which caused the tower to begin leaning toward the southeast. Currently, the tower leans toward the southwest. The tower is 186 feet above ground with 296 steps to reach the top of the tower. In order to climb the tower, you must wait in a line. Only 30 people are allowed to climb the tower every 30 minutes. You can book a tour ahead of time to not only climb the tower, but you can see the baptistery and cathedral that surround it. The cost of the tour is about $65 and it will also take you on a drive through the Tuscan countryside where you can walk through Scuola Normale, a famous university filled with rich culture.
  
• Duomo Cathedral is another must-see cathedral in Florence. This massive cathedral took over 6 centuries before it's final completion. The Duomo cathedral is the third largest cathedral in the world. The cupola is visible from every street in the city and it expresses the Greek and Gothic architecture.