Orvieto is home to some truly incredible restaurants. I tried a couple of places right in the centre and everything was incredibly delicious but expensive of course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reduce car traffic and the resulting noise and air pollution, I suggest leaving your car at the base of the hill and taking the cable car or escalator up to the main town centre. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Pienza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Unlike Civita de Bagnoregio, once you reach hilltop Pienza you’ll see there is much to explore in every direction, admiring the crowded palaces and squares as you go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Pienza, you’re finally in the Tuscany region of Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pienza\u2019s streets are crammed with restaurants and little shops selling some of the most delicious food in Tuscany, especially the pecorino cheese the city is known for. Most of the shops offer tastings which I suggest you take advantage of as the aged cheeses have a completely different flavour to the less mature varieties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other local specialities include wine (of course), dried herbs, porcini mushrooms and pici pasta served with cacio e pepe<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you don\u2019t want to eat in crowded Pienza, there are several agriturismo just outside of the city where you can lunch in the Tuscan hills. Follow the signs to any you see, you can’t really go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSiena<\/h3>\n\n\n\n While one of the best ice creams in Italy is a great reason to visit Siena, it\u2019s not the only one. Siena has long been one of my dream destinations which thankfully lived up to the hype. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Siena is much larger than Pienza so there\u2019s plenty to keep you occupied if you plan on staying a few days, even if those things mostly consist of eating and drinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As always when travelling, I think the best thing to do is wander the back streets until you get lost, eat in a quiet restaurant away from the touristy centre, then make your way back to see the main sights.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAs you explore you won\u2019t be able to miss the Torre del Mangia on Piazza del Campo, the centre and main attraction in Siena. The Palio de Siena horse race is held here twice a year, in July and August. Thousands of spectators descend upon the square for a 90-second race. Sounds like another reason to visit in May instead of peak summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like most horse races, this is a difficult event for the animals. I suggest avoiding it and supporting sustainable tourism alternatives. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAlong with all the usual delicious Tuscan fare and chianti wine, Siena\u2019s signature dish is pappardelle with wild boar. You\u2019ll find it on just about every menu in Siena. Now though, you can easily find vegetarian or vegan pappardelle alternatives if you prefer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I skipped the meat but did visit the city\u2019s other major attraction, Siena Cathedral. It reminds me in some ways of the Duomo in Florence but also of Orvieto Cathedral in Umbria.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSan Gimignano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Another day in Tuscany, another hilltop town. San Gimignano was more to my liking as it\u2019s famous for white wine, Vernaccia de San Gimignano, instead of the red chianti typically found in Tuscany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hills surrounding San Gimignano are covered with vineyards that produce the delicate, fruity wine, one of my favourite wines in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some shops offer tastings but I suggest trying a glass or two at one of the wine bars around town so you can sample some local food at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to respect Italian law and don’t drink and drive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Florence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Florence is one huge open-air museum. The gorgeous cathedrals, towers, bridges, squares, fountains, statues and atmosphere are free to enjoy\u00a0as you meander around the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can rush around and see the highlights in one day but for first-time visitors, I think four or five days is the better way to go. Take it slow and savour the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will give you plenty of time to visit the many, many museums while tasting as much Tuscan cuisine as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n
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