I love Florence. In addition to a number of shorter visits, I lived there twice - once for only 3 months, the other for a year. But yes, there are so many other amazing Tuscan cities. I'm a little biased - I also lived in Lucca for a year. In fact, the photo in your post of the Guiniji Tower was the view from my toilet - I'm not kidding.
Good question. I have a pact with myself that I don’t compare but try and make the most wherever I am, maximising the benefits and aiming to reduce the downsides.
In Florence, I loved the access to the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti etc etc. It was like living in an open air museum and even when I walked on the same streets, I’d see something new every day. I lived just outsides the centro on the southern side and one of my regular runs was up into the hills. It was peaceful and the views were exceptional.
In Lucca, I lived in an apartment on the Anfiteatro which felt surreal. There were so many cultural events, mostly free. Running on the track around the walls never became old. One of the significant benefits of Lucca was the easy access to Pisa airport enabling me to take advantage of the low cost airlines.
Haha, I swear I’m not from Lucca 😂. I almost cried the first time I saw Piazza dei Miracoli “in gita.” The Camposanto, the Lungarno, San Matteo… all worth seeing. My claim is narrower: in a Tuscany trip with limited days, allocate half a day to Pisa, not three. The rest of the time is better allocated exploring Lucca, Siena, or Volterra.
Well done and accurate. I’ve lived in Tuscany for 29 years and know just about every corner of it. I lead cycling tours and I’m curious which means I get around. Your choices and impressions are spot on.
I’m relieved you didn’t mention the village where I live. Tuscany suffers from serious tourism fatigue, Florence is practically a terminal case.
Having been to Florence last year and visited the uffizi twice, I actually found the experience was totally ruined by over tourism, people taking selfies, etc. I wouldn’t day it’s anywhere near the top things to see in Italy sadly. It would be totally different without the insane crowds
A very clear narrative. Early 70's, my first fiance decided I needed to see how far the distance is from UK to Italy. I was a BA stewardess. So we drove, taking turns. I remember Viareggio - a lovely family run hotel, Pisa, Florence, ending up in Rome.It wasn't high season and there weren't the hoards you get everywhere now. Very happy memories.
Actually, we love Pisa, the Cinderella city. But that said I’m quite jealous of protecting that classic view- keeps Pisa real, vibrant, old and gourgeous and … to ourselves.
This is exactly the kind of advice I've been looking for as I get ready to travel in Southern Tuscany and Umbria next week. Thanks for sharing! You convinced me to add a few extra stops along the way.
I love Florence. In addition to a number of shorter visits, I lived there twice - once for only 3 months, the other for a year. But yes, there are so many other amazing Tuscan cities. I'm a little biased - I also lived in Lucca for a year. In fact, the photo in your post of the Guiniji Tower was the view from my toilet - I'm not kidding.
Haha. How did you like living in Lucca vs Florence?
Good question. I have a pact with myself that I don’t compare but try and make the most wherever I am, maximising the benefits and aiming to reduce the downsides.
In Florence, I loved the access to the Uffizi, Palazzo Pitti etc etc. It was like living in an open air museum and even when I walked on the same streets, I’d see something new every day. I lived just outsides the centro on the southern side and one of my regular runs was up into the hills. It was peaceful and the views were exceptional.
In Lucca, I lived in an apartment on the Anfiteatro which felt surreal. There were so many cultural events, mostly free. Running on the track around the walls never became old. One of the significant benefits of Lucca was the easy access to Pisa airport enabling me to take advantage of the low cost airlines.
Anyone saying Pisa is just worth a photo of the Leaning Tower either has never been there or is an envious Tuscan from another city
Haha, I swear I’m not from Lucca 😂. I almost cried the first time I saw Piazza dei Miracoli “in gita.” The Camposanto, the Lungarno, San Matteo… all worth seeing. My claim is narrower: in a Tuscany trip with limited days, allocate half a day to Pisa, not three. The rest of the time is better allocated exploring Lucca, Siena, or Volterra.
Well done and accurate. I’ve lived in Tuscany for 29 years and know just about every corner of it. I lead cycling tours and I’m curious which means I get around. Your choices and impressions are spot on.
I’m relieved you didn’t mention the village where I live. Tuscany suffers from serious tourism fatigue, Florence is practically a terminal case.
Having been to Florence last year and visited the uffizi twice, I actually found the experience was totally ruined by over tourism, people taking selfies, etc. I wouldn’t day it’s anywhere near the top things to see in Italy sadly. It would be totally different without the insane crowds
My husband and I were just talking about visiting Montepulciano. Love seeing this list!
A very clear narrative. Early 70's, my first fiance decided I needed to see how far the distance is from UK to Italy. I was a BA stewardess. So we drove, taking turns. I remember Viareggio - a lovely family run hotel, Pisa, Florence, ending up in Rome.It wasn't high season and there weren't the hoards you get everywhere now. Very happy memories.
Just spent a few lovely days in Lucca
Actually, we love Pisa, the Cinderella city. But that said I’m quite jealous of protecting that classic view- keeps Pisa real, vibrant, old and gourgeous and … to ourselves.
Yes, I do too. But with a limited budget of days, you can see the highlights pretty quickly.
This is exactly the kind of advice I've been looking for as I get ready to travel in Southern Tuscany and Umbria next week. Thanks for sharing! You convinced me to add a few extra stops along the way.
Glad to hear, Emily. I'll be in Umbria in a couple of weeks myself.
Wonderful! I hope you will write about it so I can learn a little more about the region. Have a great trip!
I definitely will. Thank you. 😊
Looooved Siena!
Alicia fell in love with it.
Making a plan to get up to Cortona this summer to go see the Fra Angelico Annunciation there.
I have gone to towns for a single piece of art before. Hope you enjoy the road trip.
These are great recommendations! I’ve been to all of them, except Viareggio, which is on my list for carnevale.
Wow, next trip to Tuscany you definitely should then. 😊
Yes I’d love to experience carnevale one year!