Tuscany, Italy
Trip Start
Aug 17, 2005
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8
10
Trip End
Aug 31, 2005
Tuscany has long been a favorite of visitors, with picture-perfect small towns nestled within a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills and vineyards, along with ancient cities that embody the region's Etruscan, Roman and medieval history. Our first stop was Voleterra, a hilltop city more than 3000 years old. The city's medieval structures are remarkably well preserved, from the high walls to the monasteries, offering a glimpse into Tuscan life hundreds of years ago. San Gimignano, our next stop, was a similar town best known for its large number of striking towers - on a cloudy day like ours, the towers seemed almost like skyscrapers in the distance. These two towns, the vineyard we visited afterward, and the rustic landscape itself easily evoked the charms of small-town life - la dolce vita, if you will - making it easy to see why generations of tourists have fallen in love with Tuscany.
