THE LANDSCAPE OF TUSCANY

This beautiful region in the heart of Italy stretches from the Apennine Mountains in the north and east to the Tyrrhenian Sea. In between, Tuscany boasts diverse cultural and natural landscapes like the romantic Chianti area, Val d'Orcia, Garfagnana, Crete Senesi, and the Maremma in the south.

The Tuscan scenery from north to south

Geographical Highlights of Tuscany

 

The Apuan Alps in the north reach up to 2,000m. This fascinating mountain range is popular with active holidaymakers. These mountains often look as if they are covered in snow all year. However, the most beautiful stone in the world, white marble, is cut from these peaks. You can explore the marble quarries of Carrara along the old transport routes.

North of Lucca, the capital of the province, lies the wild nature of Garfagnana. This area extends to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, marking the border with Emilia-Romagna. The mountain valley, with its dense chestnut forests, is popular for its chestnut specialties in autumn. These deep green, wild landscapes and interesting villages make Garfagnana a favorite excursion destination.

The Arno River runs through Florence and Pisa to the Tyrrhenian Sea. It rises in the austere and beautiful landscape of the Casentino north of Arezzo. Almost every hill in this area has an old estate or castle to discover.

The Chianti Wine Region, the Val d’Orcia, and the Crete Senesi

To the west of the Casentino are the fairytale cultural landscapes of the famous Chianti wine region. This area, the symbol of “typical Tuscany,” lies between Siena and Florence. You will find countless castles, palaces, and fortified villages here. They are surrounded by picturesque hills with endless vineyards and cypress avenues. The slight ups and downs of Chianti are ideal for cycling and hiking tours from place to place.

The Val d’Orcia is also one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tuscany. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. It nestles against the Tuscan hills near Siena. The vegetation here is characterized by vines and olive groves, framed by cypress avenues and beech trees. Historic castles and medieval villages complete the magnificent panorama of the Orcia Valley.

The Crete Senesi and Maremma

To the northwest, the landscape merges into the Crete Senesi, an area with a vast, desert-like hilly landscape. Typical for this region with little rain are the Biancane, white hills only a few meters high with narrow furrows and no vegetation. Only around the Arbia and Asso rivers are there fertile, green valleys with villages. If you seek peace and relaxation, the Crete Senesi area is perfect for you!

In the province of Grosseto, the flat pastures, pine forests, marshes, and lakes of the Maremma extend to the Tyrrhenian coast. The beaches of the Maremma offer excellent water quality for a perfect seaside holiday. The Parco Regionale della Maremma became a nature reserve in 1975 and is a popular destination for hikers.

The Coasts of Tuscany from North to South

In the very north of the Tuscan coast lies the Apuan coast. It lures visitors with long, fine sandy beaches interrupted only by the port of Carrara. The coast of Versilia to the south has been a tourist magnet since the 19th century. The Etruscan Riviera in Livorno offers the most varied stretch of coast. Besides wide, fine sandy beaches, there are also rocky sections with hidden bays, some of which you can only reach from the sea. The paradisiacal islands of the Tuscan archipelago lie off this coast. The archipelago consists of seven islands, with Elba being the largest and most famous. These islands enchant visitors with their wild nature, steeply sloping coastal rocks with picturesque bays, and fascinating diving sites in crystal-clear water.

Booking and Further Information

Discover the magnificent variety of Tuscan landscapes on a custom group tour to Tuscany! Small groups can already book these tours. Contact us for further travel and price information. We look forward to your no-obligation request via email, our contact form, or phone at +49 611 945879-42!

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