| The region of Tuscany inspires images of picturesque | | | | Travellers making their way through Tuscany should |
| landscapes, vineyards and famous artists at work. | | | | also stop off at some of the smaller towns and |
| Popular with backpackers, the area has many | | | | villages in the region. |
| attractions and a diverse range of activities to suit any | | | | Siena's famous cathedral, built in the 12th century, |
| traveller's tastes. | | | | boasts a Gothic octagonal pulpit that is an |
| Florence | | | | awe-inspiring sight. |
| Known as the 'cradle of the Renaissance', Florence is | | | | The town square, known locally as the Piazza del |
| a popular place for backpackers to marvel at Italian art | | | | Campo, is the location for the Palio horse race which |
| and history. | | | | takes place in July and August, a lively event well |
| Florence hostels are plentiful and centrally-located | | | | worth catching if you're backpacking through Tuscany |
| enabling travellers to walk to the major attractions. The | | | | during this period. |
| medieval structure Ponte Vecchio and the Medici | | | | Pisa |
| Chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo are particularly | | | | No backpacking adventure in Tuscany would be |
| inspiring, and a must for any first-time traveller. | | | | complete without a trip to see the famous leaning |
| Art-lovers may wish to join a walking tour, which | | | | tower of Pisa, part of the city's cathedral. The tower |
| traces the early life of Leonardo da Vinci, who was | | | | leans because it was laid on poor foundations, and has |
| born in the region and lived there throughout his | | | | been the subject of various attempts at restoration to |
| childhood. Michelangelo also had links to Florence, and | | | | try to prevent any further structural movement. |
| travellers can make their way from their Florence | | | | Monte Argentario |
| hostels to Bargello Palace, which contains some of his | | | | Monte Argentario is perfect for travellers hoping to |
| rare works. | | | | spend part of their trip lounging on beaches, or looking |
| There are plenty of sights worth seeing that won't | | | | to unwind after all that sight-seeing. |
| break the bank, such as the Duomo or Santa Maria del | | | | Located in the south of Tuscany, the region is an idyllic |
| Fiore Cathedral, which has free entry, and the Fountain | | | | mix of sleepy villages, relatively quiet beaches, lagoons |
| of Neptune, outside the Palazzo Vecchio. | | | | and nature reserves. Walking and cycling is |
| Backpackers on a budget will love the Florentine | | | | encouraged and designated paths have been created, |
| tradition of aperitivo, where bars serve free food to | | | | making Monte Argentario one of the most relaxing |
| customers with their drinks at around six in the evening. | | | | Tuscany destinations. |
| Siena | | | | |