Holidays in Tuscany

Tuscany experienced an extreme hype in the eighties of the last century. Everybody wanted to go there, buy a place and never leave this part of Italy. Luckily – for the inhabitants of Tuscany and modern tourists alike – this boom has subsided. Tuscany has once again become a haven for those with a special sense for the quiet beauty the Tuscan landscape has to offer.

So, if you opt for paying Tuscany a visit this summer or autumn, be prepared for some very picturesque villages where you will find the odd dog around lunch time, but no masses of tourists clattering the narrow alleyways. What a relief, since you can sit down on the steps, take a look at the market place and the baker´s and feel – maybe for the first time – in harmony with the rest of the world.

If this sounds attractive but you are a fan of a more “industrious” type of holiday, you may join a group of cyclists. Across the hills, which are perfect for cycling , past those famous Cyprus trees: What you will experience is freedom, happiness and a sense of “no limits”.

If you are more culturally inclined Tuscany holds a lot in stock for you, too. If you spend the day in Perugia or marvel at the tower of Pisa, you will get a sense of beauty and history that is in itself a piece of art. And, if this still does not satisfy you, you may try your hand at painting or sculpturing. After all, this is a region that shouts “beauty” at every corner. If you add your own acrylic picture or create a sculpture from marble, you will get a feeling of how a landscape can influence the artistic impulses.

Maybe your aim is – to do nothing. Tuscany is the place to go, too. You will find beautifully restored old cottages and some villas to dream of – and settle in for a period of time. Why have goals if you can enjoy the mild weather, the scent of flowers and listen to a little church bell ringing in the next village? Why don´t you treat yourself to a “doing nothing holiday” which may of course be adorned by a trip to the next village, to the local market. Now, imagine for a second that you are actually there. You can hear the cicadas, you can feel the sun on your skin? Welcome to Tuscany!

photo credit: Soft Sunrise via photopin (license)