Take a relaxed stroll through Florence, Pisa and Siena in autumn

When the heat of summer has passed, but the temperatures are still in the T-shirt range, the time for sightseeing comes. Unlike during high season, the queues in front of the sights in Florence, Pisa or Siena are manageable and you don't have to fight with countless other tourists for a free table in a street café. Our tip: Rent an apartment or holiday home a little away from the big cities, because even if the days are getting shorter every day and the nights are slowly getting cooler, you can soak up the sun in Tuscany in autumn, enjoy the beautiful nature or just do it let your soul unwind. 

Sights in Florence

Already under the rule of the Medicis - in the 14th and 15th centuries - Florence (“Firenze”) flourished and became an economic and cultural center. As you stroll through the city, you will follow in the footsteps of famous artists such as Botticelli, Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who brought Florence to world fame. Most of Florence's attractions can be easily reached on foot:

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the landmark of the city. Entrance to the church is free. You can buy a combined ticket to visit the dome, the cathedral museum, the crypt, the bell tower and the baptistery. Short pants and bare shoulders are not permitted during the visit.

  

  

• Uffizi (“the offices”), originally the seat of the offices, the imposing building housed their private collection of paintings under the Medicis. Today, the Uffizi, with its 50 halls, is one of the most famous historical art museums in the world, where you can admire paintings and sculptures from the 13th to 18th centuries - including Botticelli's famous “Birth of Venus”.

• Old Bridge, probably the most famous and beautiful bridge in the world. Built in 1345 at the narrowest point of the Arno, the small overhanging bridge shutters make them so unique.

  

• The Palazzo Vecchio with its 94 meter high tower was initially the official residence and later the residential residence of the Medici. Today the palace houses the Florence Town Hall, which can be visited every day except Thursdays.

  

• From the Piazzale Michelangelo From there you have probably one of the most beautiful panoramic views over Florence. It dates back to the time when Florence was the capital of Italy. Here you can admire some copies of Michelangelo's statues - such as the large statue of David.
• The largest and most famous square in Florence Piazza della Signoria, impresses not only with a variety of statues, but also the impressive Neptune Fountain by Bartolomeo Ammanati.

  

• The Palazzo Pitti, the Palace of Museums, with its over 200 meter long and 36 meter high facade, was the residence of the Grand Dukes of Florence until 1859. Today the magnificent building houses seven museums and impressive collections of paintings.

• Right behind the Palazzo Pitti it is loading Boboli garden to linger. With a garden temple, grottoes and amphitheater with Egyptian obelisks, the relatively high entrance fee is also worth it.
• The  Central Market is a real insider tip for visitors to Florence. The market hall, which dates back to the 19th century, is still a market today with a huge selection of culinary delicacies that are offered at moderate prices.
• Although it embodies the Renaissance like no other Florentine palace, the Palazzo Strozzi with its spacious inner courtyard today mainly hosts exhibitions of modern art.

By the way: You can marvel at Michelangelo's famous David three times during your stroll through Florence: While the original is in the Galleria dell'Accademia There are two reproductions in Piazza Michelangelo and Piazza della Signoria.

Holiday homes near Florence

It is only a few kilometers from Florence Villa Sesto Fiorentino, a very special holiday paradise! The former medieval fortress offers a double room and four spacious holiday apartments and is surrounded by a beautiful park, vegetable and orchard, vineyards and olive groves.

Pisa – more than just the leaning tower

Pisa, the capital of the province of the same name, has much more to offer than just the leaning tower, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Here on the Square of Miracles, the “Square of Miracles” you will find, in addition to the city's landmark, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery and, on the edge of the square, the Camposanto Monumentale, the cemetery of Pisa.

As you stroll through the winding streets of the old town, you will quickly realize that Pisa, with its yellow-painted facades, remains a very original Italian city. The real heart of the provincial capital beats around the Piazza dei Cavalieri. It's worth visiting here Palazzo dei Cavalieri the Medicis and the pretty church of Santo Stefano. In the evening you can stroll along the banks of the Arno. You will come across the remains of the medieval citadel, the church of Santa Maria della Spina, built in the middle of the promenade, and the arsenal, which was commissioned by Cosimo de' Medici. We recommend those interested in art and culture:

• by National Museum of San Matteo with Tuscan art
• by Museum of the Opera of the Duomo
• the material moisture meter shows you the  Blue Palace with paintings and sculptures
• by Museum of ancient calculating machines
• by Museum of old ships
• and  Birthplace of Galileo Galilei

Holiday rentals near Pisa

An impressive manor house with adjacent wineries and three carefully and lovingly restored outbuildings are part of the extensive property Terricciola Estate, which lies in a wonderful panoramic location amidst beautiful vineyards. From here you can reach the Leaning Tower of Pisa by car in just under three quarters of an hour.

Holiday guests with children and/or dogs are also welcome Holiday Home In Tuscany Welcome. With seven comfortably furnished holiday apartments, InToscana offers Tuscan hospitality all year round.

Siena World Heritage Site

The old town of Siena, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, has lost none of its medieval flair to this day. Unlike in Florence, the Italian Gothic style with tall brick buildings predominates here. The narrow, winding streets are deeply shaded and behind every turn you will find small hidden bars, restaurants and shops. The entire old town is a pedestrian zone, so nothing stands in the way of a relaxed stroll through the city. Be sure to plan a visit.

• im Cathedral of Santa Maria one, one of the most important religious buildings in Siena. The cathedral was built of black and white marble in the Gothic style with a 77 meter high bell tower. The elaborate ones are particularly worth seeing Mosaic floor and the Piccolomini altar.
• This is a little below the cathedral Baptistery of San Giovanni, whose baptismal font was designed by well-known Renaissance artists.
• In the main square of Siena, Il Campo, which has the shape of a large shell with white stripes made of travertine limestone, stands the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall of Siena, which also houses the civic Museum located. In addition to a worthwhile collection of works of art, you can also marvel at a number of frescoes by famous artists here.
• A “must” for art enthusiasts: the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena with works of art from the 14th to 16th centuries.
• Also worth seeing is the Palazzo Salimbeni, which is still the headquarters of the Monte dei Paschi Bank, the oldest credit institution in the world.

Holiday apartments near Siena

Not far from Siena, in a small early medieval settlement at the gates of the village of Gaiole, lies the stately Tuscany Castle, where you can not only find relaxation, but also immerse yourself in the depths of Tuscan wine production. Seven apartments and six spacious rooms are the ideal starting point for your city trip to Siena.

The Asciano organic farm has five holiday apartments with two to four rooms, furnished in Tuscan style, which perfectly combine the charm of the good old days with the comfort of today.

By the way: Sightseeing tours should be well prepared. So that you get to know as many sights in Florence, Pisa or Siena as possible, we will help you with the planning and, if you wish, we can also provide you with an expert guide.