Package and all Inclusive Tours
This is probably the most popular of method of seeing this North Western region
of Italy. Many companies operate all inclusive packages that can include flights
accommodation and food. I will be honest with you, the food on these tours
can be disappointing. Relative to the standards of the local cuisine I have
personally experienced in the area and read about many times they have a lot to live up to. The difference
can sometimes be like the difference between a home cooked meal with all the
trimming done just the way you like and a dry vegeburger on a stale bread bun.
Professional Guided Tours
This to is a very popular way to see the wonders of Toscana. Tours can often
be acquired by asking at your hotel. The more stars the hotel has the more
likely they are to make he time to help you. Usually there are bus tours and
if in a town guided walks should also be available. For the more athletic of
you there are also a few bicycle tour companies but, remember, this is a very
hilly region. You should be very physically fit before starting out on something
like this.
Cooking Tours
This is one of my personal favourites. It takes a bit of organising yourself
to do this. It is not so hard to find cooking classes from local chefs in he
Larger city's and towns. As you travel around you can get an individual flavour
of the local region by taking one of these. Once home you will then have a
true and permanent reminder of the time you spent in Tuscany.
-
Wine Tasting
Another of my personal favourites. This is a great area for vineyards. The
Classico hills are a classic example of good Chianti territory. The red wine
made here goes as a perfect accompaniment to the steaks and red meat dishes
you get away from the coast.
On Horseback
What could be better than a look at the countryside as it has been seen for
thousands of years on horse. Not so easy to find but if you ask at a local
tourist office they should be able to guide you to a good company for this.
It once again may also be useful to ask at your hotel about this.
Short On Site Tours
Many of the main churches and attractions provide you with a guided tour of
the buildings. As you have to pay to enter many of the best chapels and churches
it is worth while if there is a guide available to take the time. They often
expand the legends and history far beyond what you read in the tourist brochures
(like this one you are reading for a start)