ONLY HAPPY WHEN I TRAVEL

What a beautiful region Tuscany is. Italy really has it all and it’s jam-packed into one little country. We were travelling around the southern loop with Busabout from Rome to Nice, passing through Umbria where Busabout had an included photo stop…

Orvieto

Orvieto Walls

Duomon di Orvieto

Continuing on, we made it to the capital of the Tuscany region…

Florence

We were led on a orientation walk of beautiful Florence, offered free through Plus Florence hostel. With leather demonstration and some of the best sites, this visually beautiful city had me hooked already.

Ponte Vecchio – a medieval stone bridge that arches over the Arno river with plenty of shops built across it.

Palazzo Vecchio & replica of Michelangelo’s David statue

Florence Cathedral

The Duomo

The walk uphill to Piazzale Michelangelo Square. The views along the walk & when you reach the top are incredible!

Views from Piazzale Michelangelo

Chianti Wine Region

I was so excited for today as we joined a Tuscany on a Budget wine tour; the Grape Escape. Our local guide made the trip fun as we left Florence for a short ride into the Tuscany countryside known as the Chianti wine region and the scenery was gobsmackingly beautiful. Our first stop was at a winery and wine tasting school.. which sounded like my kind of school! The setting was beautiful as we took a seat at the table outside in the garden where we tasted beautiful wines and breads dipped in home made balsamic vinegar & olive oils.

We next head to Casa Sola, a local winery located in such a stunning area where we were taken on a tour of the grounds, to the vineyards and inside to where the wines were made and stored. We enjoyed more great wine & olive oil tastings whilst enjoying the beautiful view.

Our last stop for the day was at the most beautiful medieval town of Tuscany, Monteriggioni. We explored the narrow streets whilst enjoying the popular gelato – the views from this place are spectacular.

Pisa

We were back on Busabout waving goodbye to Florence but before leaving the beautiful Tuscany countryside, we had one more photo stop at the famous leaning tower of Pisa. A major tourist trap, we were greeted by hundreds of people trying to sell us fake designer bags and other souvenirs. We fought through their swarm before reaching Pisa for the typical touristy photo.