Pizza, Pasta and Parmesan (Tuscany)

Member Name: pippibigbum

Product:	Tuscany
Date:	30/04/02 (173 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hot, Stunning, Great food!

Disadvantages: none

8 years ago, at the tender age of 10, I was packed into the family car with my mum and dad, my older sister and a whole lot of luggage. We had never been to Italy before, so it was a new adventure. Living in the north of England, and not flying, we spent an awful lot of time travelling (which I would not recommend!).

We eventually arrived at our destination, a beautiful converted farm called 'Fattoria del Colle' in the middle of Tuscany. It was idyllic. About 20 separate apartments, two swimming pools and a tennis court, not to mention the stunning surroundings and spectacular views. In fact we liked it so much, we have been back every year since!

During our stay we visited a range of places; the big cities Rome and Florence, which you really can't miss if you are in Tuscany; The smaller towns such as Siena and Assisi; and the pretty little surrounding villages such as Montepulciano, Cortona and Pienza.
We were never lost for places to visit or things to do.

The food was also fantastic. Being foodies, my parents would always find the most delicious cheeses and salamis. You may expect such luxury items to be expensive, but in Italy they are no luxury, but the locals everyday food therefore they are ridiculously cheap. The local market was the perfect place to buy fresh fruit and delicious meats at bargain prices.

While on the subject of food, I wouldn't be able to not mention the wonderful restaurants in Tuscany. Also ridiculously cheap, the restaurants in Tuscany offer a splendid range of dishes. In Italy they seem to eat an awful lot for their main meal. They begin with an antipasto, which is usually a mixture of delicious hams, salamis and pates. Next is the Primi Platti, which is always a pasta dish. Followed is the Secondi Platti, which is the main course, usually a meat dish. And to end, there is the Dolci or pudding, as we like to put it. All these gorgeous dishes are just enough to fill you up, and wi
th the added bonus of tasting fantastic.

Siena would have to be one of my favourite places in Tuscany, and it caters for just about anyone. The tower is a must-see, or rather, must-climb in Siena (I am proud to say I have been to the top 6 times!). Once at the top you get a fantastic view of the Piazza below. The Duomo (cathedral) is also a spectacular sight. There are a range or shops in Siena, from designer clothes shops to the little Tabacci. I would recommend Siena at night. The tower and cathedral are illuminated with lights, and the piazza has a wonderful atmosphere, with people playing instruments and chatting on the ground.

Tuscany is a beautiful place and I would strongly recommend it to anyone. It doesn?t seem to be too touristy anywhere, and the scenery is absolutely magnificent. You will never run out of places to visit, as there are so many interesting and beautiful villages and towns in Tuscany. If you aren?t the kind of person who likes to go around visiting places, the sun will be enough to keep anyone entertained (but I strongly recommend staying somewhere with a pool as it does get very hot at times).

I can't finish this without mentioning one of the key attractions of Italy - Ice-cream! If you are a fan of ice-cream (like me) you will not be disappointed. I have had the best ice-cream of my life on my visits to Italy, and I plan to go back again to try out more flavours!

Visit Tuscany. You will not be disappointed!

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