Spotlight on Tuscany

Montecatini Terme is a small resort town in the northern part of the Italian region of Tuscany. The town is famous for their thermal spas and many hotels. The first spas were constructed in the late 1700's. Today the town is investing in upgraded facilities and enjoy a renewed interest as a tourist destination. The city center is full of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Locals and tourists alike flock to the streets for an evening stroll.

Lucca is a small town in the northwest of Tuscany. The town is famous for its intact city walls that surround the charming pedestrianized city center. The former wealth of the town can be seen in the elegant palaces and large number of churches that can be found throughout the city. Lucca’s Roman heritage is also visible at sites like Piazza dell’Anfiteatro - a series of apartments built on the old Roman arena. Today visitors are also drawn to the number of high quality shops and cafes.

Florence is the regional capital of Tuscany and home to countless Renaissance masterpieces. The city developed great wealth during the late Middle Ages and was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance that produced great artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Brunelleschi and many others. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with numerous museums, stunning architecture and charming piazzas. The city offers something for everyone from culture, to great food and excellent shopping (like their famous gold or leather).

Pisa is home to one of the most recognizable architectural icons of Italy - the Leaning Tower. The city historically was a naval power and rival of Florence. Today the city is focused on tourism, its acclaimed university and light manufacturing. The highlight of the town is the Leaning Tower is one of four monuments built in Pisa’s “Field of Miracles”. The other monuments include Italy’s largest baptistry, a cemetery for Pisan Nobility, and the Cathedral. Visitors can admire the beauty of the Pisan Romanesque architecture and align a photo of themselves holding up the tower.

A cooking class reveals the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. Learn culinary techniques that have been passed down through generations of wonderful cooks, while using the freshest of local ingredients. Later, you’ll get to enjoy your delicious creation for dinner.

San Gimignano is a picturesque hill town in the central part of Tuscany. The town developed great wealth in the middle ages and was home to 70 plus medieval towers. Today, only a handful of the towers are still intact, but at least one is open to the public. The hilltop location allows for beautiful panoramic views over the Tuscan Countryside. The town is also home to shops that sell a variety of Tuscan goods from pottery to wine, cheese and wild boar salami.