TUSCANY COUNTRY - An Overview - Geography - Culture

If you are a wine connoisseur, a fine food gourmand, or are enthralled by works of art by artists endowed with consummate skill - - you will find all and more in Tuscany Country. At the very least, your eyes will be treated to the beauty of incredible landscapes, rolling hills, and vineyards as you travel through Tuscan.

You may choose to visit the province of Massa-Carrara, located on the very north-western tip of Tuscany (or Toscana in Italian) and learn about the production of marble and the many sculptors that have lived and worked in the province.

Or Lucca, famous for its intact Renaissance-era wall around the city that became a pedestrian promenade which encircled the old town.

Pistoia can be a real discovery. Its past is reflected in the ancient stones on the roads and in the squares of the centre, in the color of its architecture; a city away from the more crowded itineraries of Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena. Pistoia is also well-known as the Chocolate Valley, thanks to its Chocolate makers of international fame. The Chocolate Valley crosses the following towns : Pisa, Florence, Prato, Monsummano Terme, Agliana and Pontedera.

But other minor places like Monsummano Terme, (the birthplace of French actor Yves Montand and Italian poet Giuseppe Giusti) and an important Italian footwear district from the 1920’s to the 19th century, is also a spa town with two natural caves: Grotta Giusti and Grotta Parlanti, the latter recently undergoing renovation following the closure. You can meet the Master Chocolates makers every 2 years in Monsummano Terme for the Chocolate festival where visitors can taste , buy or follow small seminars or workshops.

So from LIVORNO, the Gateway to Toscany Country, you have many itineraries to choose from. It's your time in this wonderful country that will make your decisions difficult!

If you are a wine connoisseur, you will be "vin" heaven in Tuscany! BE SURE TO SEE THE INFORMATION ON TUSCANY WINE TOURS.

If you are into Italian cuisine you must know that Tuscany culinary traditions have earned world acclaim. BE SURE TO SEE THE INFORMATION ON "COOKING CLASSES" AND MY "FOODIE PAGE."

Are you an artist or have a proclivity for architecture, sculptures? Mediaeval fortress towns, Romanesque churches, Renaissance palazzos, paintings, history, art or sculpture - Tuscany has it all, spanning across time, styles and periods. BE SURE TO SEE THE TOURS TO LUCCA, PISA, AND FLORENCE.

In Tuscany, the pace is languid and relaxed, and has come to represent what tourists around the world see as the good life: beauty in abundance, good food, good wine, and good company.

GEOGRAPHY

Tuscany is one of the twenty regions of Italy, itself comprised of 10 different regions. It lies on the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the upper western coast of Italy. Tuscany country is known for its stunning landscapes, design, and exceptional food and wine. The region has a mixed geography that ranges from coastal plains, hills and high mountain peaks-- and cities that are famous for their cultural beauty and hospitality. Visitors flock to absorb the Tuscan beauty and culinary experiences in the major cities and tiny towns.

Livorno is Italy's third-largest seaport that stands as the gateway to the mighty Toscana. The famously beautiful historic city of Florence is the region’s capital. The tiny ancient walled city of Lucca is curious and delightful... and most everyone wants to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Piazza del Duomo.

Offshore about 20 km west you will reach the Tuscan Archipelago which is a chain of islands between the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea, home to Pianosa, Capraia, Montecristo, Giglio, Gorgona, Giannutri and the largest island of the group, Elba.

Florence is probably the crown jewel of Tuscany art, although the entire region is known for its numerous important contributions to the art and culture of Italy and world history. Once you are outside of Florence, the attractions of Tuscany are mostly found in its hill towns, attractive settlements whose endowments include a unique culture, beautiful landscapes and a pleasant climate. The gorgeous countryside of Tuscany includes coastal plains, rolling hills and modest mountains. As you may know, the "magic" of Tuscany has been used as the background for many wonderful works of literature.

Tuscany Culture

Tuscany has about 3.5 million citizens which is a smaller population than in Rome. When driving in the lonely areas of Southern Tuscany, you will notice the low density in the population where it is about 60 people per square kilometer. But for the lovers of art, Tuscany is an ideal place to visit as Italian culture here is rich in architecture paintings, sculpture and music. Florence being at its centre. In fact, Tuscany is considered to be the birthplace of the Italian language. Most of the Renaissance artists were born in Tuscany. These were artists that were able to work with the same degree of talent in all forms of art from paintings to sculpture. Without a doubt, the two most important artists of the time were Michelangelo, the multi-talented painter, sculptor, man of letters and architect, and Leonardo da Vinci, the equally multi-talented, painter, engineer, architect, sculptor, musician and poet.

In Tuscany, as soon as you disembark from your ship, you are sure to be given plenty of options from cruise tour guides located right near the dock. Consider them, but know what you want to see and do before you get off your ship. There's plenty to do here; a long excursion time will give you ample opportunity to explore the riches this Italian city can offer.

Language and Currency

The official language of Florence is Italian, however some English is spoken in most areas. The official currency is the euro. Major credit cards are widely accepted and the best place to obtain Euros is from the many ATM machines located throughout Florence.

When is the best period of the year to visit Italy?
Spring time from March until mid May is best period to visit Italy, as the days are longer and weather is milder. For American visitors, June and July are the preferred months to travel, even if they are the hottest months of the year, it's actually low season for hotel visitors during this period as the Italians flock to the beaches.

SHIP SCHEDULES HERE FOR LIVORNO, LUCCA, PISA & FLORENCE - 2012-13

FROM THE SHIP to LIVORNO: Cruise ships dock at Marina diCarrara at the Port of Livorno which is a massive industrial port. Walking through the Livorno industrial port, where the big cruise ships dock, is forbidden and walking is not an option. Distance to the city center: 2 miles (3.2 km).

Livorno, Italy's third-largest seaport, stands as the gateway to the mighty Toscana. Long a principality of the Republics of Pisa and Florence, and the Duchies of the Medici and Lorenesi, the city has since suffered the loss of many of its finest landmarks. The Medici of the 16th and 17th centuries erected many buildings, but most of these were destroyed by Allied bombings and by Germans retreating northward during 1944.

Nevertheless, the port offers some points of interest, among them ruins of the 14th-century Tower of the Fanale. A monument to Livorno's founder features Ferdinand I in full armor, surrounded by four chained Moors. Via Grande is the city's main street; at its north end is the district of Venezia Nuova (New Venice), named for its many canals. This lively area, teeming with fishermen and boats, has inspired many paintings. One of Livorno's streets is a covered mall with many stores. A wine store with exquisite quality and selections and a huge indoor market with fresh meats, fish, poultry, wines, oils, fruit, produce, plants and flowers are yours for the shopping.

IT IS FROM LIVORNO THAT YOU CHOOSE YOUR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION TO YOUR DESTINATION--MASSA CARRA, LUCCA, PISA, FLORENCE and others. (See Next page on Docking and Getting Around)