Traveling To (And Through) The Heart of Italy (PHOTOS)

Over 40 million tourists travel to Italy every year, making it the fith most visited country in the world. The capital Rome is by far the most popular destination in Italy, but some people rather travel to other cities or regions in the country, such as Milan, Venice or Turin. One of my personal favorite destinations, though, is located in the heart of Italy. Literally.

The beautiful Tuscan scenery is often praised in travel guides, blogs and books, and that's for a reason. Green hills are decorated with cypress trees, and most of the small Tuscan towns still breathe the atmosphere of medieval times. It is even said that time goes 25% slower in Tuscany, which means that you can enjoy your time in this Italian region even longer.

If you want to see as much as possible of Tuscany, I'd definitely recommend something that I call the Giro del Cuore, the route of the heart. This heart-shaped, 200 miles long trip (350 km) will take you to a dozen-or-so amazing Tuscan towns, such as Pisa, Siena and Lucca, which all have their own stories to tell. The absolute heart of Italy.

It is most common to start this road trip either in Pisa or Florence, as these cities both have an airport, but you can basically start anywhere you'd like. As the Italian trains can't bring you to every city on the route, it's best to rent a car in one of these cities. Also, especially when you're planning to take this trip during the summer, make sure to book your Tuscany hotels or B&B in advance, as beautiful cities like Florence and Siena attract lots of tourists in July and August.

The road trip in the slideshow below starts in Pisa, and will take you across the beautiful Tuscan countryside, before returning back to Pisa. The worst part of your trip will probably be arriving at Aeroporto Internazionale Galileo Galilei, as that's where your plane will be waiting, ready to take you back home.

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The heartshaped route

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The route will start in Pisa, and take you to Lucca, Florence and Siena, amongst others. Of course, you can stop or stay in any city along the route, as almost any city you will pass deserves a pit stop.

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The route will start in Pisa, and take you to Lucca, Florence and Siena, amongst others. Of course, you can stop or stay in any city along the route, as almost any city you will pass deserves a pit stop.

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I love this city!

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Not so much... Absolutely!

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Comments

[Travelwizette]

04:05 PM on 01/13/2011

Allow me to suggest another great resource for those traveling to Italy. Italy Tavel Guide found at http://www.travelwizard.com/italy-vacations/ has tons of useful vacation information.

[rich3324]

12:30 PM on 01/10/2011

Got to live in Italy for three years. One of my must memorable Thanksgivings was one where my family and other fiends rented a 350 year old farmhouse in Tuscany.

[tangelan]

09:56 PM on 01/09/2011

Lovely pics. I'm going to Florence in June. Can't wait.

[Kristi214]

11:52 PM on 01/16/2011

if you can visit lucca. It's a short train ride from Pisa. when we stayed in pisa we went to both Lucca and florence. Lucca is just beautiful.
I've posted a picture of one of the places we stopped to eat, vote if you can for it. it's absolutely beautful there!
http://contest.shutterfly.com/contests/showentry/703674

[netzwerg]

07:17 AM on 01/09/2011

I want to retire in Florence. I am 29 now, so I got to work a few more years.
Fortunately, Florence is only 6 hours drive or 4 hours by train or 1 hour by plane away from where I live now, so I am there about 3-4 times a year.

[GSR]

10:24 PM on 01/08/2011

Take the turn-of to San Gimignano. You'd be nuts if you didn't.

[phoebequeen]

01:49 PM on 01/08/2011

Love, love Italy! Visited in 2007 with husband and then 11 year old son. What an amazing and beautiful place. We started in Rome. Didn't expect to enjoy it so much. My favorite was Piazza Navona. There is so much history in Rome, so much to do. It's hard to see all. Rented a car, which I don't think we would again, and drove to Siena. So glad there are still places like this in the world to explore. Around every corner , there is another beautiful picture opportunity. Drove to Pisa as a side trip. Couldn't bring myself to walk up the steps of the tower though my husband and son loved it. Our last stop was Venice. I fell in love!! How amazing is that place? I loved strolling thru the streets just letting our feet be our guide. I got to feed the pigons in St. Marks Square. I looked like the bird lady from "Mary Poppins!" I read that about a month after our visit, they stopped allowing the men selling corn so,no more feeding the birds. Sad.Visiting Italy changed me. I am trying to learn Italian now using Rosetta Stone. We plan to return this April since I will be turning the big 50! Loved the Italian people too. Very friendly and warm. Also loved the men's reaction to me! They love women and appreciate them like fine art. Husband didn't always like it though. Great for your self esteem !

[Paolo Rossi]

01:42 PM on 01/09/2011

It's funny, but I hear it a lot that people who have once visited Italy start learning Italian. I don't know if this is the same for, say, Spain or France, but I think it's remarkable. Good luck with your study!

[Oberaich]

11:21 AM on 01/07/2011

Don't miss Cinque Terre!! It is SO close to this route and an unforgettable treat.

[Paolo Rossi]

01:35 PM on 01/07/2011

You're absolutely, right, Cinque Terre (located just above Massa, in the top right of the small map) is a stunning place to visit. Especially in May or September, when most tourists went back home, and you can enjoy the cliffs almost privately :)

[pydbl]

09:19 PM on 01/10/2011

Cinque Terre is absolutely gorgeous. One of the most beautiful places I've ever been to in Europe

[Giulia Garau]

11:00 AM on 01/07/2011

Good tips, Paolo! There is so much to see in Tuscany apart from the (beautiful) Florence. It's definitely on of the most beautiful Italian regions with gorgeous landscapes.

[cedricpp]

10:54 AM on 01/07/2011

Thanks for sharing this! I love Italy but have never been to Tuscany yet.
I love the south (Puglia, Sicily). Would you happen to have any recommendation in Calabria?

[janedoe31]

11:01 AM on 01/07/2011

Customwalks also has great planned trips for the south of italy.....including the Amalfi coast....you won't be disappointed...once again...tell Brett the managing director "VZ" sent you....he will remember me....(i am not working on commission...I just believe in their product!)
Customwalk­­s Ltd

www.custom­­walks.com Walking & Biking trips in Europe
www.scoote­­rbella.co­m Vespa tours in Europe

[Paolo Rossi]

01:39 PM on 01/09/2011

Calabria is a lovely region to travel to. It's also very diverse, so any recommendations would depend on your preferences. Do you like to go for a walk or go mountainbiking, do you prefer to go diving, or would you rather chill out at a beach or stroll trough an old city center or museum? It's all possible :)

[janedoe31]

10:52 AM on 01/07/2011

Italy is beautiful.­..If anyone is planning an Italian vacation, in particular the Tuscan region, may I suggest "Customwal­ks"... they offer so many ways to experience the terra ferma....w­hether it be hiking, biking or scootering about. The itinerary can be custom made to your request or planned, private or groups. Brett the managing director and his team are amazing...­they will take on adventure you will never forget. I have gone on 3 trips with them, once alone and twice with friends...­..I had a blast....g­reat food and wine from the local regions, accomodati­ons were wonderful. Tell Brett "VZ" sent you....he will remember me...all I did was laugh and smile.....­....I'm smiling as I write this...che­ck them out...you will not be disappoint­ed.
Customwalk­s Ltd

www.custom­walks.com Walking & Biking trips in Europe
www.scoote­rbella.com Vespa tours in Europe