Italy: Toscana

About the destination: Florence remains as vibrant and beautiful today as it was when its wool and silk traders and bankers revolutionized the economy of 13th century Tuscany, and the art of Dante and Michelangelo left the world in awe. Florence was the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The results of the city's revival can still be seen in its seemingly endless array of museums, churches, and palaces. With its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Duomo, the elegant and stunning cathedral, towers over the city and serves as a clear landmark during your explorations. The River Arno, which runs through the oldest part of the city, is topped with the Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is lined with shops and supported by stilts. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the only bridge that withstood attacks during WWII. Standing by the river at night, when the city is lit up with countless twinkling lights, is an unforgettable experience. But more than just stones and paint remain of Florence's unparalleled heritage; the city's unyielding spirit has also endured through the centuries, ensuring that Florentine life today is vibrant and sophisticated.

About the destination: Siena is a city located in Tuscany, Italy. It serves as the capital of the Siena province. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Piazza del Campo, a unique shell-shaped plaza in the heart of the city, which twice a year becomes the racetrack for the Palio • The Palazzo Pubblico, which has been Siena's City Hall for nearly 800 years, houses the renowned frescoes depicting good and bad governance by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, frescoes by Simone Martini and Duccio, and provides access to the Torre del Mangia, from where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Sienese countryside. • The Duomo, Siena's stunning black and white Italian Romanesque cathedral, which includes the Libreria Piccolomini, Baptistery and an attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo that houses the famous Maestà by Duccio. • The Pinacoteca, filled with Sienese paintings from the city's Medieval golden age. • The Palazzo Salimbeni, constructed in 1472, is the global headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, a major banking corporation that plays a significant role in the city's economic and cultural life. • The birthplace of St. Catherine of Siena is just a few blocks away from the duomo. • The Piccolomini Palace, constructed in 1459 by the renowned architect Bernardo Rossellino, a student of Leon Battista Alberti. The Piccolomini Palace is one of the most visited sites on the Piazza del Campo. This Florentine style palace houses the official archives of Siena.

About the destination: The quaint town of San Gimignano, with its medieval origins evident in its spectacular wall, is nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The village is conveniently located just a 35-minute drive from both Siena and Florence, making it an easy detour for any tourist visiting either of these two cities. The charm of this village is undeniable, especially since UNESCO declared its historic center a World Heritage Site in 1990, primarily due to its unique medieval architecture and its towers. It's also worth noting that the village was once a pilgrimage site for those journeying to Rome.

About the destination: Florence remains as vibrant and beautiful today as it was when its wool and silk traders and bankers revolutionized the economy of 13th century Tuscany, and the art of Dante and Michelangelo left the world in awe. Florence was the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The results of the city's revival can still be seen in its seemingly endless array of museums, churches, and palaces. With its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Duomo, the elegant and stunning cathedral, towers over the city and serves as a clear landmark during your explorations. The River Arno, which runs through the oldest part of the city, is topped with the Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is lined with shops and supported by stilts. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the only bridge that withstood attacks during WWII. Standing by the river at night, when the city is lit up with countless twinkling lights, is an unforgettable experience. But more than just stones and paint remain of Florence's unparalleled heritage; the city's unyielding spirit has also endured through the centuries, ensuring that Florentine life today is vibrant and sophisticated.