Tuscany or Toscana is one of the most famous regions in Italy. Since Frances Mayes wrote “Under The Tuscan Sun” tourism in this region has increased immensely. Also property values have increased also. Toscana comprises a very large area. Plan on a week or more to visit the many wonderful sights. The food, climate and sights are exhilarating. Hills and valleys, morning fog that burns off quickly in the sun. So much to see and feel.
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The movie with Diane Lane helped increase it’s popularity with visions of sunflowers and rustic homes. There are many towns, cities, and regions the compromise Toscana. Florence is a good place to start. Florence or Firenze is the capital of to Toscana. It is a pedestrian city and cars are restricted from the city center.
Florence viewed from Piazzale Michangealo. It is worth the walk across the Arno river and the climb up to view the setting sun. At this time people flock from all over the city to view it. You and have a glass of wine, or a café from any of the numerous bars nearby. I hurried to make sunset and see the spectacular vistas from this perch.
The Duomo, Firenze
Am artist on the Arno river.
Ponte Vecchio Firenze, night time is a great time to walk the city.
An artist work to restore a sculpture at the Uffizi which is a must see. Purchase your tickets in advance with an arrival time and skip the lines. Use the web for tickets.
https://www.uffizi.it/en/pages/how-to-book-tickets
Below, beefsteak Florentine
Start with a good piece of meat
Served medium rare with a side of veggies.
If you can visit Trattoria Pandemonio, Firenze. You will not be disappointed.
So I signed up and started practicing climbing the hills in Vero Beach, Florida. Well not quite, there are no hills here. Best I could do is keep going over the two bridges that the connect the mainland to the barrier island. Add a back pack and some weight and it was a start.
The crowded roads we traveled on!
Olives and Grapes
Quick stop.
Always beautiful views.
Each morning Claudio and Elena would give us a briefing on our ride for the day.
Each day brought new sights and some tough climbs.
So much beauty. I stopped frequently to take photos.
Monteriggioni, a beautiful walled village.
Loved the shirt Elena was wearing.
Torre del Mangia, Siena
From the top of the tower, this where the Palio is held. 
Our rides took us through the town and alleys.
Another amazing duomo.
As always when I am in Italy it is the Food. Fresh produce that has not traveled 3000 miles in a refrigerated truck. Always items that are in season. This was the best bruschetta I have ever had. The tomatoes were RIPE!
I passed by a couple of locals and they volunteered to take my photo. This was on one of those roads where we hardly ever saw another auto. This trip was really a sogno!! I can not recommend Vermont Bike Tours enough. Every aspect of the trip was perfect. Can not wait to do another ride in Italy. 
gregsitaly 