Tuscany is also home to some of the most stunning small towns, each with its individual charm, character and postcard-worthy views. Often surrounded by heavy fortified walls with fortresses and towers, these cities are a legacy of the Middle Ages and a testament to the wealth and prestige that the area enjoyed during the medieval period.

Hotels Pisa

Giusy Hotel Lido di Camaiore *** Giusy Hotel Lido di Camaiore awaits you in Tuscany, near the beach of Camaiore. The hotel is found meters from the sea, surrounded by the spacious garden and a spacious park. All the rooms have a private bath, air-conditioning and a private balcony. Besides, the hotel also offers a bar with refreshing drinks. The hotel offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation.

Outside the cities, are magnificent medieval castles, over 150 in Tuscany alone. While some of these architectural masterpieces are well preserved, others lie in ruins and are mere fragments of their former self. They were once the bastions of power for feudal warlords and ruling families that dominated the political and social landscape of what was then a collection of city-states.

If you are looking for an escape from some of the more tourist infested towns of Florence, Pisa and Siena, you may want to take a journey back in time to the countryside of Tuscany with its commanding castles, fortresses, watch-towers, and walled cities. Fortunately many of the most picturesque towns are located within the Chianti region so you can combine you love of history and architecture with indulgence in wines that have grown in this region for centuries. All are located within an hour's drive of Florence so we recommend hiring a car for a few days to experience the beauty that is rural Tuscany. Once you get off the main highways (autostrade) with their racing Ferraris and total disregard for speed limits, you will discover more tranquil and relaxing driving conditions.

Hotels Florence

Novotel Firenze Nord Airport Hotel Florence *** The Novotel Firenze Nord Airport Hotel is located just 4 kilometres from city centre and only 1 kilometre from the airport, providing its guests shuttle service from and to the airport. Each of the 179 guestrooms is tastefully furnished to provide modern comfort and a unique feeling of spaciousness. The restaurant at the hotel as well serves the best international cuisines.

Located on the road between Florence and Siena, some 10 miles outside Florence, and on the northern edge of the Chianti region is San Casciano Val di Pesa -- a long name for a town with a long history dating back to the Roman era. In the13th century, the city, best known for its wine production came under the rule of Florence. In the 14th century, following several attacks by rival states, the massive fortified walls were constructed, most of which are intact today. From the city walls, the view of the surrounding vineyards is breathtaking. Just outside of San Cascino is the Castello Bibbione, an imposing14th century castle that was once the hunting lodge of the Prince himself, Niccolò Machiavelli.

Less than 20 miles west of San Casciano is the pretty hillside town of Certaldo, another walled city with superb views, some historic tourism attractions and next to no tourists. It is here that the author of The Decameron, Giovanni Boccaccio was born and later interred. Rare copies of his book are housed at a library/museum in the walled upper city (Certaldo Alto) and there is also a museum of Etruscan and Roman artifacts located within the impressive 14th century Palazzo Pretorio. The walled city is a labyrinth of small cobblestone streets with shops and restaurants.

Another eight miles south is the quintessential walled city of Tuscany, San Gimignano. Here, unfortunately, you will come face to face with tour buses, but you can avoid the crowds by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when most groups have disappeared. The city of towers is a glowing tribute to the architects and craftsmen of the Middle Ages. Today, 13 original towers still stand, although in its heyday, the towers numbered more than 70. San Gimignano is lined with palaces and churches, quaint shops and expensive restaurants to satisfy your hunger for Tuscan fare.

Volterra, a city over 3000 years old, is highly under-rated as a tourist destination. It possesses incredible charm and beauty with so few tourists, that you'll wonder why it hasn't been over-run with tour buses by now. The city is built atop a large hill, some 1500 ft above sea level and is surrounded by picturesque green valleys. Impressive medieval walls and ramparts encircle the city, with fortifications in excellent condition. You can stay in one of a hotels converted from monasteries and convents, or a hotel that is built into the city wall to enjoy the same view as visitors did hundreds of years ago. The main attraction, besides the quaint Tuscan town environment is the abundance of Etruscan tombs, located just outside the city. The Etruscans were the first inhabitants of the area (from the 12th to the 4th centuries BC) and they buried their dead in unique decorated vaulted tombs. Within the city area are a 14th century fortress, an Etruscan gate (Porta all'Arco) an Etruscan museum and a well-preserved Roman theatre and bath complex. The fact that cars must park outside the city walls helps to ensure that the city remains decongested and peaceful. If you happen to be visiting during September, on the first Sunday of the month, the Astiludio, a colorful and historic flag throwing competition takes place in Volterra.

It is quite refreshing to note that the town of Barga, in the Garfagnana region of Tuscany is rarely featured in Italian travel guides (Frommer's aside). This 12th century walled city may boast small tourist numbers but it is a great example of Medieval Tuscany with a maze of small piazzas, shops and galleries located on narrow streets, which criss-cross the hillside before reaching the main piazza at the top, with its grand cathedral (duomo) built in the 9th century.