Best trails in Florence, Tuscany

Somebody once pointed out that the result of Italy's history of passion, religious fervor, artistic temperament and political instability were the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and the Renaissance. Prompt, impartial, reliable Swiss fence sitters, on the other hand, had produced nothing better than the cuckoo clock. Slightly hard on the Swiss perhaps (they also make great chocolate), but the Italian generalization fits Florence like one of its stylish leather gloves. The city was the cradle of the Renaissance and its art and beauty have drawn travelers for centuries. Its famous icons were created when Florence was a powerful independent republic, ruled by a family of corrupt dukes who assassinated their rivals while pouring their wealth into supporting Michelangelo and his artistic brethren. It's impossible to experience all that Florence has to offer in one visit, but this trail aims to give a taste of what all the fuss is about. You could do it as a simple walking tour to orientate yourself or treat it as a journey to complete over several days.Show more

A nice way to get away from the loud city while still being relatively close. Amazing views and you get to really see the suburbs of Florence.Show more

A walk through the highlights of this quarter, characteristic of Florence. Florence is an open museum, which is its beauty and its curse at the same time. People looking for a "typical" corner of Florence may find themselves among a crush of tourists if they only follow the well-traveled routes. But a walk through the Oltrarno's (the "other side of the Arno River") Santo Spirito Quarter will bring you to a part of Florence that still belongs to the Florentines. Follow its lanes filled with artisan studios to the leafy green piazza of Santo Spirito with its cafes and restaurants to the elegant boutiques of Via Santo Spirito to the enormous Pitti Palace filled with Renaissance treasures.Show more

The Chianti Trail is arguably the most picturesque drive in one of the most picturesque places in the world: Chianti, Tuscany, Italy. This is a scenic drive on a well-known road (SR222) from Florence to Siena. Rolling hills, ancient hilltop towns, and vineyards take your breath away.Show more

A closer parking area is located on this route along SP130 (Via dei Colli Alti). This makes the hike about 1.5 miles out and back. Show more

The start of this route is in Coverciano. From here you go up to Settignano to take the CAI path 2. Arrived towards Vincigliata, take path 6 for Poggio Pratone. Once you reach the ridge behind Fiesole, go back down the CAI path 9 which comes out in Querciola through a beautiful Roman road that follows a stream.Show more