Florence is a must-see city for any art lover, but its delights reach far beyond the museums and galleries. The city itself is a piece of art - Stendhal himself felt so taken by the city that he was unable to walk. Yes, Florence is not only the birthplace of the Renaissance but also of Stendhal syndrome. Do not be ashamed if you lose your balance here while gazing at the sights. Countless tourists have succumbed to the same fate, and really, there are worse ways to go.

Florence is one of the most visited tourist destinations of the world. At least once in a life time, you’d like to take a close look at the David of Michelangelo, or the Venere of Botticelli, or visit the Uffizi Gallery (photo above), the Pitti Palace, the Boboli Gardens, the Brunelleschi’s Dome, etc. etc. As a matter of fact, there are few places in the world that have such a huge concentration of monuments and masterpieces in such a small space.

Having spent the past couple days roaming the various streets of Florence, you decide that the best way to end your vacation is by enjoying a view of Florence at sunset.

Across the Ponte Vecchio lies Piazzale Michelangelo and only requires a 15 minute hike up. From what you have heard from other tourists, you are bound to capture pictures worthy of being a postcard. However, according to several natives, the best view of Florence can be found in the neighboring hillside town of Fiesole. To get to Fiesole would require a more strenuous hike of about an hour and a half or less (you can cheat and take the number 7 bus to get there!). While it is possible - easy, in fact - to spend a week or more in Florence and still not see everything, if you can spare it, Florence deserves at least three days. Do yourself a favor and make the time.

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Pisa, renowned worldwide for its Leaning Tower, definitely deserves more than the usual day stop which traditionally occurs on tourist routes. The city boasts an ancient history which was at its most splendid during the era of the Marine Republic. For tourists, Pisa is a treasure chest full of surprises; from the bright Lungarni quays walled by noble buildings, to the web of narrow, medieval alleys leading to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli. Home of Galileo Galilei, Pisa is today an important university city and offers a lively student lifestyle.

The “Lungarni” Quays. For centuries these quays were the heart of the city. Until the nineteenth century they were covered with piers and docks. These were later destroyed to reinforce the banks. The “Lungarni” are presented as a succession of beautiful noble buildings, interrupted by five bridges that unite the city. Mezzo Bridge, the most central, hosts the Game of the Bridge each June. You can admire some of the remarkable buildings while walking along the river. On Lungarno Mediceo: Palazzo Schiff, Palazzo Concioni and Palazzo Toscanelli; on Lungarno Pacinotti: Palazzo Agostani Venerosi, which hosts the age-old Caffé dell’Ussero; on Lungarno Galileo Galilei: Palazzo Lanfranchi, seat of the Municipality, Palazzo da Scorno, Palazzo Pretorio and Palazzo Gambacorti, in Pisan Gothic style.

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Siena is the embodiment of a medieval city. Its inhabitants pursued their rivalry with Florence right into the area of urban planning. Throughout the centuries, they preserved their city's Gothic appearance, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries. During this period the work of Duccio, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini was to influence the course of Italian and, more broadly, European art. The whole city of Siena, built around the Piazza del Campo, was devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape.

Many a traveler’s favorite spot in Tuscany, Siena manages to stay charming no matter how many tourists clog the streets in summer. The town is centered around a public square called Il Campo, which is the site for the city’s most famous annual event - the Siena Palio. Whether you visit during the Palio or not, you’ll be treated to a glorious and proud city with a beautiful cathedral and excellent views of the countryside.