Tuscany for beginners
SIENA: Siena's stunning main square, the Campo, has a gently tilted floor fanning out into a people-friendly stage set, making it the city's proud centerpiece and giving the town a medieval allure. This is the ultimate hill town, with red-brick lanes cascading every which way and an unrivaled spirit that any visitor can enjoy.
MONTEPULCIANO: This hill town boasts a medieval cityscape like a miniature Florence. With several historic wine cellars and easy access to wine country, it's my favorite base for exploring the heart of Tuscany. Rooms with a view are standard in this dramatically sited town.
PIENZA: Fans of architecture and urban design appreciate this pint-sized Renaissance town with well-planned streets and squares. For a hill town, it's notable for being relatively flat.
MONTALCINO: This touristy Brunello-wine capital still manages to exude a stony charm. It's mainly a happy gauntlet of wine shops and art galleries.
CORTONA: With a rich architectural and artistic heritage, thriving Cortona is nestled in a scenic hilly landscape dotted with grand churches and Etruscan ruins.
While most hill towns are undeniably touristy, in the evening they become the domain of locals, who polish the cobbled streets with convivial promenades. Join in, and imagine the countless peasant backs that bent so many centuries ago to set these ancient, weathered stones into simple perfection.
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(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2017 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
