Trip to Volterra, Italy ​Occupying a lofty perch overlooking some of Tuscany's most breathtaking landscapes, Volterra is a treasure trove of Etruscan history overlaid with some of the region's finest Renaissance architecture. Approaching Volterra by car you can't fail to be moved by the unique vistas provided by the Val di Cecina's rolling hills; verdant fields of green for most of the year, turned a baked yellow during the summer months. As the road continues its steady climb you're finally met by Volterra's famous Balze cliffs surrounding the city. ​For a complete visit to Volterra you need at least a full day as there are a series of fascinating museums to discover. Among the museums are the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacro, the Pinacoteca e Museo Civico and the Etruscan museum - Museo Etrusco Guarnacci. Also keep an eye out for the Renaissance Palazzo Incontri-Viti with its frescoed rooms. Throughout Volterra there are nods to ancient history with an Etruscan Arch and a 1st century BC Roman Theatre among the most interesting archaeological sites. By far the best way to visit Volterra is by car; it's just over an hour's drive from either Pisa or Siena while Tuscany's capital, Florence is around an hour and a half away. If you don't have a car then you can reach Volterra by bus from the town of Colle di Val d'Elsa (45 minutes) or from Pisa in an hour. Train is the least convenient option here with the nearest train station (Saline di Volterra) some nine kilometres away from the centre but nevertheless reachable by bus in around 20 minutes. #nationalpark#culturalattractions#naturalwonders#romanticrestaurant#bestislandtraveltowns#hipsterbookstore#museumquest#beautifulsunsets#café#historicculture

Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Few cities are so compact in size or so packed with extraordinary art and architecture masterpieces at every turn. The urban fabric of this small city, on the banks of the Arno river in northeastern Tuscany, has hardly changed since the Renaissance and its narrow cobbled streets are a cinematic feast of elegant 15th- and 16th-century palazzi (palaces), medieval candle-lit chapels, fresco-decorated churches, marble basilicas and world-class art museums brimming with paintings and sculptures by Botticcelli, Michelangelo et al. Unsurprisingly, the entire city centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Italy's fashion industry was born and bred here. Homegrown designers Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo opened haute-couture boutiques in Florence in the 1920s and shopping in the Tuscan capital has been stylish ever since. A-lister fashion houses lace Via de' Tornabuoni and a Pandora's box of specialist boutiques selling all manner of beautiful objects parade alongside family-run botteghe (workshops) in a glorious tangle of medieval backstreets. Watch fourth-generation Florentine goldsmiths and shoemakers at work, buy artisan scents evocative of the Florentine countryside and Tuscan sea breeze, and know the tag 'Fiorentina' is one of the finest international labels going. Quality produce sourced locally, seasonally and sustainably is the holy trinity and Florentines share an enormous pride in their culinary tradition. Their city, surrounded by wine-rich hills, is a gourmet paradise where eating and drinking exceedingly well is mandatory. Be it a traditional bowl of earthy ribollita (bean, bread and veg soup), a tripe panino at a family-run food truck or a blue T-bone steak served in a market trattoria unchanged since 1915, dining in Florence is timeless and memorable. Raw cuisine, fish bistros, craft cocktails and the dazzling creativity of modern young Tuscan chefs add contemporary edge. #themepark#zoo#lakes

Siena is one of the most famous Italian cities and a place every tourist aims to visit during a trip to Tuscany. It is famous for its Palio that takes place twice a year, and for its characteristic narrow streets flanked by brick buildings. The historic city is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and is filled with beautiful and interesting places to visit. But what are the things you shouldn't miss, on any account? This post will help you by highlighting a selection of monuments, churches and buildings, and providing useful tips. Siena is my favorite place to revel in medieval Italy. The town is an architectural time warp, where pedestrians rule and the present feels like the past. #siena #italy #italytravel #italybeauties #city #cityoverlook #citytopics #cityvacation #tripinspired #easylife#europeanarchitecture#ancientarchitecture

The construction of this famous medieval structure began in 1173 and took more than 200 years. It's one of four buildings in the ceremonial complex of Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles. You can climb to the top of the bell tower, then visit historic Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery. Afterward, join hundreds of tourists posing at all angles to capture a photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. #themeparks#nationalpark

Tuscany is famous for its sumptuous landscapes, classified among the most beautiful landscapes in Europe but also for the beautiful city of Florence and Siena. You will also find picturesque and preserved cities in Tuscany. Protected by its imposing wall and its high towers, the city of San Gimignano has hardly changed since the thirteenth century. Book your hotel, guesthouse, B&B in San Gimignano at the best price or enjoy a stay in Florence or Siena and offer you the best activities and tours in Tuscany. #culturalattractions#naturalwonders#nationalpark

It is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world and certainly one of the best destinations in Europe. Florence had an influence all over the world and still attracts art lovers and lovers. The Florentine Renaissance really changed our way of thinking about man and the world around him. Humanism has its roots in Florence. Dante, Machiavelli, Galileo but also Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, come from Florence. During your stay you will not fail to visit the "Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore", one of the iconic symbols of the Florentine landscape. You will visit the Uffizi Gallery and admire "The Birth of Venus" as well as the Galleria dell'Accademia and Michelangelo's most famous statue: "David". Florence is also a foodie's paradise. Visit the Mercato Centrale to taste fresh pasta or a delicious pizza and treat yourself to an authentic Italian ice cream. Take a romantic stroll in the gardens of "Giardino Bardini". Come in early spring (April to June) when the wisterias are in bloom, it is even more romantic. #naturalwonders#themeparks#nationalpark#beaches

Greece has always been one of the top travel destinations on our bucket list, so spending 12 days exploring 4 different destinations with Journey Greece and SPG Hotels & Resorts was a dream come true! As much as we love traveling, we find it difficult to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road. We usually try to get back in a healthy routine when we get home to Bali (did you see our recent Bali self care post?) but as we are traveling, we tend to get off track. We were so excited to partner with Journey Greece for 12 days of fitness + wellness around Greece to prove it is actually possible to keep up with a healthy lifestyle while traveling! The first stop on our fitness + wellness journey was to the infamous island of Mykonos! Mykonos is full of classic Greek charm that you would expect to see when planning a trip to Greece: whitewashed cubiform buildings with blue accents, seaside bars and restaurants, winding streets full of shops, and of course, bougainvillea all along the way. It is a must-see destination for any Greece trip— and starting our adventure off here was the perfect introduction to Greece! Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in Mykonos was easy thanks to our stay at Santa Marina Resort! Here are some ways we were able to balance fitness + wellness during our time on the island #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

Florence is the capital city of Tuscany and the Metropolitan City of Florence. This city is endowed with rich historical and cultural heritage. Located between Piedmont and the Coastal Regions of South Carolina, this is the largest city in the North-east part of South Carolina. The Arno river flows through this city. The township in Florence was initially established as a terminal for railroads. The city boasts of wonderful theatrical performances, ballet company, and many such art and heritage and simultaneously preserves the comfort of a close-knit townships with parks and streets lined with trees. The hospitable nature of the people of the South and soothing beauty makes it a must-visit location for the tourists visinting Italy. Florence is one of the centres of Renaissance culture, and continues to be a centre for international trade, culture and fashion as well. The city balances a rich and fascinating history with modern attractions and a cosmopolitan environment. From historical ruins, well-preserved churches, breathtaking architecture to the latest attractions, the city blend history with the electric current of modern times like no other. Whether you want hundred year old paintings or the freshest fashion off the runway, Florence has it all! The people here are friendly, and you'll enjoy spending hours and hours of your holiday walking about it's beautiful streets filled with a hundrend different knick knacks, experiencing the kind attention of helpful locals to give you an amazing holiday experince. #naturalwonders#bestislandtraveltowns#themeparks

The 197-foot bell tower rose at Campo dei Miracoli between the 12th and 14th centuries to accompany a Romanesque cathedral and baptistery. Although it began tilting immediately, Pisa’s eight-story marble structure, ringed with arches and 207 support columns, was considered an engineering feat. Following centuries of effort to right it, the tower reopened in 2001 after three years of placing weights on the tower and removing soil from below the foundation succeeded in reducing the tilt. #themeparks#nationalpark