Explore Tuscany's Breathtaking Countryside depicted in Renaissance Art

The beautiful Italian region of Tuscany is not only famous for its marvellous towns, quaint villages, hospitable people and outstanding gastronomy but also its breathtaking countryside and jaw-dropping views. Tuscany's beautiful bucolic landscapes have inspired modern cinema and artists for millennia. It wasn't proclaimed as the "cradle of Renaissance art" for nothing. You can take a road trip and discover the magnificent sceneries that Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Donatello, and many other artists fell in love with, hence depicting them in their iconic paintings. 
 
Along Tuscany's most scenic routes, you'll get the chance to see its most iconic countryside features such as radiant vineyards, silvery olive groves, lush and gilded meadows, flocks of lovely farm animals, fairytale castles and rural villages perched on hilltops,-- not to mention some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the country.
 
Want to discover the best spots to enjoy Tuscany's most charming landscapes? Here's the rundown of our favourite picks: 
 
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1) Valle di Chianti

Valle di Chianti is a beautiful region in the heart of Tuscany, nestled between the provinces of Florence and Siena-- and internationally recognised for its winemaking tradition, which dates back to the 13th century. Planting vineyards, gentle hills, tree-lined avenues of cypress and olive trees, and picturesque villages make up its exceptional bucolic landscapes. You can also cash-in the opportunity by roaming along the popular Tuscan wine route and relish on some of the most distinctive wines of the region.  
 
When you've had enough wine, you can head to the Chianti's most beautiful medieval villages such as Radda, Greve, Gaiole, and Castellina and admire its fairytale castles, Renaissance palaces and ancient squares. 

2) Valle di Orcia

Valle di Orcia boasts one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tuscany and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the province of Siena, this marvellous region was designed around the 14th and 15th centuries to create a landscape layout in keeping with Reinassance ideals. Its characteristic sceneries of stunning limestone meadows with gently rolling hills and its perched on-top fortifications inspired many Renaissance artists. So why not make a road trip or cycle throughout the area and visit the most beautiful nearby villages along the way? Feeling the breeze on your face while you soak up the beautiful surroundings that pass by will make for a pleasant experience. You will find yourself making several ports of call to explore every nook and cranny of the beautiful Valle d'Orcia. 
 
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3) Buoncovento

The land of Buocovento lives up to its name-- derived from Latin for "happy gathering place". The first people who settled here were attracted by the fertile lands and the pristine meadows, ideally located along the Via Francigena, and immersed in the plain and bathed by the rivers Arbia and Ombrone. So, no wonder they became one of the most "happy gatherings" in Tuscany-- as having these breathtaking views, who wouldn't? It's also an ideal region for hiking and nature activities, given its numerous scenic routes and extensive natural environments. 
 
On the outskirts of Buoncovento, there are numerous fortifications rich in history and artistic monuments such as the Bibbiano Castle and the Tancredi Castle. Fancy a few hours of pampering yourself? then head over to Rapolano Terme, only 30 km away from Buoncovento, and indulge in its two thermal baths: Antica Querciolaia and Terme di San Giovanni-- and envelop yourself in utmost relaxation.

4) Montalcino

For all those nature lovers, Montalcino is a must-visit on their itinerary. Not only will its stunning landscapes dazzle you, but you'll also fall in love with its popular wine and delicious food. Situated between the enchanting hills of Siena, and overlooking the Ombrone and Asso valleys, Montalcino is known as the birthplace of one of Italy and the world's most favourite wines: Brunello di Montalcino. The region is steeped in history and beauty and boasts some of the most picturesque agricultural landscapes. It also comes as no surprise it got declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wood-covered hills of Montalcino are 40 km away from the sea and 100 km from the Apennines. A spectacular landscape where planting vineyards, silvery olive groves and gilded valleys marry the numerous quaint medieval castles. 
 
Montalcino's beautiful hamlets of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Sant'Angelo and Torrenieri-- are a must-see on your trip around the region. Montalcino's medieval town is a sight for sore eyes one cannot miss out on visiting-- surrounded by walls and dominated by a 14th-century fortress. Not to mention its well-preserved old town with the beautiful Palazzo dei Priori, which can make for a splendid evening getting lost in its cobbled streets. 
 
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