There is nothing like getting away from it all, by taking a quick break and exploring a foreign city. I like to make a habit of picking a mix of sunny beach holidays and cultural city breaks.

This year I chose the area of Tuscany as one of my cultural adventures. Three days and three nights in the northern region of Italy. With so much to see and do I did not waste a minute – flying into Florence I had a jam packed few days to ensure I got to experience as much as possible.

DAY ONE – Wondering around Florence

A very early morning flight from London City meant that I arrived in Florence long before check in was allowed. The Hotel B&B, outside the city centre, were extremely accommodating – happily keeping my bags and directing me into the centre. Though I required very little direction. Drop me in any city, with a map, and I will very quickly find my feet. Florence was no exception.

I quickly found the centre, with the iconic Duomo taking my breath away as soon as I set my sights on it. The area around the attraction was buzzing, with it being the height of the tourist season queues to enter the impressive building were too long for me to entertain. So I simply found the best place to take it all in, from a nearby roof top bar. Robiglio provided the perfect escape from the growing crowds, enjoy a relaxing view whilst having a few refreshments. It was the perfect find. Plus a great place to meet friends (who happened to be in Tuscany at the same time).

Down back on the Tuscan streets I wondered along with the crowds, across the famous Ponte Vecchio distracted by the numerous shops sparkling with stunning jewels. It is easy to get distracted by the beauty on this bridge, a bridge like no other I have seen before. Views along the river were not to shabby either.

More wondering ensued to get the best view of the city – from Piazza Michelangelo. I could have happily sat here for hours with the Duomo so stunning in the skyline, the view down Ponte Vecchio, watching the sun go down. Like many areas of Florence in the height of the season, the area was thriving – with couples, friends, school groups galore. Everyone made the climb to get one of the best views the city had to offer.

DAY TWO – Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Chianti

With so much to see in the region I thought booking an excursion with Viator would be the perfect way to get around. Obviously if you were to hire a car all of these areas would be easily accessible. However, I did not want the stress of finding my way in a foreign country so a tour was a perfect option for me.

It was a long day, covering many beautiful locations, so if you do book this trip expect to be on and off the coach covering a lot of ground.

First stop, the medieval gem that is Monteriggioni. Built in 1203, the walled town offers fantastic views of Chianti from its castle walls.

Second stop was the beautiful town of Siena, distinguished by it’s medieval brick buildings. Here there is plenty to see and with the package with Viator you have the option to take the walking tour. I decided against doing so, the group was rather large (around 50 people on the bus itself) and I knew I would enjoy seeing the town alone, making my own way and wondering the beautiful streets of Siena.

The first stop was Piazza del Campo – the square popular for public celebrations and known for hosting the Paliohorse race. Here I stopped and took stock with a little Pistachio Gelato, taking in the atmosphere and soaking in glorious sunshine.

Just a few streets away you had the impressive Siena Cathedral, with its exterior an interior constructed of white and black marble in alternating stripes. Like the Duomo in Florence, the queues were exceptionally long. Rather disappointing for me, as this was one Cathedral I wanted to visit completely. Sadly, with booking the tour I was time restricted so I had to move along.

After a spot of lunch, with wine (which was included in the tour price) we made our way to a local vineyard. Visiting the region of Chianti without doing so would be criminal. At Famiglia Mazzarrini we tasted a range of local products including Chianti Classico, Spumante, truffle oil and balsamic vinegar.

With the wine tasting leaving most travellers sleepy it was time to head to our final stop off – San Gimignano. Recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1990, the medieval town offers its visitors a chance to step back in time, to wonder its cobbled streets, soak up the views over the surrounding countryside and enjoy its local products – including its Gelato. Yes! I did have two helpings of Gelato on this trip, but you cannot help but taste the local produce on a hot, Summer’s day.

The tour was due to end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. The long day saw us cover some amazing sites and we were able to experience so much from the Tuscany region.

DAY THREE – Florence and Pisa

The final day saw me wonder the streets of Florence for a final time, eating a bit more Gelato and tasting more vino!

I took the time to visit the Boboli Gardens after reading some good reviews. If there was one entry fee I would advise not paying it is this one. Only ten euros, but with all the free views you can get in Florence, it was not even worth that.

Shortly after visiting the gardens I hopped on the train to Pisa. Just an hour from the centre of Florence, on a pleasant air conditioned train which runs through the Italian countryside.

Pisa is a region of Tuscany that is better known for its Leaning Tower. The 56 meter tower is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). It is a iconic site that I have wanted to visit since childhood. Seeing the landmark close up and climbing the spiral staircase was one of the highlights of my trip.

Within the Square of Miracles you will also find Pisa Cathedral and the Battistero – all of which you can enter for a fee. My advice – pick the attraction that you most want to enter and stick to that. Unless you have the budget to visit all within the square of course. Personally – climbing the Leaning Tower was more up my street, so the rest I was happy to take in from the outside.

Soon enough the whirlwind break was coming to a close. With my belly full of Gelato, Chianti and my fast growing affection for Italy trying to prevent me from returning home I was already thinking about my next trip.

Tuscany is by no means finished – there are many areas I am yet to explore – and there will be many more Italian regions to follow I’m sure.