Visitors come to Tuscany for a variety of reasons including the scenic landscapes, gourmet delights and, of course, the weather. Spring is heralded as one of the best times to visit this scenic region of Italy. Not only are the days warm and pleasant but the landscape can be appreciated at its best, without the summer crowds. From the sand dunes and forests at the coast to the wooded slopes and enchanted castles of the mountains, the stunning Tuscan scenery welcomes visitors year round and there are certainly a number of reasons to visit this Spring with events and experiences to awaken the senses and celebrate the season. - Sample the local vino at the Chianti Wine Festival (26th May - 3rd June).
Every year the medieval village of Montespertoli celebrates the best of the year’s vintage with tasting sessions, food stalls, sporting events and live entertainment in the main square (Piazza San Pietro). Not to be confused with the Chianti Classico festival in late September, the wines on display here are from the separate Montespertoli Chianti DOCG. Make time also to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside or admire the 16th century church and the Museum of Sacred Art. - Hear the sound of summer at the Festa del Grillo (Cricket Festival) in the Parco delle Cascine, Florence.
Each year, the citizens of Florence herald the beginning of Spring with a tradition that dates back to the 16th Century. The men of the city decorate their beloved’s house with flowers and present their loved one with a cricket, whose song is believed to bring luck. Over the years, the chase to catch your own cricket has been replaced with a lively market which sells crickets in highly ornate, colourful cages. This annual market has now become more of a family affair, held the Sunday after Ascension Day (20th May 2007) in the Parco delle Cascine. This annual show is awash with colour and an amazing variety of Iris’ from growers around the world. Established in 1954, the Iris competition awards a gold medal to the “best in show” plus a special prize to the flower that is judged to most closely resemble the Iris in the city’s coat of arms. The displays will be open to the public from the 7th to the 12th of May 2007. - Discover orchids along the Passo di Dante
Just outside the spa town of San Giuliano Terme is the Passo di Dante (Dante’s Pass), so-called because it was mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy. The Pass is one of the routes leading to the volcanic Monte Castellera and is particularly beautiful in Spring when wild orchids can be spotted along the route. On reaching Monte Castellera you will find the protected remains of an ancient Etruscan settlement plus a spectacular panoramic view which stretches from the Livorno mountains out to the coast and Corsica beyond. Set in the picturesque, medieval village of Collodi, the Parco di Pinocchio commemorates the little wooden puppet and his creator Carolo Lorenzini. The Park takes the visitor on a winding journey through the adventures of Pinocchio amongst landscaped gardens, past dramatic tableaux and character sculptures. Each year the community celebrates the birthday of Pinocchio and there is an exhibition within the park, including the work of local school children. - Celebrate the warmer weather with real Italian “Gelato” in Castellina
Italy is world famous for its ice cream or “gelato” and rumour has it that some of the best can be found amongst the narrow streets of the Tuscan village Castellina. But if ice cream doesn’t tempt you, this ancient village, once patronized by the Medici family, is also famous for its wine, salami and olive oil. This annual event sees the wineries across Italy open their doors to the public for free tours and tasting sessions in celebration of the Italian love of wine. Vineyards across Tuscany take part and amongst last year’s participants were the Castello di Verrazzano and Villa San Andrea in the Chianti Classico region plus the Fattoria Cerreto Libri in the Chianti Ruffina district. - Admire the flowers of Lucca
Each year, at the end of March, the citizens of Lucca celebrate the spring blooms of the Camelia (Mercato delle antiche Camelie di lucchesia) and the Azalea (Festa delle azalea) with competitions and colourful displays. There are more floral displays and markets on the 27th April for the commemoration of the death of Santa Zita Explore Tuscany with Carhire3000 and make the most of this beautiful region. Car hire is available from a number of locations across Tuscany including: Car hire Pisa
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