Earth to Salt - 7 day road trip for Tuscan Dreams

About the destination: Florence remains as vibrant and beautiful today as it was when its wool and silk traders and bankers revolutionized the economy of 13th century Tuscany, and the art of Dante and Michelangelo left the world in awe. Florence was the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The results of the city's revival can still be seen in its seemingly endless array of museums, churches, and palaces. With its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Duomo, the elegant and stunning cathedral, towers over the city and serves as a clear landmark during your explorations. The River Arno, which runs through the oldest part of the city, is topped with the Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is lined with shops and supported by stilts. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the only bridge that withstood attacks during WWII. Standing by the river at night, when the city is lit up with countless twinkling lights, is an unforgettable experience. But more than just stones and paint remain of Florence's unparalleled heritage; the city's unyielding spirit has also endured through the centuries, ensuring that Florentine life today is vibrant and sophisticated.

About the destination: Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hill town and municipality in the Italian province of Siena in southern Tuscany. It is perched high on a 605-meter (1,985 ft) limestone ridge, 13 kilometers (8 mi) east of Pienza, 70 kilometers (43 mi) southeast of Siena, 124 kilometers (77 mi) southeast of Florence, and 186 kilometers (116 mi) north of Rome by car. Montepulciano is a significant producer of food and drink. Famous for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta, lentils, and honey, it is globally recognized for its wine. Wine enthusiasts regard its Vino Nobile, which should not be mistaken with varietal wine simply made from the Montepulciano grape, as one of Italy's finest.

About the destination: Montalcino is a hillside town and municipality in the province of Siena, Tuscany, in the heart of Italy. It is famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. The town is situated to the west of Pienza, near the Crete Senesi in Val d'Orcia. It is 42 kilometers (26 miles) from Siena, 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Florence, and 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Pisa. Monte Amiata is located nearby.

About the destination: Siena is a city located in Tuscany, Italy. It serves as the capital of the Siena province. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Piazza del Campo, a unique shell-shaped plaza in the heart of the city, which twice a year becomes the racetrack for the Palio • The Palazzo Pubblico, which has been Siena's City Hall for nearly 800 years, houses the renowned frescoes depicting good and bad governance by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, frescoes by Simone Martini and Duccio, and provides access to the Torre del Mangia, from where you can enjoy a stunning view of the Sienese countryside. • The Duomo, Siena's stunning black and white Italian Romanesque cathedral, which includes the Libreria Piccolomini, Baptistery and an attached Museo dell'Opera del Duomo that houses the famous Maestà by Duccio. • The Pinacoteca, filled with Sienese paintings from the city's Medieval golden age. • The Palazzo Salimbeni, constructed in 1472, is the global headquarters of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, a major banking corporation that plays a significant role in the city's economic and cultural life. • The birthplace of St. Catherine of Siena is just a few blocks away from the duomo. • The Piccolomini Palace, constructed in 1459 by the renowned architect Bernardo Rossellino, a student of Leon Battista Alberti. The Piccolomini Palace is one of the most visited sites on the Piazza del Campo. This Florentine style palace houses the official archives of Siena.

About the destination: The quaint town of San Gimignano, with its medieval origins evident in its spectacular wall, is nestled in the hills of Tuscany. The village is conveniently located just a 35-minute drive from both Siena and Florence, making it an easy detour for any tourist visiting either of these two cities. The charm of this village is undeniable, especially since UNESCO declared its historic center a World Heritage Site in 1990, primarily due to its unique medieval architecture and its towers. It's also worth noting that the village was once a pilgrimage site for those journeying to Rome.

About the destination: Lucca is a city and municipality in Tuscany. Its extensive history dates back to the times of the Etruscans and Ancient Romans, and the city still maintains elements of Ancient architecture. Lucca's golden age was during the Gothic period, just before the Renaissance, and the city is home to many stunning pieces of architecture from that time. The existing defensive walls of Lucca were designed by Leonardo Da Vinci and have never been breached. Lucca remained a sovereign city-state until the late 18th century. The church of San Frediano is the only example of Lombard architecture that has been preserved without significant changes, except for the façade, which dates back to the year 1200. S. Maria foris Portam, S. Michele, S. Romano, and the other churches all house valuable works of art. The tomb of the Lucchese poet, Guidiccioni, is located in the church of S. Francesco (quattrocento). The Case Guinigi and the Guinigi Tower are wonderful examples of Medieval architecture in Lucca. The Case Guinigi were a collection of mansions and towers where one of the city's most influential families, the Guinigi, resided. The vast and well-preserved villas and gardens in the hills of Lucca have become a major attraction for visitors to the city.

About the destination: Florence remains as vibrant and beautiful today as it was when its wool and silk traders and bankers revolutionized the economy of 13th century Tuscany, and the art of Dante and Michelangelo left the world in awe. Florence was the heart of the Italian Renaissance. The results of the city's revival can still be seen in its seemingly endless array of museums, churches, and palaces. With its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Duomo, the elegant and stunning cathedral, towers over the city and serves as a clear landmark during your explorations. The River Arno, which runs through the oldest part of the city, is topped with the Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is lined with shops and supported by stilts. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the only bridge that withstood attacks during WWII. Standing by the river at night, when the city is lit up with countless twinkling lights, is an unforgettable experience. But more than just stones and paint remain of Florence's unparalleled heritage; the city's unyielding spirit has also endured through the centuries, ensuring that Florentine life today is vibrant and sophisticated.