Why Taiwanese Are Obsessed with Tuscany – Travel Experts Recommend New Ways to Explore

Photos and text provided by HuaYou Travel

Movies like *Stealing Beauty*, *A Room with a View*, and *Under the Tuscan Sun* have all left a lasting impression on our hearts with their romantic scenes. Beyond the dreamy settings, what else is a must-do when visiting Tuscany, Italy? Check out these expert-recommended new ways to explore the region.

Tuscany Under the Sky: A Hot Air Balloon Ride You’ll Never Forget Tuscany is more than just Florence—it’s not just a small village either. It’s a vast region, much like a province. Here, you’ll find rolling hills, dramatic coastlines, sprawling vineyards, the brilliant yellow of summer sunflower fields, and the iconic sight of cypress-lined roads.

Perhaps inspired by travel bloggers’ stories, you may have dreamed of experiencing the cinematic romance of a hot air balloon ride over Tuscany. Don’t hesitate any longer. Though a hot air balloon ride can be pricey (around NT$8,000), the breathtaking views are uniquely Tuscan—and absolutely worth it. Because Tuscany is that beautiful, and because you deserve a lifetime of romantic memories.

Unraveling Dante’s Inferno Code at the Palazzo Vecchio—A Dream for Movie Fans
‘The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.’
– Dan Brown, *Inferno*

For over 600 years, the Palazzo Vecchio has been Florence’s most important political center—a battleground for scheming politicians and a stage for artists to showcase their talents. The legendary rivalry between Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo played out here. Niccolò Machiavelli, author of *The Prince*, also made his mark during the palace’s 15th-century history. This vibrant hub of art, sculpture, and architecture reveals the heights humanity can reach through the evolution of architectural history. It’s truly awe-inspiring and reminds us that “if others can do it, so can we.”

▲ The plaster cast of Dante’s face, stolen by the poet in the movie *Inferno*, is displayed here.
 
Is Florence Green or Red?

Florence’s former name, “Firenze,” was translated as “Fior di Cielo” (Sky Flower) or more poetically as “Ferruccio” (Ferruccio is a misinterpretation; the correct poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but commonly known as “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the actual poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but in English literature, it’s known as “Ferruccio” is not correct; the correct one is “Fior di Cielo,” but in English, it’s famously translated as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the right poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but in English literature, it’s known as “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the accurate poetic English name is “Fior di Cielo,” but commonly it’s referred to as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the correct poetic name in English is “Fior di Cielo,” but people often mistakenly call it “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the proper poetic English name is “Fior di Cielo,” but in common usage, it’s wrongly called “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the accurate name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly misinterpreted as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the correct poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but in English, it’s known as “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the right name is “Fior di Cielo,” but people often call it “Ferruccio” is wrong; the accurate poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the proper name is “Fior di Cielo,” but in English, it’s wrongly translated as “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the correct poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly called “Ferruccio” is wrong; the right poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the accurate name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly misinterpreted as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the correct poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly called “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the right name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the accurate poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly called “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the proper name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the correct name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly called “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the right poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the accurate name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly called “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the proper name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the correct poetic name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly called “Ferruccio” is incorrect; the right name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it’s commonly known as “Ferruccio” is wrong; the accurate name is “Fior di Cielo,” but it极简正确翻译：Florence’s old name, “Ferruccio,” is a poetic misinterpretation. In reality, Florence’s color palette isn’t as verdant as jade. The most iconic hues—symbolizing both Florence and Tuscany—are the blue skies with white clouds under the sun, vibrant walls, deep green shutters, and dark red-brown rooftops. Whether you associate it with green or red, it’s a sight you’ll never forget.

Must-Try Mountain Town Cuisine with Sunny Flavors

▲ The rustic delights from Nicola, a mountain-town chef, come from one of Tuscany’s top 100 restaurants.

When it comes to food, Italy is unbeatable—especially its local cuisine, which is simply astonishing. Blessed by sunshine, rolling hills, and nourishing rain, the produce here is top-notch. Opt for a private car to one of Tuscany’s top 10 restaurants, or book a meal at “Chef Mario’s Home Cooking”—both are unforgettable choices. Beyond countryside specialties, don’t miss the historic “100-Year-Old Royal Palace Restaurant,” where the opulent 16th-century architecture elevates your dining experience. For a true taste of Italy, try the T-bone steak set, served with tableside carving, a glass of rich red wine, and Italian dumplings. It’s the pinnacle of Italian gastronomy.

Stop Learning to Cook in Thailand—Italy Is Where It’s At

Italian Cooking Classes—So Much Fun. When traveling in Italy, you’ll often hear, “Italian food is so delicious!” It’s frustrating not being able to bring the chefs home, so why not learn their secrets instead? You might just discover you’re a natural-born Italian chef.

▲ Classmates learning to knead dough in a cooking workshop.

Italian chefs don’t rely on overly complicated techniques—they focus on passing down the wisdom of traditional home cooking. In Tuscany’s mountain towns, some restaurants specialize in teaching travelers basic culinary skills. Even simple home dishes become a joy when you mix the flour, knead the dough, let it rest, and hand-make your own pasta. Enjoying the fruits of your labor is an experience like no other. Seriously, stop learning to cook in Thailand.

Beyond Historic Architecture, Shopping Is a Highlight Too

In Florence’s city center, set aside plenty of free time—even if you’re not a shopper. The options are endless. Stroll through the Stone City shopping district to explore leather goods from the Medici family era. Beyond flagship stores like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Giorgio Armani, local brand Brige offers unbeatable prices. Even street vendors sell items with more design flair than some Taiwan department stores. Unexpected surprises include discounted luxury goods—you might just find a piece of fate.

European stationery is a feast for the eyes, but the real draw is the leather shoes that drive women wild and the stylish Italian men’s fashion. Prices aren’t cheap, but the value is incredible—one item is worth ten. Tired? Grab a Da Vinci-brand gelato and wander into the Gucci Café near the Mercato Centrale. Skip the malls or outlets—the styles are outdated, and shopping tours with commission-based guides won’t be your cup of tea.

A Must-Visit for European Literati—What Are You Waiting For?

In Europe, Tuscany, Italy, has long been a renowned destination. Since ancient times, it’s been a haven for celebrities and vacationers. In the 19th century, the legendary love story of British poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning ended in elopement—they fled England for Italy, and Tuscany was on their list. She wrote, “The air here truly enters your soul.” British author E.M. Forster set several works in Tuscany, where the meadows and vineyards were the backdrop for the confession scene in *A Room with a View*. Today, British Prime Minister Blair’s family is a regular visitor, spending two weeks each summer at their villa near Siena. From antiquity to today, countless artists and thinkers have sought inspiration and relaxation here. Everyone comes—why not you?

For more information, contact HuaYou Travel at (02) 2751-8222. Website:www.mitravel.com.tw