Tuscany in a camper even for a weekend, all the low cost tips to stop and sleep in the right campsites, tips on where to eat and what to visit in a camper for a few days.
Spring is the ideal time for me to take a small tour of the Tuscany.. What I'm going to offer you here is a three-day tour, perfect to do in camper. My partner and I borrowed it from his family and it was my first time in a camper.
If I am a blonde all flared skirts and dresses, I survived the camper, you can all do it. I'll tell you more, I liked it a lot. Of course I would not stay away with a camper for weeks, but for 3/4 days it is one convenient solution, economic and well funny. Let's say that, before this long weekend, I vaguely knew what a camper was and I had never seen a campsite up close.
As mentioned above, the mid seasons are ideal for this type of tour and I took the opportunity of the Easter holidays to bring it to fruition. It is an itinerary in the Tuscan hills partly organized by the house and which has been partly enriched by excursions and discoveries made along the way. This long weekend included four main, unmissable stops.
Day 1 - San Gimignano
Our first stop on the Tuscan tour was Saint Gimignano. It is a small village of about 7000 inhabitants, located in the province of Siena. San Gimignano is very famous for its characteristic medieval architecture and its tiny historic center, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is extremely characteristic with its numerous imposing towers in the Sienese hills. It should be remembered that once the towers were many more (seventy) although today only thirteen remain visible and standing. Get on the Torre Grossa, the highest, to enjoy a beautiful view from above.
For the camper
You have two options: the Campsite Il Boschetto di Piemma or theSanta Chiara rest area. We have chosen the first option which provides a slightly more equipped campsite and which makes the village easily reachable on foot, with a walk.
Day 2 - Volterra
Volterra it was our second stop, beautiful, despite the dense fog that even filled the streets of the center that day. Here we have temporarily moved to the province of Pisa and it's really worth it.
Volterra was the seat in the Middle Ages of a great episcopal seigniory, however still today its center retains grandiose finds of Etruscan origin (the Acropolis, Porta all'Arco, Porta Diana) and also Roman (Theater) as well as the well-known medieval architecture (Palazzo dei Priori, the Cathedral, the Medici Fortress). The city and its narrow streets are surrounded by imposing wall fortifications.
Here I ate in a really amazing restaurant that I strongly recommend. It is not really low cost cuisine but without a doubt the price is worth what you will taste. Go toOsteria dei Poeti, a restaurant that will emerge among the many alleys. Here I ate the best fillet of my life, seasoned with lard that melted in the mouth.
For the camper
We stopped at Camping Le Balze, simple and convenient to visit this area.
Day 3 - Monteriggioni and Siena
The third day included a pleasant ride a Monteriggioni. It is a very small village, in fact it will only take you a few hours to visit it, perched in the hills of Siena. Here it will seem that time has stopped and that the Middle Ages are today. The high walls, the ramparts and the small square will almost seem like a theme park to you as they are well preserved. Take the walk on the walkways placed on the walls, the view is beautiful.
From Monteriggioni move towards Siena, it will take about half an hour.
In Siena you can dedicate even one more day, being the largest of the towns of this short tour. It is a city known by all for its great historical and artistic heritage as well as for the famous Palio. The oldest bank of the world is also located here, although today unfortunately known for its financial problems. TO Siena you can start immediately exploring the small streets of the center, full of history and events. You will come out in Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city, with its particular shape. Here the famous Palio takes place twice a year, an ancient challenge between the city districts. Standing in the square you will find in front of you the Torre del Mangia, an ancient bell tower, the Fonte Gaia and the Palazzo Comunale. In Piazza Santa Maria Assunta you will then find the Cathedral of Siena, with its incredible facade the Baptistery.
Then get lost in the streets and you will discover many other beautiful monuments, squares and views that make Siena a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the camper
Stop at Camping Siena Colleverde, surrounded by greenery just as the name implies, and just outside the city center. A bus will be enough to reach the center. Alternatively you can take a pleasant walk of about 1km and a half. And after all, what is most beautiful about Tuscany is what lies in the middle, those infinite hills that you will find illuminated by the sun or covered by clouds, between one village and another.
