Tuscany is on Lonely Planet's list of best destinations for 2024

Every year, 'travel guide' Lonely Planet announces the top destinations of its own editors and this year there is a well-known one on the list and that is the Italian region of Tuscany.

The editors say:

Nowhere else does one celebrate the quiet life or embody the 'dolce vita' as in Tuscany. Whether you explore new hiking trails or traditional dishes (peasant cuisine) rediscovered, the modern Tuscan experience is in perfect harmony with the landscape.

In around 50 villages across Tuscany you can discover the legacy of the Etruscans, while archaeologists in the rural valley of Val di Chiana unearthing the past to translate ancient wisdom into modern ideas about self-care.

Highlights in 2024, according to Lonely Planet:

• Admire unparalleled art, from medieval to Renaissance, at the Duomo and Museo Civico in the hill city Siena.
• Discover the irresistible charm of Arezzo during a walk (afternoon walk) and appetizer (drinks) in the cinematic Piazza Grande.
• Enjoy unparalleled views of the sunset at sunset Val di Chiana with a glass of Vino Nobile in Caffè Poliziano from the 19th century Montepulciano.
• Watch the Tour de France, the world's most famous cycling race, set off Florence on June 29, 2024.
• Never been to the Uffizi Gallery Been to Florence? Then 2024 is the time. The David by Michelangelo is already ready for it, as we recently saw.

“It is finally time to reveal so many hidden treasures, along with the many wonders of the Tuscan land. The 'Uffizi Diffusi' project returns works of art from our collections to the places where they were created.”

Eike Schmidt, museum director, Uffizi Gallery

Other top destinations from Lonely Planet

The number 1 destination for countries has become Mongolia, chosen by Lonely Planet for its 'expansive nature, adventure activities and unique culinary and musical culture'. This is the least populated country in the world, but the Mongolian government is ready to fill it up a little more.

The country has declared the years 2023 to 2025 as the 'Years to Visit Mongolia', with relaxed entry requirements for international travelers and improved infrastructure, including a new airport costing $650 million.

Other countries that made the top 10 include all-time favorites like Mexico, Croatia and St. Lucia, as well as lesser-visited spots like Benin and Uzbekistan.

Sources: cnn.com, lonelyplanet.com