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Experience the best of Tuscany with this regional guide

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Have the most memorable trip to Tuscany with this comprehensive guide to the best of the region © Gavin Hellier / Stocksy United

Tuscany escapes easy definition. The Apennines – Italy’s mountainous spine – slope into vineyard-covered rolling hills, which in turn fade into the Mediterranean coast. This blend of diverse landscapes is home to the remains of millennia-old Etruscan settlements, isolated hamlets whose stone-built bell towers date back to the Middle Ages, and grand art cities whose heritage is invaluable. 

With sarcasm being the local language, Tuscans may not seem to take such wealth too seriously. Understanding the many different facets of this rich Central Italian region can feel overwhelming. Florence tends to grab most of the attention, but it's worth exploring beyond the Renaissance city to discover more unexpected treasures.

Whether you are planning an art-filled tour of medieval cities, a road trip through the twisting countryside roads of Val d’Orcia, or a multi-day hike along the Via Francigena pilgrim route, here is how to figure it all out.

When should I go to Tuscany?

Late spring to early autumn is when most people visit Tuscany. It’s easy to understand why – days get longer and warmer, the countryside comes to life, outdoor dining opportunities abound, and festivals happen all around. Florence runs its Calcio Storico tournament and the region’s largest music festival, Firenze Rocks ; Siena has its traditional Palio horse race; Pistoia hosts its Blues Festival ; and Cortona its International Photography Festival  (and there’s more).

July and August are peak holiday season. It’s when most Italians go on holiday and temperatures get scorching – days surpassing 35ºC (95ºF) have become the norm at this time of the year. Visiting in the middle of summer (especially in August) means finding beaches clogged and cities empty. Prices are significantly higher in popular destinations and booking accommodation in advance is well advised.

The two shoulder seasons – either between late April and June, or in September and October – typically offer the best compromise between good weather, flows of people, and prices.

Come in spring and you’ll see the countryside in full bloom; visit in autumn to catch the wine harvest – and related events like the Expo del Chianti Classico in September – and truffle fairs such as San Miniato’s White Truffle Exhibition in November.

Tourism slows down during winter, especially after the Christmas holidays. The coast goes into hibernation, and many countryside hotels shut down until spring. Cities offer the chance to visit famous museums without crowds – often at reduced prices, as is the case for the Uffizi in Florence – and deals on accommodation are more easily found.

How much time do I need to visit Tuscany?

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in Tuscany. There is no perfect length of stay when it comes to exploring the region – whether you feel drawn to art, food, or the outdoors, you’ll likely leave looking forward to a second trip. 

With walkable cities well-connected by public transport, five days will allow you time to tour Florence’s main sights and then jump on the train for a day trip in Siena , Lucca , or Arezzo . If you’d rather drive yourself, you can explore Val d’Orcia in about three days or plan a week-long road trip starting from Pisa which will take you through the rural towns that dot the hilly interior.

Slow travelers can also walk the path of the Tuscan section of the ancient Via Francigena – the pilgrim route that connected the Canterbury with Rome during the Middle Ages – crossing 38 municipalities over the course of 16 (or more) days.

Basing yourself in Rome?  Here's how to plan a day trip to Tuscany

Is it easy to get in and around Tuscany? 

Tuscany has two international airports, Florence and Pisa. Pisa's Galileo Galilei (PSA) airport is serviced by many low-cost airlines and has twice the passenger traffic of Firenze's Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) airport. The two cities are connected with a direct railway, which takes just over an hour to travel.

If you're not flying in from abroad, it is possible to reach Florence with high-speed trains departing from many major Italian cities, including Rome , Naples , Milan , Bologna  and Venice .

Tuscany's rail network spans across 181 stations, providing an affordable means of exploring the region. You can buy regional train tickets conveniently through trenitalia.com, or at any station. Remember to validate paper tickets purchased at the station before boarding the train.

Trains do not run to many of the smaller towns and while buses are available, the best way of moving around rural areas is by car. Major rental companies, such as Budget, Sixt, Hertz, operate around Tuscany, with the largest offer available in Florence and Pisa.

Link your trip with these other great destinations in Italy

Where are the best places to go in Tuscany?

Tuscany is divided into ten provinces and people are famously proud of the defining characteristics of each. The days of warring city states are long gone, but by speaking to locals you will learn that food, dialects, and traditions can still differ widely from city to city – here is what to expect.

Renowned for its incomparable Renaissance heritage, Florence often feels like an open-air museum. The Tuscan capital is far from large, but its compact historic core packs grandiose cathedrals – such as Santa Maria del Fiore topped by Brunelleschi’s cupola, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella  – opulent palaces, and some of the region’s best art museums.

The Galleria degli Uffizi , one of Italy’s most visited museums, tends to be high on everyone’s list, but there are plenty more options for art lovers including Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Cappelle Medicee and the Galleria dell’Accademia , and the Medici’s heritage at Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio .

Outside the thick stone walls of its captivating galleries, Florence boasts a cosmopolitan character and a vibrant culinary scene. Roam its markets in San Lorenzo or Santo Spirito , explore crafts and design workshops in the Oltrarno, and then fuel up with a stuffed schiacciata  (Tuscan flatbread) at Forno Becagli or Sapori Toscani. Before dinner, get a negroni then hit one of the city’s many trattorias .

Traveling on a budget? Here are our tips for saving your euros in Florence

The Chianti region

The core of Tuscany’s most famous wine region stretches between Florence and Siena, offering as many tasting opportunities as you can imagine. The Strada Statale 222, better known as Via Chiantigiana, runs through the whole of the Chianti region north to south, twisting among vineyard-covered hills and medieval castles, making for an ideal road trip.

Antinori nel Chianti Classico , on the outskirts of Florence, is perhaps the region’s best-known winery – its futuristic headquarters in were completed in 2012, but the Antinori family has been in the wine business for over six hundred years, since Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri (Florentine Winemakers' Guild) in 1385. Many other wineries are found along the way, including the excellent boutique winery Capanelle and the imposing Castello di Brolio of the Ricasoli winery.

One of Tuscany’s most beautiful squares – Piazza del Campo – marks the center of Siena, Florence’s eternal rival that emerged during the Middle Ages as a progressive city-state where art and architecture flourished. Each year, the semi-circular piazza commonly known as “Il Campo” hosts the Palio, one of the most heartfelt events of the year in which Siena’s neighborhoods compete in a horse race with thousands of people watching.

Siena is worth spending a few days in, but if you are short on time make sure to enter its Duomo – Giovanni and Nicola Pisano, Pinturicchio, Michelangelo, Donatello and Gian Lorenzo Bernini all contributed to making the cathedral an unchallenged masterpiece. Don’t miss the floor, a composition of 56 marble panels forming a mosaic with scenes from the Old Testament, created by various artists between the 14th and the 19th centuries.

Val d’Orcia

The postcard image of Tuscany you have in mind likely comes from Val d’Orcia, the UNESCO-inscribed region where cypress-lined roads lead to dreamy farmhouses surrounded by hay bales that look like they are just about to roll down the hills. Films such as Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient and Ridley Scott’s The Gladiator have used Val d’Orcia as their backdrop and road tripping this region guarantees exceptional views all around.

Many charming towns dot this rural area. The construction of Pienza was commissioned to architect Bernardo Rossellino, a student of Leon Battista Alberti, by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, a humanist born who would become Pope Pius II in 1458, as the “ideal Renaissance city” and still stands as one of the main settlements in the Val d’Orcia. Nearby you can find the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni and the fortress of Montalcino , globally revered for its prized Brunello wine.

The 12m tall walls surrounding Lucca’s historic center, built between 1513 and 1650 and stretching for four kilometers across eleven bastions, are among Europe’s best preserved fortifications and function as the city’s green lung with large parks and tree-lined paths offering great views over Lucca’s heart.

This charming city makes for an ideal day trip from Florence – inside the fortress walls, you’ll find Lucca’s Cattedrale di San Martino , where Gothic and Romanesque elements blend to form the structure housing one of Tuscany’s most precious artifacts, the celebrated Volto Santo (holy face) crucifix, believed to be one of the oldest wooden sculptures in Europe.

In summer the city hosts its Lucca Summer Festival , held in Piazza Napoleone. Over the years, artists such as Elton John, The Scorpions, Green Day, and Sting have played in the city. Another important event is the Lucca Comics & Games , one of Europe’s largest comics festivals held each year in autumn.

Pisa is often reduced to its leaning tower but there is much more to see, both inside and outside the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli. In the Middle Ages Pisa was one of Italy’s most powerful maritime republics, and signs of its wealth are still part of this city which is now home of one of Tuscany's most important universities.

The monumental cemetery of Piazza dei Miracoli, established in 1277 to house the remains of the city’s elite, houses one of the city’s most important frescoes, the recently restored Il Trionfo della Morte (The Triumph of Death) by Buonamico Buffalmacco. Beyond Piazza dei Miracoli you find the new Navi di Pisa Museum which traces the history of the city’s relationship with the sea and features parts of over 800 ships excavated in Pisa’s surroundings.

The islands

Distant from the museums and the cathedrals of the region's art cities are the seven islands of the Tuscan archipelago, ideally positioned for a Mediterranean escape after an overload of culture. The islands – Elba, Giglio, Montecristo, Capraia, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona – come to life during summer and it’s worth booking accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit in the high season. Elba is the largest of the seven, offering both great beaches and hiking opportunities along its Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE, Elba’s Great Crossing) trail.

The Apuan Alps

The Parco Naturale delle Alpi Apuane stretches across two areas of northeastern Tuscany that few people take the time to visit, Lunigiana and Garfagnana. The rugged Apuan Alps take their name from their resemblance to the actual Alps, although they are much smaller in size with peaks under 2,000 meters. 

Historically these mountains have been the main source of Carrara marble, extracted since Roman times in the quarries surrounding the city of Carrara. Today, much of the area is a protected nature reserve marked by a vast network of hiking trails. The hamlets of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga are good spots to start your exploration of the region – either by relaxing around the Lago di Vagli or committing to a multi-day hike along the Via Vandelli, connecting Massa to Modena.

How much money do I need in Tuscany?

Costs in Tuscany can vary widely depending on where and when you go. Prices tend to be inflated in areas that attract large tourism flows like central Florence and Siena and skyrocket along the coast during summer months. Still, it is possible to visit on a budget by relying on public transport and looking for accommodation deals outside peak summer months.

Find out what one visitor spent on a weekend trip to Florence

A guide to daily costs in Tuscany

• Basic double room: €80
• Espresso coffee: €1.20
• Car rental: €65
• A stuffed schiacciata sandwich: €5
• Dinner for two with a bottle of local wine: €70
• Museum ticket: €10€to €20
• Petrol: €1.80/liter
• City parking: €2/hour
• Aperitivo cocktail: €7
• Glass of wine: €5
• Train ticket from Florence to Pisa: €8.90

This article was first published August 2023 and updated April 2024

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Tuscany Tour From Milan

INDIVIDUAL TOUR

7 days / 6 nights –  All transport services in Italy included – Hotel accomodation with breakfast included

Our 7-day Tuscany tour from Milan is the perfect itinerary to experience Tuscany’s breathtaking treasures.

Our Tuscany Tour from Milan will allow you to discover the beauties of Tuscany, one of the best Italy’s regions.

With an expert guide at your side, and several mini-tours and entrance tickets to top attractions included in the price, you will explore at ease Milan, the 5 Terre, Pisa, Florence, and Chianti on this 7-day tour from Milan.

You will take in world-class attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites, amazing scenic views on the Ligurian sea and on the hills of Chianti, art and architectural marvels, renown top art cities such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca, and off-the-beaten-track picturesque villages.

It starts with a leisurely tour of cosmopolitan Milan , famous for its awe-inspiring marble Duomo and celebrated La Scala opera house, and for being the fashion capital of the world.

Then, enjoy the romanticism of the 5 Terre , 5 charming fishing villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea: one of Italy’s most scenic secrets , and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Once in Tuscany, you will climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa , a world-famous attraction (and another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site).

Then, you will discover the Chianti area , one of the most beautiful areas in the whole Tuscany, as well as the most well-known and appreciated by visitors from across the world.

Admire Lucca, and the medieval Siena, before visiting Florence and its medieval and Renaissance marvels with a guided walking tour first, and at your leisure later.

Tour Details

• Tuscany Tour from Milan , with transfers by 1st class hi-speed train or private car with driver between cities
• 7 Days (6 nights)
• Individual tour
• Tour code: n. 041913
• Perfect itinerary to discover Tuscany
• Visit three of Italy’s most enriching and historic cities : Milan, Pisa, and Florence
• Selected wonderful 4* hotels with accommodation for 6 nights
• Enjoy the romanticism of a boat tour in the Ligurian sea of the 5 Terre, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Admire unforgettable views of Pisa from the top of its Leaning Tower
• Enjoy the beauties of Chianti, a region renown worldwide for its wine and countryside and unparalleled beauty.
• Travel through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside , discovering lost medieval villages in the hills of Chianti
• Taste the Tuscan traditional specialties under the stars with a dinner in the world-famous Chianti area
• Explore the beautiful center city of Florence on our guided walking tour
• Starting from: € 1,320 (per person) from 6 people
• Starting from: € 1,380 (per person) up to 5 people
• Starting from: € 1,590 (per person) from 2 people

Hotel on double occupancy.

Cost may vary depending on dates chosen and any weekend, holiday and trade fair date surcharges. For a quote on your dates and number in your party please contact us.

Booking: (by money transfer) 35% in advance – 65%   35 days before departure

• Day 1 – Arrival in Milan. Free time
• Day 2 – Milan tour – Visit city center (not guided tour) – Free time
• Day 3 – 5 Terre. Boat tour. Departure to Pisa
• Day 4 – Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Lucca. Departure to Florence
• Day 5 – Excursion to Chianti. Tuscan Dinner
• Day 6 – Best of Florence walking tour. Entrance to Accademia Gallery with skip the line access
• Day 7 – Florence. Breakfast in hotel. Free time. Departure

ALL OUR ITALY TOURS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED TO SUIT PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS!

GET A QUOTE TODAY

Itinerary – day by day, day 1 –  arrival in milan.

• Arrive in Milan at Airport
• Your private driver will bring you to your Milan hotel

Milan is Italy’s commercial and financial hub, and a city rich of history, art and culture.

You will enjoy your free time in Milan in the afternoon and evening. And do not forget, Milan by night is a very lively city.

DAY 2 –  Milan

• Breakfast in Milan Hotel
• City tour by private car with driver and walk
• Afternoon and evening at leisure

Enjoy breakfast and then relax on a sightseeing tour of Milan (included in the tour).

Our driver will show you the best districts of Milan: Porta Venezia, the old neoclassical Porta Garibaldi city gate , the majestic Milan Central Station , the artsy quarter of Brera , the ultra-modern skyscrapers at Palazzo Lombardia (seat of the regional government), and the newly developed Porta Nuova area , which hosts striking high-rise buildings and avant-garde constructions.

At the end of the tour (optional) you will visit Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper , in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , UNESCO World Heritage site.

You will have free time in the afternoon to explore Milan and admire its beautiful top attractions:

• Milan Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo : one of Europe’s most striking examples of Gothic architecture
• La Scala opera house (Teatro alla Scala): the world’s most famous opera house
• Sforza Castle : Milan’s Renaissance pride and joy

If you are a fashion lover, head for the Quadrilatero, Milan’s most famed and fabled shopping district, which displays luxurious shops, courtyards, and palaces.

DAY 3 –  5 Terre and Pisa

• Excursion to 5 Terre with boat tour
• Transfer to Pisa

The picturesque 5 Terre (5 old charming fishing villages suspended on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea) are one of Italy’s most scenic secrets.

Cars were banned a decade ago in this area, which is a National Park spreading along 18 kilometers of rocky coast.

The 5 Terre have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 , as the villages and the surrounding landscape, marked by stone walls and terraces that villagers have created over the centuries for vineyards and olive trees, are unique in the world.

You will enjoy a visit to Portovenere, a boat trip (ticket included in the tour) to Monterosso, a gentle stroll along the world famous Via Dell’Amore, a very romantic coastal pathway.

In the late afternoon you will reach Pisa.

DAY 4 –  Pisa, Lucca and Florence

• Breakfast in Pisa Hotel
• Visit of Pisa and of the Leaning Tower
• Visit of Lucca
• Arrival to Florence

Discover the delights of Pisa, a lovely Tuscany town with a great historic center , full of Renaissance and medieval buildings.

The Leaning Tower, UNESCO World Heritage Site, has captivated crowds for centuries with its distinctive tilt.

The tower, which took nearly 200 years to construct, started leaning even before it was finished and still nobody knows for sure why. At the end of the 294-step staircase, you will be offered fantastic panoramic views over Pisa .

In the afternoon you will visit Lucca, one of Tuscany’s lesser-known gems. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, that shows an enchanting display of Renaissance architecture and Etruscan ruins.

You will admire Lucca’s historical centre, now a pedestrian area enclosed by the imposing tree-lined Renaissance walls, the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Guinigi Tower, Lucca Cathedral.

Taste a buccellato, Lucca’s ring-shaped cake, and some of the great local wines.

After some free time to explore Lucca, you will reach Florence.

DAY 5 –  Florence and Chianti

• Breakfast in Florence hotel
• Excursion in Chianti with dinner in the evening

In your second day in Tuscany, you will spend an unforgettable day in the picturesque countryside of the Chianti area , a magical landscape of cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves you’ll recognize from Renaissance paintings. 

Our excursion will show you scenic back-roads on gentle hills , vineyards and world-famous wineries, enchanting medieval hill towns off-the-beaten track, such as Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and the beautiful Siena (a wealthy, warlike independent state during the Middle Ages, Siena is Italy’s best preserved medieval city).

Complete your excursion with a traditional Tuscan Dinner (included in the tour) in a historic village set in the hills, toasting the finest Chianti Wine under the stars.

DAY 6 –  Florence

• Breakfast in Florence Hotel
• Walking guided tour of Florence’s historic center and the Accademia Gallery with audioguide and Skip The Line access
• Afternoon at your leisure

Florence is a beautiful city , home to some of the most famous art museums in the world, but also full of shopping and food treasures and opportunities.

Still, it’s a small city , with virtually all its top sights clustered in just a few square kilometers .

Our walking guided tour (included in this Tuscany tour) will allow you to taste the best of Florence in a relatively short time.

You won’t feel overwhelmed by the choice of what to see or do in Florence.

Our tour also includes Skip The Lines tickets to the Accademia Gallery, among the most famous museums in the world for its extraordinary collections of paintings and ancient statues. You won’t have to waste time queuing for hours to admire its treasures!

The Accademia Gallery is famous in particular for its  David of Michelangelo . This magnificent 17 foot marble masterpiece is easily the most famous statue in the world. The Accademia also hosts the unfinished works of art Prigioni, San Matteo, la Pietà di Palestrina and other masterpieces by the great artist. Other rooms showcase works by Botticelli, Lippi, and several other Renaissance masters, prevalent throughout the gallery.

In the afternoon, you could visit the Uffizi Gallery ’, another top museum in the world, thanks to its wealth of Renaissance artwork . You will be able to admire Renaissance treasures by Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Raphael.

Besides the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery, Florence is an artistic marvel .

The list of other fascinating museums in Florence which would deserve a visit is long. Just to mention some of the musei statali (state museums): San Marco Museum, Palazzo Pitti, Stibbert Museum, Bargello Museum, Davanzati Palace Museum, Palazzo Vecchio, Palatina Gallery, Argenti Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, Medici Chapels etc…Florence is really a paradise for art lovers.

But Florence is a top destination for architecture lovers too. There are endless medieval and Renaissance marvels such as monastic churces, cathedrals, domes, squares, bridges, streets, buildings etc.

Shopping and fashion lovers will enjoy the elegant cafes, markets, fashion boutiques, world-known designers stores such as Gucci’s and Roberto Cavallo’s, and fine craftsmanship, tiny artisan workshops and studios, hand-making leather, jewellery, hand-embroidered linens, designer fashion, perfume, marbled paper, puppets…

If you love food , Florence is one of the best cities in Italy where you can slip into the Italian way of spending time sitting outside and enjoying fine food and drinks .

DAY 7 –  Florence

• Depart from Florence (transfer to airport included)

What’s Included in The Tuscany Tour From Milan

• 6 nights in selected 4* hotels (2 nights in a 4* hotel in Milan, 1 night in a 4* hotel in Pisa, 3 nights in a 4* hotel in Florence)
• Airport transfers to Milan city by private car with driver
• Milan city tour by private car and walk (not guided)
• Excursion at 5 Terre by boat
• Tickets for Pisa Leaning Tower
• Excursion in Chianti with Dinner
• Best of Florence walking guided tour
• Daily Breakfasts in hotels

ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED TO OPERATE

What’s Not Included in The Tuscany Tour From Milan

• Flights to/from home city
• Meals if not mentioned
• Boat tickets
• Travel insurance
• City Tax (€ 4-5 per day/ p.p.)
• All this is not mentioned in the program

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Traveling by train from Milan to Florence is as easy and comfortable as it is scenic. Many high-speed trains make the 190-mile journey in just 1 hour and 40 minutes. 

Sit back and enjoy the ride as you travel south through scenic Lombardy , Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany . Your train may stop at Milan’s Porta Garibaldi station or Bologna along the way. The faster routes will simply stop to let passengers off and on. However, you may be required to change trains if you’re traveling on one of the slower, less expensive regional trains . 

Milan to Florence train times

High-speed trains leave Milano Centrale once or twice per hour for Florence's Santa Maria Novella station (often shortened to S.M. Novella) — averaging 60 trains per day. The earliest train leaves Milano Centrale at 5:00 a.m. The last train to Florence leaves Milano Centrale at 11:18 p.m. 

Note that weekends and holidays typically mean less frequent service and sometimes longer travel times.

Amenities on the Freccia trains between Milan to Florence

Many trains make the daily journey between Milan and Florence in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, traveling up to 155 miles per hour. 

Italy’s high-speed trains are equipped with air conditioning and electrical outlets at your seat to charge devices. There is wi-fi on trains , but the signal will drop in tunnels and at stations. Expect a cafe car on every train , as well as food cart that brings snacks, sandwiches and beverages to your seat. At the end of each car you’ll find a restroom and plenty of racks to store large luggage .

Located at the northern end of the city center, Milan Centrale is a hub for Milan’s Metro, tram and bus networks. Here you can catch high-speed trains to Italian and international destinations, as well as inter-city and regional trains to smaller cities and towns. Milan Central is also the destination for the Malpensa Express, which goes to Milan’s main airport.

Firenze SMN train station is a hub for Italian and international high-speed and regional trains. Located in Florence’s central Piazza della Stazione, SMN station puts you conveniently close to Florence’s big attractions. Outside the station you’ll find taxis, a tourist information office, and stops for most of the city’s main bus routes.

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• Getting to Tuscany

There are many reasonably priced flights to Italy , generally to the larger international airports in Milan or Rome . From there, you can easily rent a car and drive to Tuscany or take a train to Florence. You can also look for flights that fly into Pisa, Bologna or Florence (from other European hubs) to get even closer to your destination without needing the extra travel in between.

If you live in Europe, it is easy enough to travel overland to Tuscany (by car or train) but there are also good deals with low-cost air companies, such as Ryan Air (it flies both to Pisa and Bologna). Depending on whether you want to visit other areas in Italy, you should also consider traveling by train as it is very convenient. Read the articles below for further details on the various ways to get to Tuscany and start your wonderful holiday in this beautiful region!

Related Sections

• Chianti Map
• Moving around Tuscany

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Practical information on traveling by train, with details on the Tuscany railway system and tips for getting to Tuscany.

Getting to Tuscany by Bus/Coach

Practical information on getting to Tuscany by bus from across Italy and Europe.

Getting to Tuscany by Car

Practical information for getting to Tuscany by car, such as major roads and tips for driving in Italy.

Top Experiences in Tuscany

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Get to tuscany , Useful Information

How to travel around tuscany by train.

Traveling around Tuscany by train is a good way to discover the beauties of our region. If you are scared of driving a car along the roads of the Belpaese, trains allow you to move around comfortably sit in your seat, and admire the different landscapes rolling out of the window.

The connection between the main cities of Tuscany by train is great. You can easily go from/to Florence and Pisa , Lucca , or Siena , and move up and down along the coastline. Instead, it could be more difficult to reach rural areas and small villages due to the lack of train stations. In this case, do not worry. Usually, public buses run between these hamlets and the closest rail stations.

In Italy, there are two main train companies. Trenitalia provides high-speed trains (the Frecce ), and also a widespread coverage of the territory with national and local trains. The other company, Italo , operates only with high-speed trains connecting the main Italian cities.

Tuscany by train: how to do it

Here is a map of the Tuscan railway line. Trenitalia provides the service mainly with Regionale trains, as well as some Intercity IC trains running along the coast.

Instead, this is the map of the high-speed railway line provided by Italo .

Main railway stations in Tuscany

The station of Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN) is the main railway terminal of the region. It is located along the route between Rome and Milan. From Firenze SMN you get high-speed trains to Milan, Bologna, Rome, Naples ( Frecciarossa or Italo ), and Venice ( Frecciargento ).

Taking a Regionale train instead, you can reach all the corners of the region. From Florence, in approximately one hour, you can be in the Piazza Grande of Arezzo, or walk along the walls of Lucca . But you also reach the coast where you can rest in the sun in Livorno, or take a picture with the leaning tower in Pisa . To get a plane , trains also lead to Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei .

Pisa Centrale is another important station being a crossroad between the line coming from Florence and the coastal train route. Also, if you land at Pisa Airport, every 7 minutes, the train shuttle “Pisa Mover” runs from/to the central station. The journey takes only 5 minutes, and you can buy tickets directly on the platform from the ticket machines. From there, catch a train to reach your final destination in Tuscany by train. If you buy your ticket online You can enter Pisa Airport as your departure station and select your destination. This way you will also receive the Pisa Mover ticket directly to your email.

Explore the coast of Tuscany by train

The coastal railway line connects the main seaside resorts of Tuscany: Viareggio, Pietrasanta , Forte dei Marmi , Massa, and Carrara along the Riviera of Versilia ; Livorno, Castiglioncello, Cecina , Campiglia on the Etruscan Coast ; Follonica and Grosseto in Maremma. Moreover, if you take the south direction, you can reach Rome and Fiumicino International Airport. Instead, going north, you reach  Cinque Terre , Genoa, and Milan.

Heading to Siena

Departing from Florence SMN, some daily Regionale trains are heading to Siena . Instead, if you are in Pisa or Lucca, you have to get the train to Empoli, get off, and change locomotive. On the way, if you have time, do not forget to stop in Monteriggioni , one of our favorite villages in Tuscany . If you are heading to San Gimignano, stop in Poggibonsi and get a bus. From the southern Maremma, you can get a train to Grosseto or Montepescali.

Drink and don’t drive: Chianti by Train

Reaching Chianti by train is not that easy, but it’s not impossible. The only two train stations of the “shire” where the famous red wine is made are Poggibonsi and Castellina . They are both along the route between Empoli and Siena. From these points, you can catch a bus to reach the villages you wish to visit without getting worried if you drink one glass too many.

Getting to Val d’Orcia

If you decide to visit this fairytale part of Tuscany by train, there are two stations: Montepulciano and Buonconvento .

Montepulciano is on the line between Siena and Chiusi/Chianciano Terme. Buonconvento is on the line that connects Siena to Montepescali in Maremma.

From there, you can proceed by bus to Pienza, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, and all the other nearby villages listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites of Tuscany .

For the bus connections, check here .

Getting to Mugello

To reach the beautiful nature of Mugello in the northeastern part of Tuscany from Florence, you need to get the regional train that goes to Faenza (in Emilia Romagna ). The main places are S. Piero a Sieve, Borgo San Lorenzo, and Marradi. If I were you I would not miss visiting the area in autumn when they celebrate the chestnuts, the traditional fruit of the fall, with many Sagra where you can taste it in many different ways and recipes.

Explore Garfagnana and Lunigiana

You can easily cross the wild and mountainous areas of Garfagnana and Lunigiana by taking a Regional train from Lucca or Aulla. Along this rail line, there are many places off the beaten path to discover. Borgo a Mozzano is known for the Devil’s Bridge and the Halloween festival . Barga is famous for being one of the most beautiful villages of Tuscany and for the summer jazz festival.

Take a look at our LITTLE GUIDE FOR GARFAGNANA IN ITALY

In Equi Terme, you can be an explorer for a day at the Geo-Archaeological Park, and during Christmas, visit the suggestive living nativity scene along the alleys of the village and into the grotto.

Castelnuovo Garfagnana and Fivizzano are other two lovely villages to stop for a visit to their castles and taste delicious traditional food.

How to get to Tuscany by train from the main Italian Airports

From bologna airport (blq).

If you do not land directly in Tuscany, the closest and most comfortable airport to fly to is the Bologna International “Marconi” Airport . Every 11 minutes, a shuttle bus connects the airport to the Central Rail Station. From there you can choose a Frecciarossa that will bring you to Florence SMN in less than an hour.

From Milan Airports

Milano malpensa (mpx).

The International Airport of Milano Malpensa (MPX) is connected with the railway terminal of Milano Centrale by the Malpensa Express train or the Malpensa Shuttle bus .

Linate Airport (LIN)

If you land at Linate Airport in Milan , you can reach in about 30 minutes the central rail station by AirBus.  

Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)

Flibco.com shuttle bus service  connects Bergamo Orio al Serio airport with Milan Central in a fast, economical, and reliable way. You can book your seat in advance using Flibco’s online system or their app. Buses are running from 07:10 AM to 11:25 PM. Plus, by booking in advance online you get access to even more affordable prices!

Once in Milano Centrale Terminal, head to Florence with Frecciarossa , or Italo . Instead, if your destination is the coast (Carrara, Massa, Viareggio, Pisa, Livorno) there are many options between the Frecciabianca , the Intercity, or Regionale trains.

From Rome Airport Fiumicino (FCO)

From the International Airport Leonardo da Vinci of Fiumicino (FCO) in Rome , take the non-stop shuttle train Leonardo Express provided by Trenitalia. Every 15 minutes it connects the airport to Roma Termini station. From there you can choose to reach Tuscany by high-speed trains (Italo, Frecciarossa, or Frecciargento) or by Regionale Veloce train.

How to buy tickets to travel to Tuscany by train

You can buy your tickets online on Trenitalia and Italo websites or directly at the train stations. Consider that only the biggest towns have a ticket office, while most of the small stations have only ticket machines and ticket desks open only a few hours per day.

What about rates? High-speed trains are not so cheap, especially if you buy tickets close to departure. Instead, if you book in advance you can find nice prices and special offers. I suggest you look at both websites as they always do offers (for example Saturday and Sunday offers, train + car offers …).

Online tickets are personal and only the named person can travel with them. You do not need to print them out but you need to make the check-in before getting on board, using the link you get by email. The only thing you need is the PNR code to show in case of control. This rule works for all kinds of trains.

Paper tickets bought at the train station need to be validated at the specific machine before departure (in Italian we say obliterare il biglietto ), otherwise, you can incur a penalty.

A Helpful Train Glossary in Italian

We end this post with a short glossary with Italian words that may help you organize your trip and also once in Italy.

• Frecciarossa: the fastest high-speed train in the country. It reaches 300 km/h (186 mi/h) of speed making easier the connections between the main cities of Italy in only a few hours.
• Frecciargento : comfortable fast trains that run both along the high-speed and normal railways. They reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mi/h).
• Intercity and FrecciaBianca: fast comfortable trains that run along the normal railroads
• Regionale: slow trains that stop at every station and allow visitors to reach even small destinations.
• Regionale Veloce: local trains that go faster than Regionale and do not stop at all stations along the railway.
• Treni in Arrivo: arrivals.
• Treni in Partenza: departures.
• Binario: platform.
• In orario: on time.
• In ritardo: delayed.
• Obliterare: Validate the ticket at the specific machine in the train station.

For other handy information about traveling in Italy by train, take a look here at this post written by the Italian Storyteller Eleonora. If you have any other questions, leave a comment and I will be glad to help you out.

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Cover Photo credit: Trenitalia Press Office

(Updated on 5 February 2024)

Nicola Bandini

I have a passion for travels and photography, puzzles and Lego, beer and Fiorentina (both bistecca and football team). Always happy when I get a flight ticket on my hand. Proudly Tuscan, one of my desires is to show people the hidden gems of my birthland!

39 thoughts on “ How to travel around Tuscany by train ”

Thank you for the mention!

Sorry for big delay!!! It was a pleasure to mention you. 🙂

Great tips. We love hiring a car to drive to stations and catching trains in Tuscany. We love this means that we can stay more rurally

There are some area where it is better to have the car (the south), other well connected by train (especially between Florence and the coast). 🙂

What a very good idea to go by train. Both because the wine is great, and drinking doesn’t work if you stop at the vineyards. But also the twisty Tuscany roads are better suited to walking or bicycles than driving – they made me barfy! So I kind of wish we’d taken the train instead of driving on those mountain roads.

Taking bicycle or walking white roads as the pilgrim route of Via Francigena is a good way to explore the rural areas. Trains are good especially to connect the bigger town. but you can stop in Montepulciano to taste great red wines! 🙂

A helpful resource for those wanting to travel by train in Tuscany. We have traveled through Italy in a few ways, but train is probably the way we have traveled most. Italy is really well connected, the only issue we had is that the trains (especially in smaller towns) were often not on schedule! 😉

Delays are the biggest problems for Regionale trains. it is very disappointing, for travelers but also for locals who use trains to go work and back home.

Travelling through Europe by train is a delight. And talking of Tuscany, the stunning countryside and the visions of hilltop castle towns is a treat for the eyes. Trains are the best way to experience this part of Italy.

You don’t have to worry about the traffic and parking. a relaxing way of traveling which is the best to explore Tuscany.

Very useful post! My father and stepmother recently returned from Italy and did lots of train travel around the Lucca/Pisa etc area, not always completely smoothly – so this would have been useful to them!

The area you mentioned should be well connected. Anyway it is common that trains can have delays, especially the Regionale ones. Hope they enjoyed anyway.

I very recently did Tuscany by car. An amazing experience as well! Although I can see the advantages of the train, like the Chianti drinking! 🙂 Looks like an amazing trip!

To go deep in the countryside, car is still the best way cause you are more flexible, but you have to worry about drinking, speed limits, traffic and parking. trains are easier. 🙂 Happy you enjoyed our region. 🙂

We love traveling by train in Italy especially between Venice and Tuscany and around the Cinque Terre. There’s lots of good information here, especially the tip about validating your tickets or incurring a fine. I can’t tell you how many tourists we’ve seen that it’s happened to. It’s a great way and easy way to get around your beautiful country!

Locations you mentioned are really well connected and also locals you trains. 🙂 So happy you enjoyed our country. hope you can come back soon.

Traveling via train is my absolute favorite way to travel! This post is quite informative – thanks for including the map and the timetables. This would be a great way to get around if you were doing wine tastings, as you wouldn’t have to worry about driving. Do you find that the prices for train travel are more expensive than other destinations in Europe? Or how do they compare?

I think that in other European countries trains are more expensive but, to be honest, probably they give a better service to customers in terms of punctuality, comfort and cleanliness.

We explored Tuscany by car a few years ago and I absolutely loved the experience of the road trip. However, travelling by train also seems like a brilliant idea! Especially to Pisa, I think it makes sense to go by train and even to Chianti, so that you can enjoy some wine tasting and don’t have to drive after that! What we didn’t do and I would love to experience that in the future is the coastal rail. I’m sure the views would be breathtaking!

I come from the coastal side. I can only say: come! 🙂

The only trains we rode on in Italy were the Cinque Terre train and the train from Milan to Lake Como. We thought about using trains for more of our Italy adventure, but ended up using a rental car because our schedule was so jam-packed and it would have been very difficult to keep the schedule going by train! Still, train travel sounds so relaxing and romantic!

With cars you are more flexible, so your choice make sense. Depending on where people go, I suggest to do a mix of both.

Tuscany is absolutely magical. And with nights filled with delicious Italian vino, a train is the only civilized way to travel. You’ve provided fantastic information that I could even follow after downing a few too many glasses! Cheers!

In case there are no trains anymore at night, get a cab! 🙂 Cheers!

Trying to determine the best way to get from Florence Airport to Marriot Hotel (Via Giovanni Pascoli, Castelvecchio Pascoli Barga Lucca 55051 Italy). Train? Shuttle? Then, the following day after arriving, finding a tour of the local area sights.

Rent a car is the best way. Also because you can easily move across the area, called “Garfagnana”. It is plenty of nice places to see (Barga, Castelnuovo Garfagnana, Vagli Lake, Orecchiella Natural Park…). The hotel is surrounded by nature and the biggest closest town is Lucca. A private transfer from Florence Apt to Il Ciocco Marriot hotel costs about € 200,00 each way. Train is an option but it takes time. From Florence APT, you need to take the tram to Florence SMN Train Station. Then get a train to Lucca. From Lucca another train to Barga/Gallicano train station. From there, ask the hotel for a shuttle. Another option may be to reach Lucca by train (from Florence Central Rail station) and then get a private transfer to the Hotel.

Please tell me what train line is best to take from Rome airport to Luca in Tuscany. The name of the stops to watch for so I will know where to get off. Do I need a transfer? Thank you if you can help

Dear Elaine, many thanks for the comment. There are a few options but the easiest way is this one: From FCO Rome Airport you take the train shuttle to Roma Termini Central Rail Station. From Roma Termini, you get the IC Intercity fast train to Pisa Centrale. From Pisa Centrale, you take the “Regionale” Train that in less than 30 minutes arrives in Lucca. A transfer from Roma to Lucca may be quite expensive but obviously is the fastest and more comfortable way. Feel free to drop me a private message at [email protected] if you need other info.

Nicola – great article! Need your advice now. We are traveling from Rome to Chiusi/Chianciano Terme and staying at agritourismo Casa di Fabbrini fron June 3-June 9. We will not have a car. What destination/activity suggestions do you have for us by train? We definitely want to do a wine tasting and we would love to do a Vespa or e-Bike tour. We have looked at a bunch of options but I am curious as to what local insight you can offer. Any information you provide would be much appreciated!

Dear Melissa, happy that our article is helpful for you. Being close to San Casciano dei Bagni I would not miss a bath in their hot springs. By train, you can easily reach Arezzo, which is quite close and is a lovely town not so touristic. You can also go to Florence for a day. By bus from Chiusi, you can go to Montepulciano, another unmissable town where you can also take wine tasting. Regarding activities, in addition to checking online, I would recommend you contact Casa Fabbrini directly. I am sure they have plenty of ideas, and contacts and they will be pleased to assist you with reservations. (I also work in hospitality in northern Tuscany and I am always happy to help my Guests so, I am sure the Staff in Casa Fabbrini will do the same).

Dear Nicola, this is so cool that we can get suggestions and advise from a local and expert. My daughter and I will be travelling in Tuscany this October. We are planning on flying into Florence from there we would like to travel the perimeter of Tuscany to visit the hot spots and off the beaten path bus routes. Any suggestions, we are interested in pottery and local spots. How do we accomplish this via train and bus?

Hey Jennie, thanks for leaving a comment. Nice to hear you are coming to Tuscany next October. I think you can see many things traveling around by bus and train. Obviously, you won’t be able to reach isolated small villages but still, you can see beautiful places. From Florence, you quickly get to Pistoia, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano ( https://mytravelintuscany.com/from-florence-to-san-gimignano/ ), Lucca, the coast with the towns of Viareggio and Pietrasanta. Then, it depends on how many days you have at your disposal.

Hello Nicola,

We are a family of 9 coming to Lucca in May. We have an apartment in the city center but would much prefer a villa with views and the opportunity to enjoy the Tuscan hills. However we do not want to drive. Do you know if any villas that are close enough, within 1km or so, to train stations in any of the small towns in Tuscany where we should look? There are so many places online to look but they do not say how far from a train station or even if there is a train station close by. We of course are happy with our apartment and love staying within the city or town, but have don’t any many times and we’re hoping for one time in the countryside but close to the train. Any ideas for us to consider? Thanks for all the help you give on here, it’s a brilliant site!

Dear Darren, many thanks for your words about our website. We appreciate. A countryside villa next to a train station is not easy to find. You can take a look at Camaiore, which is also not far from Lucca. In the area, I think there are villas to rent and there is a train station in Lido di Camaiore. Also, Pietrasanta has the same. They both are quite popular summer destinations but may is even better because the weather may be wonderful.

Hello, I love your website!! staying in Florence and would like to take a train or bus on our own to a winery. Castello Vicchiomaggio will be closed due to renovations. Can you please share what other wineries, in Tuscany, we can reach by bus or train. We searched online and could only find Castello V. Thank you so much!!!

Hey Dawn, thanks for the comment. Unfortunately, I cannot help you with the wineries’ names because I do not know them. But I am sure that every place can arrange a transfer for you from the nearest train or bus station to the hotel/winery. I am sure you can find lovely accommodation around towns such as Siena, San Gimignano, Certaldo or Montepulciano. You can reach all these towns by bus or train.

Ciao Nicola Great post and very very helpful. I am forcing and taking my friends to Val d’Orcia in their otherways ‘tour’ of regular Italy and would be grateful if you could help with your input. I can get train from Siena to Montepulciano, and from there can get local buses to go to Montichiello .. Is there a particular bus stop you would suggest in which we get down to view that vvvv famous view of Val d’Orcia road. I am also a photographer and hoping you know exactly which place. Please correct me if my above plan wont work. I would love to stay in any of these Borgos, but am worried about the cost being too high and hence staying in Siena. Would you suggest any other stops too, which would be a delight for a photographer. Graciez Senore. Thank you so much.

One of the most useful post that I could find on internet about taking trains in tuscany. I’m coming on 29 August for 5 days to florence and I would to discover the surrounding by train. The only think that I am afraid of is that only high-speed trains have airco not the regional one. Is that so? For example if I take the train from florence to Pisa, lukka and La Spezia to visit cinique terre. I am afraid that we sit in the train for two ours with airco. That would be great if you have a magic answer for me that all trains have airco

Dear Maryamr, many thanks for leaving a comment and for your nice words about your content. I have no “magic answers” unfortunately. However, despite technical problems (that in Italy are not so unusual), even Regional Trains have air con. Sometimes it is freezing, at least for me. 🙂 So, I would not be so scared. 🙂 🙂

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Milan to Tuscany drive

Milan to tuscany road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Milan to Tuscany. If you're planning a road trip to Tuscany, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

8:00 am  start in Milan drive for about 1 hour

9:07 am   Piacenza stay for about 1 hour and leave at 10:07 am drive for about 52 minutes

10:59 am   Parma stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:59 am drive for about 51 minutes

12:50 pm   Modena stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:50 pm drive for about 44 minutes

2:34 pm   Bologna stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:34 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

5:09 pm   Florence stay for about 4 hours and leave at 9:09 pm drive for about 5 minutes

9:14 pm  arrive at Tuscany

driving ≈ 5 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Piacenza Parma   (29 answers)     restaurants around Parma:         La Greppia     questions about Parma:         Restaurants in Parma. Modena   (11 answers) Bologna   (88 answers)     Two Towers   (2 mentions)     Piazza Maggiore   (2 mentions)     Piazza Santo Stefano   (2 mentions)     Giardini Margherita   (2 mentions)     restaurants around Bologna:         Ristorante Al Sangiovese         Trattoria Anna Maria         Ristorante Pappagallo         Ristorante Clorofilla     questions about Bologna:         must see places in Bologna, Italy         Looking for great meat and/or cheese shop! Florence   (476 answers)     Ponte Vecchio   (34 mentions)     Uffizi Gallery   (23 mentions)     Piazzale Michelangelo   (16 mentions)     Gallery of The Academy   (16 mentions)     Duomo   (15 mentions)     restaurants around Florence:         Trattoria Sostanza         Acqua Al 2         Il Latini         Ristorante La Giostra         Gusta Pizza     hotels around Florence:         Pitti Palace         Dany House         Room Mate Luca         The Westin Excelsior Florence         Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco     questions about Florence:         Off the beaten path and most authentic Italian dinner in Florence?         What's a nice but affordable hotel in Florence?         Where to find best local food in Florence         Best dinner in Florence?         day trips by train

What are some things to do in Tuscany?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Tuscany. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Tuscany.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Tuscany to Milan drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

Looking for ideas for more destinations within driving distance of Milan? Try searching for places within 4 hours of Milan .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Milan to Tuscany . Or get a full Milan to Tuscany flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Milan well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Milan!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Milan to Tuscany

places to eat

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Trains from Milan to Tuscany

Best options, other options, milan to tuscany train schedule, transportation from milan to tuscany.

• Trains RUB 4,309
• Buses RUB 2,906
• Flights RUB 6,414
• Taxis RUB 67,245
• Ferries are not available
• Vans are not available

Facts about the train from Milan to Tuscany

Popular routes.

• Milan → Venice
• Milan → Rome
• Milan → Florence
• Milan → Paris
• Milan → Lugano
• Paris → Milan
• Rome → Milan
• Venice → Milan
• Naples → Milan
• Bergamo → Milan

From Tuscany

• Tuscany → Rome
• Tuscany → Milan
• Tuscany → Naples
• Tuscany → Venice
• Tuscany → Paris
• Rome → Tuscany
• Florence → Tuscany
• Naples → Tuscany
• Bologna → Tuscany
• Venice → Tuscany

Popular Routes in Italy

• Naples → Capri
• Naples → Positano
• Naples → Sorrento
• Rome → Venice

How to get from Milan to Tuscany by Train

Taking a train to get from Milan to Tuscany is a safe, fast, and scenic option to travel the country. On certain routes, there are multiple train departures per day every 10 to 15 minutes. This is typical for intercity travel, while for long distance train routes there are fewer scheduled departures – plan ahead to choose the one that fits your itinerary best.

For long distance train journeys, we recommend reserving your tickets at least a few days ahead of your travel date. Buying train tickets via our online booking system will allow you to choose and reserve the best Milan to Tuscany tickets.

Buying your tickets online will help you secure the trip on the selected date and avoid queuing at the station.. When travelling on weekends and holidays it is recommended to reserve tickets much earlier due to a much higher demand. During high season, train tickets sell out quickly – do book as early as you can.

How far is it from Milan to Tuscany?

Travelling by train, the distance from Milan to Tuscany is 60 miles. Before setting on for a train journey, have a look at the map to find out what tourist spots or landmarks you will pass by – maybe they are worth a quick stop?

How long does it take to get from Milan to Tuscany by Train?

Travel time from Milan to Tuscany is estimated to be about 1h 55m. Trains ensure the fastest time to travel by land. As normally there is no congestion, the speed of travel is more or less constant and stops at train stations are rather short, train is almost always one of the quickest and safest ways to get from Milan and Tuscany.

The most important thing that may affect train travel time is the type of train. Ordinary trains travel at a speed of about 40 mph or 65 km/h to 65 mph or 105 km/h. Some intercity trains with shorter distances between stations run slower than 40 mph. Even with these low speeds, it can still be faster than commuting by car, bus or taxi.

The speed of express trains can reach up to 100 mph or 160 km/h. Modern high-speed trains can run at speeds exceeding 250 mph or 400 km/h.

These speeds of travel together with relatively short stops between stations can greatly shorten the duration of your trip.

How much does it cost to get from Milan to Tuscany by Train?

The train ticket price from Milan to Tuscany varies depending on the types of trains or carriages available.

Some trains feature different types of carriages, seats and berths offering various amenities and level of comfort.

Basic passenger trains which are often non-air-conditioned and have wooden, hard or old seats are normally cheap. Premium or luxury trains and coaches have a higher ticket price but are equipped with air-conditioning, toilets, and large soft seats with sufficient legroom to make train rides comfortable.

Considering the distance travelled, train is the most affordable means of transport. Also, ticket prices include 2 or 3 bags – sometimes even more – per passenger.

Milan to Tuscany timetable

Trains are great for long-distance travel. Double-check your travel itinerary and use the Milan to Tuscany timetable above with train departure times and arrival times to find the best train for your route.

Best-Rated Companies for this Route

Unlike buses or taxis which have numerous companies offering their services, train service is usually offered by just one major company in each country. As railway service requires a large amount of infrastructure, most railway companies are government-owned and are a part of the national transport system.

One of the best advantages of travelling by train is that railway stations are often conveniently located within or very near major cities and urban areas. Immediately on arrival to their destination, travellers find themselves in close proximity to important facilities like hotels, supermarkets, and hospitals.

If you travel with a lot of bags and luggage, trains are your best option. Luggage weight limits on trains are rather flexible and allow you to carry multiple bags with you.

Special or luxury trains feature sufficient legroom which allows you to stretch your legs and relax. In comfort and space these train seats can be compared to business class airplane seats.

Similar to buses, trains can provide a variety of amenities to make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. Modern trains have WIFI service, a snack counter and a drinking bar. Onboard toilets can be a life saver for travellers with queasy stomachs.

Lastly, unlike buses and other overland means of transport, trains are very rarely involved in accidents.

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Thanks to the connections with the trenitalia regional trains, you can easily reach the most beautiful places in tuscany starting from the cities of the italo network..

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Thanks to the connections with the Florence Santa Maria Novella high-speed station, you can reach all the main towns in Tuscany.

Travel ideas, pisa - milan, siena - milan, siena - rome, milan - siena, rome - siena, get inspired and leave with italo, discover all the places of interest to visit in tuscany.

Tuscany is one of the most popular regions of Italy in the world thanks to the beauty of its valleys, the food and wine tradition and the artistic and cultural wonders of its cities. From Florence to Siena, from Lucca to Pisa, from Arezzo to Grosseto you will enjoy an artistic variety unique in the world. Let's start from Florence, the cradle city of the Renaissance and a symbol of Italian culture and language. Among the places of art to discover there are the museums, the Pitti palace with its collections and the churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, real art galleries. Admire the splendid Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo with Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's bell tower. Visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery and then I recommend a walk until you reach the Arno and pause to admire the romantic Ponte Vecchio for an unforgettable experience.

A few kilometers from Florence reach the archaeological city of Fiesole to discover the Etruscan and Roman remains and its splendid villas and then come across the very famous Florentine hills which, with their grapes, give rise to one of the most renowned Tuscan wines: Chianti. Visit Greve, the best place to appreciate the unique flavor of this product and then immerse yourself in the picturesque medieval village of Montefioralle with the unique charm of its village. Not far from Florence you can reach Empoli which for centuries has been the symbolic city for glass processing and then arrive in Castelfiorentino, a town surrounded by medieval walls among the most characteristic of the Florentine territory. Also near Florence, visit the village of Certaldo Alta, the birthplace of Boccaccio and Vinci, the city where Leonardo, the artist and genius of the Renaissance, was born.

From the Italian capital of the Renaissance, reach Siena, one of the most beautiful medieval cities and visit the Cathedral before arriving in Lucca with its historic center protected by the ancient walls of the sixteenth century and visit the picturesque Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the curious hanging gardens of the Guinigi Tower. Also worth discovering are the many medieval villages of Tuscany such as San Gimignano with its historic center, a Unesco heritage site, Poggibonsi with its wonderful landscapes, Montepulciano for the most anticipated annual event, the Bravio delle Botti and Montalcino, the town that gives rise to Brunello, the most famous and renowned Tuscan wine. Do not miss a visit to the ancient Maritime Republic, Pisa, the city with the most famous Leaning Tower in the world. Run to discover Carrara and its white marble and if you don't want to miss a corner of Tuscany visit the beautiful Pistoia and its characteristic shops in Piazza della Sala. For a bit of relaxation you cannot miss a day in Montecatini Terme with its spas and beneficial waters. If you are passionate about history and art, do not miss the Giostra del Saracino event in the wonderful and enchanting Arezzo. Above all to admire the landscape of the Tuscan Maremma, from the wildest one to that of the cultivated countryside up to the most important center of the Maremma which is Grosseto.

If you love the sea, Livorno and its surroundings are a perfect destination but you will also be very happy to appreciate the seaside resorts of Versilia such as Forte dei Marmi. Facing the Tuscan sea, the Island of Elba is one of the most beautiful places if you love the outdoors, adventure, trekking, diving or breathtaking routes and to reach it the most suitable port is Piombino. . An important destination in Orbetello, the unique coves and beaches of Monte Argentario and also a pleasant trip to the island of Giglio. Plan your trip to Tuscany and discover the beauty of this unique region in the world with its wonderful cities of art, historic villages, hills and breathtaking views over the vineyards and fields and to taste the most famous wines and gastronomic products of 'Italy.

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How to Get to Tuscany – The Smart Traveler’s Guide

Coming from the United States, I was looking for the simplest and most hassle-free way on how to get to Tuscany. Several airlines run non-stop direct routes from select US cities, and you can get there with more than one method.

If you wish to arrive in Tuscany, most people from the US will take a direct flight to Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome due to the greater number of direct flights. Some of the cities that offer direct flights include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Jersey and New York. Once there, you can take a train, plane or rent a car to get to Tuscany.

If you’d like to learn more in-depth information about how to get to Tuscany, keep reading. We’ll cover which ones for getting to Tuscany are the easiest and how long the duration for each one is.

Getting to Tuscany by Air

First, I would say that the best airport to fly into from the US would be the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome. The biggest reason behind that is that you can buy tickets for direct flights from those cities to cut down on your flight time.

Important to note that you can get direct flights into Pisa or Florence, depending on where you live, but you must do this in the summer season , or the airlines don’t offer a direct flight. During the summer season, check Chicago, Washington, or New York City for a direct flight into those cities. That’s one of the most direct ways to get to Tuscany, but it’s only available during the summer months.

The other downside about direct flights into Florence is the higher cost than if you fly into Rome. However, Florence tends to cost more than flying into Pisa. You can buy a train ticket from Pisa to Florence for $10, and it takes about 49 minutes.

At the same time, you could fly into Rome to see a bit of the city and all it has to offer. It’s one of the finest in Europe and was once the cradle of the Holy Roman Empire.

You could also take a flight to Milan and ride a high-speed train to Florence. Now, Milan does sit farther away from Florence than Rome , but it tends to cost less because of multiple low-cost carriers that fly into Milan. Traveling to Tuscany from here will take longer, but you can travel more on a budget.

The Main Airports in Tuscany

The main airports in Tuscany include the Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence and the Gallileo Galilei Airport in Pisa. They sit 49 miles apart, but the Pisa airport is larger with two terminals, which is why you can get cheaper flights there. Florence only has one terminal and 10 gates, and they can’t build more terminals because of the proximity of the mountain. The proximity to the coast in Pisa, however, still makes Florence the more convenient airport. The budget airline Ryanair is one of the airlines that serve Pisa.

For anyone flying in from Europe, Pisa handles most European scheduled flights, so it may make more sense to fly into Pisa than Rome.

International and Domestic Airports in and Near Tuscany

Now, if you want to know how to get to Tuscany from an international level, Pisa and Florence offer the only two international airports in Tuscany. Other nearby airports would include Bologna (73 miles away) and Perugia (72 miles away).

Italy is well connected by trains , but in some cases, you can save time with a domestic flight. For those seeking cheap domestic flights into Tuscany, you have several carriers available, but none of them will give you a direct flight to Florence or Pisa.

You can also fly to the Tuscan island of Elba via the airline Silver Air, which was once the island where Napoleon Buonaparte had a brief 10-month exile from France. You would fly into the Marina Di Campo Airport, Elba. From there, you could take a ferry into mainland Tuscany.

This is also a great choice if you’d like to see the Tuscan island, but don’t want to take the ferry. However, this airport only has connections with Pisa and Florence, so you couldn’t fly in from outside of Tuscany. Mostly private airplanes and helicopters use it.

Airline Options and Average Flight Times from Various Locations

If you want to know how to get to Tuscany from the United States, I will show you a few different options with direct flights and the average flight time of each one. I’ll use Rome because it’s the most common flight path next to Milan. 

• Atlanta: The nonstop flight from Atlanta to Rome takes 9 hours and 50 minutes. You can take seven direct flights between Atlanta and Rome every week.
• Boston: It requires an average of 8 hours and 10 minutes of flight time to get from Boston to Rome. Delta Airlines and Alitalia both offer flights from Boston to Rome.
• Chicago: The average flight time from Chicago to Rome is 10 hours and 5 minutes, and two different airlines offer the service.
• Los Angeles: Taking a direct flight from Los Angeles to Rome takes 12 hours and 50 minutes.
• Miami: Getting on the plane from Miami to Rome takes 10 hours and 5 minutes.
• Newark, New Jersey: The average flight time from Newark to Rome is 8 hours and 10 minutes.
• New York City: The average flight time from New York City to Rome is 8 hours and 35 minutes.

Arriving in Tuscany by Train

The main train stations in Tuscany include:

• Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella)
• Siena (Piazza Carlo Rosselli)
• Pisa (Pisa Centrale)
• Lucca (Lucca Railway Station)

You may struggle to reach the smaller villages due to the lack of train, but you could opt for the bus . 

This highlights how to get to Tuscany via the train station. Most of Italy is well connected by trains. If you want the main terminal of the region, choose Firenze Santa Maria Novella since it sits along the route between Rome and Milan. You can also take high-speed trains from Naples, Bologna, Rome, and Milan to this station.

Taking a regionale train (slower but serving the region) will get you to all parts of Tuscany. Pisa is another one of the important railway stations. It has served an important role in the region since 1871, and it takes the train coming from Florence and the coastal train route. The coastal railway lines in Tuscany will connect you to some of the most beautiful beach resorts in Italy including seaside resorts in Carrara, Massa, Viareggio, and Pietrasanta.

Reaching Tuscany by Car

Keep in mind that in some locations of Italy, a car can be difficult because you struggle to find parking. A rental car, however, is a valid way of getting to Tuscany, and generally speaking, the roads throughout Tuscany are good. You can also reach the smaller towns more easily with a car.

Tuscany offers two main driving routes that you would go through. You can either drive through Via Cassia or Via Chiantigiana. If you want to know how to get to Tuscany in style, Via Chiantigiana is known for its winding road, extensive landscape views , and vineyards . This is one of the most beautiful routes in the whole country.

Via Cassia connects Florence and Siena to Rome through the Val d’Orcia . This road offers you some of the most beautiful landscapes in Tuscany with its wheat fields, isolated cypress trees, and deserted landscapes.

Ferry Services to Tuscany

Ideally, you would use the ferry services after you had already flown in from the US for traveling to Tuscany. The main ferry ports in Tuscany include:

• Porto Santo Stefano

Livorno is the largest port, and you can sail from a variety of destinations here including Olbia and Golfo Aranci. You can also sail from Palermo, the capital of Sicily to Livorno. You can also sail from Portoferraio to Piombino.

As a side note, Portoferraio is located on the island of Elba, so you could fly to Elba and take a ferry across into the main part of Tuscany.

Porto Santo Stefano can take you to two other islands in the same archipelago. You can either visit Giglio or Giannutri. Giglio is the larger of the two islands.

Getting around Tuscany

For exploring the Val d’Orcia, I would recommend a car because of how it gives you the freedom to explore the region at your will. You could also reach most major cities in Tuscany through the train system. For the smaller towns , I would recommend you travel via bus since it’s a cheap way of getting around. If you’d like to create a more intimate experience with a great deal of background about the region, I would recommend that you book a day tour since it will let you explore specific areas of Tuscany for the day. Hopefully, this shows you how to get to Tuscany.

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• Campania 24

Is Rome or Milan Closer to Tuscany?

By Robert Palmer

When planning a trip to Tuscany, it’s important to consider the proximity of major Italian cities like Rome and Milan. Both cities have their own unique charm and attractions, but which one is closer to Tuscany? Let’s explore the distance between these two popular destinations and the beautiful region of Tuscany.

The Distance Between Rome and Tuscany

If you’re starting your journey in Rome, you’ll be glad to know that it is relatively close to Tuscany. The distance between Rome and Florence, one of the most popular cities in Tuscany, is approximately 275 kilometers (170 miles).

Fun Fact: Florence is often considered the gateway to Tuscany due to its central location and excellent transportation connections.

To reach other famous Tuscan cities like Siena or Pisa from Rome, you can expect a slightly longer journey. Siena lies about 230 kilometers (143 miles) north of Rome, while Pisa is around 360 kilometers (224 miles) northwest of the Eternal City.

The Distance Between Milan and Tuscany

If your starting point is Milan, you’ll need to travel a bit farther compared to Rome. Milan is located in northern Italy, while Tuscany lies more towards the central part of the country.

The distance between Milan and Florence is approximately 315 kilometers (196 miles). While this may seem like a longer distance than from Rome to Florence, keep in mind that it’s still easily reachable within a few hours by train or car.

If you plan on visiting other Tuscan cities like Siena or Pisa from Milan, be prepared for a slightly longer journey as well. Siena is around 360 kilometers (224 miles) southeast of Milan, while Pisa is about 330 kilometers (205 miles) southwest of the fashion capital.

Choosing Your Starting Point

Now that we know the distances between Rome, Milan, and Tuscany, you may be wondering which city is the better starting point for your Tuscan adventure.

The answer depends on your travel preferences and itinerary:

• If you’re primarily interested in exploring Tuscany and want to minimize travel time within the region, starting from Rome might be a better option. Rome offers more direct routes to many popular Tuscan cities.
• On the other hand, if you plan on exploring both Milan and Tuscany during your trip, it might make more sense to start from Milan. This way, you can experience the vibrant city life of Milan before venturing into the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany.

In Conclusion

Tuscany is easily accessible from both Rome and Milan. The distance between these cities and Tuscany may vary slightly, but with efficient transportation options available, reaching this beautiful region is a breeze.

Remember: Whether you choose to start your journey from Rome or Milan, Tuscany’s enchanting landscapes, rich history, and world-renowned cuisine await you!

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Best Places to Live in Italy Under $2,500

I taly has grown to be the destination of dreams to retire, study or lifestyle change for lots of Americans. Fortunately, the country is not just beautiful, with incredible food, captivating history and UNESCO-protected sites, but it is one of the most affordable places to live in Mediterranean Europe.

This time, we were on the hunt to discover the best places to live in Italy on a $2,500 budget per month. We've crunched the numbers to see what options would a couple be able to afford in Italy for this money. We have found many incredible locations, from seaside towns to hidden gems minutes away from big popular cities.

One-third of the monthly budget is dedicated to your apartment rent, to leave enough money for other necessary expenses, plus your discretionary spending such as travel and lots of gelato. Therefore, each of the cities on our list will have two-bedroom apartments that range from $800 up to $830 a month.

5. Cesena, Emilia-Romagna

• Population: 97,000
• Average two-bedroom apartment: $800
• Estimated monthly cost of living: $2,400

In the heart of the Alps mountain range, Cesena is in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. The city offers impressive views of the surrounding mountains and incredible sites in the city walls, too. Who wouldn't want to sip on an apertivo or cappuccino at one of the bars at Piazza del Popolo with the Rocca Malatestiana, a castellated fortress, as your backdrop?

Cesena is a perfect place to settle for outdoor adventurers. The clean air and stunning scenery can also be enjoyed in the warmer months, with incredible hiking, rock climbing, and bike trails in the surrounding mountains, too.

Though it's a smaller town, Cesena has a ton of cultural attractions. Most towns in Italy feature a famous church, and Cesana's is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 12th century. There's also the UNESCO Heritage site, the Biblioteca Malatestina, one of the best-preserved libraries in Italy where you can spend a quiet afternoon admiring the 343 intricate and beautiful handwritten books.

Despite its seemingly remote location, Cesana is also a convenient 40-minute train ride to the superb city of Bologna. Plus, the town is only 30 minutes from Lido di Savio, a seaside resort town perfect for spending your summer days at the beach, playing tennis, or taking advantage of the camping facilities.

Being so close to Bologna means Cesana has access to the incredible food the area produces. The region is famous for rich Parmesan cheese, meat-stuffed pasta dishes, and cured meats. Pair the region's tagliatelle pasta and ragu sauce with the Sangiovese wine for the quintessential Emilia-Romagna meal.

See Cesena on the map .

4. Pavia, Lombardy

• Population: 73,800
• Average two-bedroom apartment: $820
• Estimated monthly cost of living: $2,460

In northern Italy, Pavia sits just south of Milan. Despite its proximity to the cosmopolitan hub, Pavia has a small-town vibe that is much more representative of the Italian way of life.

One of the city's best features is its accessibility. With a primarily walkable layout and solid public transportation system, residents won't need a car to get around. On top of this, despite its more rural location, the rest of Italy and Europe is a quick train ride away.

Pavia is also a university town, which gives it youthful energy. The university provides opportunities for both educational and potential job prospects. The campus is a maze of courtyards, each with its own unique architectural style, with monuments, distinct lecture halls, and a collection of museums.

If you love the outdoors, Pavia also has a ton of public parks. Vernavoula Nature Reserve, in the north of the city, is the largest green space in the municipality. After a long day of work or study, you can unwind with an easy stroll through the wooded area.

Though the city offers the best of both worlds, a town outside of the hustle-and-bustle of Milan but not too far, it can feel a bit isolated as an expat. However, at an estimated monthly cost of $2,460, living in the city will cost less than half compared to Milan, which averages $5,790.

See Pavia on the map .

3. Livorno, Tuscany

• Population: 157,000

Along the western coast of Tuscany, Livorno lies just twenty kilometers south of Pisa, a hidden gem of a Tuscan city. Despite its cultural significance, Loverno is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors of Florence and Pisa. The city gets very few foreign tourists and offers a more authentic atmosphere.

If you're determined to live in the famous region of Tuscany, which tends to be more expensive than other parts of Italy , Livorno is a smart choice for a $2,500 budget.

Livorno is a vast mix of cultural influences, as it was established in the 1500s by Florence as a sanctuary for exiles, traders, and other "unfavorable" people at that time. Because of this history of inclusivity, the coastal town has a welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to settle for people of all religions and cultures.

Another perk of the city's multicultural history is the amazing culinary scene. You'll find a perfect example of this at Mercato delle Vettovaglie, the town's central market, featuring over 200 stalls. Get your groceries or lunch, from fresh seafood and locally grown produce to local dishes like cinque e cinque, a chickpea flatbread, and couscous alla livournese, a Spanish and North-African-inspired dish.

Much of the city was destroyed in World War II, and the new buildings constructed in the city clash with the 17th-century architecture that made it through the war unscathed. On top of this, the city is largely regarded as polluted, with a major US army base, oil refineries, and a busy port, making it seem less beautiful compared to other cities in Tuscany .

Despite this, the city has tons of culture unique to Italy. For example, the canals of Quartiere Venezia, which Venetian city planners designed, have been recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site. The city has so much to do for people living there, from art galleries and exhibitions to music festivals, shows at local theaters, and much more.

See Livorno on the map . 

2. Tivoli, Lazio

• Population: 56,000

Tivoli, Lazio , often considered Rome's "great escape," is 18 miles east of the country's capital, a quick 40-minute train ride. Stepping into Tivoli feels like a journey into the past, the small village home to many historical attractions.

One of the town's crown jewels is Villa Adriana, a summer retreat for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. This villa, almost a mini-town itself, includes ancient ruins of libraries, baths, amphitheaters, and so much more, giving a glimpse into another area. Unfortunately, many of the monuments and treasures housed here were plundered by barbarians or taken to museums.

Another amazing site is Villa d'Este, another UNESCO gem renowned for its water features- a Roman water park- with cascading waterfalls, pools, and fountains, all powered by gravity. A few steps off of the train is Villa Gregoriana, a mix of natural beauty and archaeological remains.

For a taste of local cuisine, you can dine at Ristorante Sibilla, a 300-year-old restaurant with beautiful wisteria plants blooming in the spring months. On a weeknight evening, you can unwind with an aperture in Piazza delle Erbe, a cobblestoned square surrounded by medieval buildings and churches.

Nature enthusiasts will love this city, too. The town has access to tons of mountain paths for hiking and biking, offering panoramic views of the city's waterfalls, Rome, and beyond. Additionally, locals love to relax at the thermal baths of Acque Albune in Tivoli Terme, five miles from the town center, that offer year-round warm water temperatures.

One downside to living in Tivoli, however, is that it lacks the bustling central markets and events that bigger cities on this list provide. The town can feel quite isolated, especially in the winter months, and English isn't widely spoken by locals, either.

But as the city is so close to Rome , you can easily go into town if you're feeling bored. Plus, with the estimated monthly cost of living at just $2,400, you can save a considerable portion of money by not living in the capital city.

See Tivoli on the map .

1. Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Population: 200,000
• Average two-bedroom apartment: $830
• Estimated monthly cost of living: $2,490

Trieste, the biggest city on our list, sits in the northeastern region of Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia , bordering Slovenia and overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

It's one of the most unique cities in Italy and perhaps considers itself the black sheep of Italian towns. The city was only integrated into Italy in 1954 and is outspoken about its pride in being an independent region.

For English speakers, Trieste offers a welcoming environment, as many of the locals are fluent in the language. Slovenian is also widely spoken, but if you really want to fit in, you'll want to learn a bit of Italian, too.

Besides some of the major northern cities, Trieste is also one of the most promising areas to find work. Home to a large port, the city has headquarters for large international companies like Alliance Insurance and Illay. Additionally, the town has a top public university and tons of international schools for younger families.

Trieste also has a diverse range of neighborhoods that fit with any lifestyle. From the academic atmosphere of the university area to the trendy Cavana, full of cafes, bars, and restaurants, to the coastal beach neighborhood of Barcola.

What's best about Triste is that its public transportation system actually works. Punctual buses can take you throughout the town, while the ferry network can take you to surrounding areas. The city's amazing location also gives residents convenient access to breathtaking destinations like the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

While Triste may not offer the quintessential "Italian" experience, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, job opportunities, and quality of life make it our top pick for this budget range.

See Trieste on the map .

This article originally appeared on MyDolceCasa and was syndicated by MediaFeed.

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Our Favorite Fashion Moments from Milan Design Week

No runway? No problem.

Lanvin’s Sculptural Seating

Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia, of the Tbilisi, Georgia–based Rooms Studio , collaborated with Lanvin on an installation of their sculptural seating, arranged throughout the brand’s flagship boutique in conversation with shoes and bags. A metal and translucent blue glass lamp, designed in collaboration with Georgian photographer Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili, was showcased in one window, a symbol of creative collaboration and a feminine parallel to Jeanne Lanvin’s legacy. – Sean Santiago

Gucci’s Showcase of Design Icons

Creative director Sabato De Sarno presented Gucci Design Ancora, a special project cocurated with Michela Pelizzari, founder of P:S, a local creative agency. For the show, five icons of Italian design— including the Le Mura sofa by Mario Bellini for Tacchini and the Clessidra rug, part of the Portaluppi Pattern Project by Nicolò Castellini Baldissera , great grandson of Piero Portaluppi—were showcased in an immersive exhibition at the brand’s flagship store on Via Monte Napoleone. — S.S.

Rimowa’s Tricked-Out Espresso Machine

ELLE DECOR editor in chief Asad Syrkett’s go-to luggage and accessories brand, Rimowa , unveiled a collaboration with La Marzocco during this year’s Salone del Mobile. The limited-edition Liena mini espresso machine is tricked out with grooved aluminum detailing, à la Rimowa’s iconic suitcases, and was debuted at the aptly named Caffè Rimowa. The tile-clad pop-up served the brand’s own blend of espresso from the machine, a marriage of German and Italian engineering that’s hand-crafted and made to order in Florence. — S.S.

Hermès’s Old-Meets-New Home Accessories

For Milan Design Week, Hermès presented its new collections alongside heritage pieces, an exercise that affirmed that Hermès objets never go out of style. Silk jockey jerseys inspired leather marquetry catchalls and blankets, bracelets became woven leather baskets, and a riding crop informed the braided leather base of a table lamp. Every piece found new ways to leverage the maison’s craft heritage and—in doing so—imagined a well-designed future informed by the knowledge of the past. — S.S.

Saint Laurent’s Gio Ponti Plates

Making its Milan Design Week debut, French fashion house Saint Laurent partnered with the Gio Ponti archives and the Funacio Anala y Armando Planchart to present a special collection of 12 plates. The plates are reproductions based off of designs Ponti originally created in 1957 for Anala and Armando Planchart’s modernist villa in Venezuela, which the architect built in 1952. The renowned Italian architect, known for the Spirelli building in Milan, worked with the Florentine porcelain company Ginori 1735 to create hand-painted plates depicting images and emblems found throughout the famous house. The blue, yellow, and gold plates have been reproduced yet again with Ginori 1735 and were presented at the Chiostri di San Simpliciano in an exhibition curated by Saint Laurent creative director Anthony Vaccarello . — Bebe Howorth

Thom Browne’s Luxurious Sheets

No one has a perspective quite like designer Thom Browne . Known for cropped hems and handbags shaped like dachsunds, Browne made his Salone del Mobile debut this year with a collaboration with Frette . The entire collection is available now and comprises bath linens, robes, accessories, and bedding cut from white cotton sateen and accented with a custom label and four lines of embroidered gray stripes—a nod to Browne’s signature emblem. — S.S.

Ralph Lauren’s Springtime Facade

Ralph Lauren ushered in spring—and Milan Design Week—in a big way this year. At his Milan headquarters in a historic palazzo, the designer unveiled his extensive new Modern Driver home collection inspired by his famed vintage cars. Meanwhile the facade of the Ralph Lauren flagship on Via Spiga was decked out in the brand’s blue-and-white ticking stripes—not to mention abloom with a whimsical display of massive white flowers. The store’s windows featured picnic baskets overflowing with Ralph Lauren x Burleigh earthenware and mannequins clad in spring fashions. Inside, the Bar at Ralph Lauren extended into the courtyard garden in back where tables and chairs featured florals from the brand’s fabric collection under a pergola covered in vines. — Ingrid Abramovitch

We Are Ona’s Pop-Up Eatery

The gastronomic collective We Are Ona , founded by sommelier and Noma alum Luca Pronzato, created a spectacular dining pop-up in the future location of 10 Corso Como founder Carla Sozzani’s foundation. Fashion photographer Mark Borthwick worked with French set designer Laura Floor, whose clients include Chanel and Cartier , on an immersive setting that hosted guests all week for lunch and dinner. The menu, prepared by Scottish chef Megan Moore, was served on tables set with Alessi and Christofle and punctuated by hand-drawn menus by Borthwick. – S.S.

La DoubleJ’s Sunny Homewares

Fashion designer J.J. Martin has taken the bright, imaginative prints of her dresses and clothing to new horizons with the La DoubleJ Solar homeware collection. Inspired by a trip to Spain, the collection includes a series of plates, vases, and cups with intricate mosaic patterns made into sunbursts with 18-karat-gold-plated rims. Martin, who worked with artist Max Siedentopf to present the collection, also debuted a set of new Murano pitchers and glasses, placemats, napkins, and tablecloths in fiery shades and hot patterns. High-voltage doesn’t even begin to describe it. – B.H.

Aquazzura Casa

In Milan, Aquazzura Casa—a brand best known for footwear—took its sexy designs to two new homeware drops. Both the Riviera and the Alegria collections were inspired by Italian landscapes and are true to the regions in which each collection was produced. The Riviera collection from Tuscany takes on a slightly more formal place setting with crisp embroidered linens, porcelain plates, and Murano stemmed glasses. The collection is available in patterns with shades of red as well as cool blue-and-green patterns for more wintry place settings. The Alegria collection from Puglia evokes the region’s playful, fun, summer seaside scene. The ceramic plates and ombré-dyed tablecloths and napkins are also available in two colors. – B.H.

Loewe’s Luxe Lighting

In its eighth exhibition at Milan Design Week, the Spanish brand Loewe continued its exploration of the intersection of design, art, and craft. This year creative director Jonathan Anderson commissioned 24 artists from around the world to create lighting. The distinctive results were on view in a presentation at the stunning Palazzo Citterio and included lacquer pendants by Japanese artist Genta Ishizuka (2019 winner of the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize) as well as South Africa’s Zizipho Poswa, whose standing lamp is in ceramic, glass, and bronze. — I.A.

ECCO’s Furniture Exhibition

ECCO, ECCO Leather, and At.Kollektive debuted at this year’s Salone del Mobile with Material Matters, an exhibition and workshop at 10 Corso Como’s Capsule Plaza. Work by collaborators including Anne Holtrop, Bianca Saunders, Kostas Murkudis, and Natacha Ramsay-Levi was showcased alongside

polyurethane-cast seating and an installation of organic leather, upon which attendees were invited to “make their mark” with pens, paint, and other materials. — S.S.

Il Bisonte’s Bauhaus-Inspired Boxes

Florence, Italy–based Il Bisonte is known primarily for its handbags, but the leather specialist introduced a second home collection at Milan Design Week with ELLE DECOR A-List designer Shawn Henderson. For his second collab with the brand, Henderson created “There’s a Home for Everything,” a collection of leather stacking boxes inspired by Bauhaus design. The vegetable-tanned leather boxes are made in Tuscany. — I.A.

Sean Santiago is ELLE Decor 's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.

Ingrid Abramovitch, the Executive Editor at ELLE Decor, writes about design, architecture, renovation, and lifestyle, and is the author of several books on design including Restoring a House in the City.

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