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The Top 10 Places to Go in Tuscany

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Tuscany , with its spectacular cities, towns, and scenery, is one of Italy's top vacation destinations. Tuscany's many attractions include historic cities , art-filled museums and churches, great wine and food, medieval hill towns, beaches, and beautiful countryside.

Each part of the Tuscany region has its own unique personality. And while it's hard to narrow down a best-of list in an area of travel superlatives, the following are TripSavvy's top 10 places to visit for medieval and Renaissance architecture, gorgeous scenery, and of course, the food and wine.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, is one of Italy's top cities to visit . Florence is an important Renaissance architecture and art center with several excellent museums . Florence's cathedral, or Duomo , with its famous dome and its Baptistery, are architectural wonders that are not to be missed.

Many visitors use Florence as their base for winery tours or day trips to other towns in the region. Visit the Museo Galileo or the Palazzo Strozzi to get a feel for the history and culture of the area.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Siena is a classic medieval hill town in Tuscany famous for its sizeable fan-shaped piazza, the Piazza del Campo, dominated by its bell tower, the Torre del Mangia.

Siena's annual summer horse race, Il Palio, is about as different from the Kentucky Derby as one can imagine: Bareback riders race the horses along the city's cobblestone streets, keeping with medieval tradition.

Siena's medieval streets are lined with shops and rustic trattoria serving traditional Tuscan cuisine off the main piazza. Find a cozy spot, preferably one filled with Italians, and sample local fare paired with a nice bottle of regional wine.

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Pisa, in northern Tuscany, is famous for its leaning tower, which all visitors must climb and take an excellent touristy photo with. You'll be in the Piazza Dei Miracoli, where you can admire the cathedral and the baptistery, which date back to the Italian Renaissance.

Besides its tower, Pisa has much more to do and see. To visit its historic Piazza Dei Cavalieri, take a stroll along the Arno River. And before you leave Pisa, try the local delicacy, a chickpea flour bread called cecina.

If you visit Pisa in June, you're in for a treat. That's when the city holds a festival to honor its patron saint San Ranieri during its annual Giugno Pisano.

Lucca is famous for its Renaissance-era wall, which encircles the city, and its cobblestone streets. Walking and bicycling paths and gardens sit atop the wall, allowing visitors to walk entirely around Lucca's historic center.

In addition to being home to several historic cathedrals, Lucca has several well-preserved towers that provide fabulous views of the city and beyond.

Be sure to check out the home of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini, which is a popular museum in Lucca. And for authentic regional dishes like tortelli lucchese or zuppa di farro all lucchese, visit one of Lucca's excellent restaurants, such as Buralli or La Buca di Sant'Antonio.

Cortona is the Tuscan hill town made famous by Francis Mayes in her book "Under the Tuscan Sun." Surrounded by 3,000-year-old Etruscan walls, Cortona retains much of its history through its layers of architecture.

Cortona's stately buildings include the Abbazia Farneta and the Chiesa San Francesco. This area has a large American expatriate community, so tourists from the States will find plenty of English speakers.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano, known as the City of Beautiful Towers, is a classic medieval walled hill town famous for its 14 surviving medieval towers. These create a distinctive skyline visible from the surrounding countryside.

Be sure to visit the Museo Estrusco and the historic Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta. For local flavor, try one of the many cinghiale (wild boar) dishes at Cum Quibus or Ristorante San Martino.

Chianti Classico Wine Region

The Chianti Classico wine region lies between the larger cities of Florence and Siena and is a fascinating area to visit. The Chianti region has picturesque villages like Greve and, of course, many fine wineries. Start your wine tasting at Barone Ricasoli Winery and Brolio Castle .

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is yet another walled city in Tuscany, built on a sloping and narrow limestone ridge. Montepulciano has one of the most impressive main squares in Tuscany and has many beautiful Renaissance buildings, including the Chiesa di Sant'Agostino. Visit the Avignonesi or Gattavecchi vineyards or any of Montepulciano's many wineries for a taste of the famed Vino Nobile di Montipulciano. There are also several cantinas in town offering wine tastings and sales and local culinary products.

Pienza and Val D'Orcia

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Pienza, designed to be the ideal city, is a pretty Renaissance town in the Val D'Orcia of Tuscany. Pienza is famous for its pecorino cheese, Piccolomini Palace, and balcony overlooking the beautiful Val D'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme, known for its thermal waters, is one of Italy's top spa towns. It has several historic spas and spas with modern equipment for beauty and wellness treatments. Terme Tettuccio is a lavish classic spa with music performances daily during the season, worth a visit to see the Liberty-style architecture.

The town itself is pleasant and relaxed and makes a good base for visiting central and northern Tuscany. A historic funicular railway takes visitors up the hill to the old town of Montecatini Alto .

The Best Places to Stay in Tuscany

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Tuscany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 15 Best Wineries in Tuscany

Top Florence Day Trips

The 15 Best Things to Do in Tuscany

Italy UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Central Italy

Day Trips From Lucca, Italy

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

Where to Go on Italy's Mediterranean Coast

The Most Beautiful Castles in Italy

A Guide to Italy's Wine Regions

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

Italian Nativity Displays and Christmas Scenes

Tuscany Itinerary: See the Best Places in One Week (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: July 4, 2023

Tuscany Itinerary: See the Best Places in One Week (+Map & Tips)

Planning a trip to Tuscany and not sure where to start and what’s the best Tuscany itinerary?

In our previous post, you could read about some of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany . In this article, you can read how to combine all those beautiful places (and some more) and create the perfect Tuscany trip itinerary that allows you to experience the very best of this picturesque region in one week.

How many days do you need in Tuscany

While you can see the main cities in 3-4 days, I recommend at least one week for Tuscany . This will allow you to see not just all the highlights of the best towns of Tuscany, but also to get a glimpse of the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

Below, you can find our suggested Tuscany itinerary that shows you where to go and what to see if you have one week in Tuscany. Read on!

How to see the best of Tuscany in one week

This Tuscany itinerary starts and ends in Florence. However, you can start and end in other towns and combine this trip with a visit to the other regions (e.g. Cinque Terre or Bologna ). This is really just meant to show you what’s possible and how to plan your time in Tuscany.

In order to see the very best of Tuscany and to experience some of its stunning landscapes, it’s best to visit the region by car. On the other hand, you don’t really need a car in the cities. Train connections between major towns in Italy are really good. So if you want to, you can visit some of the most beautiful towns using public transport only.

While this Tuscany itinerary is made assuming that you have a car, you can easily adapt it to your needs and your way of traveling. Just use this itinerary as a guide to the best places in Tuscany, how much time you need at each place, and how to best plan your trip.

At the bottom of the article, you can also find a map indicating all the places mentioned in this Tuscan itinerary. Read on!

Tuscany itinerary - how to see the best of Tuscany in one week

One Week Tuscany Itinerary

Day 1 – florence.

Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and is not to be missed in any Tuscany itinerary.

One full day is the minimum that you need in order to see the main highlights of Florence . You can find more information, tips, and advice for visiting Florence in some of the more detailed guides to the city on our blog.

Not to be missed in Florence is the Cathedral (you can climb the dome of the Duomo as well), Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, and Palazzo Vecchio. If you have just one day in Florence, stroll the old town, check out the market, and walk to Piazzale Michelangelo for the best sunset view in Florence. Alternatively, have a drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Florence .

Stay in Florence for at least one night, in order to take full advantage of your time here. If you are traveling by train, I recommend a hotel close to the railway station. We recently stayed at Hotel Croce di Malta , an excellent mid-budget 4*hotel with a lovely rooftop terrace. If traveling by car, keep in mind that parking in the city is very expensive.

TIP: If you only have limited time and want to see the best of Florence in one day, be sure to book priority tickets for ALL the places you absolutely want to visit inside.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Florence

Florence is a must in any Tuscany itinerary

Day 2 – Florence to Siena

Leave Florence early in the morning and drive to Siena. Via Chiantigiana road SR 222 from Florence to Siena is very scenic, so you may want to take this road rather than a highway.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful town of Siena. Must-see in Siena is Piazza del Campo with its Palazzo Pubblico and the Mangia Tower, Siena Duomo (Cathedral), and the picturesque streets of the Old Town.

TIP: Stay in Siena for 1 or 2 nights. Albergo Chiusarelli is one of the best picks in towns in terms of price/location/quality.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Siena

Siena is one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany

Day 3 – Val d’Orcia – Tuscan countryside

Here is a scenic road trip suggestion through the picture-perfect Tuscan countryside – Val d’Orcia – that you can take as a day trip from Siena.

If you have the time, you may want to spend a couple of days in this area, but one day is sufficient to drive through the scenic Tuscan countryside.

From Siena take the road SR2 to San Quirico d’Orcia. From here continue East along the SR146 in the direction of Montepulciano. This is the most scenic road in Tuscany – the one with the typical Tuscan landscapes you see in travel magazines and on postcards.

Take your time to explore Val d’Orcia and visit at least a couple of charming little towns in the area: Pienza , Montepulciano , San Quirico d’Orcia , Monticchiello , Montalcino … Also the Abbey of Sant’Antimo is worth a visit.

With just one day in this region, I think I’d focus on Montepulciano, Pienza, and the countryside of Val d’Orcia.

TIP: If you are in Siena without a car, the best way to explore the Tuscan countryside is by taking an organized tour, e.g. this wine tour that brings you to Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano from Siena .

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Montepulciano

Tuscany countryside - picturesque hilly Tuscan landscape

Day 4 – San Gimignano and Volterra

San Gimignano and Volterra are both relatively small towns and their proximity to each other means that you can easily visit them in one day.

San Gimignano , famous for its fourteen medieval towers has a tiny but very picturesque Old Town. It can get extremely busy during the day, so I recommend going there first thing in the morning.

One of the main places to see is Piazza della Cisterna. You can also climb to the top of the Torre Grossa.

San Gimignano is one of the nicest small towns in Tuscany Italy

Volterra has a great atmosphere in the evening, so it’s best to visit it later in the day. It’s a charming medieval town and it’s nice to just stroll the streets, check out some souvenir shops, and have a nice Tuscan dinner.

In my previous post, you can read more about what to see and do in San Gimignano and in Volterra .

TIP: One of the nicest and good price/quality hotels in Volterra is Hotel La Locanda . If you are on a tighter budget but want something really special, stay in Chiostro Delle Monache Hostel Volterra . It’s located in the 15th-century Franciscan monastery, has a great location, and free parking.

Day 5 – Pisa

Take your time to explore Pisa . Don’t limit your visit to the leaning tower of Pisa only! In fact, the leaning tower of Pisa is just one of the many monuments of Miracle’s Square. The Cathedral and the Baptistery are very impressive as well.

Pisa town center has no crowds and is very picturesque as well. Stroll the Arno River promenade and check out the Borgo Stretto, an old shopping arcade with many restaurants, cafés, and shops.

TIP: If you are touring around Tuscany by car, I’d advise not to stay in Pisa. Instead, drive to Lucca after you visited Pisa and stay there for two nights. Lucca has such a great atmosphere and several really nice hotels. They are located inside the city walls and so parking is not free (but possible). Check out Hotel Palazzo Alexander or Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli .

The Miracle’s Square and the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy

Day 6 – Lucca

Lucca is our favorite town in Tuscany. You can see the main highlights in just one day, but you definitely won’t regret it if you choose to stay a bit longer.

The main landmark is the city walls of Lucca which you can explore on foot or by bike. In fact, the best way to see Lucca is by taking a self-guided bike tour .

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is another must-see in Lucca. Make sure also to climb at least one of the towers -Torre Guinigi or Torre Delle Ore for the best views in town. Here you can read more about what to see and do in Lucca .

TIP: Take a food tour in Lucca – it’s a great way to explore the town and taste some of the typical local specialties.

Guinigi Tower as seen from Torre Delle Ore in Lucca - Tuscany, Italy

Day 7 – Collodi, Pistoia, Prato, or the outskirts of Florence

There are several nice towns that you could visit between Lucca and Florence. Collodi, Pistoia, and Prato are all worth a detour.

We liked exploring the outskirts of Florence as well. You’re hardly out of the city, but the scenery is amazing. Take a road from Florence to Fiesole for stunning views and a beautiful Tuscan landscape.

Alternatively, you could easily visit Bologna. It’s located in the nearby Emilia Romagna region (so not in Tuscany), but is more than worth a visit if you find yourself in this part of Italy.

READ ALSO: Florence to Bologna Travel Info & Itinerary + Best Things to Do in Bologna

Tuscany itinerary - Florence as seen from the road to Fiesole

Where to stay for this Tuscany itinerary

Many people ask what’s the best area to stay in Tuscany . The answer really depends on what kind of trip you are planning.

If you are thinking of making a road trip in Tuscany , you can find my suggestions for hotels in each town in the day-to-day Tuscany itinerary above.

If, however, you don’t like changing hotels and packing your bags every day, you can also stay at one central location in the Tuscan countryside and take day trips from there. Sometimes you’ll need to drive an hour, sometimes two, so it’s not perfect, but it might still be easier and more relaxing, especially if you are traveling with kids.

TIP: If you want to stay in just one place for sightseeing, the best place to stay for exploring Tuscany would be the area close to Volterra or San Gimignano. It is very centrally located in Tuscany and is therefore ideal if you are looking to stay at just one hotel and explore the region by taking day trips. Here you can find the best deals for accommodation in Volterra and hotels in the San Gimignano area .

In fact, a few years ago we did just that when we were visiting Tuscany with our kids. We stayed at just one hotel in the Montaione area for 12 days and combined relaxing days by the pool with sightseeing. It worked well for us. You can read more in our best of Tuscany – itinerary from one central location post.

On our most recent trip to Tuscany, we were focusing on the area around Siena and Val d’Orcia, plus a few other places in Umbria too. For that, we opted to stay at this beautiful country house in Bettole.

There’s really not one ‘best’ spot to stay- Tuscany is way too big for that. So it all depends on which places you decide to visit.

Without a car: If you are not renting a car, the best places to stay for exploring Tuscany are either Florence or Siena. They both have good railway connections to the bigger towns and also a big choice of organized tours to the smaller villages in the countryside.

Tuscan countryside in Montaione area - good central location to stay for exploring Tuscany

One week Tuscany trip itinerary map

Below, you can see an overview of this suggested Tuscany itinerary on the map.

Start in Florence, drive down to Siena, then on to San Gimignano and Volterra. Continue your trip towards Pisa and Lucca, and end in Florence.

Alternatively, continue to Cinque Terre, which is just a short ride from Pisa. Here you can find more information about how to see the best of Cinque Terre in one day .

Best Time to Visit Tuscany

Tuscany is a beautiful destination that has something to offer at any time of the year. That being said, the best time to visit Tuscany is in late spring or in early autumn. The very best months for sightseeing in Tuscany are May and September.

In the summer months, it’s very hot here. So if you are visiting in July or August, you may want to concentrate on the Tuscan countryside. A popular thing to do is rent a villa with a pool and make an occasional day trip to one of the smaller towns in the area.

Whereas the weather in late fall, in winter, and in early spring is more suitable for visiting the big cities rather than touring the countryside.

22 Unmissable Places to Visit in Tuscany

Tuscany knows its charms and isn’t afraid to show them off. Teetering hilltop towns surrounded by rolling hills, dramatic religious buildings, museums filled with the wealth and excesses of days past – it’s everything you want from Italy and more. Here’s my pick of the best places to visit in Tuscany.

Italy’s most famous region, Tuscany’s main towns and cities are the definition of living history: Florence, Siena, Abrezzo, Lucca, Pisa, Cortona… each with its own delights and attractions.

Safe to say that Tuscany is well-deserving of a spot on your Italy itinerary .

It’s hard to pinpoint the best of Tuscany. It’s an impossibly-beautiful hilltop town catching the warm glint of the morning light, a quiet bike ride along a dusty lane framed by tall cypress trees, a roll call of small cities, vying with each other for historical importance and cultural heritage – it’s almost too good to be true.

That’s without even mentioning the countryside – it really does look like the films; rolling vine-covered hills that turn from bright green in summer to tones of ochre as autumn takes hold.

Those hills provide the perfect backdrop for small farmhouses championing the slow food movement and agriturismos offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the true Tuscan way where the emphasis is on good food, friends and wine.

It’s not all wining and dining, of course. Tuscans love letting their hair down and have many opportunities to do just that, with a seemingly endless rotation of festivals that take place across the region.

Sporting contests dating back to medieval times, jazz festivals, crossbow competitions; the Tuscan summer is a constant celebration. Explore the region’s must-visit spots with this guide

Best Places to Visit in Tuscany

Few cities can rival Florence for sheer beauty. It’s everything you think it should be – the thriving, buzzing heart of Tuscany with a palpable sense of history on every street corner.

Florence certainly deserves a spot at the top of any list of places to visit in Tuscany.

Touristy of course, particularly in the height of summer, but so enchanting that you don’t mind sharing the special moments it guarantees with others.

This city was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, and it’s filled with world-famous art museums and galleries.

The Duomo is a must-see – this massive cathedral took 140 years to build! Other can’t-miss sights include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.

The Best Things to do in Florence

One of the best known Tuscan destinations, Pisa’s tower really does lean.

The leaning tower is only one quarter of the centre’s impressive Piazza dei Miracoli, whose more successful architectural projects, the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto give justice to its name, which translates as the Field of Miracles.

Still, no trip to Pisa is complete without climbing to the top of the tower.Numbers are limited so book ahead to avoid disappointment on the day. It’s open until late during the summer.

For many who visit, Pisa starts and stops at the Piazza dei Miracoli, but venture further and you’ll find a buzzing student town with a gorgeous historical centre, high-quality local restaurants and small squares that are perfect for people-watching over a cup of coffee.

Stroll along the banks of the Arno River, marvel at the stunning architecture around the city, or visit one of the many museums and churches for a taste of local history.

Though its biggest claim to fame may be the world-famous Palio, the horse race that thunders around the central Piazza del Campo twice a year, Siena is the precious Tuscan gem that is always demanding another photograph.

This is where to go in Tuscany to discover the region at its most enchanting. Not for nothing has Siena’s historic centre been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. With its sloping cobbled streets and atmospheric palazzi, Siena is one of the most beautiful places to go in Tuscany.

Away from the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s highlights include a huge range of art treasures in the city’s magnificent, 13th-century black and white striped Duomo and the Palazzzo Piccolomini, as well as a number of fascinating museums.

Siena is also the perfect base from which to explore some of Tuscany’s most stunning countryside, including the Chianti region and the area around Montalcino and Montepulciano.

Siena Travel Guide

Located in central Tuscany, Arezzo is a charming and historic town that attracts visitors from all over the world. Less busy than some of the other places in Tuscany I’ve featured in this guide, it’s the perfect place to dip into Italy’s history without the crowds.

With its beautiful medieval buildings, bustling piazzas (don’t miss the stunning Piazza Grande), and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why Arezzo is considered one of the best places to visit in Tuscany.

There’s more yet. Timing is everything when you’re planning a visit to Arezzo.Though there’s plenty to see at any given time, the monthly antique fair is a captivating maze of treasures waiting to be found.

Go with a full purse, an empty bag and a discerning eye to barter with the affable sellers for your share of the loot.

Wondering where to go in Tuscany that’s a little bit different? Say hello to Lucca .

As you walk through the streets of Lucca, it’s easy to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The walled city of Lucca offers a gentler and more relaxed take on Renaissance Italy.

The centre is small and relatively quiet, yet lively enough to be interesting.

The Lucchese are a fiercely proud bunch, striving hard to maintain the unique culture and atmosphere palpable within the city.

Lucca’s Romanesque Cattedrale di San Martino may stand resplendent in striped pearly white but it has fierce competition: Lucca is known as the “City of a Hundred Churches” dating from a particularly productive period of church-building in the 12th and 13th centuries as the city flaunted its wealth.

Of them, the Chiesa di San Michele in Faro stands out for its unashamedly OTT wedding cake facade.

Circumnavigate the city via the wide walls, built and fortified to protect Lucca from its nearby rivals, Florence and Pisa. Afterwards, wind your way through its streets to find the elliptical Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, shaped by the Roman amphitheatre that it was built on.

Look hard and you can still see some of the original bricks

What To See in Lucca

Chianti, full of low-lying villas and fields of vines, is the romantic Tuscany you see in the films. Savour Chianti at a leisurely pace – grab a café table for a late afternoon aperitivo and wait for dusk to fall as the locals do.

Or flee to the cosseting surrounds of the nearby Essere Spa in ultra-luxe Castello di Casole for a spell of vacation pampering.

Visit one of Chianti’s many vineyards where independent winemakers will talk you through their treasured vintages of Chianti Classico, pouring generous measures as they share with you their passion for what they do – you show your appreciation by having just a touch more.

Nothing feels more Tuscan than sitting in the shade of a wisteria-covered arbour, a spread of antipasti on the table, a glass of wine in hand.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano’ s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why – the town is home to a number of well-preserved towers, churches and other buildings from its medieval heyday. This well-preserved medieval hill town is a must-see on any trip to Tuscany.

Locanda La Mandragola Restaurant San Gimignano, Tuscany-7

Stroll through the narrow streets, climb to the top of one of the towers for sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside, or enjoy a glass of the local white Vernaccia wine in one of the town’s many bustling wine bars.

No trip to San Gimignano would be complete without sampling one of its celebrated gelato (I recommend going to Gelateria Dondoli), so be sure to save some room for dessert!

Volterra is one of the best towns to visit in Tuscany – not least because it’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets. This medieval hill town boasts Etruscan ruins, a well-preserved historical centre and some of the most breathtaking views in the region.

Perched high atop a hill, Volterra offers visitors sweeping panoramas of the Tuscan countryside.

Don’t miss the 13th-century Duomo, which is home to a beautiful sarcophagus by Michelangelo’s assistant Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, or the Palazzo dei Priori, one of the most impressive (and oldest) civic buildings in Tuscany.

For something truly unique, visit the Alabaster Ecomuseum, where you can see artisans at work and learn about the town’s centuries-old tradition of alabaster craftsmanship.

Elba is the largest of the Tuscan islands, and is a popular destination for both Italians and foreigners alike.

The island is home to a number of stunning beaches, as well as a number of historical sites such as Napoleon’s residence, Villa San Martino. There are also plenty of places to enjoy the local cuisine,with fresh seafood being a specialty.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a chance to explore the island’s history and culture, Elba is sure to please.

Val d’Orcia

It feels like cheating to include a valley as one of the best places to visit in Tuscany, but anyone who ventures to The Val d’Orcia won’t quibble with its inclusion.

Yet another of Tuscany’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this stunning valley is home to some of the most beautiful landscape in all of Italy, with its rolling hills, vineyards and picturesque villages.

There are plenty of things to do in the area, from wine tastings and cookin g classes to hikes and bike rides. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider staying in one of the area’s many agriturismo, where you can enjoy a taste of the traditional Tuscan lifestyle.

Isola del Giglio

Located just off the coast of Tuscany, Isola del Giglio is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This charming island is home to stunning beaches, medieval towns, and a rich history that will take you back in time.

Stroll through the island’s narrow streets, marvel at the ancient ruins of Roman buildings, or enjoy a meal at one of the island’s many seaside cafés. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exciting adventure, Isola del Giglio is the perfect destination for your next trip to Tuscany.

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is a small town located in the province of Siena.

This picturesque town is surrounded by medieval walls and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the medieval tower Castello di Monteriggioni.

Church of Santa Maria Assunta Monteriggioni Tuscany

Visitors can explore the town by walking along its narrow streets, or they can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the walls.

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Monteriggioni, be sure to sample some of the local wines and cheeses, which are renowned throughout Tuscany.

Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi is a charming seaside town located on the western coast of Tuscany. With its beautiful beaches, quaint boutiques, and stunning views, Forte dei Marmi is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation.

In addition to spending time at the beach, visitors can also enjoy tennis matches, windsurfing, and a number of other activities.

Grosseto is one of the best cities that’s a little off-the-beaten-path in Tuscany.

Home to a number of interesting sights, including the the Duomo di Grosseto (Grosseto Cathedral), and the Museo Archeologico e Etnografico della Maremma (Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Maremma), Grosseto is a worthy inclusion to any Tuscan travel itinerary.

Grosseto is also a great place to enjoy the local cuisine, with fresh seafood being a specialty.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a beautiful medieval town located in the province of Siena.

With its charming architecture and stunning countryside views, Montepulciano is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience all that Tuscany has to offer.

In addition to exploring the town’s historic streets, visitors can enjoy wine tastings (of course), cooking classes, and a number of other activities.

Read Next: The Insider’s Montepulciano Travel Guide

Still have time to spare? Drive further southeast to the small hilltop town of Cortona . Hills mean views and Cortona has plenty to go round. Made famous by the book (and subsequent film) of Under the Tuscan Sun , it’s a quaint town with strong traces of its Etruscan roots.

Pleasantly dozy the rest of the year, Cortona bursts into revelry in the week surrounding Ascension Day, complete with a crossbow competition on the final day.

Bagni San Filippo

Tuscany is famed for its natural hot springs , and one of the best can be found in the small mountain-side town of Bagni San Filippo.

While the natural outdoor springs, set among waterfalls and surrounded by woods, are unquestionably this beautiful town’s main attraction – and an unmissable one at that, the town itself is a great base for exploring some of Tuscany’s other natural wonders.

Chief among these is the dormant volcano, Monte Amiata, which is the highest point in Tuscany at 1,738 metres above sea level and which is well worth exploring, if you enjoy long uphill walks.

Of course, you can expect the usual Tuscan hospitality in the town, with great wines, olives, and local produce sure to satisfy all appetites.

The birthplace of Pope Pius II, Pienza is a gorgeous small town in the Val d’Orcia, that combines gently undulating hills and stunning landscapes that is the epitome of Tuscan beauty.

If you’re able to visit in early September, you’ll be lucky enough to witness the Fiera del Cacio – a whole festival devoted to pecorino cheese.

However, the real highlight of Pienza is the understated, but stunning Pieve di Corsignano, a delightful church with three naves. This Romanesque worship place still contains the font where Pius II and his nephew Pope Pius III were baptised.

Most churches haven’t been lucky enough to host one pope, never mind two! That’s quite the claim to fame.

San Quirico D’Orcia

If you want to experience the real Tuscany, stripped back and without the endless crowds of tourists, San Quirico D’Orcia is the place to visit.

While there’s fewer sights here than in other Tuscan towns, you don’t really visit here for sightseeing. That’s not to say there’s nothing to do, there’s plenty to see. Just that you’ll be able to do so at a much more leisurely pace than elsewhere.

Cuisine plays a massive part in San Quiricio D’Orcia’s appeal, with its streets lined by a myriad of top-class restaurants. Also, take in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Leonini Gardens nearby, while the scenic viewpoint lined with the famous Tuscan Cypress trees is an excellent hike that’s well worth doing on a sunny day – something you’ll not be short of here.

Oh, and if you’re thinking some of the town looks familiar, it was one of the locations for the Oliver Stone epic Gladiator starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.

Explore San Quirico D’Orcia, Tuscany’s Hidden Gem

Another of Tuscany’s lesser-known gems, Montalcino was a total highlight of my most recent trip to Tuscany.

It’s best known for the famous Brunello di Montalcino wine, which you won’t be able to get enough of if you’re a fan of all things vino.

Other things to see and do include the museum at the Temple of Brunello and the Montalcino Fortress, which has been the focal point of the town since the 14th century. It formed a huge part of the town’s defence against the Medici family in the 16th century when Montalcino was the final remaining stronghold of the Sienan Republic.

Of course, amazing views come as standard, as does great food, which you can learn to cook yourself at the Locanda Demetria & Montalcino Cooking School.

The town of Pitigliano is in the southern tip of Tuscany and, believe it or not, is carved from volcanic stone. Flanked by two cliffs, Sovana and Sorano, Pitgliano stands out from the rest of Tuscany with remnants of the Bronze Age, Neolithic period and even the Copper Age on show in local museums.

Among the local ruins are that of a necropolis and Etruscan temple, while the Medici Aqueduct in the town centre dates back to the 17th century.

Not only that, the town has a rich Jewish history, having been home to a large Jewish community in the early 1600s, and playing a huge role in helping Jews escape persecution from Fascist laws across Europe during the 1940s.

Where to Visit in Tuscany: Map

Taking a Gondola in Venice: What You Need to Know

The Best Hotels in Tuscany: Top Picks for Your Tuscan Escape

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Areas + Hotels For Your Trip

Visiting Italy’s Cinque Terre: What You Need to Know

10 comments.

Great sum up of Tuscany, I always think of Florence, but there are so many more great places 🙂 I love Italy ?

Me too! Can’t wait to head back!

It’s been too long since I’ve been to Italy and I have yet to really explore Tuscany. The best meal I’ve ever had in my life was in Florence. And I loved walking around the center of Siena – one of my favorite places in all of Italy. Thank you for taking me back!

It’s such a lovely part of the world isn’t it. Planning a return trip in a few months and very excited about it!

Brings back lovely memories. But why not more about Siena.My mother and I bought fat porcini mushrooms there, then took them back to our rented house just outside of the town and cooked thick slices of them like steak for dinner. My favorite and under appreciated place in Tuscany.

Thanks Ferne. I haven’t spent a huge amount of time in Siena but glad you had a good time there.

Tuscany is such a beautiful area. I’m taking my mom here in the fall and I can’t wait to go on some wine tasting tours!

Absolutely love Florence! On my next visit to Italy, I’d love to visit other places in Tuscany.

Love, love. love Tuscany…. Returning to this enchanting area again next year, can’t wait to experience Florence, Lucca, Siena and the villages throughout the beautiful Tuscan hills. One of my favourite places in all my travels.

Me too Dianne – it’s magical isn’t it. It’s wonderful when you get to return to a place that you love – I hope you have a brilliant trip!

25 Terrific Things to Do in Tuscany (+ Travel Guide!)

It is downright impossible to run out of magnificent things to do in Tuscany.

This deservedly popular Italian region has captured our hearts (and the hearts of many generations worth of travelers!) for years, and it’s a place we’ll return to again and again.

From meandering down medieval streets to admiring the way the golden light clings to the hills, and from sipping some of the best wine in the world to soaking in beautiful hot springs, figuring out what to do in Tuscany is less about finding things to do than narrowing down your Tuscany bucket list!

After a cumulative many months spent traveling Tuscany over a period of years, we’ve ticked many, many things off of our personal couples bucket list for the region–and yet, we expect to spend a lifetime continuing to enjoy the beauty and discover the secrets of Tuscany.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Tuscany or your 50th, this travel guide to the best experiences in Tuscany is for you!

Table of Contents

Ready to Narrow Down Your Tuscany Bucket List?

The best things to do in tuscany, how to get around tuscany.

pink roses as seen growing in the boboli gardens in florence with the tuscan countryside visible beyond

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Odds are, you won’t be able to fit all of the best things to do in Tuscany into one trip–which is all the more reason to dream of coming back one day!

Even with only a few days in Tuscany , though, you can absolutely have a wonderful experience in the region.

Once you’re ready to narrow down your wish list further, we have plenty of additional Tuscany blog posts here on Our Escape Clause to help you out.

We recommend starting with our Tuscany road trip guide , as well as our detailed 2-day Florence itinerary (we also have a 1-day version ), and our guide to the best day trips from Florence .

This guide to hidden gems in Florence is lots of fun, and if you’re looking for the most romantic things to do in Tuscany, this Tuscany honeymoon guide is for you.

Other Tuscan cities featured on Our Escape Clause include Volterra , Siena , Arezzo , and more!

To find other destinations across Italy, Europe, and beyond, use the search bar found in the top-righthand corner of your desktop (or on mobile, as part of the drop-down menu).

Kate Storm in a red dress sitting on a bridge in front of the Arno with the Ponte Vecchio visible in the background--be sure to seek out this view during your 2 days in Florence Italy

Ride a Vespa through the countryside.

We partnered with Walkabout Florence to ride our first-ever Vespa: Jeremy did the bulk of the driving, and I was quite happy to ride on the back.

After finishing our day, we easily consider a Vespa ride to be one of the best–and most romantic–things to do in Tuscany.

The weather was perfect the day we set out–around 75 degrees and sunny–and before long, we were leaving our starting point of Florence behind and climbing high into the hills of Tuscany, winding our way past epic views of the city, through tiny towns with stone houses, and among vineyards.

Our tour included 3 fantastic stops–one at a beautiful church with panoramic views of Florence, one at a vineyard to admire the views, and one for lunch (including wine, of course) at a picturesque Tuscan farmhouse.

While all three were memorable and beautiful in their own right, it was hard to top the romance of riding a Vespa together through the beautiful countryside.

Book your Vespa tour of Tuscany today!

Kate Storm on a white Vespa in the Tuscan countryside--riding a Vespa is an incredibly fun experience during a Tuscany itinerary!

Take a food tour (or six).

As one of the best foodie destinations in the world, no bucket list for Tuscany would be complete without mentioning a food tour!

Indulge in the best of what Tuscany has to offer, learn your way around the food scene, and get prepared for an entire trip worth of delicious food.

We always recommend taking a food tour toward the beginning of your Tuscany trip, rather than the end–that way you’ll have a list of favorite dishes to order for the rest of your time in the region!

Several years after first writing this blog post, I can say that we’ve now taken several Tuscany food tours throughout our trips there, and this Dine Around Florence tour remains not only one of our favorite food tours in Italy, but one of our favorite food tours that we’ve taken in the world!

Book your food tour through Florence’s more offbeat Oltranto area today!

2 scoops of gelato, pink on top and white on bottom, balanced on a cone. Gelato definitely belongs on any list of what to do in Florence at night

Enjoy the views from Tuscany’s hilltop towns.

Whether you’re visiting Volterra, San Gimignano, Siena, or beyond, staring out over the views of the rolling Tuscan countryside (perhaps with a nice lunch and a glass of wine?) is easily among the best things to do in Tuscany.

Want to enjoy a particularly relaxing view of the Tuscan countryside?

Consider staying in an agriturismo–a Tuscan farmhouse turned bed-and-breakfast of sorts–for part of your stay!

rooftops of siena italy with the countryside beyond. siena belongs on any tuscany bucket list

Indulge in some beach time.

Tuscany’s wine country, olive groves, food scene, hilltop towns, and famous cities like Florence tend to get all the press (and it’s not hard to see why–they’re amazing!), so it can sometimes be hard to remember that Tuscany is home to its own sizable stretch of Mediterranean coastline–and even some islands!

The island of Elba is a great place to chill out on a Tuscan beach, go sailing or scuba diving, eat delicious seafood, and learn a bit of history.

Elba is also the island that Napoleon was originally exiled to (though he did escape back to France about 300 days later).

bright turquoise beach with land visible to the left on elba island, one of the best places to visit in tuscany italy

Take a road trip through the Val d’Orcia.

There are tons of amazing places for road trips in Tuscany (read: basically anywhere that isn’t a major city like Florence or a walled old town), but none are quite as impeccable as the Val d’Orcia.

If you’ve seen pictures of Tuscany, you’ve probably seen the Val d’Orcia: it’s the Tuscany of everything from Renaissance paintings to modern photography, and it is the perfect place to hit the open road with your partner.

You might want to consider indulging in a fun Italian car rental for your trip–perhaps a Fiat 500, or for the luxury seekers among us, even a Ferrari–and definitely make sure to read up on driving in Tuscany before you get started.

Don’t forget to visit Montepulciano (one of our personal favorite small towns in Tuscany) while you’re in the area!

View of the countryside from the edge of Montepulciano, an excellent stop on any Tuscany itinerary!

Take a dip in the hot springs.

Did you know that Tuscany is home to several natural hot springs–and that many of them are free to visit?

The best known hot spring is Saturnia , and it can be a fantastic way to relax in nature with your loved one, perhaps with a glass of local wine!

There is one decidedly unromantic thing about the hot springs that bears mentioning, though: the sulfur smell is strong!

Bring old bathing suits that you don’t mind getting stinky (and ideally, ones you’re ready to part with when you’re done).

Still worth a visit, though, and definitely something to add to your list when planning an Italy road trip !

saturnia hot spring in tuscany as seen from above, one of the best things to do in tuscany italy

Go horseback riding through vineyards in the Tuscan countryside.

The long rows of grapes, the sound of the horses’ feet on the farm, and endless countryside visible in all directions–when it comes to excellent ways to appreciate the beauty of Tuscany’s countryside, it’s hard to beat horseback riding through the vineyards!

We were invited out by Fun in Tuscany to have an incredible day in Tuscany including a wine tasting with a meal, a visit to San Gimignano, and, of course… horseback riding.

Jeremy and I love to go horseback riding together (we’ve ridden together in six countries so far!), and it’s hard to imagine a more romantic place for it than Tuscany.

We started our day with Fun in Tuscany by riding through never-ending vineyards, soaking in the sweeping views and beautiful villas that we passed along the way.

Our group was tiny–just us, one other person, a guide, and an adorable farm dog name Pepe (“pepper” in Italian) who followed along with us whenever he didn’t get distracted and dart into the woods for a moment or two.

It was a very peaceful morning, and our time horseback riding was the perfect start to a fabulous day.

Romantic Things to Do in Tuscany: Horseback Riding

Say hello to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

I’ll be honest: many travelers, us included, find Pisa, Italy to be a bit of a letdown.

Sure, the tower itself is intricate and beautiful (more than I expected before seeing it for the first time–that aspect of the experience more than lives up to expectations), but the city doesn’t have much to do away from the tower area and the crowds are ridiculously heavy.

But, there’s no denying that it is one of the most iconic Tuscany attractions, so feel free to head out for a couple of adorable photos in front of one of the most famous towers in the world.

To make it worth your time, be sure to arrange to climb to the top of the tower, and if you’re traveling independently, consider combining your visit to Pisa with one to nearby Lucca (more details on that in our guide to day trips from Florence ).

Don’t waste any of your precious time in Tuscany battling the crowds. Book your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa now!

leaning tower of pisa italy with baptistery visible to the left

Explore Florence, the capital of Tuscany.

Florence belongs on any list of the world’s most beautiful cities, and this guide to what to do in Tuscany could easily be overtaken by incredible places to see in Florence alone ( our guide to the best things to do in Florence is where to find those!).

It is absolutely beautiful, home to world-class art, stunning architecture, and some of the world’s best food.

Every other spot in Florence, from the Piazza della Repubblica to the Ponte Vecchio to the Piazzale Michelangelo, looks like the background to an epic proposal (just maybe opt for a very early morning proposal before the crowds arrive).

Of all the best things to do in Tuscany, wandering the back streets of Florence, ducking into shops and churches and piazzas and trattorias, listening to buskers, and admiring the bustle of the city life, is among our favorites.

Take a Tuscan cooking class.

Tuscan wine, delicious food, a new skill, and a great meal: what could be a better Tuscany travel experience than that?

Pizza, pasta, sauce, tiramisu, gelato… there’s a Tuscan cooking class for every taste, though we believe the best ones are those that cover a whole day’s worth of eating!

We’ve taken many cooking classes in Tuscany over the years, ranging from those held with a group in beautiful Tuscan farmhouses to intimate affairs where an instructor came to the villa we were renting with my family, and so far, this one has been our absolute favorite.

Covering all the classic cooking class dishes, from ragu to tiramisu, you’re bound to leave this class both incredibly stuffed and quite possibly a bit tipsy–the wine and snacks flow heavily throughout the day!

Book your cooking class in Tuscany today!

kate storm and jeremy storm holding up a pizza at a tuscany cooking class outside of florence italy

Go truffle hunting.

Among the more unique things to do in Tuscany is truffle hunting: you, a dog, and the forest on a quest to find truffles–what a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Tuscany!

Truffles are not only delicious and expensive but they also can’t be farmed.

They merely grow of their own free will, and you can set off to find them each fall.

And of course, the best way to follow up a truffle hunt is with a romantic truffle-themed meal!

Book an unforgettable truffle hunting experience in Tuscany today!

Indulge in a wine tasting (or three).

Tuscany is all about the wine, and at least once when there, be sure to sit down and enjoy the experience of learning more about Tuscan wines–all while indulging in them, of course!

While you can certainly find plenty of places to go wine tasting in Tuscan towns and cities, there’s nothing quite like the romance of heading out for a wine tasting at a vineyard.

We loved tasting eight different wines at Tenuta Torciano as part of our day spent with Fun in Tuscany –and the meal served with the wine made it even better.

Salami, bread, cheeses, balsamic vinegar, homemade lasagna with truffle sauce, cantucci cookies… I’m getting hungry even remembering it!

Before and after the meal we had a chance to wander around parts of the gorgeous vineyard property, enjoying each other’s company and taking in views of vines and gazebos, and meeting several friendly chickens and one adorable basset hound.

wine tasting in tuscany with several glasses on wine and a plate of food set out

Visit some castles.

Tuscany is dotted with castles dating back to the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and while most of these castles are off the beaten path for most first-time visitors, they’re perfect Tuscan attractions for adding a bit of fairytale magic to a trip.

A few castles to consider adding to your list: Castello di Vincigliata in Fiesole (easily accessible from Florence), Castello Banfi in Montalcino (near Siena), Aghinolfi Castle in Montignoso, and Castello di Vicchiomaggio in Greve (located in the heart of the Chianti wine region).

aerial view of Aghinolfi Castle in Montignoso in tuscany italy

Enjoy a gelato (or several) in the city that it was invented in.

Did you know that gelato was invented in Florence?

Sure, there are some who dispute the claim–but the Florentines sure don’t!

Regardless, enjoying a delicious gelato in Tuscany with a beautiful view is absolutely a must-have travel experience!

Cone of gelato with a cookie stuck in it held in front of a gelato counter.

Take a hike in the Apuan Alps.

Mountains and Tuscany may not sound like two things to go together–but they do!

Tuscany is full of outdoor hiking opportunities, and if your idea of a dynamic Tuscan vacation is time spent outdoors, the Apuan Alps are the destination for you.

tuscany countryside of apuan alps, with peaks visible in the distance

Climb to the top of the world.

… or at the least the top of a Tuscan tower.

Climbing historic towers and buildings in Tuscany is an incredibly memorable experience, and despite the fact that we’ve climbed plenty of towers in plenty of Tuscan towns, we never get tired of it.

Whether you want to admire the classic view from the top of Florence’s Duomo, head to the top of one of San Gimignano’s famous towers, see what Siena looks like from above, or something else entirely, it’s well worth exchanging burning thighs for beautiful views at least once during your trip!

2 Weeks in Italy Itinerary: View of Siena

Indulge in an olive oil tasting.

Oh, olive oil: as one of the most iconic foods in Tuscany, an olive oil tasting belongs right alongside food tours and wine tastings on any list of things to do in Tuscany.

If you’ve never had true Tuscan olive oil before, you’re in for a treat (hint: it tastes nothing like what you get in the grocery store).

The olive oil harvest in Tuscany generally starts in late October or early November and continues into December.

If your trip to Tuscany coincides with the harvest, consider yourself very lucky: olive oil is at its best when it’s served fresh–ideally, the same day it’s pressed!

Olive oil being poured over bread via a spoon, one of the best things to eat in Florence Italy

Explore some canyons.

Tuscany is full of surprises–surprises like Orrido di Botri, the canyon near Lucca that allows you to hike through the river and admire the landscape (during the summer when the water is low, anyway).

Soar above the vineyards in a hot air balloon.

What better way to admire the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside than from above?

Consider splurging on a Tuscany travel experience you’ll never forget, and add riding in a hot air balloon to your list of things to do in Tuscany.

Book your balloon flight over the Tuscan countryside today!

hot air balloon in the distance over the tuscany countyside, a bucket list tuscany travel experience

Spend a night (or a week) in a Tuscan villa.

Tuscany’s cities and towns are absolutely divine, but if you’re looking for a little isolation on your trip to Tuscany, consider renting a Tuscan farmhouse!

You can even look for one that’s still on the property of a functioning vineyard or olive farm to create the perfect atmosphere for a Tuscan getaway.

While agriturismos, or Tuscan farmhouses turned bed-and-breakfasts, are perfect for solo travelers or couples looking for Tuscan romance, larger groups can rent entire villas out to enjoy.

Small brick outbuilding in Tuscany with hite doors and a pink rose in the foreground, as seen on an Italy road trip

Stroll along the medieval walls in Lucca.

Not many places in Tuscany can still claim to be completely surrounded by their defensive walls–but Lucca can!

Since they clearly aren’t needed for defense purposes these days, Lucca’s beautiful walls have been turned into a public park.

While you’re there, be sure to bike or stroll across them, soaking in beautiful views of the city along the way.

view of a park in lucca italy along the city walls

Attend the Palio di Siena.

Stand in Siena’s beautiful, oval-shaped Piazza del Campo on an average day, and it’s hard to imagine the thunderous sound of racing hooves and a roaring crowd crammed into such a (relatively speaking) small space, but twice a year, that’s exactly what happens.

Siena’s bi-annual horse races are held on July 2 and August 16 each year–just as they have been since the 17th century!

Additional events are held in the few days leading up to the race, so if you’re going to be in Tuscany during those weeks and don’t get scared off by crowds, make arrangements to see Il Palio in action!

piazza del campo in siena being prepared for palio di siena with horse track laid out

Watch the sunset over Tuscany.

Tuscany is world-renowned for its golden light that clings to the landscape, and it’s never more magical than when the sun sets.

Each night that you’re in Tuscany, be sure to grab a glass of wine, find a peaceful corner, and settle in to admire Tuscany’s best natural show.

Whether you’re watching from the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence or the porch of a remote Tuscan farmhouse, there’s no doubt that watching the sunset is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the beauty and romance of Tuscany.

sunset over florence italy as seen from the bell tower

Be spontaneous and wander.

Tuscany is the perfect place to be aimless: whether it’s wandering the cobblestone streets of Florence, choosing a random small town on a map and hopping on a train to visit it, or ducking into small churches and out-of-the-way museums because you happen to be passing by, Tuscany is ideal for meandering.

This is the kind of place where the word savor comes to mind.

S avor the views, the food, the wine, the time with your travel companions… nothing can be rushed in Tuscany, and that’s the beauty of it.

man riding a bike toward the camera on a rainy day on a side street in florence italy

Trains continue to be one of our favorite ways to travel around the more connected parts of Tuscany. They’re plentiful, they’re easy to use, they’re affordable, and they are (in our biased opinion) one of the most romantic ways to travel.

For many of these fun things to do in Tuscany, a train is all you need!

Consider basing yourselves in Florence, Siena, or perhaps Lucca to ensure you have plenty of routes and connections to allow you to explore Tuscany to the fullest.

However, as much as we love them, trains and buses will only get you so far.

Kate Storm in the Tuscan countryside at sunset, with a sun flare on the right side of the photo.

If you’d like to explore Tuscany off the beaten path or to visit some of the more rural regions–namely some of the hiking, enjoying the hot springs, and visiting the canyon–you’ll want to have a car to get around.

Not a problem, since as listed above, a Tuscan road trip definitely qualifies as one of the best travel experiences in Tuscany!

If you do choose to rent a car, keep in mind that Italy requires you to have an International Driving Permit, which you’ll need to obtain before your trip, to rent a car in the country.

We have many more tips for driving in Tuscany on our Tuscan road trip guide , and if you’re new to driving in Italy, we highly recommend checking it out before getting behind the wheel to explore some of the best things to do in Tuscany!

4 photos of tuscany italy: florence duomo, wine glass, woman in val d'orcia, saturnia spring. black and red text on a white background reads "tuscany bucket list"

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

22 thoughts on “25 Terrific Things to Do in Tuscany (+ Travel Guide!)”

Tuscany should definitely get more attention than what it gets now. Of all the activities listed by you visiting the small villages appeal the most to me. I think small towns and villages are where the true soul of a country can be experienced.

There’s nothing like small Italian towns! They are definitely something special.

Horseback riding through the Tuscan streets is very romantic! I love Tuscany and it’s great you found a better spot to watch the sunset in Firenze! Who can say no to some Tusacn wine tasting? Not me, that’s for sure!

Haha, us either! Definitely an experience worth having.

Not just Tuscany, whole of Italy is gorgeous, isn’t it? I’m just reminded of the movie ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’!!! I I stayed at hostels both in Florence Town & Pisa… Unfortunately I didn’t get to visit the smaller towns…

Believe it or not, we STILL haven’t seen or read Under the Tuscan Sun. Need to fix that!

Riding a Vespa through the hills of Tuscany really is a dream come true. I can only imagine how much fun you newlyweds (yes, you can still call yourself that!) had together- what a beautiful place to share time together.

It was definitely one of our most memorable moments of the month–having perfect weather for it was the cherry on top!

I was not knowing that Tuscany is so romantic. Strolling along Arno river, typical scooter ride and visiting vineyards looks very dreamy. I went to Florence but missed Tuscan countrysides and now I am regretting after reading your post.

All the more reason to go back! There’s no such thing as too many trips to Florence.

Oh my! Tuscany truly seems to romantic – how I would love to experience riding a vespa through the countryside….and wow watching the sunset over Florence, that’s a proposal waiting to be had! And wine tasting sounds absolutely delectable! Italian wine is amazing, so I am sure visiting the wineries in this region would be such a beautiful experience.

Definitely the perfect place for a proposal! Tuscany is one of the most romantic places we’ve ever been for sure.

Ah, Tuscany! Such a romantic place overall. If you want a romantic destination, Italy is the answer. Good food, multiple fun activities to choose from, etc. But my favorite activity is the vespa ride in the countryside – such beautiful backdrop to go with your special someone! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 – Ella

I agree, the Vespa ride is unforgettable–and Italy is the perfect romantic destination! Easy to see why it’s at the top of so many honeymoon lists.

I’m in Florence now and was really looking forward to getting that reflection shot of Ponte Veccio. It’s been raining a lot though so there is no reflection, I’m so jealous of your Instagram shot! The sunset you witnessed from the bell tower sounds very romantic.

Ohh, I hope you get it! At night they light it up a little bit to help the reflections along–if you have a tripod and a dry night, you might try that!

Tuscany is my favourite region in Italy, and you’ve really captured the romance and beauty! I love the food especially and the wine here is exquisite. I think my favourite thing that you’ve mentioned is the art in Florence. You can’t help but fall in love with it.

The art definitely is amazing! We loved walking around and soaking it all in.

Thanks for this great article! Florence is just a romantic city indeed. I am glad you mentioned the art, I believe this is what makes this city so special. You can take art history courses in Florence even if you are there for a short stay, I think it could also be something romantic to do with your partner! Thanks again for sharing your tips with us!

It definitely would be! I hear there are drawing and art classes too, which would also be great. Jeremy and I are terrible artists, but we may still consider trying our hand at one of those!

Do you have any recommendations for Tuscany villas?

Yes! I need to do a whole guide on these eventually. 🙂 A big part of Tuscany villas is choosing a location, so that depends on your taste. We love Villa Stefania near Lucca (our family has rented it twice!), as well as Il Colombaio near Siena. Both are beautiful villas, but they’re in very different parts of Tuscany!

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1.1 Provinces
1.2 Other regions
3 Other destinations
4 Understand
5.1 By plane
5.2 By train
6.1 By train

Tuscany ( Italian : Toscana ) is a region on Italy 's west coast, on the Tyrrhenian sea. It is one of the most popular places to visit in a country that is itself one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There are several reasons to visit Tuscany: some of the most important ones are seeing Renaissance art in Florence , eating Tuscan food and tasting the excellent local wines, and after all this enjoying a day at the beach in Viareggio .

Regions [ edit ]

Provinces [ edit ].

Other regions [ edit ]

The wine growing region of Chianti
The ecogreen area of Casentino
Maremma , a less populated region, in south Tuscany and North Latium

Cities [ edit ]

43.473333 11.87 2 Arezzo
43.016667 11.95 3 Chiusi
43.841667 10.502778 4 Lucca
43.1 11.783333 5 Montepulciano – Hilltop town known for its wine.
43.078611 11.678889 6 Pienza
43.716667 10.4 7 Pisa – City known worldwide for its Leaning Tower.
43.468 11.042 8 San Gimignano
43.318611 11.330556 9 Siena

Other destinations [ edit ]

There are many hot springs in Tuscany, which have been prized since ancient Roman times, if not earlier.

Understand [ edit ]

Tuscany has three very diverse faces; the art cities such as Florence , Siena , Lucca and Pisa , the countryside, and the coastal and islands region.

The small towns, villages, castles, villas and vineyards of Tuscany make a welcome change from the traffic and noise of some of the larger Tuscan cities.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

International flights commonly come in to Milan or Rome , where one can rent a car and do the three-hour drive to Tuscany.

Florence and Pisa have important airports. Every major city has a railway station.

43.6985 10.4003 1 Pisa International Airport ( PSA IATA ), 1.5km (1 mile) south of Pisa city centre.
43.8032 11.2003 2 Amerigo Vespucci International Airport ( FLR IATA ), four kilometres from the centre of Florence.

Delta Air Lines (US carrier) has a direct flight from New-York JFK to Pisa, offering a cheaper, alternative to flying into Florence.

By train [ edit ]

Florence, Pisa, and Grosseto are important rail destinations. Florence has two major rail stations, Santa Maria Novella (SMN) in the city centre and Campo di Marte (CdM) a bit further away.

Connections from Florence to the rest of Italy by train are generally fast and frequent and EuroStar Italia services are available. Easy connections can be found to:

Cinque Terre (reachable by train to La Spezia or Riomaggiore , or connecting from Genoa )

Night train services are available from Florence to:

and others.

Get around [ edit ]

From the central station of Florence you can easily reach most places in Tuscany, including:

Siena (1.5 to 2 hours)
Pisa (1 to 1.5 hours)
San Gimignano (by train to Poggibonsi, 1 hour ride, and then a bus that runs every 30-40 minutes, 25 minute ride)
Volterra (also reachable by bus from Poggibonsi)

By bus [ edit ]

Toscana Mobilitá [dead link] has a useful website for bus routes and schedules in Tuscany. The site is mostly in Italian, but is simple to use. (The Tuscan bus companies Siena Mobilitá, Tiemme, and Toscana Mobilitá seem to be affiliated.)

Siena Mobilità [dead link] has bus schedules ( orari ) for and between a number of popular towns in Tuscany including Florence ( Firenze in the schedule), Siena, San Gimignano, Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano and Chiusi among others. Local services for several cities are marked urbano . The interurban services are all under the tab servizio extraurbano .

Google maps identify bus stops throughout Tuscany for both local and interurban routes. If you click on the bus stop symbol, you can get a list of bus routes serving that stop. Using Google Streetview, you can often identify which side of the road the stop is situated and hence which direction of travel is served by the stop.

Bus users should purchase their bus tickets before boarding the bus. Most Tabacchi -shops (tobacconists) sell bus tickets. Sometimes newsstands and bars may also sell tickets. You must tell the ticket seller your destination so that your ticket will be valid for the correct fare zones. After boarding the bus, stamp your ticket in the machine located behind the driver.

Be aware that many routes have either reduced or no service on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Schedules indicate reduced service as festivo while the regular work day schedule is feriale . Many bus stops have posted schedules.

Blue-coloured buses are for interurban service while orange-coloured buses are for local service. Interurban buses can serve local stops along the route.

See [ edit ]

Tuscany is world-famous for its churches, including the Duomo and Baptistery, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, San Miniato al Monte and several others in Florence; the Duomo and Baptistery in Siena; and the Duomo and Baptistery in Pisa.

Tuscany is also known for its great museums, especially the Uffizi in Florence but also the Bargello and Accademia, the Musei dell'Opera del Duomo in Florence and Siena, the museum in the Palazzo Pubblico and the Pinacoteca in Siena, and the Museo Archeologico in Arezzo, among many others.

The small town of San Gimignano deserves special mention because while none of its churches or museums are very large, it contains so much beauty in such a small area. The town of Pienza is itself practically a museum in the round, as its foremost claim to fame is its architecture. There are many other beautiful small towns with great art, including Cortona.

Which segues into the other great draw of a trip to Tuscany: The beauty of the countryside. In order to understand Tuscan painting, you need to see the Tuscan countryside, which except for the relatively recent introduction of sunflower cultivation is still similar to what you can see in paintings by great Gothic painters like Giotto (Florentine), Simone Martini and Duccio (Sienese).

Parks [ edit ]

The National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago . the Park was established in 1996 and it covers an area of over 18,000 hectares in addition to 40,000 hectares of sea. It is managed by an organization with the same name, that has its headquarters in Portoferraio (on Elba Island). The Park falls under the jurisdiction of the Province of Livorno and that of Grosseto .
The Montioni nature park . managed by the Municipale Administrations of Grosseto and Livorno . Park status from 1998. The park extends over 7000 hectares and rises to 300m at Poggio al Checco, its highest point. The territory has a large artistic and culture heritage, from ancient archeological finds to Etruscan and Roman remains which have been found under medieval constructions such as the Pievaccia, the ruins of Montioni Vecchio Castle and Montioni Thermal Baths.
The Parks of the Val di Cornia . the Parks of the Val di Cornia, in Tuscany, tell a thousand-year-old story which begins with the Etruscan people and bears witness to centuries of extraction and working on metals, proposing also splendid natural, coastal and hilly environments. The system includes 2 Archaeological Parks, Natural Parks, 3 Museums, 1 Documentation Centre, included in the area of the five municipalities at the extreme south of the province of Livorno , opposite the Island of Elba.

The Zoological Park of European Fauna in Poppi . this is the first and only park dedicated to European Fauna open in the municipality of Poppi ( Arezzo ).
The Pinocchio's Park . : Pinocchio’s Park is in Collodi , lovely ancient village that has remained virtually unchanged since the last century. Its charming collection of houses, nestled among the hills, leads the way to Villa Garzoni and its lovely 19th century garden, often considered among the most beautiful in Europe.

Do [ edit ]

Besides wandering in beautiful cities and looking at Renaissance art, there are many other things you can do in Tuscany. For example, you can learn to cook or just taste Tuscan food, do trekking, golf or go to a health spa.

Eat [ edit ]

Tuscan food is known for its relative simplicity and its reliance on the high-quality ingredients from its many farms.

A small selection of the rich regional Tuscan cuisine comprises:

ribollita — bread soup with vegetables
zuppa di verdure — green vegetable soup
pici — thick spaghetti
pasta e fagiolli — pasta with beans
bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak)
prosciutto Toscano — a dry cured ham that legally can only be called such if it is produced in Tuscany using traditional methods. Unlike the better-known prosciutto di Parma and prosciutto di San Daniele , which are cured using only sea salt, prosciutto Toscano is cured using a special mixture of sea salt with various local spices, thus giving it a unique flavour.
panforte, a unique dense Sienese fruit and nut cake
cavallucci - Sienese Christmas cookies, made with almonds, candied fruit and also spices like anise and coriander that presumably date back to the time when Siena had a monopoly on trade with the East
ricciarelli - almond paste cookies, also a speciality of Siena
biscotti di Prato , also called cantuccini - the almond biscuits most travellers to Italy are already familiar with originated in the Tuscan town of Prato and are still manufactured there

In addition, Tuscany has its own traditional cheeses , including Pecorino Toscano, a much milder cheese than the better-known Pecorino Romano and a great accompaniment to prosciutto and melon or just to eat with fresh bread, and Pecorino di Pienza, perhaps an even better appreciated local sheep cheese.

Drink [ edit ]

The question about what to drink in Tuscany is easy to answer. The region is famed for its wines, most notably the sangiovese reds Chianti , Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano . Of these, Chianti can be anything from inexpensive, drinkable plonk to, when it comes to the best examples of Chianti Classico , a world class wine. The wines of Montalcino and Montepulciano are generally of a high standard, and in particular Brunello regularly receives lots of awards (something reflected on the price as well). If you are not prepared to pay a fortune for your wine but would still like something a bit nicer, both Montalcino and Montepulciano have the common man's version of their wines, Rosso di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano .

Of these traditional wines perhaps only Brunello has the power to accompany a big Florentine steak, bistecca alla fiorentina . For something fleshier, you have to turn to the Super Tuscan wines. These commonly use cabernet sauvignon to complement or to completely replace the traditional grapes. Famous examples are Sassicaia and Tignanello .

Sleep [ edit ]

There are loads of hotels in the cities that are major tourist attractions, including Florence and Siena, and there are also plenty of agriturismo spots and villas in the countryside. If you are seeking less expensive accommodation, you are more likely to find it closer to railway stations in cities like Florence, but some other cities' railway stations are outside the city walls, and some major destinations such as San Gimignano don't have any railway station at all. You may also try your luck at local tourism agencies, which may have a list of relatively inexpensive accommodations, such as apartments for rent by the day or week and pieno pensioni (boarding houses that provide 3 meals a day).

Go next [ edit ]

Umbria , to the east, shares Tuscany's rolling hills but is further inland and higher up; it is also less densely populated, and has an equally good but distinctive cuisine that features black truffles and mushrooms.
Lazio , to the south, was the heart of both ancient Rome and the Papal States, and though it, too, has beautiful countryside, it is above all the region of Rome .
Emilia-Romagna , to the north, is another region traditionally known for its great food (especially in Bologna ) and rich in history, including the extraordinary and very well-preserved Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna .
Liguria , up the coast to the northwest, contains the Italian Riviera and the historic port city of Genoa .
The Marche , which shares a short, mountainous border with the eastern side of Tuscany, is a lesser-known region, but one that also has quite a long history including the hill city of Urbino and also features the spectacular Grotte di Frasassi (Frasassi Caves).

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Tuscany Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Tuscany Italy

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Tuscany has been one of my dream destinations for a while and on my last Italy trip, I got to visit Tuscany. Tuscany is exactly like everyone imagines, vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills, cypress trees and picturesque towns… but it is so much more that often gets overlooked. So I thought I’d prepare a Tuscany travel guide for you to find the best places to visit in Tuscany!

From stunning ocean views to cute fishing towns, stunning cities, great food and natural thermal baths, Tuscany offers everything you dream of for a holiday.

Some of Italy’s best-known cities, such as Florence and Pisa are located in Tuscany while Rome is also really close. We didn’t get to visit all of them this time but I will still include them in this Tuscany travel guide as I think everyone travelling to Tuscany should try to discover these. I will hopefully travel to Rome and Florence soon and can then share my best tips for these destinations.

However, I think the real magic of Tuscany is in the smaller towns, the local food, the poppy fields and the beautiful landscape that makes time stand still in Tuscany Italy.

Explore Tuscany on a road trip!

A great way to explore Tuscany Italy is a road trip. It’s best to start in Rome or Florence and then make your way up or down. We stayed at a campsite by the beach in the Maremma area and did some trips from there. The Maremma is often overlooked by tourists but should be on your list for its beaches, the rocks and hills, thermal baths and the history that left traces in the towns.

In this Tuscany travel guide, you will find some tips on how to travel in Tuscany, as well as the best places to visit in Tuscany.

Table of Contents

Quick Tips Tuscany

Tuscany Travel Guide:

How to get to tuscany italy.

Getting to Tuscany is fairly easy as there are major cities and therefore several airports and trains stations in the area. If you come from neighbouring countries you should consider travelling by car as it’s not too far and you won’t need to rent one in Italy. Keep in mind that you have to pay tolls in Italy and that travelling by car can get expensive.

The best way to get to Tuscany Italy for most people is the plane. There are international flights to the airports in Rome, Florence and Pisa. Flights from Europe are usually really affordable and quick. At the airport, you can take a train, shuttle or rent a car to get to the city.

A lot of European countries have train connections to train stations in Tuscany. Often, the train is even quicker than the car and more environmentally friendly. There are frequent connections and the train is also a good way to get from one city to the other. if you want to visit the countryside though, you might have to rent a car.

How to get around in Tuscany Italy

Getting around Tuscany is fairly easy if you want to visit the cities. If you want to visit the countryside though (which I highly recommend) you need a car. Some of the best places to visit in Tuscany are not accessible by public transport. However, if you don’t want to drive in a foreign country (I feel you) you can stay in the cities and book guided tours to the not so accessible places.

For train trips, you can look up connections and prices here . Make sure to type in the destinations in Italian and not in English as the system won’t find the station (e.g. Firenze instead of Florence).

Travel guide Tuscany Italy: vineyards and restaurants in val d'Orcia

When to visit Tuscany Italy

Tuscany is is a very popular summer destination. The cities can get crowded in the summer months. The region has a Mediterranean climate and therefore hot, dry summers and mild winters. The hottest months are July and August and these are also the busiest as it’s the holiday season in Europe. Try to avoid these times if you can because of the crowds, heat, and prices. In May and June, temperatures are warm and it’s a lot less crowded. This also goes for September and October. I always recommend shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) for countries with a Mediterranean climate. Summer has its upsides though. In June you can see beautiful poppy fields everywhere and from June to August you can find sunflower fields in Tuscany.

The Best Places to Visit in Tuscany Italy

1. florence.

Florence is a great place to start your trip through Tuscany. There is an airport and a train station so you can easily get there. On our trip to Tuscany, we didn’t visit Florence as we stayed out of the cities and were short in time due to Covid. However, I’ll hopefully visit soon this year and will be able to tell you more about this city.

Even though I can’t tell you from my own experience, here are some things you can do in Florence:

Visit the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and get the best views of the city from the dome and the bell tower. Around the Piazza della Signora you can find the Palazzo Vecchio and the Neptune fountain which are both famous sights in Florence. Another main attraction is the Uffizi Gallery with its art collection including Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo.

You can also visit Ponte Vecchio, a famous bridge where you can find some shops. Don’t miss Palazzo Pitti with the Boboli Gardens, a beautiful park.

The next stop on your Tuscany trip can be Pisa. Most people just do a short stop in Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and go for a stroll through the city. The area around the Leaning Tower is very beautiful but so touristy. If you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place to go 😀 Next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the Duomo di Pisa which is really impressive.

What’s even more interesting than seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa is watching people do the funniest poses.

Not far from Pisa, you can find Cinque Terre, a very picturesque coastal area. You can easily connect your Tuscany trip with a visit to this stunning place. I’ve prepared a guide which you can find here .

3. Val d’Orcia

Val d’Orciain my opinion is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany, if not the best if you want to see the typical postcard landscape! This is what people think Tuscany looks like and it really does! Cypress trees, wine, olive groves, rolling hills everywhere. You can drive from Pisa to the Val d’Orcia in about 2.5 hours. On the way, you can stop in Siena which is a beautiful city. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to but I would recommend it. This is also a great base to explore the Val d’Orcia.

best places to visit in tuscany italy: val d'Orcia with cypress alleys

I think the best way to explore this area is to drive through the small towns and along the scenic roads. One of the most picturesque roads is the Strada Provinciale del Pecorile. This is where you find a lot of photo spots, such as the winding roads of the Agriturismo Baccoleno.

baccolleno, a photo spot in tuscany italy

Some other highlights include the Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia, a Cypress circle that looks really cool on a drone shot but also from the ground. Not far from there you can find other farms and cool cypress alleys that are worth a stop. Stay tuned, there will be a post about the best photo spots in the Val d’Orcia soon.

tuscany travel guide: cypresses in val d'Orcia

Food in Val d’Orcia

Tuscany, Italy is also known for its great food and the cute wineries and restaurants. The Val d’Orcia is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany if you are looking for authentic Italian food. There are so many restaurants where you can drink amazing wine and eat the most delicious homemade pasta ever. We drove to Il Cherchio Delle Streghe, a small restaurant on top of a hill. We had amazing Pasta, the best I’ve ever had! And a beautiful antipasti platter. For vegetarians, there aren’t a lot of options though and the menu is Italian, so you might have to ask what is vegetarian and what’s not.

I had the feeling that Italian food, in general, is not very vegetarian friendly 😀 The way to the restaurant is super steep and windy so be careful when driving. If you want to be spontaneous, you’ll find many restaurants in the area.

tuscany travel guide: antipasto platter in Tuscany Italy

June is poppy season, so if you’re lucky you come across some poppy fields.

tuscany travel guide: poppy fields in Tuscany Italy

4. Pitigliano

Pitigliano: one of the best places to visit in Tuscany Italy

Pitigliano is one of my favourites in this Tuscany travel guide. You shouldn’t miss this impressive medieval hilltop town. Pitigliano is full of history as the Etruscans built on a tuff rock. The buildings are built from the same material. It almost seems as if the buildings are part of the rock. Etruscan tombs can still be seen below the houses. Not only the panorama of the city is beautiful but also the town itself. The medieval houses are built in small alleys, in which you can find restaurants and cute shops. Strolling around in these magical streets is the best way to explore the town. Pitigliano was definitely my favourite town in Tuscany Italy.

5. Saturnia

About 30 to 45 minutes from Pitigliano, you can find Saturnia, the insta-famous natural hot springs. This is probably one of the most photographed places in Tuscany Italy. There is a luxury hotel spa nearby but this part, which is called Cascate del Mulino is free! The water has an all-year-round temperature of 37 degrees, which is quite warm. The smell is a bit weird because the water contains large quantities of minerals and sulphate. It, therefore, is said to have healing effects. While I really enjoyed the springs and think they look gorgeous, it is very crowded. If you want the springs for yourself and experience the real magic, you have to come very early or late.

Also, be aware that there are small red worms in the water which most people don’t mind. If you are scared of little insects though, you might want to stay out of the water.

Stay tuned, a whole guide about the hot springs of Saturnia is coming soon.

6. Monte Argentario

Argentario is where we stayed for a whole week at Argentario Camping Village . The area is located in the Italian Maremma and has some really cool beaches and towns. From Saturnia, you’ll need about 45 minutes to get to Argentario. Monte Argentario was once an Island and is now connected with the mainland. There are two fishing towns, Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, which are really cute.

Porto Santo Stefano is a bit bigger and there are a lot of restaurants and bars. This was one of my favourite places in Tuscany Italy. The town looks very different to the rest of Tuscany with its colourful houses and harbour.

In Monte Argentario, there are countless bays and beaches which you can either visit by boat or by hiking. We did both and tried to drive around the former island. At some point, the roads got pretty rough and we turned around. However, I would still recommend driving along the panoramic road for a while.

We walked down to Cala la Caciarella, a really cute bay. The way wasn’t too hard compared to other bays where the hike would take 45 minutes.

best places to visit in Tuscany: monte agentario beaches

Along the panoramic road, there are a lot of beautiful viewpoints.

best places to visit in Tuscany Italy: Monte Argentario

One of the best things you can do is to rent a boat and discover the bays from the water. You can even drive to the closeby island Isola del Giglio. The boat rental was about 160 Euro per day plus fuel and it was so worth it! You don’t need a license and it’s super simple.

the best things to do in Tuscany Italy: boat trip around monte argentario

A great way to end your trip is to drive to Rome. Rome is not part of Tuscany but it’s only 1.5 hours from Argentario and definitely worth a visit. You’ll also be able to catch a train or get on a flight in Rome which is better than driving all the way back to Florence or Pisa. While we weren’t able to go to Rome, there is a lot to see. I hope to visit Rome this year, so there will be more about Rome soon.

Some things you can see in Rome:

The Colosseum should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list as it is the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. The Forum and Palatinate Hill from where the Roman Empire was administered isn’t far from the Collosseum and worth a visit. Another famous sight is the Trevi fountain in which people throw coins in order to find love. Vatican City with the St. Peters Basilica is a very popular tourist destination but you should plan a lot of time. To find some cute spots and restaurants stroll through the streets of Travastere.

Here is a map of the route:

I hope this Tuscany travel guide will help you to find the best places to visit in Tuscany Italy and have a great time. If you have any questions or any tips for Tuscany, please leave a comment 🙂

Don’t forget to pin this Tuscany travel guide to your Pinterest board in order to look at it again before you visit Tuscany Italy.

Want to read more about Italy?

One Day in Cinque Terre

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27. February 2022 at 22:12

Hey! When did you go to Tuscany? I’m thinking of going in April as I want the fields to be green! Do you think that’s the case? Thank you in advance! 🙂

7. May 2022 at 12:25

Hey, I’m so sorry I didn’t answer earlier! I went in June and the grass was green. If you have been to Tuscany, I hope you had an amazing trip 🙂

13 Must-Visit Spots In Tuscany

It's pretty easy to fall in love with Tuscany. So easy, in fact, that tourists who've been enchanted by this magical region return to it often, if only in their dreams. One of Italy's most romantic destinations, Tuscany, consists of a landscape so beautiful that it appears to have been freshly painted — by a master, of course. Pastoral green fields, rolling hills, historic stone churches, and lush vineyards beckon travelers looking for a place to unwind. It helps that Tuscan towns and cities boast some of the most delicious foods to tempt any palate. Tuscany is also one of the best places in Italy for wine tasting . Did someone say pasta and chianti? Sign us up!

From the majestic Duomo in Florence to the idyllic hilltop town of San Gimignano, there's seemingly no limit to the beautiful places to visit in Tuscany. And whether you're hoping to sip on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or enjoy a stroll through the scenic streets in Volterra, you can do it all and so much more in this gorgeous Italian countryside. The problem is, with so many incredible destinations to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where we come in. This list of the 12 must-visit spots in Tuscany was created using our own travel experiences along with reviews of other towns we have added to our own Tuscany bucket list.

Visiting Tuscany without spending a day, or better yet three, in Florence is akin to skipping out on the Eiffel Tower when you're in Paris. You'll be missing one of the best parts. The capital of the Tuscan region, Florence, is renowned as the cradle of the Renaissance, which is why you can't walk more than 50 feet without finding a masterpiece so impressive you'll have to slow your pace. Be it the captivating Fountain of Neptune or a life-sized replica of Michelangelo's David in Piazza della Signoria (the real one stands in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze), Florence is a veritable outdoor museum filled with wonders.

An easy train ride from Rome's Termini station, it will take about an hour and 40 minutes to reach Firenze Santa Maria Novella, a 10-minute walk from the central Piazza del Duomo. This is where you'll find the real-life version of all those postcard photos you've seen of Santa Maria del Fiore and its octagonal Dome (aka the Duomo).

Despite being one of Italy's best cities, Florence is smaller than many expect, making sightseeing easy due to its walkability. Crossing the remarkable Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno, touring Palazzo gardens, and visiting iconic museums like the Uffizi Gallery can be completed in a day. Still, they're so incredible that you won't want to rush.

Siena is another must-visit destination in Tuscany. Close enough to Florence for a day trip, there are enough enticing places to see that you may want to spend the night (or two). The Duomo di Siena, Torre del Mangia, and Biblioteca Piccolomini top the list of must-see attractions, but merely wandering the streets of this beautiful city is enough to fill your heart with joy. The Duomo is unmissable with its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, white, green, and red marble accents, and lead-topped dome. Inside, you'll find works of some of the country's best artists, like Michelangelo and Donatello.

The shell-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo (or Campo, as locals call it), is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its historic buildings include the Palazzo Pubblico and surrounding 14th-century palaces. The Torre del Mangia, one of the oldest towers in Italy, is found here, too. This wonder boasts unbeatable views of the city and surrounding Tuscan landscape, so be sure to climb to the top.

Want a more authentic Siena experience? Sign up for a cooking class at Scuola di Cucina di Lella . You'll leave with a full belly, delectable recipes, and an impressive set of skills. Tip: If you'd prefer to avoid pushing your way through a crowded piazza during summer, visit this beautiful Italian city in the fall . You'll be rewarded with lower prices for flights and hotel rooms, fewer tourists, and more enjoyable temperatures.

San Gimignano

Have you ever stepped foot in a place so beautiful that it literally takes your breath away? That tends to happen when tourists arrive in San Gimignano. A gorgeous, medieval hilltop town rises from the pastoral countryside, at first a caramel-colored blip on the windscreen towards the end of an hour-long drive from Florence or Siena. As the town comes into focus, its 14 grand towers become the main attraction. Once fittingly called the City of 100 Towers , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a one-stop-wonder for history buffs. Palaces dating to the 12th and 14th centuries line the pretty, double-walled town. Climb Torre Grossa for the city's best view and reward yourself with a gelato upon your descent.

If visiting during the high season (aka summer), expect hordes of tourists during the day. Tour buses frequent this beautiful locale, unloading their International cargo to descend upon the town's ancient well in the center of Piazza della Cisterna. Soon, they'll head to the Romanesque cathedral, Duomo di San Gimignano, in Piazza del Duomo. Inside this building's hallowed walls lie artistic masterpieces, including preserved frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. Escape the crowds on a visit to Torciano Winery , where you can taste their dreamy product straight from the barrels, participate in an olive harvest (in November and December), or have a romantic dinner between the vines.

Best known for its landmark attraction, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world, this Tuscan gem has enough engaging things to do that it is more than worthy of a visit . Climb up the world's most famous architectural building gone wrong while visiting the town's top tourist sight — Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles). Once inside the tower, you may notice the lean, although it isn't too dramatic. That said, we don't recommend climbing to the top if you're claustrophobic — the 251-step, winding staircase is dark and narrow. Outside, you'll find Duomo di Pisa and the Pisa Baptistery.

The University of Pisa calls this town home, which means you'll find a variety of nearby restaurants and shops to while away at least a couple of hours. I Porci Comodi gets fab reviews for its well-priced lunch and dinner fare, and you can't go wrong with a sweet treat from Gelateria Tuffo 13 . When well-fed and rested, dip your toes in the Mediterranean at the pebble beach, wander the trails in the nearby Natural Park of San Rossore Massaciuccoli, or soak up some inspiration in the Palazzo Blu art museum.

It's easy to step back in time when visiting Lucca. Known as the city of 100 churches, this charming town is revered for its meticulously preserved ancient walls. Almost 2 ½ miles of the wall are accessible by foot or bike. Cars are no longer allowed to drive here unless operated by the police. As is typical in a medieval Tuscan village, most of the excitement in Lucca takes place in its central square, Piazza Napoleone (or Piazza Grande, as locals call it). Concerts and special events like the Lucca Summer Festival are held here.

Guinigi Tower is hard to ignore. Built in the 1300s, this 148-foot Romanesque-gothic structure is topped by a garden of Holm Oaks. Climb to the top for a great view, but be prepared for a hike — there are 230 steps to climb. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is another must-see spot in Lucca. Built upon the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, the spectacular square retains its elliptical shape, the ancient building surrounded by a "new" (19th Century) via dell-Anfiteatro. While driving is the easiest way to travel from town to town in Tuscany, if you'd rather not stress about navigating unfamiliar, winding roads, simply hop on a train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station. They leave hourly and take about an hour and 15 minutes.

Montepulciano

There are many enjoyable things to do in Montepulciano, and they don't all involve drinking wine. However, you can't go wrong by sampling a little Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (one of Tuscany's most valued wines) while you're in town. Like many destinations on this list of must-visit spots in Tuscany, charming Montepulciano seems stuck in medieval times. Don't worry, that's a good thing. Historic buildings line the narrow road that stretches to the main square, Piazza Grande. Located atop a hill in the heart of the old town, this is where the Palazzo Comunale, Cathedral of the Assumption, and Well of the Griffins and Lions call home. Speaking of climbing, your quads may scream at you during your visit, but that's nothing a little wine can't cure.

You'll want to drive here from Siena, which can take as little as 52 minutes. Or hire a taxi if you aren't confident driving in Italy. Just be sure to schedule a ride back or ask the driver to wait. Unless you plan to stay the night, this relaxing town won't take too long to explore. That said, save enough time to enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants and soak up the view with your vino; it's pretty hard to beat.

Being a tourist is easy in Pienza. A captivating town bursting with blooms and lined with ancient stone buildings, there are plenty of picture-perfect spots to inspire an Insta-worthy background. Time your visit for a sunset meal, and you'll see why Pienza is deemed one of Italy's most romantic towns. Known as the "ideal city of the Renaissance," many well-preserved attractions are waiting to scratch your historical itch. Top sights include Piazza Pio II, the main square in this small and beautiful town. It's home to many of Pienza's other main points of interest, like the Cattedrale dell'Assunta and Palazzo Piccolomini. Visit the Loggia's hanging garden for stunning views over the Val d'Orcia.

Pieve di Corsignano is a short walk downhill. A hit with history buffs, parts of this Romanesque church date to the 7th century. When hunger hits, head to a local restaurant for a delicious meal featuring their famed Pecorino of Pienza cheese. Tip: Many shops offer tastings that include cheese, wine, and even handmade pasta. Driving is the easiest way to get from Siena to Pienza. Plus, it allows you to stay as long as you want without worrying about a schedule. Without traffic, the journey takes under an hour, while the bus, which involves a transfer, could take over two. Plus, driving allows you to tack on a visit to Montepulciano, which lies a mere 20 minutes northwest. Or sign up for a wine and cheese tour of Pienza and nearby Montalcino.

The best thing to do in Montalcino is participate in a wine tasting. This quaint and splendid village is the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino, which is the first and, according to wine expert Tom Maresca, the finest of SuperTuscan wines. How can you not sample at least one glass after a stellar review like that? If we had you at wine, you'd want to try a bit of Rosso di Montalcino while in town. A more youthful vino, this dry, fruity red is best enjoyed with a side of spectacular views from Montalcino's idyllic hilltop locale.

Another beautiful walled town, this Tuscan retreat boasts a fortress, an ancient clock tower, and a buzzing main square called Piazza del Popolo, highlighted by the 14th-century Palazzo dei Priori. Driving is the simplest, most scenic, and fastest way to get to Montalcino from Siena. Otherwise, taking a bus is your next easiest and cheapest option. Be warned, the bus route takes double the time and often requires a transfer.

What do you get when you mix a 2,000-year-old walled village with hilltop Tuscan views and fabulous wine? An Elysian haven so lovely that you're likely to fall in love instantly. A perfect destination to combine food, wine, and art , Cortona's small list of enchanting attractions will leave you lusting after another stay before you've even gone. Visit the 14th-century Basilica di Santa Margherita to admire its rose window and bell tower. Take time out to enjoy coffee or lunch in the Piazza della Rebúbblica, then get lost exploring the winding, cobblestone streets. Art lovers will appreciate seeing the works of Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona in the Museo Diocesano .

One of the town's most popular landmarks is the Villa Bramasole, an attraction made famous by its role in the film "Under the Tuscan Sun." It's available for rent and can house up to 20 guests. Despite the town's allure, Cortona is less visited than other spots in Tuscany, mainly due to its more inconvenient location. That means you won't have to elbow through crowds to see the best sights. The train from Siena can take over two and a half hours and includes at least two transfers (one of which is in Florence) and a 10-minute bus ride to reach Piazza Garibaldi or Market Square. From Florence, expect at least a two-hour train journey, one change, and a bus ride to the center of town. It's best to rent a car.

Like Cortona, Volterra offers Tuscan travelers a more serene and authentic sightseeing experience. Busloads of tourists aren't dumped here for a day exploring its narrow streets, archeological sites, and breathtaking hilltop vistas. Instead, visitors tend to flock here on their own, some mistakenly searching for film sites used to represent Volterra in the Twilight film "New Moon" – these were actually shot in Montepulciano. The road to Volterra is steep and serpentines its way to the summit, where ancient stone towers, biscuit-colored buildings, and bright blooms greet guests. It is deemed one of the most adorable small towns in Europe due to its captivating architecture and charming town squares.

Piazza dei Priori is the town's most central square, home to the enticing 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, aka town hall. Visitors can climb to the top of the bell tower via 52 steps (be warned, they're pretty narrow) or take a small lift. Spend time exploring the scenic streets, soaking up the romantic ambiance oozing from the charming alleyways before heading to the historic sites (i.e., the Etruscan Acropolis) and attractions like the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Tip: The easiest way to get to Volterra is by car. There are no direct trains from Florence or Siena, meaning both trips involve taking a train and a taxi or bus, which aren't always easy to procure.

If you're a fan of historic town squares, you'll love Arezzo. A small, medieval town packed with beautiful points of interest, you'll want to carve out at least a half day here, although a full day would be better. That way, you can visit top tourist sites like Piazza Grande, one of the most beautiful squares in Itlay, Villa La Ripa , Santa Maria della Pieve, and the Arezzo Cathedral . Located in the southwest of Tuscany, this quaint town is featured in the Oscar-winning "La Vita È Bella" ("Life is Beautiful") film.

The 13th-century Duomo of Arezzo is an unmissable landmark situated at the top of St. Peter's Hill. Inside, you'll see seven stunning stained-glass windows that Guillaume de Marcillat painted between 1516 and 1524. Outside, you'll find a lovely park boasting panoramic views of the Casentino Valley and the Medici Fortress. The ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater are also worthy of a visit. Good news for travelers who don't want to drive: There's a direct train from Florence to Arezzo, and it can take just 32 minutes if you take one of the fastest Frecciarossa trains.

San Quirico d'Orcia

Another walled village graces this list of must-visit spots in Tuscany. This one, San Quirico d'Orcia (or San Quirico for short), is as charming as you'd expect from a Tuscan town. It sits serenely within the heart of the glorious Val d'Orcia, about 22 miles from Siena, and is surrounded by the valley's verdant olive groves, chalk plains, tall cypress trees, and rolling hills so lovely that you may dream about their beauty for years to come. Top attractions in this historic town include the Collegiata di San Quirico, which lies just outside the city's walls, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which stands along Via Francigena, and Horti Leonini, a stunning Italian garden that lies outside the church.

Set about 22 miles from Siena, the easiest way to get here is by bus. It will take under an hour, and you won't have to worry about navigating windy roads. Otherwise, renting a car or hiring a taxi are your other best options for traveling from Siena to San Quirico d'Orcia.

Monteriggioni

What Monteriggioni lacks in size, it more than makes up for with beauty. This medieval-walled Tuscan town is a perfect pit stop on any road trip from Siena, San Gimignano, or Volterra. Monteriggioni is small enough that you won't need more than an hour or two for your visit but pretty enough that you won't want to speed your way through. Created as a fortress in the 13 th century, the 14 stone towers and preserved ancient walls surrounding the town enthrall tourists.

Walking on the walls and gaping at the pastoral views top the list of the best things to do in Monteriggioni, but there are plenty of other places to visit while you're here. While the Monteriggioni Castle is the town's landmark attraction, you won't want to miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is perched overlooking the main square. To get to Monteriggioni, it's best to drive. A great road trip destination, you'll want an easy way to move on to the next beautiful Tuscan stop.

Tuscany, Italy

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Carlo DeSando

Wonderful Time in Italy We were covered from the moment we landed in Rome. The drivers were great, the connections were flawless, and it was well-planned a...

The idea of Tuscany as an idyll of olive groves, vineyards, hill-towns and frescoed churches may be clichéd, but it is largely true. Late medieval Tuscany was the birthplace of Italian culture and in many ways remains the essence of what travellers imagine Italy to be, a place where art and landscape are fused in the kind of harmony familiar from Renaissance paintings. The national language evolved from the Tuscan dialect, a supremacy ensured by Tuscan writers such as Petrarch, Boccaccio and, most influential of all, Dante – who all wrote in the Tuscan vernacular.

The best travel tips for visiting Tuscany

What to do in tuscany, best places to stay in tuscany, how to get around, how many days do you need in tuscany, what is the best time to visit tuscany, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

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From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Indeed the era we know as the Renaissance, which played so large a role in forming the culture not just of Italy but of Europe as a whole, is associated more strongly with this part of the country than with anywhere else.

Florence was the most active centre of the Renaissance, flourishing principally through the all-powerful patronage of the Medici dynasty.

Every eminent artistic figure from Giotto onwards – Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Alberti, Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo – is represented here, in an unrivalled gathering of churches, galleries and museums.

Siena, one of the great medieval cities of Europe, remains almost perfectly preserved, and holds superb works of art in its religious and secular buildings.

In addition, its beautiful Campo – the central, scallop-shaped market square – is the scene of the Palio, when bareback horseriders career around the cobbles amid an extravagant display of pageantry.

The cities of Pisa and Lucca have their own fair share of attractions and provide convenient entry points to the region, either by air or along the coastal rail route from Genoa .

Arezzo and Cortona serve as fine introductions to Tuscany if you’re approaching from the south ( Rome ) or east ( Perugia ).

RoughGuides tip: Planning a trip to Italy? Check our itineraries and perhaps our local experts in Italy can help you!

San Miniato town panoramic view, bell tower of the Duomo cathedral and countryside. Pisa, Tuscany Italy © StevanZZ/Shutterstock

San Miniato town panoramic view © Shutterstock

Asciano with Val d'Orcia © Shutterstock

From falling in love with Florence to truffle hunting in the Tuscan hills, there’s plenty to do in Tuscany. These are the highlights.

#1 Climb the dome of Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence

Stepping out for the first time in Florence , it’s almost impossible not to gravitate straight towards the square in the centre, the beating heart of Florence, Piazza del Duomo.

You’ll be beckoned by the iconic form of Brunelleschi’s extraordinary dome, which dominates the cityscape in a way unmatched by any architectural creation in any other Italian city.

Yet even though the magnitude of the Duomo is apparent from a distance, and even though you may have seen it in a thousand photos, the first full sight of the church and adjacent Baptistry still comes as a jolt.

The colours of their patterned exteriors are a startling contrast to the dun-coloured buildings around them.

Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence Italy © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

#2 Spend at least half a day exploring The Uffizi, Florence

Attracting well over two million visitors a year, the Galleria degli Uffizi is the most visited museum in Florence and even in all of Italy. In housed in what were once government offices (uffizi) built by Vasari for Cosimo I in 1560.

After Vasari’s death, work on the building was continued by Buontalenti, who was asked by Francesco I to glaze the upper storey so that it could house his art collection.

Each of the succeeding Medici added to the family’s trove of art treasures, which was preserved for public inspection by the last member of the family, Anna Maria Lodovica.

Her will specified that it should be left to the people of Florence and never be allowed to leave the city.

Considered to be the finest art collection in Italy, the three-floor gallery also contains the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art.

Uffizi art gallery in Florence, Tuscany, Italy © Shutterstock

#3 Tour the wineries of Chianti

Drinking local wine is one of the best things to do in Italy, and the Chianti vineyards between Siena and Florence produce some of the country's finest wines thanks to a mild climate year-round.

Chianti scenery is stunning too so it's also the perfect place to gaze at typically romantic Tuscan views.

Hotels in Chianti are rarely inexpensive, but this is prime agriturismo territory, with scores of farms offering rooms or apartments (or even self-contained mini-villas).

The venue for Chianti’s biggest wine fair (the Rassegna del Chianti Classico, usually held in early September), Greve in Chianti is a thriving mercantile town where there’s wine for sale on every street.

Well-heeled Castellina in Chianti formerly stood on the front line of the continual wars between Florence and Siena, and its walls and fortress bear testimony to an embattled past.

The best of Chianti lies east of Castellina and the Chiantigiana, in the less domesticated terrain of the Monti del Chianti.

Vineyard in Chianti © Shutterstock

#4 Take that photo at the Leaning Tower, Pisa

For many tourists, Pisa means just one thing – the Leaning Tower, which serves around the world as a shorthand image for Italy.

It is indeed a freakishly beautiful building, a sight whose impact no amount of prior knowledge can blunt.

Yet it is just a single component of Pisa’s breathtaking Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles, where the Duomo, Baptistry and Camposanto complete a dazzling architectural ensemble.

These amazing buildings belong to Pisa’s Golden Age, from the 11th to the 13th centuries, when the city was one of the maritime powers of the Mediterranean.

It has to be said that visiting the Campo dei Miracoli in high season is not a calming experience – the tourist maelstrom here can be fierce.

Within a short radius, however, Pisa takes on a quite different character, because very few tourists bother to venture far from the shadow of the Leaning Tower.

Visiting the leaning tower in Pisa Italy is one best things to do in Tuscany, Italy

Visiting the leaning tower in Pisa Italy is one best things to do in Tuscany © Shutterstock

#5 Ride a bike along Lucca’s city walls

Lucca has some of Europe's finest Romanesque buildings and it's an easy city to explore.

While the focus of Lucca’s compact centro storico is the vast Piazza Napoleone, its social heart is Piazza San Michele just to the north.

Once the site of the Roman forum, these days this lively square is fringed with shops and cafés.

The “long thread”, Via Fillungo, heads northeast, cutting through Lucca’s shopping district to reach the extraordinary circular Piazza Anfiteatro.

Further east, beyond the Fosso (“ditch”), lies San Francesco and Lucca’s major art museum, housed in the Villa Guinigi.

Whatever else you do, be sure to walk – or cycle – at least some of the city walls, which are crested by a broad, tree-lined promenade.

The entire circuit is four kilometres round and lined with trees. If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the mid-afternoon.

View over Italian town Lucca with typical terracotta roofs © Shutterstock

#6 Get swept up in the thrilling Siena Palio

The Siena Palio is a twice-yearly bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo in Siena .

One of Italy’s most spectacular events, it is preceded by weeks of preparation, medieval pageantry and chicanery.

Only 10 of the 17 contrade (neighbourhoods), chosen by lot, take part in any one race; horses, too, are assigned at random.

The only rule is that riders cannot interfere with each other’s reins.

Otherwise, anything goes. Each contrada has a traditional rival, and ensuring that it loses is as important as winning oneself.

Jockeys may be bribed to throw the race or whip a rival or a rival’s horse; contrade have been known to drug horses and even to ambush a jockey on his way to the race.

Held since at least the 13th century, the race originally followed a circuit through the town.

Since the 16th century it has consisted of three laps of the Campo, around a track covered with sand and padded with mattresses to minimise injuries.

Siena Palio in Tuscany © Shutterstock

#7 Hunt for truffles in the countryside

Tuscany is well known for truffles and truffle hunting.

But one of the best things to do in Tuscany if you want to hunt down the biggest variety of the much-prized fungi is to go to San Miniato.

You'll find this famous truffle town strategically placed on top of three small hills overlooking the lower Arno Valley, between Pisa and Florence.

#8 Eat your way through the Tuscan menu

Tuscan cooking is all about the freshest ingredients, cooked simply, and has had a seminal influence on Italian cuisine.

Classic antipasti are peasant fare: bruschetta is stale bread, toasted and dressed with oil and garlic; crostini is toast and pâté.

Tuscan menus always include soup, often ribollita, a hearty stew of vegetables, beans and bread, or zuppa di farro, a thick soup with spelt.

Tuscany is not known for pasta, but many towns in the south serve pici, thick, hand-rolled spaghetti with toasted breadcrumbs.

Meat is kept plain, often grilled, and Florentines profess to liking nothing better than a good bistecca alla fiorentina (chargrilled steak), or the rustic dish of arista (roast pork loin stuffed with rosemary and garlic).

Spinach is often married with ricotta and gnocchi, and used as a pasta filling, in crespoline (pancakes) or on focaccia.

Sheep’s milk pecorino is the most widespread cheese, but Chianti’s marzolino is the most famous.

Panino and wine, I Fratellini, Via dei Cimatori, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Panino and wine, I Fratellini, Via dei Cimatori, Florence, Tuscany © Shutterstock

# 9 Explore Elba, Napoleon’s island of exile

Elba has exceptionally clear water, fine sand beaches, and a wooded interior that’s superb for walking.

Almost everyone comes for the beach resorts, so the inland villages remain largely quiet even in high season.

The principal town, Portoferraio, makes a worthwhile day-trip from the mainland. At the highest point of the old quarter sits Napoleon’s residence-in-exile, the Villa dei Mulini.

The isolated village of Marciana is the oldest settlement and most alluring spot on Elba.

Its steep old quarter is a delight of alleys, arches, belvederes and stone stairs festooned with flowers.

Marciana’s main draw is 500m south – a cable car that climbs to the summit of Monte Capanne, Elba’s highest point.

No fewer than 156 beaches dot Elba’s coast, from little-visited shingly coves to broad white sand stretches.

If you don’t mind negotiating the ranks of baking bodies in summer, they offer all the facilities you could wish for.

View of Portoferraio on Elba Island, Italy © Shutterstock

# 10 Hike and swim along Italy’s last protected coastline

The Tuscan shoreline is at its best in the Maremma region, most notably in hilly Monti dell’Uccellina, 12km south of Grosseto.

Monti dell’Uccellina is recognised as the last virgin coastal landscape to survive on the Italian peninsula, and is therefore protected as the Parco Regionale della Maremma.

This breathtaking piece of countryside combines cliffs, coastal marsh, macchia, forest-covered hills, pristine beaches and beautiful stands of umbrella pine, and remains devoid of the bars, marinas, hotels and half-finished houses that have destroyed much of the Italian littoral.

The best beach here (20 minutes from Pratini, along the Strada degli Olivi) is a beautifully unspoilt, curved bay, backed by lush greenery.

The park authorities have defined half a dozen different walking itineraries; some set off from Alberese – home to the visitor centre – with the remainder leaving from Pratini, 10km into the hills, reached via hourly shuttle bus from the visitor centre.

A wild beach in the south of Tuscany © Shutterstock

With its captivating landscapes, rich history, and world-class cuisine, Tuscany beckons travelers to explore its picturesque wonders and indulge in unforgettable experiences. From charming agriturismos nestled amidst vineyards to luxurious villas perched atop rolling hills, the region offers a diverse array of best places to stay that perfectly complement the enchanting essence of Tuscany.

Florence (Firenze)

Florence has many hotels but demand is almost limitless, which means that prices are high and the tourist inundation has few slack spots.

“Low season” is defined by most hotels as meaning mid-July to the end of August (the weeks during which nearly all Italians head for the beaches or the mountains), and from mid-Nov to mid-March, except for the Christmas and New Year period.

Between March and October, booking ahead is in effect obligatory.

Boutique hotels and B&Bs have sprung up all over the city, operating under several different labels: places calling themselves relais or a residenza d’epoca are generally smart B&Bs, often located in historic palazzi.

From handsome old townhouses to reasonably-priced hotels (you'll pay more for accommodation closer to the Campo), Pisa has a range of hotels , even if most people visit on a day trip.

Siena is small enough that every hotel within the old walls is within a 15min walk of the main sights.

Anyone visiting in summer should reserve accommodation as far in advance as possible; hotels are specially booked up at Palio time (early July & mid-August) when they charge higher prices.

You’ll also be glad of air conditioning in the summer heat.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano has too many visitors and too few locals. Hotels can be hit or miss. From tasteful mid-range hotels to lovely eighteenth-century farmhouses, there's enough to go around . Camping is also an option.

The choice is limited here , but there is a youth hostel housed in a converted monastery, a couple of smart hotels, plus camping options too.

Browse the places to stay in Tuscany.

City postcard view and towers of San Gimignano, small medieval town in Tuscany, Italy © Vaflya/Shutterstock

City postcard view and towers of San Gimignano © Shutterstock

Navigating the idyllic landscapes of Tuscany is a seamless delight, as this enchanting region provides an array of convenient and delightful transportation options to traverse its picturesque countryside and historic towns.

Much of Tuscany's remarkable countryside requires a car as it allows you the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.

Note that many historic centres have a Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), a limited traffic zone which won't allow you to drive through.

The buses in Tuscany are affordable and extensive. The region offers a reasonably comprehensive bus service, including the corse rapide (express) service between Florence and Siena.

Validate your ticket as you get on the bus to avoid the risk of an on-the-spot fine.

Tuscany's rail network provides convenient connections to several captivating cities. High-speed trains link Florence, Arezzo, Cortona, Grosseto, Livorno, and Pisa. Slower regionale (regional) trains can be useful and cheap too.

To really get to know Tuscany, allocate at least five to seven days in the region. That gives you a couple of days to explore Florence, plus day trips to Siena and Pisa.

There will also be time to venture to a charming hill town or two, such as San Gimignano, Volterra, or Montepulciano.

Aim for 10 days if you want to indulge in a wine-tasting experience in the renowned Chianti region, or embark on scenic drives through the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our Italy itineraries or talk to our Italy travel experts .

Midsummer in central Italy is not as pleasant an experience as you might imagine: the heat in the summer months can be stifling. From May to September the big tourist hotspots of Florence, Siena and San Gimingnano are too crowded to be really enjoyable.

If it’s at all possible, avoid August, when the majority of Italians take their holidays. This means that some restaurants and hotels close, and the beaches are jam packed.

The best time to visit Tuscany is before Easter or in the late autumn. The main towns are quieter then and the countryside is blossoming or going into harvest season.

The best time to see the fields of sunflowers bloom in Tuscany is in June or July. Winter is often quite rainy, and temperatures can drop, particularly in the hill-towns. This does, however, make it a good time to visit all the cities and major art trails.

Tuscany is perfect in August but don't miss our tips about the best time to visit Italy.

Landscape vineyard fog in Tuscany, Italy © Dmytro Balkhovitin/Shutterstock

Landscape vineyard fog in Tuscany © Shutterstock

Tuscany beckons travelers from across Europe with its two main gateways: Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport. Both airports are well-connected to the wider region.

For those arriving in northern Italy, Milan is the major rail hub. The city serves as a gateway to Tuscany, welcoming European services from various destinations.

From Milan, you can easily catch onward connections to Florence and Pisa.

Buses offer an affordable overland option to Italy but are less frequent and notably slower than the train.

Find out the best ways to get to Italy .

Discover more places in Italy

Montepulciano
Pisa, Italy
Siena, Italy

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 17.07.2023

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Tuscany travel blog — the fullest tuscany travel guide for first-timers.

Those who have been to Florence, definitely must have heard of the poetic countrysides of Tuscany (Toscana in Italian), Italy. Cycling around Chianti, enjoying premium wine, or visit the vast countrysides of Siena. But actually, the most beautiful countrysides in Italy are located quite deep below, they are Val d’Orcia and San Quirico d’Orcia which are always covered with a endless green color of meadows, vineyards and beautiful farms on highlands and in valleys. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to the dreamland and paradise of Tuscany for the first-time? Let’s check out our Tuscany travel blog (Tuscany blog) with the fullest Tuscany travel guide (Tuscany guide, Tuscany tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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I never intended to go to Tuscany when knowing this is just the central Italian countryside, until I accidentally came to Florence and got lost in the scenes of villages, medieval towns, vineyards, olives groves with wineries, lush green vegetation. Tuscany instantly captivated me so that the first days of summer were surprisingly beautiful.

Tuscany travel blog: Overview of Tuscany

I have known Tuscany since I was a landscape photographer. That’s when I got to see the amazing photos of Val D’Orcia and San Quirico D’Orcia. If the natural beauty of Switzerland with mountains and rivers, then in Tuscany, it is majestic, poetic countryside, immense grasslands. The natural picture here is green in one color, gentle, tranquil and liberal, enough to inspire any lover or dreamer when coming here.

Tuscany blog: When to visit?

There are two beautiful times to consider for a roadtrip in Tuscany, which is from late April to mid-May, and autumn in Europe. In spring, flowers bloom everywhere in Tuscany, which is perfect for visiting the farms or large gardens. If you go in the fall and want to see the vast green prairies, you should go in early August, because at this time, local people will start cutting the grass and harvesting grapes. Then the hills will appear with a dry yellow color and not smooth.

If you want to see sunflower fields, you must go after June and before September. From early September onwards farmers have already harvested seeds to make oil.
The most beautiful time with green fields is around June and July. From August onwards, it has started to dry. From September onwards, the scenery have turned to yellow but romantic. However, July and August are the hottest months in Italy. You must bring sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. In the summer, even though it’s really hot, it will get colder in the evening. Especially if you go higher areas.
In addition to summer, traveling to Tuscany from March to May is also okay, very green. However, it is still cold and there are no flowers at all.

Tuscany travel blog: Where to go, what to do?

To start exploring Tuscany, Florence is a must-visit destination. The capital of Tuscany in central Italy, Florence owns everything to be voted by many prestigious travel magazines as the most wonderful city in Europe. The whole city is a giant architectural style with pastel colors of walls and terracotta roof tiles of houses, each street corner seems to be a museum with untold stories. Florence deserves many fine words. If you’ve been here, you can’t help but visit the Florence Cathedral Duomo(Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore), the legendary Ponte di Vecchio, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the Piazzale Michelangelo square.

From Florence, you can travel by train to many ancient cities and towns in Tuscany, or just 30 minutes by car, you can visit a nearest olive grove and vineyard. If your time is tight to make an itinerary, as Tuscany’s most developed tourist city, Florence offers you everything with countless day tours to pick and explore all of Tuscany.

Siena used to be a large city in the Middle Ages, so the architecture of Siena is still keep intact. In the middle of the city is the town hall with the horse racing square, every year the small districts in the city will bring their horses here to race to win glory for themself. If you go to Siena on Saint Catherine’s Day on April 29 every year, or the horse racing day, the districts of the city will hang their own flags. I was lucky enough to come to Siena on the occasion of St. Catherine’s day, so I saw countless flags hanging along streets, alleys, feeling like I was watching Game of Thrones.

Things to do in Siena include tasting the region’s famous Chianti wine, visiting Piazza di Campo square, Siena’s church which made entirely of marble and don’t forget to go inside the church to explore the Piccolomini library which is built by Pope Pius II. The architecture inside is overwhelming and for me this is the most beautiful church I’ve been visited in Europe.

San Gimignano

A medieval town with 14 towering stone towers. In medieval times, San Gimignano was likened to today’s Manhattan in terms of prosperity. San Gimignano is quite small so you can explore in an afternoon. But don’t forget to climb a tower for a panoramic view of Tuscany to the horizon.

To explore Siena & San Gimignano, you can book a tour in Florence, or book a tour through KLOOK , I found that when buying from KLOOK the price is cheaper, so just book it and the service is very good.

Located in Umbria, Assisi is a beautiful hill town. When hearing about a place that has existed since the Middle Ages, surely many tourists will think of a town forgotten by time, not very developed with narrow winding streets, narrow alleys, houses with stone walls and old painted wooden doors. However, unlike the imagination above, Assisi is one of the largest Christian centers in the world with beautiful churches. In which Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi (Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi) is the most famous cathedral in Assisi.

This ancient city is also known as a student city because there are many universities and colleges with many different disciplines. The most prominent is the University of Perugia, built in 1308, the University for Foreigners of Perugia and many other colleges such as the Academy of Fine Arts Pietro Vannucci.

Perugia is also famous as a cultural and artistic center of Italy with many festivals taking place all year round such as EuroChocolate festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, International Journalism Festival, …

Lake Trasimeno

When you come to Trasimeno, you can rent a house on a farm and experience the feeling of waking up in the sunrise of the Italian countryside. Make yourself a cup of hot coffee and make a delicious and light breakfast while enjoying the poetic beauty of Lake Trasimeno.

After that, you’ll have a full day of exploring and boating on the lake. If you go in a large group, you can also organize a picnic with dishes made from fresh ingredients at the farm.

Montepulciano

Although Montepulciano is a small town, the scenery here is extremely poetic and beautiful with brilliant sunflower fields. In addition, wine is also a famous specialty here. If you have stopped by Montepulciano, then come and enjoy wine at the bars here.

Like the Italian style itself, Lucca has a beauty that blends the modern and the antiquity of the time with fashion boutiques interspersed between immaculate ancient structures.

Lucca is also home to many famous composers such as Giacomo Puccini (with famous works of La Bohème and Madama Butterfly), Nicalao Dorati, Francesco Geminiani, Gioseffo Guami. With such a history, it is not surprising that the annual Lucca Summer festival is one of the most popular musical events in Tuscany.

In addition, Lucca is also the host city for the Lucca Comics & Games Festival, the biggest festival for comics, movies and games in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to attend each year.

Pisa is a port city in the lower reaches of the Arno River. In Renaissance Period, Pisa was the second richest city after Florence. Today Pisa is a small city but has a unique artistic style and owns a unique architectural symbol in the world: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. From Florence, you take the 50-minutes train to get to Pisa. Then follow the flow of people to the Leaning tower of Pisa to visit.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa itself is so famous but it is only part of Pisa’s Central square. Visitors come here mainly just to take hundreds of pictures from the simple to the weird with the Leaning Tower. Personally, I like architecture, so I wandered around to see this small, sparsely populated city to understand more about the most important port city in Tuscany.

Not all of Tuscany’s hills and vineyards have the stunning coastline below. But Punta Ala is a great stop on the coastal area known as La Maremma.

Island of Elba

Elba Island (Isola d’Elba) is a romantic tourist island, located off the coast of Tirreno Sea, in the famous Tuscany country. Looking at Elba from above, you will have the feeling that the island looks like a small goldfish swimming in the sea.

Portoferraio – the main port town and also the capital of Elba – looks cute and gentle with its small houses painted in soothing pastel colors. The streets here are narrow, on both sides of the roads there are many colorful flower pots swaying in the wind, only the slopes are more pleasant than other central Italian cities such as Perugia, Siena, Assisi or Spoleto.

Enjoy Tuscan wine and olives

The Tuscan countryside can be seen from car, but to get a real taste of it, visit a winery and sample its fine wines. I stopped by Tenuta Torciano Winery and not only enjoyed more than 7 types of red to white wines but also used delicious vinegar and olive oil. These farms are not open to a single tourist, so you can book a tour in Florence to visit during the day, definitely a true Italian experience. There are two famous and savory Tuscan wines you should try called Sangiovese and Super Tuscan.

To experience this, you can buy a day tour in Florence, or book online through KLOOK to explore both San Gimignano and Siena.

Buonconvento

Buonconvento is a small town, just about 2-2.5 hours drive from Florence, this town is extremely peaceful, few people but has a lot of interesting things. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from Silvia’s farm (where I stayed) to the town center. Everything here is as peaceful as countrysides around it.

Another interesting thing not to be missed in this beautiful little town of Buonconvento is the delicious Gelato ice cream that we discovered located right next to Da Mario restaurant. Not only has delicious ice cream, but the salesman is also very cute, giving customers a lot of ice cream, the best Gelato I have ever tasted in Europe, the price is also cheaper than in other regions.

More things to do in Tuscany

In addition to visiting the Tuscany lush green prairies, there are many other places here that you cannot miss. It could be touring the small towns of the region, or going to the vineyards to enjoy fine wines.

Another route that you should refer to when traveling from Siena to Buonconvento is going through Asciano (please see on the map). On this road, the scenery on both sides is also extremely beautiful. The day I went, the grass here was almost cut, so the color could not be as beautiful as in the southern region. Alternatively, on the way from Buonconvento to Asciano, you can visit the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery. This is a monastery located on a high mountain with a beautiful view.

Another very beautiful place that you might consider visiting is La Foce garden located in Val D’Orcia. Entering this garden, you will feel like walking in a large royal garden of a palace, like a mix of Versailles palace and Tuileries Garden. In La Foce, the owner also has villas for rent, but the price will be quite high and require a minimum stay of 2 nights for each booking.

In general, with a travel time of only 2-3 days, it is difficult to fully enjoy the vast Tuscany region. If given the opportunity and conditions, I would love to stay longer than about 1 week. This place is extremely suitable for those who come with family, a fresh air and spacious space for everyone to experience together. Simply rent a large enough SUV, free to explore each road, small villages but hidden full of interesting things in this Tuscany region.

Tuscany travel blog: What and where to eat?

Enjoying pasta, pizza and wine as well as Tuscan cuisine is a fascinating experience you can’t miss! Like Italian cuisine in general, Tuscan cuisine is based on the use of the freshest and simplest ingredients of season including a variety of beans, cheeses, vegetables and fruits. And here are some suggestions for you:

Crostini Toscani: The word crostini literally means bread, similar to a baguette, served with chopped chicken liver sauce.
Panzanella (Tuscan-Style Tomato and Bread Salad) is a cold bread salad with the main ingredients including unsalted bread, tomatoes, red onion, basil, olive oil, vinegar, and salt.
Lardo di Colonnata: This dish is actually pork lard produced in the town of Colonnata.
Ribollita: Ribollita soup is one of the most popular winter dishes in Tuscany containing different types of cabbage, beans, onions, and carrots.
Castagnaccio: It is a traditional Tuscan chestnut cake made with chestnut flour, very popular in the Apennine mountain region of Tuscany.

Tuscany blog: Suggested 2-day Tuscany roadtrip and how to get from Florence

As mentioned above, you can take the train to the countryside in Tuscany, but it will be quite inconvenient and take a long time. The most convenient is to rent a car in Florence and then self-drive to the south, through Siena and visit its beautiful countrysides. Rentingg a private car to drive can both be proactive in the schedule while you can go and admire the scenery on the roadside, stop whenever you like.

Details of my 2 day Tuscany itinerary:

Day 1: Took the car from Florence and drove down to Buonconvento, where I booked an overnight stay at a local farm. The itinerary will have to go through Siena so you can choose to go straight on the highway to Buonconvento because my main purpose is to visit Val D’Orcia. If you have time, you may not choose the highway but follow the SR222 road to visit more Panzano or Chianti. Dinner in town and overnight in Buonconvento.

Day 2: Early morning drive to visit two regions Val D’Orcia and San Quirico D’Orcia, which have the most beautiful scenery in Tuscany (in my opinion). Then come back, resting and exploring the farm Podere Salicotto that I chose as a place to stay. On the drive back to Florence I took the route from Buonconvento through Asciano and back to Siena to access the highway to return to Florence.

The route from Florence to Buonconvento has many stops to admire the beautiful scenery on both sides of the road. If your time is tight, you should choose the highway to go for faster, the traveling time for a 150km distance is only about 2.5 hours, the highway is very beautiful and the speed is stable.

After picking up my car from Locauto rental company I started driving out from the center of Florence. The street was not too crowded and easy to go, so you can rest assured, just go according to the law. Follow Google Maps and get out of the city to access the highway. From here running straight to Siena and continue to Buonconvento. One thing to note is that if you want to be fast, you should only take the highway, and you need to pay attention to the road because it is easy to go wrong on roads in town, make the speed will be slow a lot because these roads have many traffic lights, many cars make you cannot go as fast as on the highway.

Tuscany blog: Where to stay in Tuscany?

However, coming to Tuscany, you must stay at a beautiful farm in this region.

Along the romantic swath of Tuscany are vast countrysides known for its rolling hills, cypress trees, charming old towns, stone castles and along with numerous private farms. Each farm with hectare area with quite similar architecture. Houses are built of red bricks or can be called separate villas. It took me a whole week to choose for myself the best place to stay, which is Podere Salicotto’s farm.

I had a very detailed review of this property here , it’s very wonderful, you can also refer to and book via Agoda.com or Booking.com .

The capital of Tuscany is Florence, so it has the largest number of rooms of all types and vary prices as well as making it easy for you to travel to many cities, towns nearby, choose the right day tours to explore beautiful Tuscany. Plus, if you want to try the local experience, it’s also easier to rent an Airbnb in Florence when you’re sharing a house with a local.

But if you like the feeling of waking up in the countryside, Siena is the better choice because the city is small and located among the vast fields of Tuscany.

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for hotels in this city on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Tuscany travel guide: Getting to Tuscany

You should go to Florence first because it offers many choices of hotel rooms and also convenient to travel to its surrounding areas. Florence’s services are also easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Buses can be booked at GoEuro.com and train tickets can be purchased at booths at the central station, choose Treinitali or Italo train.

Take a day tour from Florence

I recommend taking a tour to Siena because the cost is quite cheap but there are many interesting experiences for only 44 euros. In addition, you can book a tour to Cinque Terre to explore the equally wonderful Liguria region.

Tuscany blog: What to buy as a gift in Tuscany?

Florence is very famous for its leather goods, you just go to the ancient bridge, there are many leather goods shop with hundreds of years old to buy. In addition, Chianti red wine is also a popular choice.

Souvenirs such as statue of David or the leaning tower of Pisa are also things that tourists often buy as gifts.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Florence you can refer to

Duomo Monumental Complex Direct Access Ticket in Florence with Guided Visit
Florence Duomo, Baptistery, and Museum Tour
Small Guided Tour with Fast Track Entry to Duomo and the Secret Terraces
Florence Duomo Skip-the-Line Tour with Balcony & Dome Access
Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour with Fast Track Entry
Accademia Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket in Florence
Val d’Orcia Tour from Florence
Pisa Half Day Tour from Florence
Florence Bike Tour with Food Tasting Experience
Florence City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Open Top) and Leonardo da Vinci Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
Tuscany Day Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from Florence
Rome to Florence Day Tour
Chianti Afternoon Tour from Florence
Excursion to Pisa through the Tuscan Countryside from Florence
Florence Dome Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket + Free Souvenir Old Polaroid Photo
Florence Accademia Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket with Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Florence: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Italy travel guide here .

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Exploring the beauty of tuscany: a complete travel guide.

By Zuzana Paar

| Updated: August 30, 2023

Discover the allure of Tuscany, Italy, by embarking on an unforgettable journey through its captivating landscapes, rich culture and exquisite cuisine. This complete travel guide will lead you through the heart of Tuscany’s beauty, offering insights, tips and must-visit destinations for an enriching adventure.

Nestled in the heart of Italy, Tuscany beckons travelers with its ageless charm and enchanting allure. From rolling vineyards and historic towns to world-renowned art, Tuscany offers a truly immersive experience that captures the essence of Italy’s finest offerings. In this comprehensive travel guide, explore the timeless beauty of Tuscany, providing you with all the insights you need to craft a remarkable Tuscan journey.

Before delving into the heart of Italy, there are a few of the remarkable aspects that make this region truly exceptional.

The best vineyards and wine tours in Tuscany

Tuscany’s fertile landscapes are a wine lover’s paradise. The region boasts some of the world’s finest vineyards and wineries, where you can savor robust Chiantis, elegant Brunello di Montalcino and crisp Vernaccias. Embark on wine tours that wind through sun-kissed vines, offering tastings that reveal the secrets of Tuscany’s wine-making traditions. Immerse yourself in the art of wine appreciation and learn about the intricate relationship between Tuscany’s terroir and its celebrated vintages.

A wine cellar with wooden barrels in front of a waterfall.

The secrets of its enchanting villages

Beyond the renowned cities, Tuscany’s hidden gems lie in its enchanting villages. Wander through the cobbled streets of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its pecorino cheese. Explore the medieval magic of Montepulciano and the artistic heritage of Cortona. Each village unveils a unique story waiting to be discovered. Experience the warmth of local hospitality, engage with artisans and witness daily life in these time-honored havens.

A gourmet’s guide to food, wine and delights in Florence

Florence, the artistic heart of Tuscany, is not only a visual masterpiece but also a culinary haven. Delight in Tuscan cuisine that marries simplicity with rich flavors. Savor dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, tomato mozzarella chicken and lampredotto from street stalls. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine and embrace the gourmet indulgence that Florence offers. From traditional osterias to modern bistros, Florence’s culinary scene is a tantalizing blend of tradition and innovation.

“Everything you’ve heard, seen or read about Tuscany is true. From the rolling scenic hills to the classic villas and, of course, the food, it’s one of my favorite areas to visit in Italy. A trip is not complete without tasting copious amounts of pecorino, prosciutto and my favorite, balsamic vinegar at one of the many small family-run operations in the region.” — Gina Matsoukas, Running to the Kitchen

Tuscany on a budget: Affordable travel tips and tricks

You don’t need a princely budget to explore Tuscany’s wonders. From free art in Florence’s streets to budget-friendly trattorias serving authentic dishes, Tuscany welcomes frugal travelers with open arms. Discover pocket-friendly accommodations, plan visits during shoulder seasons and immerse yourself in the region’s beauty without breaking the bank. Enjoy a picnic amidst vineyards, participate in local festivals and unearth the charm of Tuscany in one of the budget-friendly destinations that suit your style.

Captivating landscapes: Where beauty knows no bounds

Tuscany’s landscapes are a canvas of breathtaking beauty. Imagine endless vineyards stretching across rolling hills, picturesque olive groves and medieval villages perched atop scenic vistas. From the iconic countryside of Val d’Orcia to the rustic charm of Chianti, Tuscany offers an idyllic setting for leisurely strolls, cycling adventures and awe-inspiring photography.

Art and culture: The renaissance reimagined

Florence, Tuscany’s crown jewel, is a living testament to the Renaissance era. The city’s magnificent art and architecture, including the iconic Florence Cathedral and Uffizi Gallery , showcase the genius of masters like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. Wander through narrow streets, uncovering artisan workshops and centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive.

Culinary delights: Tasting Tuscan perfection

Tuscany’s gastronomy is a celebration of flavors and traditions. Indulge in sumptuous dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro and the world-famous bistecca alla fiorentina. Local wineries offer tastings of renowned Chianti and Brunello wines, allowing you to savor the region’s rich terroir and craftsmanship.

Charming towns and villages: Where time stands still

Tuscany’s towns and villages exude a captivating charm that transports you to a bygone era. Explore the medieval streets of Siena, where the Palio di Siena horse race enlivens the city each summer. Discover the towered town of San Gimignano, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. Each village has its unique story to tell.

Nature’s retreat: Tuscany’s coastal beauty

Beyond its rustic interiors, Tuscany boasts a coastline of unparalleled beauty. The Tyrrhenian Sea offers pristine beaches, charming seaside towns like Viareggio and the picturesque Cinque Terre — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration by the azure waters.

Planning your Tuscan adventure: Tips and recommendations

Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Getting around: Rent a car for flexibility, especially when exploring the countryside.
Accommodation: Choose from luxury villas, boutique hotels or agriturismos (farm stays) for an authentic experience.
Local etiquette: Embrace the Italian way of life, enjoying leisurely meals with homemade noodles or Italian breadsticks and engaging with locals.
Language: While Italian is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

A view of Tuscany from the top of a hill.

Magic of Tuscany

As you venture through Tuscany’s timeless beauty, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of art, history and natural splendor. From the iconic city of Florence to the tranquil countryside, Tuscany offers an unforgettable escape that resonates with every traveler.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Tuscany’s enchanting landscapes, captivating art and delectable cuisine. This complete travel guide equips you with the insights needed to curate an exceptional Tuscan adventure. Explore the charm of Tuscany and let its timeless beauty leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Zuzana is the creative force behind her websites Lowcarb-nocarb and Best Clean Eating. As a content creator, food recipe developer, blogger and photographer, Zuzana brings diverse skills to the table with a dedication to sharing delicious, healthy recipes and helpful tips with the readers. Get her Best Keto Recipes Book for free.

Low-Carb Meals With No Funny Ingredients & That Actually Taste Good!

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5 Incredible Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations To Visit In Tuscany

Destinations

Welcome to Tuscany, a region bursting with charm and brimming with hidden treasures. Tuscany is a place where rolling hills, picturesque villages, and ancient architecture blend seamlessly with a vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and world-renowned wines. From the stunning beaches of the Tuscan coastline to the majestic Apennine Mountains, Tuscany offers a diverse range of landscapes that are sure to captivate any traveler.

Beyond the popular cities of Florence, Pisa, and Siena lies a world of special, off-the-beaten-path destinations. I never cease to be surprised by the hidden gems this fabulous part of Italy has to offer. I’m going to share with you five of my favorite Tuscan (lesser-known) treasures. These spots are not only easy to reach from the most popular cities but are also perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and have an authentic Tuscan experience. And make sure you read through our top choices of hotels in Tuscany.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Italian traveler, Tuscany’s hidden gems are sure to find a place in your heart. So, pack your bags and let’s start exploring!

1. Pitigliano

Located in the southern part of Tuscany, on the border with Lazio, Pitigliano is often overlooked by tourists. This medieval town was built on a rocky outcrop and is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore some of the more unique sights of Tuscany.

Pitigliano is also known as “Little Jerusalem” due to its position close to Rome, where escaping Jews could find refuge. As early as the 14th century, the town became an important haven for Jews, with their numbers growing so much that they built a temple here in 1598. In fact, during the Holocaust, the Jews of Pitigliano, a 400-year-old community, were hidden for almost a year by sympathetic local farmers in barns and caves. None of those in hiding were arrested and all survived.

As you walk through Pitigliano’s narrow cobbled streets, you’ll be enchanted by the town’s exceptional architecture, Etruscan tombs, and wells, all of which seem to be part of the rock itself. Don’t miss the impressive Palazzo Orsini, which serves as the entrance to the old town and houses the Archaeological and Art Museums.

Pitigliano is also known for its network of secret tunnels carved into the rock, leading to age-old wine cellars and fascinating chambers. If you’re a history buff, visit the Jewish Ghetto, as well as the Duomo di Pitigliano. Before you leave, take a moment to enjoy the picturesque landscapes surrounding the town. Visit Forno Del Ghetto to indulge in some traditional Jewish sfratti, a typical walnut, nutmeg, honey, and orange-peel pastry of Pitigliano, still baked and sold in the bakeries and pastry shops of the village. And if you have time, stay for dinner at Osteria di Fuori Porta di Pitigliano and savor a glass of wine while admiring the stunning views.

Pitigliano is an easy 2-hour drive from Rome and just over 2 hours from Florence.

Sorano, a hidden gem in southern Tuscany, is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of off-the-beaten-path Italy. This centuries-old village perched on a cliff and dug into the rock (like nearby Pitigliano), offers visitors a glimpse into the Etruscan era and medieval times. It is often referred to as the Matera of Tuscany, due to its rocky villages and pathways that take you on a journey through time. Visitors can explore the Etruscan necropolis, take in the stunning views from the Rocca Orsini fortress and the Masso Leopoldino (also known as Rocca Vecchia), and admire art from the Middle Ages at the Collegiata di San Niccolo.

Sorano is also a great place for foodies and wine enthusiasts. The village is famous for its grape harvests, wine tastings, tours, and seminars that can be enjoyed at Sassotondo on the old road from Pitigliano to Sovana.

Getting to Sorano is easy, with it only being a 2-hour drive from both Rome and Florence. Those who are visiting nearby Pitigliano should also make time to explore Sorano, as it offers a similar charm on a smaller scale.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for somewhere to stay, try Agriturismo Locanda Pantanello , a beautifully restored traditional 17th-century stone farmhouse only a 10-minute drive outside of Sorano.

Monteriggioni main square after the rain

3. Monteriggioni

Located just north of Siena, Monteriggioni is a medieval hilltop town that’s a must-visit for those exploring Tuscany. Built between 1214 and 1219 as a defense against the strong Florentines to the north, it’s now a sleepy town, a peaceful and charming destination popular with those vacationing in Italy and seeking non-touristy places to visit. The town’s medieval fortifications and watchtowers are still in place.

The town is home to several notable attractions, including the 13th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Museo Monteriggioni in Arme (Army Museum), which houses a collection of original military objects, clothing, and weapons. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside from the town’s towers and walkways.

While in town, be sure to explore the narrow streets, charming gardens, and the must-see central square with its ancient well. If you’re lucky enough to be in Monteriggioni in July, don’t miss the annual Medieval Festival, known as Monteriggioni Festa , which kicks off with a Grand Banquet in the piazza. Then, the following days are dedicated to medieval games, traditional craftsmen at work, and colorful parades, along with fireworks, dancing and music, and plenty of food and wine.

Although Monteriggioni is small and accommodations are limited, there are a few places to stay, including Hotel Monteriggioni and Camere Dentro Il Castello . For a truly unforgettable experience, visit Fattoria Castello di Monteriggioni winery and sample some of the region’s fabulous food and delicious wines.

Pro Tip: Combining a visit to Monteriggioni with nearby places like San Gimignano or Greve in Chianti is highly recommended.

4. Bagni San Filippo

The small, beautiful Tuscan town of Bagni San Filippo is named after the secluded hot springs located there. The town is just a few minutes away from the Instagram-famous Val d’Orcia (Valley of the Orcia River), a UNESCO heritage site and a valley in the heart of Tuscany that’s retained its unspoiled beauty for centuries.

The Baths of San Filippo, situated in a park in the heart of the town, offer beautiful natural thermal pools where the water flowing through is rich in carbonate-calcic. Over the years, these deposits of calcium have created huge formations. The most impressive of which is the White Whale, which looks like a solidified waterfall. A short downward hike through the park will get you to the gorgeous pools for a therapeutic and relaxing swim in the 77-degree Fahrenheit, mineral-enriched water. The best time to visit the springs is between September and November, especially on weekdays or early mornings when there are fewer crowds.

The hot springs are free to visit and Bagni San Filippo is a great day-trip option from Rome or Florence, but an even better decision is to stay in the area for a few days. For those looking to stay in the region, Montepulciano offers good accommodation options, like Il Tosco , an antique mansion in the heart of Montepulciano.

Pro Tip: There are plenty of hidden spots at Bagni San Filippo to discover. Don’t settle for the main areas, keep walking until you find the more secluded, deep turquoise pools. I’d recommend bringing a picnic lunch and plenty of water!

5. Elba Island

I’m cheating a little here by giving you a whole island and not just a town! Elba Island, situated just 6 miles off the coast of Tuscany, is the third largest Italian Island after Sicily and Sardinia, and it’s one of the best hidden gems in Tuscany. Famous for its pristine coastline, Elba isn’t really on holidaymakers’ radars yet but is definitely worth exploring.

Elba is part of Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Europe’s largest marine park, along with eight other islands, including Giglio, Giannutri, and Montecristo. Visitors should take advantage of the island’s stunning coastline with its crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and pristine beaches, such as Cala delle Alghe or the Spiaggia Luisi d’Angelo. The lushly wooded interior is perfect for walking and cycling. Hiking up Capanne Mount provides spectacular views of the island, while exploring the historic Fortress of Volterraio, perched at the top of the island, offers insight into Elba’s rich past. A visit to Portoferraio is a must for history buffs, as it was once Napoleon’s place of exile.

As in the rest of Italy, a general love of children in Elba is accompanied by fabulous, child-friendly food, plenty of family-friendly activities, and a good range of family-friendly accommodations, like the Baia Bianca Suites or the Hotel Antares . Children will particularly love the wire-cage chairlift to the island’s peak, which offers views all the way to Corsica.

The island’s charm lies in its untouched natural beauty and unspoiled landscape, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With eight ferries a day connecting it to the mainland, Elba Island is easily accessible and definitely worth a visit.

There you have it — five of my very favorite hidden gems in Tuscany. Head out and discover the unique scenery, the amazing history, the tantalizing food, and of course, the world-class wine that this incredible region of Italy has to offer!

13 Perfect Looks to Pack if You’re Going to Tuscany or Want to Emulate Italian Summer Style — From $10

Starting with a breezy sundress and comfortable walking sneakers.

As a travel editor who’s been to more than 40 countries, I’ve seen a lot of the world — but I still haven’t found anywhere that compares to Italy in the summer . My sun-kissed memories of cruising around Capri, leather-shopping in Florence, and bike riding through Chianti vineyards are some of my fondest, which is why I can’t wait to get back there in May. This time I’ll be focusing on Tuscany, and you can bet that I plan to live out my dreams of lounging by the villa pool with a spritz in hand.

Of course, I’m going to need a wardrobe that lives up to the glam of this trip (but that fits in a carry-on since I haven’t checked a bag in four-plus years , and I’m not about to start now). With past Italy visits under my belt, I already know I’ll need comfortable walking shoes and a breezy sundress , but I’m adding a few new looks to my suitcase, including wide-leg pants and a matching set . Here’s what I’m eyeing for my trip to Italy — and hopefully, it’ll inspire all of your out-of-office adventures near and far, too.

The Perfect Sundress

I can see it now: I’m walking through Florence with a gelato and admiring the Duomo, wearing the perfect sundress. For this, I’ve already picked up the Melody Smocked Midi Dress from Madewell in black knowing it’ll take me from day to night — city walk to aperitivo — effortlessly. Thanks to its ultra-flattering fit with a smocked top and gentle A-line flare, I wouldn’t doubt if you see this midi dress way beyond Italy this summer. I’m going to pair it with white sneakers during the day and my platform sandals in the evening. I’m also eyeing this beautiful white sundress and this aptly named “Tagliatelle” dress from Reformation .

Comfortable White Sneakers

I’ve been a loyal fan of the celeb-loved Veja Campo sneakers for years now, but after reading rave reviews of these cushioned, platform Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers , I may just make the upgrade before my trip. Even Oprah loves this brand , with shoppers saying they feel like “walking on clouds.” Sounds like they’re worth it, especially since they’re on sale. I plan to wear these with everything from my breezy sundresses to casual shorts.

Leather Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

It’s practically shameful to walk through Florence’s leather market without your own nice leather bag, and this one from Lo & Sons recently changed my world . The stylish, versatile Lo & Sons Waverley 2 4-in-1 Bag has a convertible strap that makes it four bags in one. I can wear it on my shoulder, crossbody for more security, as a belt bag to keep my hands free, and as a wristlet for a night out. That covers pretty much everything on my itinerary — and cuts down on packing space.

Tailored Shorts

These high-waisted shorts are so classy and elegant, they practically scream “Italy vacation.” French-girl-favorite and T+L editor-loved brand Sézane must’ve thought so too because they named this style “Rome.” I love the elevated, tailored details like pleating and cuffs. For the same look for less, I’d spring for these casual $26 linen shorts or classic $25 white shorts from Amazon.

Oversized White Button-down Shirt

I’m convinced there’s no trip I can’t use this Hotouch oversized white button-down shirt for, which is why it’s a permanent part of my travel capsule wardrobe . I can use it to cover up in the morning or evening if it’s chilly or if I enter a church, or I can throw it on over a bathing suit by the villa pool in Tuscany. (Psst, you can shop more of our favorite oversized button-downs here!)

Maybe it’s the White Lotus Tanya McQuoid in me, but I can’t imagine my Italy trip without a silk scarf to tie around my neck or hair (while riding a Vespa, probably). I’m eyeing this pretty, neutral one from Fonyve from Amazon since it’s a steal at $10. I was sold the moment I read this five-star review from a fellow traveler: “Elegant, well-made scarf…The colors of these are very vibrant and look like expensive scarves from Italy.”

I always had a lot of trouble finding sunglasses that fit my narrow face (I used to buy kids’ sizes!) — until I tried these frames at Warby Parker, the same affordable brand that makes my eyeglasses. I love that they have narrow, medium, and wide sizes to fit pretty much any face, and you can add polarization and your prescription to them, all for way less than you’d normally pay for name-brand sunglasses. There’s far less guilt than if I lost my Ray-Bans, but they’re still nicer than super cheap ones. If you’re still not ready to shell out $95 for a quality pair, you can’t go wrong with these Sojos vintage sunglasses at Amazon, which look just like them but are only $15.

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

I’ve written before about how Madewell’s Harlow wide-leg pants are the comfiest pants I own and go with absolutely everything (I even purchased another color after originally buying them), but I’ll sing their praises again and again. They are made from a luxuriously soft lyocell-linen blend that keeps things cool even on hot days, and I’ve found they wrinkle far less than my 100 percent linen pants.

Thin Leather Belt

Sometimes crafting the perfect travel outfit is all about accessories, and the right belt can take a good outfit from good to bellissima. This thin, understated option from Jasgood adds just the right amount of polish to a look whether it’s cinching a billowy dress or adding the cherry on top of the perfect pants. Adding a belt is also great for switching up looks from day to day.

Cardigan Sweater

Nights can get chilly in the Tuscan hills — even June and July see lows of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why I pack a versatile cardigan that pairs with all my looks in case I get cold. To pass my Italy packing list test, I usually ask myself, “Would Audrey Hepburn have worn this?” And this one from J. Crew passed the test . There’s something decidedly European about its classic stripes, and its neutral palette will match with anything I pack. While the 100 percent cotton sweater is on sale for less than $100 (and has an impressive 4.7 rating), I found a more affordable lookalike at Amazon for just $40.

Matching Set

Matching sets are the epitome of no-fuss, one-and-done outfits that look put-together for any event on the itinerary, whether you’re sipping Chianti at a vineyard or exploring town. Plus, you can mix and match them with other shorts and tops in your suitcase for maximum outfit potential. I splurged on the Noah Two-piece Set from Reformation (look how perfect that “linguini” print is for an Italian wedding weekend event!) but I also have and would recommend something very similar to this $33 matching set from Amazon.

Wide-brim Packable Sun Hat

I plan to soak up the Tuscan sun on this trip and to make sure I’m protected and looking stylish, I’ll pack my trusty J.Crew Packable Sun Hat that’s taken me from Egypt to Greece and back. It easily folds right up into my carry-on, and only takes minimal zhuzhing to get back to its original shape. I’d snap one up while they’re still 62 percent off if I were you.

High-waist Yoga Shorts

One of the most magical moments of my last trips to Tuscany was a bike ride through Chianti. I’m planning to convince my travel partners to re-create that, and I know for that I’ll need some athletic shorts like this pair I swear by from The Gym People. They’re perfect when strolling through markets paired with my oversized white button-down, sun hat, and sneakers.

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18 Enticing Reasons Why Americans Flock to Tuscany for Retirement

Posted: May 2, 2024 | Last updated: May 2, 2024

<p><strong>Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and delectable cuisine, is becoming an unexpected hotspot for American retirees. Here’s why:</strong></p>

Tuscany, known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and delectable cuisine, is becoming an unexpected hotspot for American retirees. Here’s why:

<p>While Tuscany may have a reputation for luxury, it’s surprisingly affordable for retirees. With careful budgeting, one can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, especially in smaller towns like Lucca or Arezzo.</p>

1. Affordable Cost of Living

While Tuscany may have a reputation for luxury, it’s surprisingly affordable for retirees. With careful budgeting, one can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank, especially in smaller towns like Lucca or Arezzo.

<p>Italy boasts a robust healthcare system, and Tuscany is no exception. Access to top-notch medical care, including specialists and hospitals, is readily available, providing peace of mind for retirees concerned about their health needs.</p>

2. High-Quality Healthcare

Italy boasts a robust healthcare system, and Tuscany is no exception. Access to top-notch medical care, including specialists and hospitals, is readily available, providing peace of mind for retirees concerned about their health needs.

<p>Renowned for its health benefits, the Mediterranean diet is a staple in Tuscany. Fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood contribute to a balanced and nutritious way of eating, promoting longevity and well-being.</p>

3. Mediterranean Diet

Renowned for its health benefits, the Mediterranean diet is a staple in Tuscany. Fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood contribute to a balanced and nutritious way of eating, promoting longevity and well-being.

<p>From Renaissance art in Florence to medieval architecture in Siena, Tuscany is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Retirees can immerse themselves in history, art, and music, enriching their golden years with enriching activities.</p>

4. Cultural Riches

From Renaissance art in Florence to medieval architecture in Siena, Tuscany is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Retirees can immerse themselves in history, art, and music, enriching their golden years with enriching activities.

<p>Life moves at a leisurely pace in Tuscany, encouraging retirees to savor each moment. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely passeggiata or lingering over a glass of Chianti, there’s ample opportunity to relax and unwind.</p>

5. Slow-Paced Lifestyle

Life moves at a leisurely pace in Tuscany, encouraging retirees to savor each moment. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely passeggiata or lingering over a glass of Chianti, there’s ample opportunity to relax and unwind.

<p>The picturesque landscapes of Tuscany are a feast for the eyes. Rolling vineyards, cypress-lined roads, and hilltop villages offer breathtaking views at every turn, creating an idyllic backdrop for retirement.</p>

6. Stunning Scenery

The picturesque landscapes of Tuscany are a feast for the eyes. Rolling vineyards, cypress-lined roads, and hilltop villages offer breathtaking views at every turn, creating an idyllic backdrop for retirement.

<p>Tuscany enjoys a mild climate year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. This temperate weather allows retirees to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and gardening throughout the year.</p>

7. Mild Climate

Tuscany enjoys a mild climate year-round, with warm summers and mild winters. This temperate weather allows retirees to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and gardening throughout the year.

<p>Tuscany’s tight-knit communities foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. Retirees can easily integrate into local life, participating in festivals, markets, and cultural events.</p>

8. Sense of Community

Tuscany’s tight-knit communities foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents. Retirees can easily integrate into local life, participating in festivals, markets, and cultural events.

<p>Situated in the heart of Italy, Tuscany offers easy access to other European destinations. Retirees can embark on weekend getaways to cities like Rome, Venice, or Milan, exploring new cultures and landscapes.</p>

9. Proximity to Travel Destinations

Situated in the heart of Italy, Tuscany offers easy access to other European destinations. Retirees can embark on weekend getaways to cities like Rome, Venice, or Milan, exploring new cultures and landscapes.

<p>For retirees with a passion for renovation, Tuscany’s historic properties present endless possibilities. Restoring a farmhouse or villa can be a fulfilling project, allowing retirees to leave their mark on the landscape.</p>

10. Renovation Opportunities

For retirees with a passion for renovation, Tuscany’s historic properties present endless possibilities. Restoring a farmhouse or villa can be a fulfilling project, allowing retirees to leave their mark on the landscape.

<p>Food plays a central role in Tuscan culture, with an emphasis on simple, flavorful dishes made from local ingredients. Retirees can indulge in pasta, cheese, and wine to their heart’s content, embracing the region’s culinary heritage.</p>

11. Culinary Delights

Food plays a central role in Tuscan culture, with an emphasis on simple, flavorful dishes made from local ingredients. Retirees can indulge in pasta, cheese, and wine to their heart’s content, embracing the region’s culinary heritage.

<p>Retiring in Tuscany offers the opportunity to learn Italian and immerse oneself in the local language and culture. Whether attending language classes or conversing with neighbors, retirees can expand their horizons and connect with the community on a deeper level.</p>

12. Language Immersion

Retiring in Tuscany offers the opportunity to learn Italian and immerse oneself in the local language and culture. Whether attending language classes or conversing with neighbors, retirees can expand their horizons and connect with the community on a deeper level.

<p>Tuscany is known for its low crime rates and safe environment, providing retirees with peace of mind as they enjoy their retirement years. Whether exploring the countryside or strolling through town, residents can feel secure in their surroundings.</p>

13. Safety and Security

Tuscany is known for its low crime rates and safe environment, providing retirees with peace of mind as they enjoy their retirement years. Whether exploring the countryside or strolling through town, residents can feel secure in their surroundings.

<p>From hiking in the Apuan Alps to swimming along the Tuscan coast, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities to enjoy in Tuscany. The region’s diverse landscape offers opportunities for adventure and exploration, keeping retirees active and engaged.</p>

14. Access to Outdoor Activities

From hiking in the Apuan Alps to swimming along the Tuscan coast, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities to enjoy in Tuscany. The region’s diverse landscape offers opportunities for adventure and exploration, keeping retirees active and engaged.

<p>With its rich history dating back to the Etruscans, Tuscany is a treasure trove of historical sites and monuments. Retirees can explore ancient ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance palaces, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural heritage.</p>

15. Historical Heritage

With its rich history dating back to the Etruscans, Tuscany is a treasure trove of historical sites and monuments. Retirees can explore ancient ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance palaces, gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s cultural heritage.

<p>Italy offers a retirement visa program, making it easier for Americans to relocate to Tuscany and other regions of the country. This streamlined process simplifies the transition to retirement abroad, allowing retirees to fulfill their dream of living in Italy.</p>

16. Retirement Visa Program

Italy offers a retirement visa program, making it easier for Americans to relocate to Tuscany and other regions of the country. This streamlined process simplifies the transition to retirement abroad, allowing retirees to fulfill their dream of living in Italy.

<p>Tuscany is synonymous with wine, boasting world-renowned varietals like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Retirees can indulge in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and cellar visits, experiencing the region’s viticultural heritage firsthand.</p>

17. Wine Country

Tuscany is synonymous with wine, boasting world-renowned varietals like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Retirees can indulge in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and cellar visits, experiencing the region’s viticultural heritage firsthand.

<p>Above all, Tuscany captivates retirees with its timeless beauty and rustic charm. Whether admiring a sunset over the rolling hills or wandering through a medieval village, the region’s enchanting landscapes and historic towns create a magical backdrop for retirement.</p>

18. Timeless Beauty

Above all, Tuscany captivates retirees with its timeless beauty and rustic charm. Whether admiring a sunset over the rolling hills or wandering through a medieval village, the region’s enchanting landscapes and historic towns create a magical backdrop for retirement.

<p>While retiring in Tuscany may sound like a dream come true, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making the leap. From language barriers to cultural adjustments, living abroad presents challenges alongside its many rewards. Ultimately, whether Tuscany is the right retirement destination depends on individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances.</p>

The Tuscan Dream: Is It Worth It?

While retiring in Tuscany may sound like a dream come true, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making the leap. From language barriers to cultural adjustments, living abroad presents challenges alongside its many rewards. Ultimately, whether Tuscany is the right retirement destination depends on individual preferences, priorities, and circumstances.

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Are the train and bus stations in Siena within an easy walk of the city center, or is a taxi necessary?

2 replies to this topic

The bus station is in the center, train station a little outside.

See this recent thread: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187895-i68-k14751158-Add_to_my_list_non_museum_things_to_do-Florence_Tuscany.html#120661506

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Two cyclists on a gravel roadway with hills in the background

Scotland: Galloway Gravel

Explore the gravel cycling capital of the UK in Galloway and experience miles of scenic forest, riverbanks, and coastal trails This tour is tailored for those who crave adventure beyond the usual roads.

Amsterdam to Bruges: Tulips and Windmills

Glide through the flat, picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands and Belgium. This relaxed journey is great for first-time cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts wanting to enjoy Europe’s urban and rural beauty.

A cyclist overlooking a view of rolling hills

Portugal: Ride Camp Training

Experience the Algarve’s hidden trails and temperate climate, making it an ideal spot for off-season cycling. This trip is a great option for riders looking to improve their skills in a scenic setting.

Vermont: Autumn Colors

Marvel at Vermont’s stunning autumnal palette from the saddle. This tour captures the essence of New England charm and is best for those who enjoy a fall ride under colorful canopies.

Single cyclist on gravel road with mountains in the background

Provence to Girona: The Ultimate Gravel Journey

Push through the historic gravel paths from Provence to the Pyrenees. Adventurers and gravel enthusiasts will find this challenging terrain both invigorating and rewarding.

Tuscany: The Heart of Italy

Cycle through the heart of Italian culinary tradition and stunning landscapes. This tour is a dream for foodies and those who wish to experience Tuscany’s renowned culture and cuisine.

Cyclist on dirt road riding past a lake and mountain

Black Hills: America’s Gravel Frontier

Adventure through South Dakota’s historic landscapes on gravel paths, from the mysterious Spearfish Canyon to the iconic Mount Rushmore. If you’re looking for a twist on a classic summer vacation, this is your bike tour.

Whether you’re cycling, hiking, or gravel biking, these tours are designed to deliver an immersive experience that goes beyond ordinary travel, leaving you with memories and stories to cherish for years to come. Don’t just explore; immerse yourself in the vacation of a lifetime!

Ready to book your next adventure? Start planning today and prepare for an active 2025 filled with new experiences and breathtaking landscapes!

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If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate luxury:.

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Road : 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Road : 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Road : 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Road : 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - reserve:.

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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Find out here everything you need to know about visiting Tuscany: attractions, ideas, itineraries, events, deals, recipes and tours. Skip to content. Tuscany official tourism website ©2024 ... Pick your destination. Areas. Towns and villages. Amiata. Prato area. Arezzo area. Casentino. Chianti. Etruscan Coast. Elba and Tuscan Islands. Empolese ...
The Best 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, with its spectacular cities, towns, and scenery, is one of Italy's top vacation destinations.Tuscany's many attractions include historic cities, art-filled museums and churches, great wine and food, medieval hill towns, beaches, and beautiful countryside.. Each part of the Tuscany region has its own unique personality. And while it's hard to narrow down a best-of list in an area of ...
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Here's my pick of the best places to visit in Tuscany. Italy's most famous region, Tuscany's main towns and cities are the definition of living history: Florence, Siena, Abrezzo, Lucca, Pisa, Cortona… each with its own delights and attractions. Safe to say that Tuscany is well-deserving of a spot on your Italy itinerary.
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To find other destinations across Italy, Europe, and beyond, use the search bar found in the top-righthand corner of your desktop (or on mobile, as part of the drop-down menu). ... Consider splurging on a Tuscany travel experience you'll never forget, and add riding in a hot air balloon to your list of things to do in Tuscany. ...
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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. ... Tuscany's rail network spans across 181 stations ...
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Explore Tuscany holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Explore Tuscany holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Lonely Planet. Destinations. Planning. Inspiration ... Destination Practicalities. Experience the best of Tuscany with this regional guide. Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read ...
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Tuscany Travel Guide - Forbes Travel Guide. Known for its beautiful countryside, top-notch wine and unique bread, Tuscany emanates romance. The mix of endless vineyards, rolling olive groves, legendary artwork and history galore. Of course, this region can't be talked about without mentioning Florence and all that the beautiful city has to offer.
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Tuscany (Italian: Toscana) is a region on Italy's west coast, on the Tyrrhenian sea. It is one of the most popular places to visit in a country that is itself one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. There are several reasons to visit Tuscany: some of the most important ones are seeing Renaissance art in Florence, eating Tuscan food and tasting the excellent local wines, and ...
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From Rome, travelers can continue their journey to Tuscany by train or rental car. Train Travel: Traveling within Tuscany by train is an efficient way to explore the region. Key destinations like Siena, Lucca, and Arezzo are well-connected to Florence, which acts as a central railway hub. By Car:
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In June you can see beautiful poppy fields everywhere and from June to August you can find sunflower fields in Tuscany. The Best Places to Visit in Tuscany Italy. 1. Florence. Florence is a great place to start your trip through Tuscany. There is an airport and a train station so you can easily get there.
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Trenitalia train tickets can cost as little as 3€ for local travel, and 50€+ for longer-distance, high-speed train rides. Keep in mind that if you book your long-distance train tickets well in advance, they will be cheaper. For short routes, there really isn't a need to buy in advance as the price doesn't change much.
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Central Coast & Elba. Tuscany. Eastern Tuscany. Tuscany. Southern Tuscany. 1. 2. 3. Where to go, best places to stay, travel tips and and best holiday destinations - inspiration from the experts at Lonely Planet.
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The best travel tips for visiting Tuscany . Indeed the era we know as the Renaissance, which played so large a role in forming the culture not just of Italy but of Europe as a whole, is associated more strongly with this part of the country than with anywhere else.. Florence was the most active centre of the Renaissance, flourishing principally through the all-powerful patronage of the Medici ...
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Tuscany travel blog: Where to go, what to do? Florence | tuscany blog. To start exploring Tuscany, Florence is a must-visit destination. The capital of Tuscany in central Italy, Florence owns everything to be voted by many prestigious travel magazines as the most wonderful city in Europe.
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2. Sorano. Sorano, a hidden gem in southern Tuscany, is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the beauty and charm of off-the-beaten-path Italy. This centuries-old village perched on a cliff and dug into the rock (like nearby Pitigliano), offers visitors a glimpse into the Etruscan era and medieval times.
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7. Volterra. ermess / Adobe Stock. Another of the most beautiful villages in the Tuscan region is Volterra, whose terracotta coloring makes itself known at first glance. Renowned for its Etruscan roots and alabaster production, this picturesque town was built on a hill right between two valleys—Era and Cecina.
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Vacation Rentals ; Travel Stories ; Cruises ; Rental Cars ; Tours ; Add a Place ; Travel Forum ; Airlines ; Travelers' Choice ; Help Center ; Train & Bus Stations - Siena Forum. Europe ; Italy ; ... Particular places to enjoy Tuscany views in Siena Apr 17, 2024; Il Palio Trials - Lunch and Protocol for Trials Apr 14, 2024; Gate of Heaven Apr 12 ...
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April 30, 2024. Plan your 2025 travel with our guide to the best active vacation destinations. From the scenic trails of Europe to the coastal rides in North America, get ready to explore! Whether you're looking to pedal through the quaint villages of Europe, hike along breathtaking coastal trails, or indulge in other cultural activities, our ...

The Top 10 Places to Go in Tuscany

San Gimignano

Chianti Classico Wine Region

Montepulciano

Pienza and Val D'Orcia

Montecatini Terme

Tuscany Itinerary: See the Best Places in One Week (+Map & Tips)

How many days do you need in Tuscany

How to see the best of Tuscany in one week

One Week Tuscany Itinerary

Day 2 – Florence to Siena

Day 3 – Val d’Orcia – Tuscan countryside

Day 4 – San Gimignano and Volterra

Day 5 – Pisa

Day 6 – Lucca

Day 7 – Collodi, Pistoia, Prato, or the outskirts of Florence

Where to stay for this Tuscany itinerary

One week Tuscany trip itinerary map

Best Time to Visit Tuscany

22 Unmissable Places to Visit in Tuscany

Best Places to Visit in Tuscany

San Gimignano

Val d’Orcia

Isola del Giglio

Monteriggioni

Forte dei Marmi

Montepulciano

Bagni San Filippo

San Quirico D’Orcia

Where to Visit in Tuscany: Map

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25 Terrific Things to Do in Tuscany (+ Travel Guide!)

Ready to Narrow Down Your Tuscany Bucket List?

Ride a Vespa through the countryside.

Take a food tour (or six).

Enjoy the views from Tuscany’s hilltop towns.

Indulge in some beach time.

Take a road trip through the Val d’Orcia.

Take a dip in the hot springs.

Go horseback riding through vineyards in the Tuscan countryside.

Say hello to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Explore Florence, the capital of Tuscany.

Take a Tuscan cooking class.

Go truffle hunting.

Indulge in a wine tasting (or three).

Visit some castles.

Enjoy a gelato (or several) in the city that it was invented in.

Take a hike in the Apuan Alps.

Climb to the top of the world.

Indulge in an olive oil tasting.

Explore some canyons.

Soar above the vineyards in a hot air balloon.

Spend a night (or a week) in a Tuscan villa.

Stroll along the medieval walls in Lucca.

Attend the Palio di Siena.

Watch the sunset over Tuscany.

Be spontaneous and wander.

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