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How to Experience the Best of Tuscany: 12 Travel Tips for Italy’s Heartland

I love Italy. (Who doesn’t?) And after years of traveling all up and down “The Boot,” one area in particular keeps drawing me back: Tuscany, Italy’s heartland. In this country notorious for its challenging idiosyncrasies, Tuscany is the one place where everything is in perfect, serene harmony. What’s not to love? Amazing art — check. Gregarious locals — check. Epic history — check. Stunning landscapes — check. Incredible food — check. Entertaining cities — check. Gelato — super-check.

Six months ago, as I was plotting out my summer travels, I volunteered to do some guidebook-updating work in Italy: Orvieto, Assisi, and, oh, I don’t know, maybe a few other places… like, say… Tuscany?

Jennifer Madison Davis, the managing editor who keeps our guidebook production schedule humming like a finely tuned machine, eyed me suspiciously. “ Tuscany , eh?” She remembers all too well that the last time I went to Tuscany on a guidebook-updating expedition, I came home with a chapter twice as long as the one I left with…including a nine-page, fresco-by-fresco, self-guided tour of an obscure monastery tucked deep in the Tuscan hills. “Now, why might you want to go to Tuscany?”

I cut to the chase: “Look, I just want to go. I promise that I won’t get carried away. I’ll just update what’s already there. Honest!”

She went for it. And now I’m back in one of my favorite places on earth.

When I’m in the bucolic heart of Tuscany, I have trouble getting to sleep. I’m amped up, like I’m a toy-crazy little kid and every night is Christmas Eve. My head spins with the sublime experiences of the day that just ended, and my pulse quickens thinking about what tomorrow will bring. It’s like I’m on some sort of globetrotting drug…freebasing the essence of peak travel. And when I get home, it all feels like some sort of surreal fever dream. (Or maybe it’s just all the pecorino and truffles.)

Our tour company just announced a brand-new Best of Tuscany Tour for 2020. Impeccably designed by Heather Lawless and other experts and guides in our Tour Operations department, it weaves together 12 days of vivid Tuscan experiences. Comparing notes with Heather as she’s put this tour together, I’m both gratified to see many of my personal favorites on the list…and impressed by how many entirely new-to-me experiences Heather has sniffed out. I’ve led many Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, but I’ve never been on one just for fun. That’s about to change — my wife and I are signing up to be tour members on the Best of Tuscany in 2020.

Why is Tuscany my first choice for a European vacation? I think it’s because it’s so experience-rich. And, after years of visits, I’ve assembled this “best of” list — a running tally of the intensely pleasurable experiences that put Tuscany in travel’s all-time hall of fame. Here my top dozen things to do in Tuscany — whether you’re going with a tour, or on your own.

Bask in Stunning Scenery

One of Tuscany’s calling cards is its mind-bending scenery: Sumptuous, extravagantly green, undulating farm fields that look like a painting. Hillsides grooved with twisty rural roads and lined with pointy cypress trees. Stately churches, humble chapels, rustic farmhouses, and circles of trees perched just so in resplendent tableaus. But it’s not just the landscape. Beauty is in the DNA of Tuscans. One Siena native recently told me that Tuscans consider themselves the inheritors and stewards of a centuries-long legacy of beauty. Every tree that’s planted, every farmhouse that’s restored, every road that’s re-routed — it’s all carefully considered not only on practical or economic merits, but also on aesthetics.

Here’s a list of the best viewpoints in Tuscany — where you can snap postcard-worthy photos of your own. 

Have a “Zero-Kilometer” Meal on a Farm

“Farm-to-table” was a thing in Tuscany centuries before it became trendy among 21st-century American foodies. Tuscans have always been keenly aware that the same produce can taste very different, depending on the specific conditions in which it’s grown — soil, sun exposure, micro-climate, and so on. Many Tuscan farms invite visitors to learn about how they make their wine, olive oil, and prosciutto. You can walk through the vineyards, check out the olive press, and step into the hut where giant ham hocks hang on racks, slowly curing in the dry air. The ultimate farm experience is having a “zero-kilometer” meal — meaning that all of the ingredients are sourced from within less than a kilometer of where they’re eaten. A meal like this is an interplay of earthy flavors, where the taste of each item enhances, and is enhanced by, the taste of every other item. At a zero-kilometer meal, you’re not just eating food. You are, in effect, eating a very specific place .

Read about a zero-kilometer meal you can experience just outside of Montalcino.

Ogle Great Art in a Forgotten Church

During the 1400s and 1500s, the Tuscan art world had a very, very, very deep bench: Michelangelo. Da Vinci. Raphael. Donatello. And many others (Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Giotto, Vasari, Fra Angelico) who don’t share their names with radioactive turtles. But many of my favorite works don’t hang in famous Florence museums; they’re hidden away in off-the-beaten-path towns and overlooked countryside churches. Two examples stick out in my mind: In Arezzo, you can step into the Technicolor apse of the town church to see luscious frescoes by Piero della Francesca. And deep in the Tuscan countryside, at the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the cloister is gloriously frescoed with fascinating works by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma — offering both a lesson in the life of St. Benedict, and countless examples of two dueling artists whose egos ran amuck 600 years ago. Best of all, because 99 percent of travelers have never heard of these sights, they’re all yours.

Read more about these two overlooked Tuscan masterpieces…and why Il Sodoma may be the quirkiest character in art history. 

Meet a Real-Life Artisan

Because of their deep dedication to beauty, many Tuscans have devoted their lives to mastering a craft — creating something with care and precision, while carrying on a proud aesthetic tradition going back centuries. If you take the time to slow down and seek out these modern-day masters, you’re left with indelible memories: Roberto the alabaster sculptor. Cesare the coppersmith. Adamo the vintner. Giulio the steak maestro. Nicola the gelato artist. (All of these craftspeople — and others — are recommended in our Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook ). If you want something done just right, with precision artistry and care…find yourself a Tuscan.

Here are four Tuscan artisans you can get to know in Montepulciano.

Sleep (and Eat) at an Agriturismo

Italy has more than 20,000 agriturismi : farms that are subsidized by the government to introduce travelers to a unique pastoral lifestyle. Agriturismi  are required to be working farms (that is, they must actually produce something) while also offering accommodations, restaurants, educational activities, or all of the above. Settling into an agriturismo , you meet fascinating locals and feel close to the earth. It’s like summer camp for grownups. We recommend our favorites in the  Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook , and you can also find a comprehensive list at Agriturismo.it .

Read more about one of our favorite agriturismi : Cretaiole, just outside of Pienza.

Play “King of the Castle” atop a Fortified Tower

Tuscany is crazy about its towers — whether it’s the turreted townhouse of a wealthy local bigwig in San Gimignano, the fancy facade of a humble town hall in  Montepulciano or Volterra, the towering City Hall of Siena, or the famously tipsy bell tower at Pisa’s Field of Miracles . Tuscany’s towers date from a time long before there was an “Italy” — when this area was a loose collection of city-states and wealthy families, all vying for the upper hand. Towers both served a defensive purpose and stood as status symbols for proud communities. That architectural legacy is a boon for today’s travelers, who enjoy climbing to the tops of these towers for views over the rooftops and rolling hills of Tuscany.

Learn more about the roots of Tuscany’s obsession with towers. 

Lick Artisanal Gelato

My favorite gelato artist in Tuscany, Nicola Sgarbi, is a perfectionist…a total gelato snob. He makes several batches fresh every morning, so they’re not even available until mid-day. And then, in the late afternoon, when they’re gone — they’re gone. But if you’re lucky enough to hit his shop when he’s all stocked up, you’ll enjoy his explosively flavorful creations. Nicola goes all-in on seasonal flavors (creamy basil), surprising combinations (carrot-ginger, kiwi-spinach), and top quality. Nicola’s gelaterie — in Pienza and in Montepulciano — are just two of many great places to try top-quality gelato in Tuscany.

Get to know my favorite gelato artist, Nicola. Or study up on how to sniff out the best gelato wherever you go, anywhere in Italy.

Get to Know the Etruscans

Hold on! Stick with me. Don’t let your eyes glaze over. I know — when compared to things like gelato and Michelangelo and pappardelle alla bolognese , it’s hard to get excited about the people who lived in Tuscany 3,000 years ago. But the Etruscans may well be the most fascinating prehistoric people you’ve never even thought about. Not only did their advanced culture lay a foundation for the ancient Romans, and ultimately for all of Western Civilization. Not only did they warn Julius Caesar about the Ides of March and give their name to the region of Tuscany. But, despite all of this, the Etruscans left virtually nothing tangible behind — shrouding their distant civilization in mystery. A few tragically under-visited museums around Tuscany display what does survive, including delicate artwork (like the hauntingly beautiful statue called The Evening Shadow, or L’Ombra della Sera) and evocative funerary urns, showing Etruscans with big personalities lounging at an eternal banquet for the gods. Give the Etruscans a little bit of your touristic attention…and you may just find yourself entranced by the stories they have to tell.

Here are a few of Tuscany’s top Etruscan artifacts, and where to find them.

Sail Away to Elba for an Island Getaway

So much of the traveler’s Tuscany is rolling farm fields, world-class art, stony hill towns, and hearty, meaty cuisine. For a change of pace, consider hopping a ferry for the one-hour crossing to the little isle of Elba. I went there earlier this summer (researching a new chapter for the upcoming 18th edition of our  Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook ) and was totally charmed by the place. Elba is synonymous with Napoleon, who was exiled here for 10 months after his bitter defeat. Today, touring his now-shabby residences is poignant. But there’s much more to this rocky little island: pebbly beaches, hardworking harbors, seafood dinners, and a truly terrifying gondola ride. Elba makes for a relaxing island escape from a busy Tuscan itinerary.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of splicing a little Tuscan seaside into your trip, check out my full report on Elba.

Take a Cooking Class

“Tuscan cooking classes” are an entire subgenre of travel. I’ve blogged more about that subject than I have about entire countries. That’s because this region has an outrageously appealing food culture — ranging from big, sloppy plates of pasta to refined high cuisine. And there’s a cooking class for every taste: hand-rolling pasta in a casual, family-friendly setting; going to the private residence of a talented home chef to assemble a seasonal feast; hanging out in the kitchen of a Michelin-star chef ; and everything in between. Also remember to look beyond the kitchen. While not technically a “cooking class,” going on a truffle hunt in a Tuscan forest — chasing after a smart-as-a-whip dog who has the scent of those precious deposits — gives you a whole new appreciation for a plate of truffle pasta.

For inspiration, here’s a rundown of my all-time-favorite Tuscan cooking classes.

Linger on a Convivial Piazza and Join the Passeggiata

Tuscany is all about community. And there’s no better place to commune with the Tuscans than on the piazza, or main square — particularly in the late afternoon, when families are out strolling…doing those aimless laps that they call the passeggiata. Each Tuscan town’s piazza has its own special character: Florence’s is in the shadow of the towering Palazzo Vecchio. Pienza’s is a perfect Renaissance cube. Lucca’s follows the footprint of an old Roman amphitheater. And Siena’s — the best of them all — is a vast, slanted, brick-paved oblong that hosts a twice-yearly horse race. These are places where it’s actually worth paying way too much for a fancy aperitivo for the privilege of just hanging out at an al fresco table and getting serious about people-watching. Then, hop out of your chair and join the informal people parade as it promenades through the traffic-free town center. Become a temporary Tuscan. Come to understand the local saying, il dolce far niente — “the sweetness of doing nothing.”

Looking for the ultimate Tuscan piazza? Check out this “best of” list.

Visit Off-Season — and Have the Place to Yourself

Tuscany — like other popular European destinations — can be extremely crowded. Fortunately, the region remains entertaining off-season, when things are much quieter. One of my all-time favorite trips to Tuscany came in late November . It was chilly but not cold, a crop of winter wheat blanketed the hillsides with a green vibrancy, seasonal ingredients (like chestnuts, persimmons, and truffles) infused each meal with autumnal flavors, and — best of all — we could simply show up spontaneously at museums and restaurants that would have been mobbed a few months before. While off-season travel comes with its downsides (cooler weather, earlier closing times, fewer daylight hours), visiting Tuscany outside of peak season can be a great plan for flexible travelers.

Here’s what to expect in off-season Tuscany.

There’s so much more that I haven’t covered here — cycling around Lucca’s ramparts , taking a dip in the Roman-era hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, doing a tasting of high-end “Super Tuscan” wines at a Florentine enoteca — but hopefully this is enough to stoke your wanderlust for your next trip to Tuscany.

What have I forgotten? What are some of your favorite Tuscan experiences?

This roundup is designed to inspire you to pack your trip with quintessential Tuscan experiences. For all of the details on everything described here, check out our Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook .

Or…let someone else do all that planning. My inspiration for this piece is the arrival of our just-announced Best of Tuscany in 12 Days Tour , which weaves together, in some form or another, virtually all of the experiences I’ve described here. I’ve already signed up for one of the 2020 departures — just for fun (no work this time, I promise). Maybe I’ll see you there.

21 Replies to “How to Experience the Best of Tuscany: 12 Travel Tips for Italy’s Heartland”

Cameron, Just wondering if you, Sarah Corfield, or any of the guides (including Rick) have been to ‘Basco della Ragnaia’, just outside the village of San Giovanni D’Asso? It’s an interesting art garden of an eccentric (U.S., I think) artist, open to the public. I thought the village was fun, also.

It’s a great garden. The story behind that garden is very special. We had one of our most memorable lunch up at the castle restaurant in town.

Hi, Rick. Yes, I have been to that lovely garden! It is, as you describe, somewhat eccentric and an enjoyable place for a little walk. In fact, I went there once after a truffle hunt (with the hunter and his dog), simply to learn about the garden. Suddenly the dog got excited, started digging, and discovered a truffle right in the middle of a pathway through the park. San Giovanni d’Asso itself is a nice little town (and very striking from afar, since it perches on a little plateau). Many great truffle-focused eateries there…

My trip was in 2005, Loved it, wish I could live the there, did almost everything you suggested except cooking class, not enough time.

We stayed in an Agriturismo outside of Orvieto and had the most amazing farm to table communal meals there with guests from all over the world. Highly recommend!!

What was the name of the place you stayed? It sounds lovely. Thanks

What was the name of that farm to table? We are looking close to Orvieto!

Touring Tuscany in May 2016 was a dream…I was lucky to have a seasoned traveler to Italy with me……..trying hard to pack in Florence, Cinque Terre, followed by a leisurely week in Lucca ( followed by 5 days in Montepulciano )where we rented a lovely apartment and got to know the local baker and the veg &fruit lady…… we rented bikes and rode the rampart surrounding the town…..but the very best experience was a live concert of Puccini arias in a lovely old church ( since Puccini spent some time in Lucca….the town has claimed him as their own… with concerts one evening a week pretty much throughout the year…..front row….we could most reach out and touch the performers…..breathtakingly beautiful ! 4+ stars !

We attended that same opera while visiting Lucca. Then went on to have one of our most outstanding dinners while in Italy. It was one of our best memories of that trip.

We love Tuscany…have been to Cesare’s workshop where he made a gift for us. We stayed at a marvelous B &B in Montalcino. And a wonderful Agriturismo just outside Assisi….we had a glorious view of Assisi and could easily hear the church bells pealing. As an added bonus we were able to throw open our shuttered windows….it was April and the nights were cool…and one of the resident cats hopped through the windows and spent the night in bed with us!

I’m so excited cuz I’m booked on the September departure of the Tuscany tour. Thank you for this new tour and thanks so very, very much for all the wonderful experiences I’ve had with your tours. You have changed my life in such a wonderful way that I can’t even express. Happy Travels!!!

I want to move there! Looking into it…

Hi Steve, your Italy book recommended one of my favourite little towns, “civita di bagnoregio” if someone wants to travel off the beaten path. I found it a magical place to visit.

My wife, Sandy, and I have been to Italy several times and Tuscany is our favorite. Our last visit was in April, 2017 and we stayed two weeks in a condo located in the serene countryside near Assisi. We rented a little Fiat 500 and enjoyed day trips from our home base, buzzing along the narrow country roads throughout Tuscany and Umbria. We chose one destination per day, soaking in the scenery and ambience of each, visiting farmers markets and vineyards, and enjoying an inexpensive lunch (usually per Rick’s recommendations). Of course, we always indulged in a mid-afternoon gelato, too! During each day’s jaunt, we loved speaking with the locals in our limited Italian and they seemed to love (and get a kick out of) our attempts to do so! We usually returned late to our little condo and I cooked up the fresh veggies and pasta that we purchased for a few Euros along our journey, enjoying it with a little Tuscan vino and fragrant bread. Over dinner, we discussed our plans for the next day’s adventure. This was our favorite visit to Italy and our takeaways were: 1) spend a couple of weeks in one homebase location (if possible); 2) rent a vehicle for sightseeing in Tuscany; 3) Learn a little Italian and speak to the people you meet; 4) Try doing some of your own cooking with the amazing, fresh Tuscan produce; 5) Enjoy a daily glass of Tuscan wine and, of course, a gelato!

My wife and I have been to Siena three times, but the most memorable visit included two days before and after the New Year, especially because of the magnificent 360-degree video projection in the palazzo leading up to the New Year countdown. As fate–and the surprising Italian planning would have it–the video was completely Beatles themed, if I recall correctly. Everyone in attendance sang along to the group’s many hits and without a hint of an Italian accent. The thing that made the night most memorable, however, was that in the two or three hours before the celebration, a steady rain had been falling and we had waffled on whether to go to the party. We’ve always been glad that we decided to go. However, I’m still upset with the local guy who kissed my wife at the stroke of midnight before I did. (I just checked my records, and the end of this year will mark the tenth anniversary of that visit.)

PS: We don’t go to Europe without a Rick Steves’ book to guide us.

We have been to Cretaiole several times and it is our favorite place on earth. Isabella taught us to make pici. One visit was at Halloween, a fabulous time of year to go! The harvests and cooler air, the scent of roast chestnuts in Pienza, the warm uncrowded waters of Saturnia were unforgettable.

Tuscany and the Cinque Terre are our favorites. One night in Vernazza, we sat on the cliffs with a view of the full moon over the Mediterranean! And fireflies (none where we live) just added to the magic.

Ugh, five weeks from today I was heading to Italy to start the new Tuscany tour. Oh well. Hope to do it in the future!

Looking for recommendations for moving about Tuscany in Oct 2021. We are a group of 6 and we would like to spend 2-3 nights in area as we move from Cinque Terre to Florence. We think we’d like a driver/ vehicle so we could travel about together. To rent our own van doesn’t make sense. Also favorite lodging is appreciated.

Hello Cameron, Thank you for this delightful article. We all know how 2020 turned out but thankfully there is 2022 coming up and we signed up for this tour. I’ll be scouring more through the links you posted so we can maximize our time in Tuscany next year. Can’t wait!

Thank you Cameron..love all the information. Our 7th Rick Steves tour coming up! We just signed up for Best of Tuscany in May, 2022. We’ve been on the wait list..got in..so excited..celebrating my 71st B’day!

Comments are closed.

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.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

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).

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!

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!

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!

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).

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!

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 !

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.

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!

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!

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.

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).

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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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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With its lyrical landscapes, world-class art and a superb cucina contadina (farmer's kitchen), the Tuscan experience is perfectly in symbiosis with the land.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Galleria degli Uffizi

Duomo & Piazza della Signoria

Home to the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art, Florence's premier gallery occupies the vast U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi (1560–80),…

Basilica di Santa Maria Novella

Santa Maria Novella

The striking green-and-white marble facade of 13th- to 15th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Novella fronts an entire monastical complex, comprising…

Consecrated on the former site of a Roman temple in 1179 and constructed over the 13th and 14th centuries, Siena's majestic duomo (cathedral) showcases…

Museo Civico

Entered via the Palazzo Pubblico's Cortile del Podestà (Courtyard of the Chief Magistrate), this wonderful museum showcases rooms richly frescoed by…

Palazzo Vecchio

This fortress palace, with its crenellations and 94m-high tower, was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio between 1298 and 1314 for the signoria (city government…

Museo di San Marco

San Lorenzo & San Marco

At the heart of Florence's university area sits Chiesa di San Marco and an adjoining 15th-century Dominican monastery where both gifted painter Fra'…

Florence's duomo is the city's most iconic landmark. Capped by Filippo Brunelleschi's red-tiled cupola, it's a staggering construction whose breathtaking…

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

This awe-inspiring story of how the duomo and its cupola came to life is told in this well-executed museum. Among its sacred and liturgical treasures are…

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How to Plan an Incredible 7 Day Tuscany Itinerary

Want to plan an incredible trip to Tuscany, but not sure where to start, what to include, or how much time you need? In this guide, we’re going to cover exactly how to spend 7 days in Tuscany. 

Tuscany is an incredible – albeit very popular – slice of Italy. Within its borders, which stretch almost coast to coast in Central Italy, you’ll find world-class wine (several of Italy’s most prestigious reds come from Tuscany), picturesque landscapes (that are surprisingly diverse), amazing food, and countless charming hilltop towns with commanding views over said landscapes. 

Before my (Matt here!) last trip to Italy, I had never explored much of Tuscany outside of Florence. While Florence is great, especially if you’re into history and art, the real magic of Tuscany happens out in the countryside. 

If it’s your first time in Tuscany, you should plan on balancing your trip between the hustle and bustle of cities like Florence and Siena, and the slower life found in the Val d’Orcia and Volterra. 

In this guide, we’re going to cover everything you need to know to plan an incredible Tuscany road trip (spoiler: you’re probably going to want to rent a car). We’ll start with some important logistics to help you structure your itinerary, then dive into the best things to do and see in Tuscany based on our experience. 

The intention here is to give you the information you need to plan your own Tuscany itinerary. 

Keep in mind that we’re assuming you have one week in Tuscany in the main itinerary. If you have more or less time than that, we’ve got a section below the main itinerary with suggestions on what to do with more and less time (3-5 days, or 10+ days). 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

A Quick Tuscany Geography Overview

Before we get into the meat of the Tuscany itinerary, it makes sense to take a second to talk about the geography of Italy’s most famous region. 

Tuscany is in central Italy and is a land of olive trees as far as the eye can see, rolling hills, winding roads, and cypress trees.

The capital of Tuscany is Florence, which is well worth a couple of days exploring (our recommendation would be to do it at the end of your trip), but cities like Pisa and Siena are also within Tuscany’s boundaries. 

In order to talk about what to focus your time on when you visit Tuscany, we’re going to break up the region into four distinct areas. This is just our way of breaking things down into more digestible pieces, it’s not an official designation or anything like that. 

Here are those four regions: 

• Florence & Around (including Chianti)
• Siena & Around
• Southern Tuscany & The Val d’Orcia (Pienza and Montepulciano)
• San Gimignano and Volterra

Now, there are other places in Tuscany – like Pisa and Lucca up north, and the Tuscan coast out to the west – but if you have limited time and you’re looking for the quintessential Tuscan countryside, these are the four areas we think you want to focus on if you have 10 days or less (which is going to be most people reading this). 

With that brief and incomplete overview out of the way, let’s get into the information you’ll need to actually plan your Tuscany road trip. 

Do You Need a Car for This Tuscany Itinerary?

While we’re big fans of train travel in Italy, Tuscany is one of the places (along with Sicily ) where you really need a car to fully experience it. 

You’ll need to rent a car, and we’d strongly recommend you avoid having a car for your time in Florence (if you decide to include the biggest city in Tuscany in your itinerary). Parking in Florence will be expensive and unnecessary – you really don’t need a car. 

To pull this off, we’d put Florence at the end of your Tuscany itinerary. 

You’ll want to rent a car from the airport when you arrive and head straight down to Siena, and then drop it off on the day you ARRIVE back in Florence (day 6, if you follow our itinerary below).

Then take the bus from the Florence Airport into the city, and spend a couple of days exploring before you head home!

That way, you don’t have to deal with traffic or parking in Florence, which can be a nightmare. 

Here are a few things to know about renting a car in Italy (keep in mind that we’re American).

You Need an International Drivers License if You’re Coming From the US

You can get them at AAA in the US. While they might not ask you for it at the rental car counter, the police will ask you for it if you get into an accident or get pulled over. Best not to risk it. 

Know Your Toll Roads

Toll roads in Italy – called Autostrade – are essentially equivalent to Interstates here in the United States. 

They have anywhere from two to four lanes, high speed limits, and are more or less a straight shot between destinations. You can only enter and exit them at fixed points, but there are gas stations and casual restaurants at rest stops along the way. 

Unlike here in the US, you have to pay to use the highways, which are toll roads. 

You do this by either renting a transponder from your car rental company, or by stopping at one of the entrance stations and getting a ticket, which you pay when you exit the toll road. You can almost always pay with a credit card these days (in our experience, anyway). 

Here’s a guide to help you understand toll roads in Italy .

What If You Don’t Want to Drive in Tuscany?

Look, we totally understand the hesitance to drive in a foreign country. Especially in a country like Italy, which doesn’t exactly have a reputation for having friendly, patient drivers. 

If you don’t want to drive in Italy (or can’t drive in Italy), you can still make this itinerary work using a combination of public transportation and guided tours. 

You’ll want to base yourself in Florence and Siena – which are connected by train and bus, so they’re relatively easy to get between – and use them as a home base to do day trips out into the wider Tuscan countryside. 

Unfortunately, that means you’re going to be paying more for guided tours to the Val d’Orcia and San Gimignano, and you’ll have less flexibility to explore at your own pace without a car. 

Where to Start and End Your Tuscany Road Trip

Without a doubt, the best place to start and end this road trip is going to be Florence. There are three main reasons why we think that’s the case. 

First, if you’re flying in from outside of Italy, Florence is your best bet in terms of finding flights. You’ll want to fly into Florence Airport (FLR), NOT PISA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, which as you might expect, is actually in Pisa (about 45 minutes west of Florence). 

Second, you’ll have the best selection of rental cars in Florence.

Third, Florence is the closest major city (with a solid airport) to the main regions of Tuscany we touched on above. It’ll take about an hour and 15 minutes to get from Florence to Siena, your first stop on this Tuscany itinerary. 

Another airport to look at – and this is actually the airport we flew into – is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) . It’s about 45 minutes north of Florence (which means 2 hours to Siena), but it’s a good alternative and you might be able to find slightly cheaper rental cars and flights. 

Plus, we adore Bologna, and it’s worth a day or two of your time (here’s our guide to spending one day in Bologna). 

Plan on doing a big loop through Tuscany, and returning your car to (and flying out of, if applicable) the same airport you came in to. 

Is One Week in Tuscany Enough Time?

While you could technically do Tuscany in a couple of days, you’re not going to have much time to experience the dolce vita that makes this part of Italy special if you do it that way. 

We think you need at least one week in Tuscany to do all four of the regions of Tuscany we mentioned above.

That will give you enough time to get beyond the surface level in each place. That’s why we chose to write this guide for 7 days in Tuscany. 

A good example of why this is important is Siena. Siena is a madhouse during the day when buses full of tourists get dropped off to wander through Piazza del Campo and the Duomo. 

However, when those tour buses leave, Siena transforms into a much more serene destination – the narrow alleys go from packed wall-to-wall with people to being nearly deserted. 

If you only have a couple of days in Tuscany, you won’t have the time to experience Siena either in the early morning or evening, when it’s a completely different – and much more pleasant – place. 

What should you do if you only have 3-5 days or so? Pick one or two of the regions above, and focus on those rather than trying to do it all.

We have suggestions on how to plan a shorter itinerary below the main itinerary, which includes day-by-day Tuscany itinerary options for 3 and 5 days.  

More time? Great! We also have suggestions on what to do with your extra time in a section below the main itinerary. 

Where to Stay for Your Tuscany Road Trip

When it comes to where to stay, there are essentially three approaches you could take: stay in one place for your entire trip, and use it as a base for exploring the entire region, stay in a different place each night, or a find a home base in each micro-region and stay there for a couple of nights each. 

As you might imagine, we like the last approach, which is a hybrid that gives you the benefits of staying in each of the parts of Tuscany that you’re visiting (which cuts down on drive time) and not having to move around every single night. 

If you follow our itinerary below as written, you’ll stay in Florence, Siena, and the Val d’Orcia for 2-3 nights each. 

By the way, we have an entire guide dedicated to helping you find the perfect place to stay in Tuscany . If you want more detail, head over and read that.

Hotels in the City Center vs. Agriturismos?

The next decision you’ll need to make is what kind of stay you’re looking for. Do you want to stay right in the middle of all the action in a hotel right in the city center, or would you rather have a tranquil stay in the Tuscan countryside?

Our (strong) bias is the latter – we stayed exclusively at Agriturismos in Tuscany, and loved every second of it . 

You won’t have to worry about (or pay for) overnight parking, you’ll have a little more space (if you’re lucky, a patio with some nice views), and you’ll be awash in the warm glow of the dolce vita as you sip your morning coffee on the outdoor patio with a view of Cypress Trees and hilltop towns. 

The upside of staying in the center of a city is, obviously, convenience. However, parking and navigating ZTL (the car-free zones in the city center of most of Tuscany’s towns and cities) make staying in a city with a car less appealing, at least in our estimation. 

Our recommendation would be to spend your two nights in Florence in the city center (you won’t have a car at this point, so parking isn’t as much of an issue), and stay in the countryside around Siena and in the Val d’Orcia . 

Where to Stay in Florence, Siena, and the Val d’Orcia

Let’s quickly cover some of our specific recommendations on where to stay based on our own experience and research. 

In Siena, we stayed at Il Palazzetto just outside of town for a few nights and loved enjoying our coffee in the morning with a view of Tuscany from our front porch.

It’s a farmhouse in the countryside surrounded by olive trees, rolling hills, and Cypress trees, and they have a few beautiful rooms and apartments on the property. Very friendly staff, and helpful recommendations for what to do, see, and eat in Siena. 

In the Val d’Orcia, we stayed at Agriturismo Il Casalino , a cute little farmhouse in the valley below Pienza with a spectacular view of Pienza up on the hill. Very friendly owner, and the location is truly excellent. Cypress trees and rolling hills as far as the eye can see!

In Florence, you’re going to want to stay in the city center. We’ve stayed at Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments , which are in a great central location about ten minutes from the Duomo di Firenze. They’re compact, but they have a little more space to spread out and relax.

Here’s our guide to where to stay in Florence for more detail. 

7 Days in Tuscany: How to Plan an Amazing Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary

With a week in Tuscany, we’d strongly recommend limiting your trip to Florence, Siena, the Val d’Orcia, and San Gimignano (plus a side trip to Volterra) to avoid driving for hours a day and, most importantly, missing out on the slow life that makes this part of Italy special.

We’ve structured this itinerary as a loop that begins and ends in Florence, like we mentioned above. 

Now, let’s get into the itinerary itself! Here’s a day-by-day itinerary, and a map to visualize what it looks like. 

• Day 1: Siena
• Day 2: Siena
• Day 3: Val d’Orcia
• Day 4: Val d’Orcia
• Day 5: San Gimignano and Volterra (end in Florence)
• Day 6: Florence
• Day 7: Florence

Now that you’ve got a good overview of the geography and logistics, let’s get into exactly how to spend one week in Tuscany!

Days 1 & 2: Siena

Drive Time and Distance from Florence to Siena: 1 hour 15 minutes / 78 km 

On your first day, pick up your car and head straight to Siena. Chances are, you’re either taking the train to Florence, or you’re flying into the airport in Florence.

Either way, skip Florence for now (you’ll be back!) and head straight down to Siena, which will take you about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. 

There’s really no place to soak up Tuscany’s medieval charm quite like the hilltop city of Siena, one of the best preserved medieval villages in all of Italy.

The striking city is characterized by its red clay brick houses, grand Gothic churches and palaces, and soaring medieval towers. It’s home to some of the finest art and architecture in the country thanks to its great wealth and power during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Siena is also famous for its historic Palio horse race, which takes place on July 2nd and August 16th each year. The event has been taking place in the city since the 15th century and features 10 riders from different districts racing bareback around central Piazza del Campo. 

This is one of the most exciting – albeit extremely busy and expensive – times to visit.

Things to Do in Siena

Siena’s distinctive medieval architecture and unique charm have earned the city the recognition of UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is now one of the most popular destinations in Tuscany.

This does, however, mean that it gets pretty busy all throughout the year, with crowds that rival even the bigger cities of Florence and Pisa.

There’s one implication of Siena’s popularity that you should consider. 

Many people visit Siena on a day trip from Florence , which means it’s at its busiest in the middle of the day.

To see the city at its most peaceful, head out early in the morning or late in the evening and enjoy having space to yourself. This is why we’ve recommended spending two days in Siena.

• A Walking Tour of Siena. We did this walking tour on our first day and it was an excellent introduction to the history and culture of Siena. It even included a visit to the cathedral, which is a fascinating place to explore with a knowledgeable local guide who can point things out that you wouldn’t otherwise notice (though, it does not include a ticket to the viewpoint of the cathedral – more on that in a second). 
• Piazza Del Campo. Siena’s impressive main square is surrounded by stunning Medieval palaces and historic buildings. Today, it’s a hub of social life in the city and a great place to take a stroll or stop for a drink on the terrace of one of the charming cafes.
• The Duomo di Siena (and the view from Facciatone). Siena’s 13th-century cathedral is one of the finest Gothic churches in all of Italy, with an intricate marble façade and lavishly decorated interiors. The colorful stained-glass window and amazing mosaic floors were particular highlights for us. Plus the Panorama dal Facciatone – located at the top of the incomplete expansion of the church in the now museum – offers breathtaking views over the historic city. The extra cost (you have to buy a special ticket) to get up to the viewpoint is well worth it, we think. 
• Eating and Drinking in Siena. Siena is a great foodie destination, with plenty of delicious things to try. Places we’d recommend eating and drinking in Siena are Bakery Il Magnifico (for Siena’s famous chewy almond cookies, Ricciarelli), Caffetteria Torrefazione Fiorella (for coffee at the counter), Du’ Cose Da Berna (recommended by the host at our agriturismo), and La Prosciutteria Crudi e Bollicine Siena (for cured meats).

Days 3 & 4: The Val d’Orcia (Montalcino, Montepulciano, & Pienza)

Drive Time and Distance from Siena to Val d’Orcia: 1 hour 15 minutes / 55 km

Next, it’s time to journey through the beautiful Val d’Orcia in southern Tuscany. This is one of our absolute favorite parts of the region. 

If you’re like us, the things you associate with Tuscany from popular culture are rolling hills, cypress trees, and red wines. Which, spoiler alert, is exactly what you’re going to find in Tuscany (along with some other gems). 

The journey from Siena to the Val d’Orcia can take anywhere between 1 hour and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the route and traffic.

The Val d’Orcia is quintessential Tuscany, with rolling green hills (at least in the spring and early summer before they turn brown) dotted with cypress trees, vineyards, historic farmhouses, and picturesque hilltop towns.

The valley’s gorgeous landscapes and unmatched beauty inspired many Renaissance painters during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Two days is a good amount of time to spend on a little road trip around the Val d’Orcia. We’d suggest focusing your visit on three main towns; Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Pienza. 

Things to Do in the Val d’Orcia

Pienza is situated in the middle of the two other towns. We’d recommend starting at Montepulciano or Montalcino on your first day and moving east or west with Pienza as the second stop to minimize travel time. 

There are also tons of great places to stay in and around Pienza (for what it’s worth, we chose Agriturismo Il Casalino and loved it) so it makes a good base in the region.

The other thing to know is that each of the towns are fairly small, so you’ll only need a couple of hours to explore the town itself. You can spend the rest of your time enjoying a long leisurely lunch, sipping local wine with a view, and driving the winding roads through the countryside.

Montepulciano

This quaint little town sits on the edge of a volcanic rock cliff face with sweeping views over the surrounding valley.

Make sure to go wine tasting at De’ Ricci (Vino Nobile is the local red wine), climb the tower of Comune di Montepulciano for excellent views of the valley sprawling out to the west, and take a stroll along the winding Via di Gracciano nel Corso, the main street in town.

Sitting in the heart of Tuscany’s famous Brunello wine region, Montalcino is a must-visit for red wine lovers.

You can sample local Brunello wine at Ciacci Piccolomini D’Aragona (or any of the other wineries south of Montalcino) where we got a crash course in Brunello, which is largely made with the same grape varietals as Chianti, but is processed differently.

You should also take the time to walk the historic walls of Fortezza di Montalcino, the town’s medieval fortress, and visit the Romanesque monastery Abbazia di Sant’Antimo (which is conveniently right next to the winery we recommended above, which makes it an easy stop). 

A romantic Renaissance town with spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. This viewpoint was our favorite.

The town is also famous for its local Pecorino di Pienza cheese, which you can try at La Taverna del Pecorino (if you can find it, get it baked with honey on top – pecorino con miele).

And don’t miss coffee with a view at the lovely Bar il Casello .

Day 5: San Gimignano, Volterra, & Drive to Florence

Drive Time and Distance from Val d’Orcia to San Gimignano: 1 hour 45 minutes / 95 km

On day five, you’ll want to gradually make your way back from the Val d’Orcia towards Florence, taking a slight detour to visit the towns of San Gimignano and Volterra along the way.

Both towns sit on the western end of Tuscany towards the sea. They are located around 30km from each other and can take anywhere between 40 minutes to 1 hour to drive between. So be sure to factor this into your day if you do want to visit both.

San Gimignano is a lovely medieval town and another of Tuscany’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. The small town once had over 70 soaring medieval towers making up its skyline, gaining it the unique title of the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. 

Today only a handful of these towers remain, but the town is still known as Italy’s “City of Towers”. 

Nearby Volterra is slightly less well-known than its famous neighbor (unless you’re a Twilight fan, in which case you probably know it). 

The less popular walled hilltop town is still a great place to explore and is worth the drive, with several important historic and archeological sites including a world-class Etruscan museum and a couple of Roman archaeological sites. 

You’ll also find considerably smaller crowds than San Gimignano, so it’s a good place to escape the chaos for a couple of hours.

Things to Do in San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a relatively compact town, and it is one of the most popular places to visit in Tuscany.

Wandering the narrow streets, you’ll likely find yourself packed wall-to-wall with other visitors if you’re here in the summer between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm (especially on a weekend).

However, it’s easy to see why so many visitors flock here – the towers of San Gimignano are an iconic piece of Tuscany’s landscape.

• Eating in San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a lovely spot to make the most of Tuscany’s world-class cuisine. Enjoy lunch on the terrace at Le Vecchie Mura for great food and even better views. And don’t forget to grab some tasty gelato from Gelateria Dondoli (they also have gelato making classes). 
• Drink Vernaccia Di San Gimignano. Produced in the vineyards surrounding the town, Vernaccia is Tuscany’s most famous white wine. You can sample Vernaccia in most restaurants and bars around town, or head to the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience to learn more.
• Climb the Torre Grossa. The bell tower of the Palazzo Communale (town hall) is the tallest remaining tower in San Gimignano, sitting at 177 feet. You can climb 218 steps to reach the tower’s summit and enjoy beautiful views over the town. And while you’re there, spend 15 minutes admiring the artwork in the attached Palazzo Comunale – there’s not much but it’s definitely worth a quick visit.
• Parco della Rocca. This lovely hilltop park is the highest point in San Gimignano and is home to the ruins of a medieval fortress. Today it’s a great place to take a walk or stop for a relaxing picnic with amazing views over the town (the best view is from here ).

Things to Do in Volterra

Volterra is also a small town at the top of a rocky outcropping (are you seeing the pattern here yet?) with great views out over Tuscany (and even out to the sea, on a clear day).

There’s not a whole lot to do in town, and we found it to be pretty sleepy on a random weekday afternoon in mid-October. 

However, it’s gorgeous and is an important piece of history on the Italian Peninsula. It’s worth visiting for the walking tour and Etruscan Museum alone. 

An afternoon in Volterra is well worth the drive from San Gimignano, we think. You only need about a half a day to see the highlights. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Volterra.

• The Etruscan Museum. Volterra has been home to many different inhabitants over the years (it has been consistently inhabited since the 8th Century B.C.), including the Etruscans, who left their mark on the city. The Etruscan Museum in town is well worth a couple of hours of your time – it has one of the most extensive collections of Etruscan artifacts in the world. 
• Walking Tour. This twilight walking tour of Volterra (NOT THAT TWILIGHT) was one of our favorite experiences in all of Tuscany. It covered the history of the city in just one hour. The time of the tour varies each day, and it is well worth the small donation (only cash) to hear about Volterra’s history from a local, including the feat of saving the main gate into town from destruction during World War 2. 
• Roman Ruins. One of the other fascinating elements at play here is related to another of the town’s inhabitants over the millenia, the Romans. There are several sites around town where excavations have uncovered extensive Roman ruins, and the best example is the Roman Theater on the northern side of town ( here is the best view). There is another, more recently uncovered Roman amphitheater further north outside of town, which was uncovered in the 2000’s (which is the most recent archaeological discovery I personally had ever heard of). 

Days 6 & 7: Florence

Drive Time and Distance from Volterra to Florence: 1 hour 30 minutes / 85 km

Finally, spend the last two days of your Tuscany road trip exploring the regional capital and one of Italy’s most famous cities, Florence.

The city was one of the richest and most powerful in all of Europe (if not the world) during the 15th century, explaining its unmatched elegance and grandeur today.

Known as the ‘Birthplace of Renaissance’, Florence is a hub of world-class art and architecture.

Its two impressive art galleries are home to more masterpieces than you can possibly fathom, while the city itself is one giant open-air museum, with exquisite churches and grand Renaissance palaces on every corner.

It’s difficult not to fall in love with Florence, despite the huge tourist crowds that descend on the Italian city all year round.

Things to Do in Florence

Florence may be relatively small as far as Italian cities go, but it certainly still packs a good punch when it comes to things to see and do.

Two days is just about enough time to experience the city’s top sites and visit the two main galleries.

However, try to avoid visiting the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia on the same day. Even for the biggest art lover, it’s simply too much information to digest all at once.

• Piazza del Duomo & Climbing the Dome. Sitting at the heart of the city, Piazza del Duomo is home to many of Florence’s most important landmarks, including the 13th-century Cathedral and its famous dome, the Baptistery, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. With only two days, we’d prioritize Brunelleschi’s Dome. By climbing 463 steps to the top of the iconic dome, you can admire the striking frescoes up close and experience amazing views over the church’s beautiful interior. Try to do it first thing in the morning for the fewest people, and book in advance here . 
• The Uffizi Gallery. This world-class gallery has a whopping 101 rooms that hold an unparalleled collection of Renaissance and European art. Many of the artworks were assembled by the powerful Medici family between the 15th-18th centuries. We’d highly recommend visiting on a guided tour to add context and richness to your visit – it can be a little overwhelming otherwise. We did this tour and absolutely loved our experience!
• The Galleria dell’Accademia and the David. Florence’s second major gallery is best known for one particular piece, Michaelangelo’s Statue of David, which is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. It’s worth visiting the gallery on a guided tour ( this is the one I did on my latest visit to Florence with my mom, who had never seen David in person before) to learn more about the famous statue and other artworks in the gallery.
• Explore Oltrarno. Just across Ponte Vecchio, which crosses over the Arno River that runs through Florence’s historic center, is one of our favorite parts of the city, Oltrarno. The neighborhood is full of charming little piazzas, traditional restaurants, and cozy bars. It’s a great place for a peaceful stroll or an afternoon aperitif. Check out Le Volpi e l’Uva for the best Italian wine selection, and Gelateria Della Passera for Alysha’s favorite gelato in Florence.
• Eating and Drinking in Florence. Tuscany is a region that’s known for its fantastic cuisine, and you can sample the best of it in its capital city of Florence. Start your mornings with coffee from Coffee Mantra , indulge in delicious pizza from award-winning Ciro and Sons , and don’t miss the Pappardelle al Cinghiale (pasta and wild boar ragu) at Da Garibardi . The city also has two food markets, Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio, which are must-visits for foodies.

More Than a Week in Tuscany? Here’s What We’d Add to Your Itinerary

There are two places that we really liked that you’re missing if you follow the Tuscany itinerary above as written. They are Chianti and Lucca, which are west of the majority of this itinerary. 

With a few extra days, we’d spend a day or two in each place. Both areas can easily be covered in a day for each, but two gives you the opportunity to do things at a more leisurely pace. You can absolutely do Chianti as a half day trip, either from Siena or Florence. 

You’ll notice that we haven’t included Pisa here, which is in the same vicinity as Lucca. We MUCH prefer Lucca to Pisa, both because it’s a more interesting city in general, and because it sees a fraction of the tourists that Pisa does. 

If you absolutely must see the leaning tower of Pisa, then we’d add it as a day trip from Lucca (but we wouldn’t stay the night in Pisa, if you can avoid it). 

Lucca is one of our favorite discoveries from our six week Italy trip in 2021, and the highlight here is the intact city walls that date back to the Renaissance. You can circumnavigate the city by walking along the walls, which is absolutely something you should plan on doing. 

The city is in a narrow valley, surrounded by mountains on the south and north sides. One thing you should absolutely do in Lucca is climb one of the many towers in the center of town.

We climbed the Torre Guinigi , and the view from the top with the towers and churches of Lucca and the surrounding mountainous landscape was sublime. 

Another thing not to miss is Piazza dell’Anfiteatro , which is a piazza built on the site of a former Roman amphitheater. The piazza keeps the same oval shape today, though the restaurants on it leave a bit to be desired.  

Chianti is a wine region just south of the city of Florence that is known for its red wines, specifically the Chianti Classico, which is one of the main wine exports of Tuscany. 

Similar to other Italian D.O.C.G. wines like Prosecco and Brunello, Chianti Classico is a red wine that is made in a specific way with primarily Sangiovese grapes from the Chianti region.

It is one of the most famous wines that comes out of Italy. If you don’t like red wine, I have some bad news for you – Tuscany is all about the red wines (except for vernaccia, which is a white wine that comes from San Gimignano!). 

As you might imagine, Chianti is all about the wine tasting. Now, on the itinerary above, you’ve covered a few different famous red wines from Tuscany like Brunello and Rosso di Montepulciano, and Chianti is somewhere in between the two in terms of prestige and price. 

The best way to experience the wines of Chianti is on a wine tour. In terms of guided tours, you have two options. You can either choose a tour that goes deep on a single winery , usually including a cellar tour and detailed tasting (but you’ll have to make your way out to the winery), or a tour that takes you around to multiple wineries . 

Since you have a car, we’d recommend the first option, which gives you a deeper, more intimate experience. We did this wine tour of a tiny organic winery in Chianti and absolutely loved it. 

If you have the time, we’d also recommend a stop at the lovely town of Badia a Passignano, a charming little town in the heart of Chianti. 

Pro tip: If you’re buying Chianti Classico at home or somewhere else in Italy, make sure it says “Chianti Classico” (versus just “Chianti”, which we learned can be made elsewhere in Tuscany) and has a rooster logo somewhere on the bottle, which is how you know it’s legit. 

Planning a Shorter Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary (3-5 Days)

If you have fewer than 7 days in Tuscany, our recommendation would be to focus your time on specific regions within Tuscany (see the geography overview above for how we’d break it up) rather than trying to see it all. 

The first thing to consider is whether or not you want to include Florence in your itinerary. You might have already been there, or you might be more interested in the charming hilltop towns in the south of Tuscany. 

If you want to include Florence in your itinerary AND you have limited time , we’d recommend basing yourself in Florence, and doing a day trip to Siena, Lucca, or Chianti from there. In this scenario, we’d strongly recommend that you don’t rent a car! 

We actually have a 3 day Florence itinerary for you to basically steal, which includes a day trip on the third day out into broader Tuscany. 

If you have three days and you don’t want to include Florence , then we’d focus on one region (and we’d make it either Siena or the Val d’Orcia).

If you have five days or so , focus on two regions – Siena and the Val d’Orcia. 

You could also structure your own itinerary based on your particular interests by using the information in the main itinerary above!

5 Days in Tuscany: Siena and the Val d’Orcia

These two regions are quintessential Tuscany, at least for us. Tuscany is famous for many things, but somewhere near the top of the list has to be cypress trees and hilltop towns perched atop rolling hills as far as the eye can see. 

That’s what you’ll find between Siena and the Val d’Orcia. If you only have five days, we’d split it between these two regions and completely skip Florence and San Gimignano. 

Here’s what that itinerary looks like: 

• Day 1: Drive to Siena
• Day 2: Siena + Monteriggioni
• Day 3: Val d’Orcia (Montalcino)
• Day 4: Val d’Orcia (Pienza & Montepulciano)
• Day 5: Val d’Orcia & Drive to Florence

3 Days in Tuscany: Siena & Around

Siena is a great city, and like we mentioned above is probably the best example of a charming hill town in Tuscany. It’s a bigger city than the vast majority of the other smaller towns on this itinerary, and it’s just beautiful vista after beautiful vista around every corner. 

If you have three days in Tuscany, Siena makes for a great home base because it’s central to both San Gimignano and the Val d’Orcia, which makes a day trip more feasible. 

One idea for a shorter itinerary like this that is based in Siena would be to hop on a day trip from Siena to reach either San Gimignano or the Val d’Orcia.

The tradeoff of seeing one of those places is that it gives you less time to explore Siena (you really only need about a day and a half, we think). 

• Day 1: Arrive in Siena
• Day 2: Day Trip from Siena
• Day 3: Siena + Drive to Florence

In terms of the day trips, we’d definitely recommend going with the company behind the walking tour we did in Siena, which we enjoyed. They have a small group tour to the Val d’Orcia (Montepulciano and Pienza) and one that goes west to San Gimignano and Volterra . 

3 Days in Tuscany: The Val d’Orcia

As we have already covered multiple times, we love the Val d’Orcia. 

The only issue with the Val d’Orcia is that it’s a little far from Florence, which means you’re going to spend a lot of time in the car between the two (roughly 90 minutes each way) for just a couple of days spent there. 

Still, we think it’s worth it. This is by far our favorite part of Tuscany.  

• Day 1: Drive to the Val d’Orcia + Montalcino
• Day 2: Pienza & Montepulciano)
• Day 3: Morning Scenic Drive + Drive Back

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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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.

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.

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

Read More Tuscany Guides 

• The Ultimate Tuscany Road Trip
• Why You Need to Explore the Val D’Orcia
• Beautiful Towns & Cities in Tuscany
• Gorgeous Hot Springs in Tuscany
• Spend 7 Perfect Days in Tuscany with this Itinerary
• Unmissable Places to See in Italy

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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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!

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: July 4, 2023

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!

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

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

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

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.

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 .

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.

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

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.

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.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

So, this is our suggested Tuscany itinerary for up to one week. If you are planning a trip to Italy, make sure to check our Italy travel guide for more tips and travel advice for a big variety of popular destinations in Italy.

Alternatively, check our selection of articles below for more tips for a variety of destinations in Italy.

More tips for some of the most visited destinations in Italy:

• Best Things to Do in Rome
• Best Things to Do in Venice
• Best Things to Do in Milan
• Best Things to Do in Naples
• 2 days in Rome
• 1 day in Milan
• 1 day in Venice
• 1 day in Cinque Terre
• Tips for Visiting Rome
• Best Things to Do at Lake Como
• Bellagio, Lake Como
• Best of Lake Garda
• Best of the Italian Dolomites
• Emilia Romagna Region
• Hiking in the Dolomites
• Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
• Amalfi Coast Itinerary
• Italian Riviera
• Best Day Trips from Naples

READ ALSO: Best Places to Visit in Italy

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Monday 26th of February 2024

What a fantastic blog! This has really inspired me! I am thinking to visit Florence and Tuscany for a week in mid-June.

After 2 nights in Florence, and having a car, what town would you recommend to stay as a base and then do day trips? In terms of day trips, a must visit for us are Sienna, Lucca and Volterra. And definitely a winery but without driving to it. Advice very welcome!

Tuesday 27th of February 2024

Hi Teddy, if you want to visit Sienna, Lucca, and Voltera, you could stay somewhere in the middle between all these towns and make sure there's a winery nearby. I quickly checked something for you in the San Gimignano area which is very central and fits your criteria. There are several wineries that you can visit in that region and many accommodations, so you can find places to stay within walking distance to one or the other winery if you like. For example, this agriturismo (Capanna 1826) is just near this vineayrd. From what I read in the reviews of this accommodation, they even include a visit to their vineyard for free if you stay there. But there are many more options. You just have to do a bit more research and see what's available for your travel dates. If you don't mind taking a taxi to one or the other vineyard, then it will be easier. Just pick a hotel you like and then see what wineries there are nearby. Also, the San Gimignano area is just one of the many, so it's just a suggestion based on the info you gave. If you are traveling in June, I'd book your accommodations asap.

Ann Marie Pugliese

Friday 6th of October 2023

Hello, this blog seems very helpful. I am traveling to Italy for the first time with 9 family members for 2 weeks in June. We were trying to fit in so much, but don't think it's feasible with so many people. Was hoping to visit Venice, Tuscany, Rome and The Amalfi Coast. Also, we are planning to stay in Air bnb's along the way. Just not sure if we should travel to each area and stay for 3 days or find 2 central hubs and take day trips? Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Monday 9th of October 2023

@Jurga, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Greatly appreciate the information!!

Sunday 8th of October 2023

Hi Ann Marie, since these areas are located quite far from each other and each has so much to offer, I think that staying in each place for a few nights is indeed better than looking for two base locations. You could start with 4-5 days in Sorrento (from where you can easily visit Amalfi Coast, Capri Island, Naples, Pompeii, etc.), then move on to Rome for 3-4 days. From there, take a train to Florence which is a good base for Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and also Bologna. Depending on what you want to see, you could stay here for 4-5 days. And finally, take a train to Venice and stay there for 2-3 nights. You can find lots of information for all these destinations on our blog. See an overview of all articles on our Italy travel page. This 2-week Italy itinerary might also be helpful - just to see what's possible and how you could structure your time at some places. For Amalfi Coast, take a look at this guide. Good luck with the planning!

Sunday 18th of June 2023

Hi, I am considering a 3 night stay in Florence next Summer followed by a week in self catering accomodation somewhere on the coast (we will not be driving, therefore, will be making use of public transport when we transfer from Florence to our second destination). We love Sorrento, Taormina and the Lake Garda towns and are wondering where on the coast (quite manageable by train from Florence), would have a similar vibe / buzz (i.e lively atmosphere) to these places? We would obviously fly into Florence but would be happy to go home from a different airport.

My other option is to follow on from Florence with a week in self catering accomodation (definitely with a pool to cool off), within walking distance of one of the cities / towns in the region - but I'm having difficulty deciding between Siena. Lucca and San Gimignano (or somewhere else with a Sorrento type 'feel' to it!!).

Any suggestions / advice would be gratefully received

Many thanks, Becs

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

Hi Becs, as you can imagine, there are too many options for me to give you any kind of reasonable suggestion. :) Also, there are two coasts - with places like Rimini or Ravenna to the east or the Cinque Terre area, Ligurian towns, etc. to the west. I assume you mean west? Without a car, by the sea, you could split your stay between the Cinque Terre area and Italian Riviera (e.g. Portovenere or Monterosso al Mare for a few days followed by a few days in Rapallo or St Margherita Ligure. If you are looking for a bigger city - check out Genoa. If you rather stay in central Tuscany, then Siena is definitely a lot better than San Gimignano - in terms of transport, things to do, etc. San Gimignano is a tiny village. Lucca is also very nice but not as centrally located as Florence or Siena for all the most popular places. Bologna is amazing too, btw! You can also just stay in Florence the whole time and make day trips. It also depends so much on what exactly you want to see. Good luck! Whatever you choose, you can't really go wrong - the whole area has so much to offer.

Kim Hendrickx

Monday 17th of April 2023

We are a family of 5 and we will be going on a week trip to Tuscany at the end of this month, We will be staying in a country guesthouse in Montaione. This will be our base to see different places in Tuscany, as we have a car. Could you recommend which cities are best to visit to get a real feel of Tuscany. We also want to do some wine tasting in Chianti and Montepulciano, so any tips on nice wineries to visit would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Hi Kim, you can find all the suggestions in this article and you may also want to take a look at this guide to some of the best towns in Tuscany. This is by no means a complete list and there are dozens of amazing places. But if this is your first time, you'll probably not want to miss the main cities such as Florence or Siena, so you need at least 2-3 days for that. The rest really depends on your interest and preferences. Of the smaller ones, San Gimignano is really nice, also Volterra, Montepulciano, and Pienza. If you have even more time, you may want to check out Montalcino and Cortona, also San Quirico d'Orcia. A week will fly by! As for the wineries, we really enjoyed a very unique wine cave visit in Montepulciano last summer. You can find more details in our Montepulciano guide. And this is a really nice winery that you can visit in Chianti. The problem with winery visits is that it's not really something you can do (and enjoy wine) if you have to drive afterward. So ideally, you have a dedicated driver, find a winery close to your accommodation and take a taxi, or book a tour (but those are usually only available departing from big towns so not ideal unless you stay in Florence or Siena). But definitely check out the wine cellar in Montepulciano if you go there! You can also taste just a bit of wine and buy some to take with you to enjoy at your accommodation. Enjoy your trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

Looking for some advice on my trip to Italy in Aug/Sept. Flying into Venice and staying for 3 days then headed to Florence/Tuscany region for 5 nights. We don't want to rent a car but want to go wine tasting and check out the countryside and maybe the hill towns. After the 5 nights we head to Sorrento for 4 nights and finish off in Rome. Looking for advice on where I should stay in Florence/Tuscany area. Should I stay a few nights in both places or stay in one place and do day trips by train? Where do I take the train from to end up in Amalfi? Any advise appreciated.

Hi Rosemary, some of the best places to stay in Tuscany when traveling by train are Florence and Siena. You can find plenty of Tuscan countryside/wine tours from any of these towns (see here for tours from Florence and here - from Siena). If you don't mind changing hotels, you can spend a few nights at each of these; otherwise, I would recommend staying in Florence. There are many nice hotels close to the station (just in the center too), and it's very easy to explore the city or plan day trips. At the bottom of this guide of the best places to see in Florence, you can find some hotel recommendations for this area. For the Amalfi Coast, you'll have to take a train to Naples (there are high-speed trains from Florence to Naples - see here for train schedules and to prebook your tickets). Here you can find our guide on how to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples. Have a great trip!

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Italy travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go

The ‘boot’ is as much loved for its cuisine as it is for its ancient sights, romantic, art-filled cities, rural landscapes and bougie beach towns, article bookmarked.

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Italy has it all. The big boot concentrates some of Europe ’s most beautiful landscapes, islands, beaches and lakes , mountains and rolling vine-covered hills, and adorns them all with more art and architecture than anywhere on the planet.

You can go back every year and never see it all. Because Italy has only been as a single country since 1871, each regions has developed its own distinct character, cuisine and wine. Whether you love art or archaeology, fashion or fast cars, or food, wine and la dolce vita , you’ll love Italy.

Best time to go

Italy is a year-round destination. Summers are hot and crowded (the Italians themselves go on holiday in August ) but that’s also the time for beaches, festivals and sitting out under the stars. Spring is a delightful time to visit, with numerous events, especially around Easter, while in autumn the colours are magnificent in the mountains and vineyards as the wine harvest takes place. Winter is stellar for skiing and snowsports, opera lovers, and visiting the cities and museums minus the crowds.

Top regions and cities

Italy’s capital, Rome , is one of the world’s great cities, the magnificent stage for a lion’s share of European history, a palimpsest where ancient, medieval, Renaissance and Baroque landmarks stand shoulder to shoulder. It is the only city that surrounds a sovereign country, Vatican City, yet alongside the grandeur of the Pantheon and St Peter’s, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, the Castel Sant’Angelo and Spanish Steps and 900 churches, there is a sense of fun. Hit the lively bars, lick gelato under the parasol pines, and hire a Vespa to pretend you’re in Roman Holiday .

Read more on Italy travel :

• Lerici: Italy’s under-the-radar alternative to the Cinque Terre
• The best places to cruise in Italy
• Milan city guide: Top things to do and where to stay in Italy’s northern powerhouse

Synonymous with landscapes swathed in vines, olives and cypresses that look as if they were lifted straight from a Renaissance fresco, Tuscany is a rare region that achieved a kind of perfection by the 16th century – then had the sense to not change. Tuscany’s precocious capital is Florence , where wealthy patrons, notably the Medici, helped herald in the Renaissance and filled the city with works that changed the history of art and architecture. The smaller art cities – Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo – and hill towns are jewels, and beaches line the coast when you need a break from all that art and culture.

The dream city floating on water is almost too beautiful for its own good – in fact, so many want to visit that the city has started charging day-trippers admission. But La Serenissima deserves so much more than a few rushed hours. The Grand Canal, the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s and its piazza, the Rialto bridge – all the iconic sights take on an extra magic when illuminated at night (and the day trippers have gone). Venice is exceptionally atmospheric in winter, when the mists rise, and you can have its churches and palazzi filled with masterpieces by Titian, Bellini, Tintoretto and Veronese almost to yourself.

• Best hotels in Venice

The Bay of Naples

Passionate, noisy, chaotic, anarchic, fabulous Naples is the queen of the south, with its unforgettable views across the water to the still smouldering Mount Vesuvius. The volcano’s most famous victim, Pompeii, is only a short train ride away, and more fascinating than ever thanks to the recent excavations. The enormous royal Palace of Caserta with its endless gardens is just inland, while the three irresistible islands in the bay – ritzy Capri, beach-rimmed Ischia and tiny Procida – are a foretaste of the sublime, vertigo-inducing Amalfi Coast that begins just to the south.

The Mediterranean’s biggest island is a mini continent, with its own culture, dialect, cuisine and stunning relics of its ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Neapolitan past. Palermo concentrates much of the art, but then there’s Agrigento with its Greek temples, romantic Taormina with its Greek theatre overlooking Mount Etna, superb Roman mosaics at Piazza Armerina, Byantine Norman ones at Monreale, and the elegant Baroque towns of Noto, Modica and Ragusa. The small islands of Sicily’s coasts are equally fascinating, notably the volcanic Aeolian islands, where Stromboli erupts every few minutes.

Best under-the radar destinations

In between central and southern Italy, encompassing the highest Apennines, Abruzzo is the ‘Green Region of Europe’. More than half of its territory is protected in national parks and nature reserves, home to brown bears, wolves, golden eagles, porcupines and chamois. It’s an ideal destination for an active holiday, with its walking and cycle paths, mountain lakes, beaches, ski slopes, striking hill villages and archaeological sites.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

This little triple-barrelled region borders Austria and Slovenia, and is only a 40-minute drive from Croatia . Its capital, Trieste, was once the chief port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, lending it a unique Mittel European atmosphere and cuisine. There’s arty Udine, long part of the Venetian Republic, and Aquileia – one of the best preserved Roman cities – plus sandy beaches and rolling hills that produce some of Italy’s finest white wines. In the north tower the fanatical Friulian Dolomites and Julian Alps and in between, you’ll find the Tagliamento, one of the last wild rivers in Europe.

Valle d’Aosta

This emerald valley in Italy’s far northwest is framed by Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn and majestic Gran Paradiso National Park. Smallest and least populated of Italy’s regions, where both Italian and French are official languages, it’s dotted with castles, chalets and happy cows with huge bells who produced the valley’s famous Fontina cheese. The pretty capital, Aosta, is full of Roman-medieval charm.

The mountainous instep of the Italian boot was long unknown to most tourists, although it’s just beginning to be discovered. There are small beach resorts along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian, some beautiful villages, lovely Aglianico del Vulture wine, and the fascinating city of Matera, where people lived in caves in a river canyon into the 20th century; today it’s a Unesco World Heritage Site and stand-in for ancient Jerusalem in a number of recent films.

Best things to do

Eat in bologna.

The capital of Emilia Romagna (think prosciutto, Parmesan, tortellini, mortadella, etc), Bologna is foodie heaven. Its Quadrilateral market is a gastronomic epiphany, and will whet your appetite for a dish of tagliatelle alla Bolognese – the heavenly origin of spag bol.

Garden hop on the Italian Lakes

Few places on earth can match the gorgeous scenery, villas and gardens that grow in the singular microclimates of Italy’s enormous alpine lakes – Maggiore, Como and Garda . Regular ferries and boat services will get you there – or hire your own boat.

Take in an opera

Along with Italy’s cathedrals of trilling arias – Milan ’s La Scala, Venice’s La Fenice or Naples’s San Carlo – there are wonderful summer festivals in Verona’s Roman Arena, Macerata’s Sferisterio in the Marche, Rome’s Baths of Caracalla, and others dedicated to composers, like Puccini in Torre del Lago (Tuscany), Verdi (Parma), and Rossini (Pescara).

• Best hotels in Milan

Race a Ferrari

Fancy yourself a racing driver? Try your hand on a simulator at the Enzo Ferrari museum in Modena, the capital of Italy’s ‘Motor Valley’. For more Ferrari action, there are factory tours in nearby Maranello, plus the chance to visit the homes of Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani and Ducati with their museums and factory tours.

Getting around

Italy has a superb rail network, and the high-speed service between the major cities makes taking the train cheaper, more convenient and more comfortable than flying. Frecciarossa (red arrows) trains go up to 300km/h (186 mph) between Turin, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Naples and Salerno, and between Turin, Milan, Verona and Venice. Coaches to towns and villages not on the rail lines are also excellent and usually depart from the nearest train station. In the cities, public transport (metros, trams, buses and, in Venice, boat-buses called vaporetti) are also easy to use.

Money-saving tip

If you aren’t bring the kids, you’ll save hundreds of pounds by avoiding travel during the school holidays, when flight and hotel prices soar. Some major attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, also charge less if you go between November to February.

What time zone is it in?

What’s the weather like.

It can get uncomfortably hot in July and August , especially in the south and Po Valley. Spring and autumn are mild (October and November are the rainiest months); winters require coats, even in Sicily.

What currency do I need?

What language is spoken.

Italian, but English is widely understood.

Read more: The best boutique hotels in Rome – where to stay in style for all budget

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Food Drink Life

Can't Believe the Beauty of These 15 European Destinations

Posted: June 6, 2024 | Last updated: June 6, 2024

Europe is home to some of the most scenic landscapes, from coastal cliffs to mountain ranges and picturesque countryside. These destinations showcase the natural beauty of the continent, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. Each destination provides a unique backdrop for nature enthusiasts, with national parks, scenic trails, and tranquil lakes waiting to be explored. Experience the diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas that make Europe a top destination for nature lovers.

10 Reasons To Visit Ericeira, Portugal

The town’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect getaway. Ericeira is a coastal town known for its surf culture, stunning beaches, and relaxed vibe. Visitors can enjoy the surf spots, explore charming streets, and taste fresh seafood. These reasons highlight why Ericeira is a must-visit destination. Read more: 10 Reasons To Visit Ericeira, Portugal

Beyond the City of Lights: 7 Day Trips from Paris

Discover the rich tapestry of experiences waiting just beyond the bustling streets of Paris. It is a gateway to many fascinating destinations just a short trip away. You can explore charming villages, grand châteaux, and beautiful countryside. Each day trip offers a different slice of French culture and history, making it a perfect escape from the city. Read more: Beyond the City of Lights: 7 Day Trips from Paris

A Guide to The Best European Christmas Markets

European Christmas markets are a magical experience, offering unique gifts, festive foods, and a warm atmosphere. These markets are a blend of tradition and celebration, showcasing local crafts and holiday treats. Visitors can enjoy the lights, music, and vibrant stalls that make each market special. It’s an ideal way to embrace the holiday spirit and explore Europe’s diverse cultures. Read more: A Guide to The Best European Christmas Markets

7 Best Places To Visit In Istanbul, Turkey

Visitors can explore ancient mosques, bustling bazaars, and stunning palaces. Istanbul is a city where East meets West, offering a rich blend of cultures and histories. Each place provides a unique insight into the city’s past and present. These seven locations are essential stops for any trip to Istanbul. Read more: 7 Best Places To Visit In Istanbul, Turkey

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Visitors can stroll through beautifully decorated stalls, savoring seasonal delicacies and warm beverages. Northern Germany is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, each with its own charm and traditions. These markets provide a festive ambiance, perfect for enjoying the holiday season. From handmade crafts to local specialties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read more: 6 Unforgettable Christmas Markets in Northern Germany

11 Best Spots To Visit in Budapest, Hungary

Discover the charm and energy of Hungary’s capital. Budapest is a city of thermal baths, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can relax in thermal spas, explore grand buildings, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The city’s diverse attractions offer something for everyone. Read more: 11 Best Spots To Visit in Budapest, Hungary

The Best Vineyards and Wine Tours in Tuscany

Wine tours offer an inside look at the winemaking process, from grape to glass. Tuscany’s vineyards are world-famous for their exceptional wines and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can sample a variety of wines and learn about the region’s rich viticultural heritage. It’s a delightful way to experience Tuscany’s countryside and savor its renowned flavors. Read more: The Best Vineyards and Wine Tours in Tuscany

Visiting Tatra Mountains in Slovakia

Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Tatras. The Tatra Mountains offer breathtaking scenery and a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike through lush forests, ski on snowy slopes, and enjoy panoramic views. This region is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Read more: Visiting Tatra Mountains in Slovakia

Florence in 48 Hours: Must-See Sights and Hidden Gems

With just 48 hours in Florence, visitors can explore iconic landmarks and discover hidden gems. From the stunning Duomo to lesser-known art galleries, the city is brimming with cultural treasures. Walking through Florence’s historic streets reveals a blend of history and modernity. This brief visit can provide a memorable taste of what the city has to offer. Read more: Florence in 48 Hours: Must-See Sights and Hidden Gems

15 Best Places To Visit In Europe

From bustling cities to serene landscapes, there’s something for every traveler. Europe boasts a diverse array of must-visit places, each rich in history and culture. Explore iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in local traditions, and enjoy the continent’s unique charm. These 15 destinations highlight the best Europe has to offer. Read more: 15 Best Places To Visit In Europe

8 Best Places to See in Lisbon, Portugal

Each place offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich past and vibrant present. Lisbon is a city of hills, stunning views, and historic neighborhoods. Visitors can ride trams through colorful streets, visit ancient castles, and enjoy the waterfront. These sights are must-sees for anyone exploring Portugal’s capital. Read more: 8 Best Places to See in Lisbon, Portugal

A Gourmet’s Guide to Florence: Food, Wine and Delights

From cozy trattorias to bustling markets, there’s a wide array of delicious options. Florence is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich culinary scene that highlights Tuscan traditions. Visitors can enjoy local wines, artisanal cheeses, and traditional dishes that define Florentine cuisine. This guide helps navigate the city’s best gastronomic experiences. Read more: A Gourmet’s Guide to Florence: Food, Wine and Delights

7 Things to Do in Lisbon: A Local’s Guide to Unforgettable Experiences

Enjoy Lisbon like a local with these seven unforgettable activities. Lisbon offers a variety of activities that showcase its culture and charm. From tasting local delicacies to exploring historic sites, there’s plenty to do. This guide provides insider tips on experiencing the best of the city. Read more: 7 Things to Do in Lisbon: A Local’s Guide to Unforgettable Experiences

10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city of stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore grand palaces, enjoy classical music, and savor delicious cuisine. The city’s museums and galleries offer a deep dive into its artistic heritage. These reasons make Vienna a top destination for any traveler. Read more: 10 Reasons Why You Need To Visit Vienna, Austria

15 Best Tuscany Destinations To Visit

From historic towns to scenic countryside, there’s much to explore. Tuscany is home to numerous captivating destinations, each offering a unique experience. Visitors can wander through ancient streets, visit renowned museums, and relax in beautiful landscapes. These destinations showcase the best of Tuscany’s cultural and natural beauty. Read more: 15 Best Tuscany Destinations To Visit

The post Can't believe the beauty of these 15 European destinations appeared first on Food Drink Life .

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Tuscany is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. One of its most notable aspects is the exceptional concentration of UNESCO sites. In this article, we will explore what these sites are and why they have been recognized and protected by UNESCO. Florence: The Heart of Tuscany Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is […]

• 25 Sep 2023

Cacciucco Livornese: A Delicacy of Tradition, Culture and Poor Fish

In the heart of Tuscany, along the splendid coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies a city steeped in history, maritime culture and a unique gastronomy in the world: Livorno. In this fascinating corner of Italy, a delicious and traditional dish makes its way onto the tables and into the hearts of food lovers around the […]

• 15 Sep 2023

A Journey into Wellbeing and Beauty in Tuscany

Tuscany is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. But it’s not just a place to admire artistic masterpieces or savor delicious cuisine; it is also a refuge for those seeking relaxation and well-being. Spas in Tuscany offer a unique experience, with healing thermal waters and world-class facilities set amidst breathtaking […]

• 12 Sep 2023

Do you really know what Tuscan Ribollita is? – Tuscan Ribollita: A Journey into Traditional Cuisine

Ribollita is one of the most famous and loved dishes of Tuscan cuisine. This rustic and flavorful soup has a fascinating history and culinary tradition that dates back centuries. In this article, we will explore what Ribollita is and how it is born, diving into its rich history and discovering how to prepare it. It […]

• 25 Aug 2023

The Origin of name “Tuscany”

Tuscany is renowned for its scenic beauty, cultural richness and artistic heritage. However, behind this thriving region lies a fascinating and complex past, which includes the origin of its name. In this article, we will explore the historical roots of the appellation “Tuscany” and the cultural context that helped shape this appellation. Origin of Name: […]

• 23 Aug 2023

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a universal symbol of architecture and human perseverance

This year the Leaning Tower of Pisa celebrates its 850th anniversary, an extraordinary milestone that allows us to explore its fascinating history, its unique inclination and its lasting impact on world culture. The Story behind the Tower: The epic story of the Leaning Tower of Pisa begins in August 1173, when its construction began. Originally […]

• 13 Aug 2023

San Gimignano: The Manhattan of the Middle Ages

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, San Gimignano stands as a mesmerizing testament to the bygone era of the Middle Ages. Often referred to as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” this enchanting hilltop town boasts a skyline adorned with towering medieval towers that evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Let’s delve into […]

• 11 Aug 2023

Exploring the Charming Traits of the Via Francigena in Tuscany

The Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from Canterbury to Rome, encompasses breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures as it traverses the Italian region of Tuscany. This article delves into the remarkable traits of the Via Francigena in Tuscany, highlighting its historical significance, scenic beauty, and cultural riches. Join us as we embark on […]

• 08 Aug 2023

The Majestic Magnificence of Florence Cathedral: A Glimpse into the Soul of Renaissance Architecture

Introduction Amidst the enchanting cityscape of Florence, a towering masterpiece of architectural prowess rises to the heavens – the Florence Cathedral, locally known as Il Duomo. This iconic landmark is not only a symbol of the city but also a testament to the Renaissance’s artistic brilliance and the indomitable spirit of human achievement. In this […]

Exploring the Beauty of Tuscany: Diverse Tourist Experiences Await

Introduction Nestled in the heart of Italy, Tuscany beckons travelers with its enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the rolling hills adorned with vineyards to the Renaissance artistry of Florence, this region offers a myriad of diverse tourist experiences. Whether you’re a lover of art, wine, history, or nature, Tuscany promises an unforgettable […]

• 01 Aug 2023

A Memorable Four-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Charms of Chianti

Introduction Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Chianti region is a captivating destination that embodies the essence of Italian culture, gastronomy, and landscape. With its rolling hills adorned with vineyards, charming medieval towns, and renowned wineries, Chianti offers a delightful experience for travelers. In this four-day itinerary, we’ll guide you through an unforgettable journey […]

• 28 Jul 2023

The Enigmatic Elegance of Devil’s Bridge: A Hidden Gem Near Lucca

Introduction Nestled in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, a stone’s throw away from the picturesque city of Lucca, lies a marvel of medieval engineering and folklore: the Devil’s Bridge. This ancient stone bridge, known locally as “Ponte del Diavolo,” has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries, blending historical significance with a touch of […]

• 08 Jun 2023

Trekking Through Timeless Beauty: Exploring Chianti’s Enchanting Trails

Introduction The Chianti region, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and world-class wines, offers a unique adventure for outdoor enthusiasts – trekking through its captivating trails. From rolling vineyards to ancient woodlands, Chianti’s trekking paths promise a journey that immerses you in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Tuscany. In this article, we’ll guide you […]

• 25 May 2023

Barberino Val d’Elsa: A Timeless Jewel in Tuscany’s Crown

Introduction Nestled among the rolling hills of Tuscany, the picturesque town of Barberino Val d’Elsa stands as a captivating gem that encapsulates the essence of Italian charm, history, and beauty. With its medieval architecture, scenic landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, Barberino Val d’Elsa beckons travelers to step back in time and immerse themselves in […]

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