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The Top 10 Places to Go in Tuscany

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

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

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

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

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

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

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

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

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

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

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

San Gimignano

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

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

Chianti Classico Wine Region

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

Montepulciano

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

Pienza and Val D'Orcia

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

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

Montecatini Terme

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

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

The Best Places to Stay in Tuscany

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Tuscany Guide: Planning Your Trip

Siena Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 15 Best Wineries in Tuscany

Top Florence Day Trips

The 15 Best Things to Do in Tuscany

Italy UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Central Italy

Day Trips From Lucca, Italy

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

Where to Go on Italy's Mediterranean Coast

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

A Guide to Italy's Wine Regions

The Most Beautiful Castles in Italy

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Experience the best of Tuscany with this regional guide

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

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

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

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

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

When should I go to Tuscany?

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

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

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

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

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

How much time do I need to visit Tuscany?

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

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

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

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

Is it easy to get in and around Tuscany? 

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

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

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

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

Link your trip with these other great destinations in Italy

Where are the best places to go in Tuscany?

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

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

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

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

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

The Chianti region

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

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

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

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

Val d’Orcia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The islands

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

The Apuan Alps

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

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

How much money do I need in Tuscany?

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

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

A guide to daily costs in Tuscany

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

This article was first published Aug 4, 2023 and updated Apr 7, 2024.

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Tuscany, Italy   Travel Guide

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10 Best Things To Do in Tuscany, Italy

Updated April 24, 2024

Sipping local wines and dipping bread into just-pressed smooth olive oils is one of the main things to do in this Italian region. Luckily, there are numerous wineries where you can to do this, such as  Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona in Montalcino

• All Things To Do

Florence Florence free

Firenze, Tuscany's capital city, is known for its Renaissance art and architecture. You can climb to the top of the Duomo , gaze at Botticellis at the Uffizi Gallery , tour the Galleria dell'Accademia  and stroll through the Boboli Gardens for a taste of the 13th through 16th centuries.

But this city isn't just for art and architecture connoisseurs: There are quaint shops, delicious restaurants and decadent hotels. And with its red roofs, cobble stone streets and narrow alleys, it's also a very picturesque place to spend a few days. Be sure to hike to the top of the Piazza Michaelangelo, located across the Ponte Vecchio, for incredible city views and live music. Bring a bottle wine and watch the sunset — you won't want to miss it. For more information on this city, visit our Florence travel guide . 

Siena Siena free

Siena vies with Florence for the title of the most charming city in Tuscany. While Firenze is known for its Renaissance influence, Siena exemplifies the Gothic era, and you'll find that near-pristine Gothic architecture fills the city. One of Siena's main attractions is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site: The breathtaking Piazza del Campo is a city square that sits at the base of three majestic hills. While you're there, climb to the top of Torre del Mangia (a part of the Palazzo Pubblico) for an awe-inspiring view of Siena.

As for museums, visitors find the Museale di Santa Maria della Scala and the Museo Archeologico are each worth a few hours of their time. And when it comes to churches, recent travelers recommend visiting several: the Siena Cathedral (or Il Duomo) for its beauty; the Cathedral of the Assunta for the surrounding landscape; and the Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore for its wine cellar. 

Lucca Lucca free

Located in northwest Tuscany and less than 20 miles from Pisa, this town is famous for its 16th-century walls — recent travelers recommend riding a bike atop them to get the best views. Or consider climbing to the top of the Guinigi Tower where you can overlook the entire city.  There's also a rendition of the Duomo, called the  Cattedrale di San Martino.

Luca is also praised for its native son Giacomo Puccini, who composed such operatic masterpieces as "Madame Butterfly" and "La Bohème," so art is aplenty.  And art aficionados recommend popping into L.U.C.C.A. (Lucca Center of Contemporary Art) or strolling by the art show every third weekend of the month by the Piazzetta San Carlo to see local works of art. 

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Cinque Terre Cinque Terre free

Cinque Terre is a group of cinque (five) villages — Monterosso, Vernazza, Manarola, Riomaggiore and Corniglia — strung along cliffs that overlook the Ligurian Sea. Since it became both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park in the past couple of decades, the area has been saved from the commercialism that pervades most European cities today.

Visitors like to hike Cinque Terre's leafy crags; Via dell'Amour is a popular (and well-paved!) walk that connects Manarola with Riomaggiore. The trail with the best ocean views is from Vernazza to Monterosso. Unfortunately, this hike is also the most challenging and isn't for the faint of heart, as the trail (or lack thereof) is unpaved and involves lots of climbing under and over various terrain. To avoid the crowds and the heat, recent travelers recommend hiking in the morning. And if you're not up for hiking from town to town, you can always catch the train that runs along the coast and stops at each town. 

Sovestro in Poggio Winery Sovestro in Poggio Winery

Sovestro in Poggio Winery is a farming estate filled with fields of grapes and olives. The estate produces wines like the Tribolo and Chianti, as well as its own extra virgin olive oil called Bagatto. Like many of the estate wineries, Sovestro in Poggio also contains overnight accommodations. Recent visitors are almost unanimous in their praise for this estate, saying the scenery was "breathtaking," the food was "delicious" and the wine was "perfect."

You'll find Sovestro in Poggio Winery in central Tuscany in the small town of San Gimignano. Although some recent travelers say the experience here is expensive, most say it's worth it. Reservations are mandatory for all visits. For more information, visit the estate's website . 

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona

Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona produces wines, grappas and olive oils in a beautiful swath of southern Tuscany. The estate itself dates back to the 17th century, making it a great stop for historians as well as gourmands.

If you plan on visiting this winery, you'll want to be sure to take a guided tour. Recent visitors rave about the talented tour guides and their abundant amount of wine knowledge  — you'll be a wine connoisseur by the time you leave.  Tours give visitors access to all three of the wine cellars where you can learn how wine is produced.  You'll find the winery in Montalcino on the hills flanking the Orcia River. For more information on this winery, visit its website . 

Castello del Trebbio Castello del Trebbio

Castello del Trebbio hosts everything from a winery to a restaurant (and cooking classes) to accommodations. It's hard to pin down just what visitors like most about the experience. Some say its the family-run winery with simply tasty wine and olive oil. Others say the 12th-century castle's ambiance is the coolest, while some find tasting different Chianti vintages and learning to make Italian pasta the most satisfying part about this estate winery.

And here's an interesting historic tidbit: This castle was once owned by the Pazzi family, the arch enemies of another powerful Italian family, the Medicis. You'll find this winery on the outskirts of Florence .  Weddings are held here frequently, so be sure to call ahead for reservations.  For more information, visit its website . 

Castello di Verrazzano Castello di Verrazzano

Visitors to the Castello di Verrazzano say its mix of warm hospitality, scenic beauty and delicious wine that is absolutely divine. Dating back to the 14th century, the estate also produces olive oil, honey, grappa and balsamic vinegar. So if you want to bring back a few souvenirs, Castello di Verrazzano has you covered — just know that you can buy the same wines cheaper at the local grocery store.

Many recommend booking the three-hour winery tour with lunch rather than just the winery tour itself, saying the food makes it worth the extra time and money. You'll learn how to properly pair and taste wine during the multicourse lunch. But if you're a vegetarian, recent travelers recommend skipping the lunch as the majority of the meal is different kinds of meats and not worth the extra cash. 

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Castello di Volpaia Castello di Volpaia

Castello di Volpaia is much more than a winery — it's an entire village, and a 11th-century one at that. The former churches, homes and underground passages have been converted into wine cellars, bottling plants, tasting bars, olive presses and even an underground wineduct. Visitors can even do some hiking in the surrounding countryside; the Enoteca (or shop) sells hiking itineraries, some of which can take up to three hours to finish.

Guests rave about this estate nearby the breathtaking Radda di Chianti.  You can also stay overnight in the castello's apartments or villas. You'll discover several delectable dining options around town and, of course, plenty of wine tastings. Various cooking and food classes are also offered, such as lessons on combining food and wine and how to serve Italian style. For more information on this winery, visit its website .

The Leaning Tower of Pisa The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Oh, the Leaning Tower of Pisa — so touristy and yet so fun. Each day, hordes of visitors come to the small northwestern Tuscan town of Pisa to take pictures "propping up" its tower. Some do it with their entire bodyweight while others hold it with a finger. Even just watching other tourists take pictures is pretty entertaining. 

At about 183 feet tall, the tower leans at about four degrees, meaning that at the top, it's displaced nearly 13 feet from its bottom. Yikes! And yet, it's still architecturally sound enough for visitors to walk up its nearly 300 steps to the top. And spying the exorbitant price of walking to the top ( € 18 EUR), most travelers recommend snagging a few free pictures from the ground level. 

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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!

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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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, Italy: travel guide and places to visit

Visit Tuscany

Tuscany is perhaps the best region of Italy to visit if you want an introduction to the charms of the country, with the great artistic cities such as Florence and Siena, the famous leaning tower of Pisa, beautiful scenery, lovely villages and hill towns, vineyards and olive groves, and much else...

Tuscany travel guide and places to visit

For a summary of the most popular sights in the region see also Tuscany places to visit .

Tuscany is in the north-west part of central Italy and is one of the most popular, and most beautiful, regions of the country. The region contains the renaissance city of Florence as well as several other fascinating cities and towns such as Lucca, Arezzo, Cortona and Siena. The famous leaning tower is of course found at Pisa, to the west of the region.

But it is not just the famous cities that attract visitors to Tuscany, and you will also enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside, visiting the pretty villages and hill towns and enjoying the landscapes of vineyards and olive groves, rolling fields and mountains, and the famous cypress trees of the region.

The main challenge you face when you visit Tuscany is the number of things that you will want to see and the limited amount of time you probably have available!

Note that although Tuscany does have seaside resorts, it would not usually be first choice for a beach holiday in Italy (except perhaps around Elba and the south-west) but the beaches are ideal if you just want to spend a day or two at the coast during your visit.

To help with your planning, below we consider the main attractions by region within Tuscany: the north and Florence; the centre and Siena; and the southern and eastern parts of Tuscany. The most 'famous' sights are generally in the northern half of Tuscany.

Northern Tuscany and Florence: places to visit

Florence itself is of course world famous as the centre of the Italian renaissance, with highlights including the Duomo and the Baptistry; the renaissance artworks in the Uffizi gallery and Michelangelo's David in the Galleria dell'Accamedia; the Medici Villas and the Palazzo Vecchio. See our Florence guide for details.

The town of Fiesole , a short distance north of Florence, is a very ancient town with several interesting monuments and is an interesting contrast to the crowded streets of Florence.

To the far north of  Tuscany the Garfagnana valley is a lovely fertile valley of steep forested hills and ancient villages around Barga that is perfect for hiking and cycling, with the town and famous quarries of Carrara that provided the marble for many of the Roman and renaissance artistic masterpieces a little to the west.

You can also enjoy a stroll around the spa town of Bagni di Lucca while more energetic visitors will want to explore the Apuane Alps mountains to the west of Garfagnana that are very popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Between Florence and the coast to the west the most famous destinations are  Pisa with the world famous monuments such as the Leaning Tower in the Piazza di Miracoli; and Lucca , a lovely historic walled town best known for its impressive romanesque churches.

Other notable highlights between Florence and Pisa include the cathedral town of Empoli , the village with a roman church and renaissance villa at Artimino and the chance to visit Vinci , the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and now home to a museum explaining his life and works. An excellent place to stop and explore if you are travelling between Florence and Pisa is the small hill town of San Miniato , halfway between the two cities.

You can also see some interesting historical buildings in the towns of Pistoia and Prato and a trip to see the exceptional Medici Villa at Poggio a Caiano is also recommended.

Highlights on the coast in this part of Tuscany include Pietrasanta and the seaside resort at Viareggio with its art nouveau architecture is also worthy of a visit while opera lovers will want to visit Torre del Lago Puccini, once the lakeside home of the great opera composer.

In the hills to the east of Florence we suggest you spend a few days touring the quiet Casentino district. There is a lot to enjoy here including the abbey at Vallombrosa , the village of Montemignaio , the castle at the hill town of Poppi , the monastery and hermitage at Camaldoli , the village of Stia (source of the Arno river).

You can also explore the villages of Raggiolo and Bibbiena and also clusters of villages such as those at Pratovecchio , Cetica and Castel San Niccolo . Capolona and Pelago are also interesting destinations within the Casentino.

Central Tuscany and Siena: places to visit

The city of Siena is quite different in character to Florence and one of the most lovely medieval towns in Italy, in particular in the streets around the extraordinary Piazza del Campo in the heart of the old town.

Between Florence and Siena you can explore the ancient villages and vineyards of the renowned Chianti region.

North of Siena the highlights include San Gimignano , a lovely 13th century town well known for its medieval towers - and its crowds, and also the tiny jewel of a fortified village at Monteriggioni .

The attractive hilltop towns of Volterra and Colle di Val d'Elsa are among others to visit, and quiter than San Gimignano, and you should also explore the lovely medieval town of Certaldo while you are in the Elsa valley The stunning walled town at Monteriggioni is yet another highlight here.

The region to the east of Siena has numerous highlights, including the lively town of Arezzo with its impressive religious monuments and frescoes such as those in the Church of San Francesco. The very scenic town of Cortona is also in this region, and we also suggest a trip to explore historic Anghiari while enthusiasts of Renaissance art will want to visit Sansepolcro , birthplace of the renowned artist Piero della Francesca.

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South and east Tuscany: places to visit

The southern part of Tuscany contains less famous towns and sites than the northern part of the region but has its own particular charm and there are still a good number of interesting places to visit.

Betwen Siena and Cortona you can see the rolling landscapes of the Crete Senesi region, perhaps the exact landscapes you imagine when you think of  Tuscany and centred around Asciano and Buonconvento .

Also in this part of south-east Tuscany you will enjoy visiting the historic town of Montepulciano and also the village of Pienza (a UNESCO listed town in the Val d'Orcia). The collegiale church and Museum of Sacred Art at Chianciano are just a short distance south of Montepulciano, and the ancient town at Chiusi is also interesting, with the etruscan tombs and museum to visit.

In the far south of the region, the Natural Park of Maremma north of Talamone has some beautiful coastal scenery, and the nature reserve of Monte Argentario to the south and the island of Elba to the north.

On the peninsula that includes Monte Argentario you can visit the ancient port town and popular seaside resort of Porto Ercole and also take a ferry to visit the attractive island and medieval village of Giglio Castello .

Elba is a picturesque island that entered into the history books when Napoleon was sent into exile here. It is now a very popular destination with attractive countryside and mountains, vineyards and olive groves, as well as numerous lovely sandy beaches and impressive coast scenery. See the Elba travel guide .

Inland to the east of here there is a lovely cluster of ancient villages with Pitigliano , Sovana and Sorano which is a pleasure to explore. The natural thermal springs at Saturnia are also very popular, as they have been since the Etruscan period.

Tuscany highlights - a photo gallery

Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany

The following Italian towns and villages in Tuscany are listed among the ' most beautiful villages in Italy ': Anghiari / Barga / Buonconvento / Castelfranco di Sopra / Cetona* / Coreglia Antelminelli / Cutigliano / Giglio Castello* / Loro Ciuffenna / Montefioralle* / Montescudaio / Pitigliano /  Poppi / San Casciano dei Bagni / Scarperia / Sovana / Suvereto*

Orange Flag Tourism towns in Tuscany

The following Italian towns and villages in Tuscany are listed among the ' Orange flag towns in Italy ' (a national tourist award): , Anghiari / Barberino Val d'Elsa / Barga / Casale Marittimo / Casole d'Elsa / Castelnuovo Berardenga / Castiglion Fiorentino / Certaldo / Cetona / Collodi / Cutigliano / Lari / Lucignano / Massa Marittima / Montalcino / Montecarlo / Montefollonico / Montepulciano / Monteriggioni / Murlo / Peccioli / Pienza / Pitigliano / Radda in Chianti / Radicofani / San Casciano dei Bagni / San Gimignano / Sorano / Suvereto / Trequanda / Vinci / Volterra

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Home » Travel Guides » Italy » 15 Best Places to Visit in Tuscany (Italy)

15 Best Places to Visit in Tuscany (Italy)

Tuscany is considered to be one of the most beautiful regions of Italy . Located in the central region of the country, Tuscany is divided into 10 provinces – Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena and Arezzo. The region has an estimated population of 3.7 million inhabitants and is known for its wine regions, culture and huge historical impact in Medieval Europe. Tuscany (or in particular Florence) was considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance and during this time period the country flourished and created some of the most influential and legendary scholars, artists and visionaries the world has seen including Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Throughout history, Tuscany has been a place of importance – this region has been settled since the Etruscan period and has been inhabited by the Romans, and other notable civilizations. Today it remains one of the most popular regions of Italy and draws a huge amount of tourists annually. Firstly, Tuscany boasts some of the finest cultural cities in Italy such as Florence, Pisa and Lucca – these cities boasts some magnificent historical buildings and world class museums. Furthermore, the Tuscan countryside is absolutely stunning and is a fantastic place to explore – you can visit the island of Elba and see where Napoleon was exiled, or travel through Tuscan wine country. When visiting Tuscany, you are sure to find cultural enlightenment and learn a great deal about the history of Italy and Europe.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Tuscany :

1. Florence

Florence is the jewel of the Renaissance and is renowned worldwide for its contribution to the arts and culture of modern society.

During the Middle Ages Florence was one of the most important cities in the world and gave birth to legends such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Today Florence is a thriving city with a dazzling amount of attractions.

The Duomo and Baptistery are simply magnificent with their polychrome faces.

The Ponte Vecchio spanning the Arno River is intriguing with its array of shops and stalls.

The Piazza della Signoria contains the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the Galleria dell’Accademia and the opulent fountain of Neptune.

Every corner of this city is packed full of interesting sites of historical significance.

Second only to Florence in terms of significance during the Renaissance, Pisa is another stunning city with a great deal to offer on the eastern coast of Tuscany.

Pisa is known throughout the world for its iconic leaning tower – this campanille is actually part of a larger complex that contains the Duomo di Pisa, the baptistery and the monumental cemetery.

Each structure is awe inspiring in its own right; the bell tower is just the icing on the cake.

Pisa also has several interesting museums, a fantastic botanical gardens and some spectacular scenery along the Arno River.

You may come for the leaning tower, but you will leave having seen so much more.

Many people overlook this smaller Tuscan city, but Lucca played an important role in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

This city lies in close proximity to Pisa and contains a myriad of beautiful buildings.

A main feature of Lucca is the complete city wall complex that encircles the whole historic old town – these walls are truly magnificent and the parkland that is maintained around them is a pleasure to explore.

Lucca also features the glorious Duomo that features an immense bell tower and has a highly decorated façade.

Other attractions of note include the Torre delle Ore, Guinigi Tower, San Michele in Foro and the Museum of Villa Mansi.

This variety of historical sites make Lucca an attractive destination within the Tuscany region.

Arezzo is one of the most central cities in Tuscany and lies in-between the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts equally.

The city is situated on a hillside and the upper section contains the historic old town, whilst the lower section is modern and concerned with industry and trade.

The old town is the main area of interest and contains some beautiful structures such as the Fortezza Medicea, the Duomo San Donato and the Teatro Petrarca.

If you are interested in museums and history, Arezzo also has several high quality establishments including the Museo Archeologico Mecenate and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art.

Finally, Arezzo has some amazing parks and places of natural beauty for those who love the outdoors.

Livorno is one of the most important port cities in Italy ad contributes a huge amount to the countries economy.

Located on the Mediterranean coast, this city has an extensive port that is fascinating to walk around – you can see the commercial and passenger ships and admire the beautiful harbour.

Surrounding the ancient Fortezza Nuova is an area known as Nuova Venezia – this gorgeous part of Livorno has a series of amazing canals and cobbled streets that are waiting to be explored.

Aside from the port and the canals, Livorno also has some impressive attractions such as the Mercato Centrale, the Piazza della Repubblica and the Terrazza Mascagni.

Pistoia is located in close proximity to both Florence and Pisa but it ha a great deal to offer as a standalone tourist destination.

This city has the distinction of being the birthplace of the pistol firearm and was an important location during the Middle Ages.

Some of the most popular and documented sites include the Cathedral of St.

Zeno and its Baptistery, the complex of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, the Museo Capitolare and Pistoia Zoo.

Furthermore, Pistoia is surrounded by some amazing mountain towns such as the spa town Montecatini Terme and the beautiful town of Montecatini Alto.

Finally, for those who seek adventure, there is always the immense Monte Cimone mountain range waiting to be conquered.

Prato has been an influential city for many hundreds of years and was once one of the largest textile manufacturers in the country.

Today it is a fine tourist destination and has a great deal to offer in central Tuscany.

The Duomo di Prato and Emperors Castle are two significant structures that are definitely worth a visit.

Additionally to take a look at the cities manufacturing past, the Textile Museum offers keen insight and is an interesting museum.

Whilst in Prato, you must try the famous Biscotti biscuit and the cured Mortadella Salumi – these two delicacies are simply divine and two of Prato’s finest creations.

For the adventurous, Prato has many cycling routes and some gorgeous surrounding countryside.

8. Montepulciano

This small town located in close proximity to Siena is a true hidden gem and is one of the best kept secrets in Tuscany.

You can find Montepulciano 600m high on an ancient limestone ridge and the views from this town of the surrounding countryside are to die for.

Aside from the jaw dropping views, this town also has some fantastic medieval architecture such as the Palazzo Cervini, the Torre di Pulcinella, the Porta al Prato and the Chiesa di San Biagio.

The main square is charming, and the surrounding fields are covered with vineyards producing the famous Vino Nobile.

9. Val d’Orcia

This region of Tuscany can be found in the eastern stretch of the countryside and features some absolutely gorgeous landscapes and idyllic scenery.

The whole region is a protected area and contains a historic heritage railway, a huge array if expansive vineyards and some peaceful towns such as Pienza, Radicofani and Montalcino.

Pienza in particular is worth a visit and has been dubbed as one of the most impressive Renaissance settlements due to its beauty, stunning surroundings and picture perfect architecture.

This whole region is waiting to be explored and offers much in terms of sight-seeing and outdoor pursuits.

10. Island of Elba

Elba is possibly best known for being the island to which Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled after his forced abdication in 1814. This Tuscan island is located in-between Corsica and Mainland Italy and has a population of 32,000. As a tourist destination Elba has a great variety of things to offer.

Firstly the island has a wave of fantastic beaches with golden sands that are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing on.

Secondly, the island has some amazing sites such as the Heritage Iron Mine and the Villa San Martino which was Napoleons second residence.

Finally, the island is home to a wave of top quality restaurants offering sublime Italian cuisine and home grown Elban wine.

11. San Gimignano

To see a true medieval town in Tuscany you must travel to San Gimignano.

This quiet and charming town is renowned for its 14 medieval towers and its ancient city walls.

The towers are truly magnificent and create a fantastic skyline in the surrounding countryside.

Aside from the gorgeous domineering towers and the central piazza, Gimignano also has several fantastic museums including the Museo Estrusco and the Museo Archeologico.

Siena is an absolutely fantastic destination in the southern parts of Tuscany and its city centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within the historic old town you can find such magnificent buildings as the opulent Cathedral of Siena, the brightly coloured Palazzo Pubblico, the immense Basilica of San Domenico and the Palazzo Salimbeni.

Furthermore the Piazza del Campo is possibly one of the most impressive squares in Tuscany and transports you back into a bygone era.

Aside from the breath-taking architecture, the city has a plethora of museums and the narrow cobbled streets are simply perfect to amble through.

13. Grosseto

Grosseto may not be as popular as Florence or Pisa but it holds a plethora of interesting sites and historical structures and is an amazing place to visit in the southern part of Tuscany.

The main draw of this city is the historic old town centre – much of the original city walls still stand, as do several defensive bastions – these structures encircle the historic town centre and create a clear divide between the old and new.

Within the town centre you can find some interesting sites such as the Duomo di Grosseto, the Porta Corsica, the Bastione Cavallerizza and the Aldobrandeschi Palace.

The Piazza Dante is also one of the most beautiful places in the town and contains some of the city’s most important buildings.

14. Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme is a notable spa town located in the mountains in-between Pistoia and Lucca.

This town is renowned for its beautiful setting and its plethora of spa establishments and wellness centres.

Come here to rejuvenate and to relax – enjoy the thermal baths, enjoy some spa treatments and leave the town feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Terme Tettuccio for example is an opulent spa with classically designed buildings and some excellent spa facilities.

For those who wish to explore, the town also has a funicular railway that travels to the neighbouring town of Montecatini Alto – this is another sublime mountain town that has some beautiful buildings and offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

15. Chianti Wine Region

Tuscany is famed for its wine produce and the Chianti Classico Wine Region lies between Florence and Siena.

This region is truly beautiful and has a myriad of interesting villages to visit.

Furthermore you can visit one of many different wineries and sample some of the first class produce they make and even have a tour of their vineyards.

Some of the smaller villages worth a visit include Greve, Chiocchio and Panzano.

Consider hiring a car and driving through the Chianti Wine Region – the countryside is sublime, the villages are charming and the wine is excellent.

15 Best Places to Visit in Tuscany (Italy):

• Montepulciano
• Val d’Orcia
• Island of Elba
• San Gimignano
• Montecatini Terme
• Chianti Wine Region

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tuscany TRAVEL GUIDE

Do picturesque Medieval towns, rolling green hills covered in vines, cypress lined roads, and some of the most delicious food in Italy sound like your idea of paradise? Then you need to visit Tuscany.

Home to the Renaissance capital, Florence, the region is renowned for its art history, Chianti wine, beautiful cities, and charming small towns that have inspired films like Under The Tuscan Sun and a whole suite of dreamy literature. Considered by many to be ‘quintessential Italy’, Tuscany is one of Italy’s biggest regions and it offers visitors many diverse experiences from city, to countryside as well as the seaside along the Mediterranean coast. 

Whether you’re dreaming about a trip to visit the Leaning Tower, sipping a glass or two at a Chianti winery, or eating the famous Florentine steak , travel in Tuscany is truly a dream come true for many. Keep reading to find out how to make the most of your time there with our Tuscany travel guide. 

Article contents

Where is Tuscany

Tuscany is nestled in the middle of Italy and on its western border are the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas. including an archipelago of 7 islands off the coast. The region borders Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Le Marche, Umbria and Lazio.

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is easily reached from Rome in an hour and a half on the fast train; from Milan in two hours; and Venice in just over two hours. When visiting Tuscany by car, it is remarkably quick to enter into the countryside from Florence – the Chianti region is just 35km away. 

Map of Tuscany

Main cities and towns in tuscany.

Tuscany is the fifth largest region in Italy and is divided into different areas that each offer something new to discover from art and local traditions to wine, olive oil and the seaside. Some of our favorite Tuscan towns to visit include: 

• Florence: A trip to Tuscany is not complete without passing through Florence considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance. Art and history lovers will delight as they stroll the streets once home to Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, and visit the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries as well as the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. 
• Lucca : Encircled by Renaissance-era walls, Lucca is one of the most charming towns to visit in Tuscany (and beyond!) A trip to this gorgeous small city could include a bike ride along the walls, visiting the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro (built over an ancient Roman amphitheater), stunning villas like Villa Garzoni and Palazzo Pfanner, as well as Casa di Puccini – home to the great opera composer. 

Chianti / Siena Area

• Siena : Long time rival of Florence, this medieval city is stunning in her own rite. Siena is a place where traditions run deep, best embodied by the continuation of the Palio horse race that has been running since 1232! Explore the UNESCO Heritage listed old town, 12th century Cathedral, and of course the Piazza del Campo where the Palio is held every year. 
• Greve in Chianti : In t he heart of the Chianti wine region, Greve is a gorgeous town famed for wine, extra virgin olive oil, and the truffles that grow in the surrounding countryside. Wine shopping is on the cards here, as well as a delicious lunch in one of the town’s many excellent restaurants. 
• San Gimignano : Considered the ‘Medieval Manhattan’ thanks to its dozen towers still standing, San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque and atmospheric towns in Tuscany. Don’t miss climbing up one for a fabulous view! While you’re there, feast on their famous saffron, ham, with a glass of local wine – Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Val D’Orcia

• Pienza : Cheese lovers will want to visit Pienza to try their incredible Pecorino sheep’s milk cheese! Redesigned by Pope Pius II to be a ‘utopia’, the town is full of charming cobblestoned lanes, romantic street names, and the scent of fresh cheese wafting through the air at every turn. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Val D’Orcia countryside from the Piccolomini Palace gardens.
• Montepulciano : In the heart of Tuscany’s southern wine country, Montepulciano is said to be o ne of the most beautiful Tuscan Medieval hilltop towns. Indulge in wine tasting of the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and feasting of cheese, pork, thick hand-rolled pasta, honey, and lentils here. 
• Montalcino : To enjoy some of the most stunning views over the Arbia, Asso, and Ombrone valleys, you can’t miss a stop in Montalcino. Covered with olive orchards and vineyards, Montalcino is known for its Brunello di Montalcino wine so plenty of tasting is recommended here.

READ: Our full guide to visiting the glorious Val d’Orcia .

Arezzo Province

• Arezzo : The setting for Academy Award winning film La Vita e’ Bella (Life is Beautiful), Arezzo is a total gem. Settled by Etruscans, it is full of fascinating history and architecture that also spans across Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Romanesque periods. Visit to enjoy quiet piazzas, long lazy lunches and the monthly antiques fair.
• Cortona : Made forever famous thanks to Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun , Cortona is a sweet Medieval town with Etruscan roots and incredible hillside views across the Valdichiana valley and Lake Trasimeno. Wander its narrow streets, admire the Medieval architecture, and pay a visit to the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca to learn more about its past.

Province of Pisa

• Pisa : Made forever famous thanks to the Leaning Tower , you can’t miss the main attraction of this city. However, you should linger a little longer in Pisa. A trip to this university city will uncover beautiful historic churches, Medieval castles, and ancient bridges across the River Arno. Strolling through the beautiful old town pre or post ‘tower-selfie’ is something many visitors miss out on in their rush to see the main attraction.
• Volterra : We think it’s impossible to visit too many pretty hilltop towns, and Volterra is a highlight. A walled town perched atop a mountain, Volterra has a long and fascinating history that dates back to before 8BC. Explore along the ancient walls and fortresses and go shopping at one of the many artisan shops in town.  

Tuscan Coast

• Grosseto : The capital of Tuscany’s ‘ Maremma ’ coast, Grosetto is an interesting town rebuilt by the Medici family in the 16th century. Visit the Archeological Museum, Dante Alighieri square, and Cathedral of San Lorenzo. 
• Porto Ercole : Don’t miss this  pretty seaside town in the Maremma along the Monte Argentario peninsula. Enjoy swimming and boat trips, exploring Spanish forts and indulging in the delicious seafood focused cuisine. 
• Capalbio : A charming town on the border of Tuscany and Lazio, Capalbio is also known as the city of artists. Don’t miss the Tarot Garden full of gigantic, grotesque statues created by Franco-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle.  It’s also particularly famous for its wild boar sagra (food festival) in September.
• Elba Island : Enjoy sparkling blue waters, and nature on this little piece of Tuscan paradise. Devoid of the crowds that flock to the more well known coastal areas of Italy, you can enjoy some tranquility and gorgeous beaches here. 

Top things to do in Tuscany

Whether you are a foodie, wine connoisseur, history buff, art lover, beach goer, or nature enthusiast, there is truly something for everyone in Tuscany. Here are some of the best things to do when traveling in Tuscany: 

Taste the celebrated local wines

Home to some of the best known wine in Italy, wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Tuscany. Visit the Chianti region to try the famous Chianti Classico wines made with Sangiovese grapes or head to the Val d’Orcia to try Brunello di Montalcino or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Enjoy a stroll along the vines, and pay a visit to the cantina (cellar) to see how wine is made, before sampling the wine. Be sure to make an appointment to visit a winery in advance as you can generally not just turn up unannounced in Italy. An exception to this is Marchesi Antinori where you can drop in for a tasting at their futuristic wine room. Or, better yet, relax while everything is taken care of and consider joining this popular small group wine tour from Florence .

Explore Tuscany’s many Medieval towns

There are endless beautiful Medieval towns to visit in Tuscany so be sure to add some to your itinerary. Sweeping views over vineyards and olive groves are guaranteed, as is delightful meandering along cobblestoned paths, fantastic local food and popping into artisan workshops. If you’re not planning to drive, consider joining a day tour like this day trip from Florence to explore some of the top towns in Tuscany plus have lunch at a winery.

Relax at a thermal spa

Did you know Tuscany is famous for its healing thermal spas? The most famous to visit is Saturnia where thermal warm water cascades down the slope of a hill into gorgeous pools of 37°C water for you to bathe in. Besides the free baths, you can also visit many luxury thermal spa hotels in and close to the Val d’Orcia area like the Terme di Saturnia Resort .

Explore the best art galleries in Florence

If you’re a lover of art, then you really cannot miss a trip to Florence. Start with the world renowned Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”, statues by Michelangelo and more. Next, you’ll want to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia where you’ll find Michelangelo’s original and magnificent statue of David. Get the most out of your trip with a guided tour with Liv Tours .

Go truffle hunting

Try your luck finding the elusive white or black truffle when in Tuscany! The best area in Tuscany for truffle hunting is near the town of San Miniato. Try this tour that includes a delicious truffle laden lunch after your hunt in the area.  In fact, the town hosts a spectacular truffle sagra (festival) every weekend in November which is well worth the trip. 

Bike around Lucca’s Renaissance city walls

Lucca is a jewel of the region and easily reached from Florence by car or train. Do as the locals do whilst there and hire a bike for the day to ride around the city walls and take in the gorgeous views with the wind in your hair. Try this bike tour that includes some stops to sample typical cuisine too!

What to eat and drink in Tuscany

Tuscany is home to many delicious specialties, but some favorites you can’t miss include: 

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Perhaps the most famous food in Tuscany is Florentine steak. This cut of beef comes only from the white Chianina cows found in Val di Chiana, is served on the bone and is dry aged for between 15 to 20 days. Florentine steak must be served rare for the ultimate mouth watering experience.
• Lampredotto : Florence’s favorite street food is a panino filled with the fourth stomach of a cow and a zesty salsa verde
• Cinghiale pasta : wild boar pasta served with long pappardelle noodles.
• Ribollita : a hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, including locally grown cavolo nero (black kale)
• Finocchiona Salami: Tuscany is known for its spectacular cured meats, but perhaps the best is the finocchiona – a pork salami flavored with fennel.  
• Schiacciata di Uva: Look out for this treat during the harvest season (Sept-October). It’s a fluffy bread made with focaccia dough and small, sweet, black grapes called uva fragola . 
• Castagnaccio : A Fall/Autumn favorite, this chestnut flour cake is made with new olive oil, raisins, and pine nuts and is both gluten-free and vegan friendly.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Peppery Tuscan EVOO is revered throughout Italy. If you are lucky enough to travel to Tuscany in Fall/Autumn, look out for ‘olio nuovo’ or new oil that has just been pressed for the best olive oil tasting of your life.
• Chianti Classico: Tuscany is known for many wines, however Chianti Classico is the most quintessential. Don’t miss tasting some on your trip. 

Where to stay in Tuscany

There are many different accommodation options available in the region including hotels, apartments, B&Bs, and agriturismi (farmhouses). Tuscany is no stranger to tourism, which means that there are well-established facilities built up in the region to suit a range of group sizes, budgets, and accommodation needs. 

Florence makes for a great base to explore Renaissance art as well as day trips into the Chianti countryside. Whether you’re driving, going with a tour group, or taking public transport, you can also easily visit Siena, the Val d’Orcia, Pisa, Lucca, and Arezzo for the day from here.

We like the St Regis Hote l for 5 star luxury or try a more budget friendly option that’s extremely well located like Hotel Perseo . Take a read of our article on where to stay in Florence for more ideas.

If you’d like to immerse yourself in the countryside for a few days, then consider staying in the Chianti or Val d’Orcia areas. Castellina in Chianti, Pienza, and Montepulciano all make wonderful bases for exploring wineries, and hilltop towns. Consider staying at a winery like Querceto di Castellina or an agriturismo like Merigge Montepulciano for a more immersive experience. 

Lucca is another excellent base to escape the crowds with easy access on the train to Florence. From here, you can explore the Garfagnana area too with a car. Find our recommendations in our guide on Where to stay in Lucca .

Siena is perfectly placed for visiting the southern part of Tuscany, the Val d’Orcia, if you prefer to have city accommodation and are prepared to drive as this area is not well serviced by efficient public transportation.

For those looking to soak in what life in a real Tuscan town is like, consider basing yourself in beautiful Arezzo instead. It’s well connected by train and lacks the crowds of Florence and Siena. 

When to go to Tuscany

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Tuscany as the countryside turns green and temperatures are pleasant for exploring (46-66°F or 8-19°C). Enjoy new season artichokes, fresh fava beans, fresh cheese and plenty of food festivals like the cherry sagra or the frog festival.

Summer in Tuscany can get very hot with temperatures easily reaching 86F(30C) and beyond. Florence gets particularly hot and humid during this time, so staying outside the city and having access to a swimming pool or the beach is a good idea. 

Fall/Autumn is a wonderful time to visit as the region comes to life with the harvest season . If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy truffles, porcini mushrooms, saffron, new wine and extra virgin olive oil as well as a suite of sagre or food festivals. Look out for the sagre (food festivals) in Panzano and Greve where the towns are decorated with flags and colorful decorations, as well as the Pecorino di Pienza festival dedicated to the delicious sheep cheese. 

The wintertime in the region can get very cold and even snow with temperatures around 38-42°F (3.5°C – 5.5°C). During the festive season, there are wonderful Christmas markets held all over the region particularly in Florence, Sien a, and Arezzo. Prices are a little cheaper and crowds a little thinner too after the new year. 

How to get to Tuscany

It might surprise you to learn that the main airport in Tuscany is Pisa and not Florence. Florence is a very small airport that doesn’t have great connections so consider flying into Pisa instead from abroad or other major Italian cities. 

Traveling by train to Tuscany is easy from the major Italian cities. Take the high speed rail services and you can be in Florence in 90 minutes from Rome, 2.5 hours from Venice, under 2 hours from Milan and around 40 minutes from Bologna.

If you’re driving, you can reach Florence from Rome along the A1/E35. The average travel time ranges between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours and 15 minutes depending on traffic. From Milan, you’ll travel south along the A1 with travel time around 4 hours. From Venice, the trip is a little shorter around 3 hours along the A13.

How to get around Tuscany

Florence is best explored by foot and a car will only frustrate so it’s best to leave this parked during your stay in the Renaissance city.

There are reliable and fast regional train routes to Lucca, Arezzo, and Pisa. Florence to Lucca takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, whilst Pisa and Arezzo are quicker and take less than an hour by train. Getting to Siena however takes about two hours so is much slower via train. Book your train tickets in advance online with Omio . 

It’s best to hire a car to explore the countryside including the Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and Maremma regions. We recommend renting your car with Autoeurope or Car Rental by booking.com from the airport (Pisa or Florence) to avoid navigating through sometimes stressful driving in the city centers. Read our driving tips for Italy for more information.

For those not wanting to drive, consider hiring a private driver or joining a tour to experience the best of the countryside. 

Let’s go to Tuscany!

Are you inspired to visit after reading our travel guide to Tuscany? If you would like to learn more about this gorgeous region of Italy, have a listen to our podcast episode about the Chianti region , or exploring Florence .

We have a wealth of further information available on our site to read including articles on best agriturismi in Tuscany , hidden gems in Florence , best museums in Florence , and Florence highlights . 

Want to discover Tuscany with us? For a deeper local connection, why not join one of our Tuscany small group tours . 

When is the Best Time to Visit Tuscany?

Planning a trip but unsure when is the best time to visit Tuscany ?

Read on for a month-by-month guide to Tuscany’s weather, major events in Tuscany and to find out how busy Tuscany is through the year.

Tuscany in January

While the rest of the world enjoys Dry January and juice cleanses, Tuscany continues to celebrate the holidays with feast of the Epiphany. Despite being one of the quietest months to visit, there is still plenty to see, do and eat, as well as sunshine to enjoy. 

Tuscany weather in January

January is the coldest month to visit with a typical daytime high of 10℃ (50℉) and a low of 3℃ (37℉) overnight. 

Snowfall and cold snaps are common towards the end of the month — Tuscans call these “giorni della merla” (blackbird days). An old tale recounts how January was outraged by the blackbirds complaining about the winter, and borrowed 3 of February’s days. He made them the harshest and coldest days of all months. 

The Estate of Petroio, snow-covered fields

How busy is Tuscany in January?

Winter in Tuscany is low season for tourism. With fewer crowds you may not need to book activities ahead. You can easily find a table at renowned trattorias and restaurants which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence, Bistrot in Forte dei Marmi and Osteria di Passignano  in Badia a Passignano. 

What’s on in Tuscany in January?

Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy. Florentines celebrate with the Cavalcata dei Magi , where participants dress in medieval costume and wind their way around the streets of Florence singing and dancing. 

Towards the end of the month one of Tuscany’s longest-running horseraces, the Palio di Buti , takes place. While the traditional Palio routes are circular, this race runs in an S-shape. 

A glass of juice made from Sicilian  blood-oranges — in season each January — will give your immune system that extra boost it needs to survive the winter.  

Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums ( Uffizi , Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.

Tuscany in February

As one of the quietest months, February is a good time to book a romantic getaway in one of our Tuscany villas . With fewer tourists, you can explore cities such a Florence , enjoy a gondola ride along the Arno , and feast at any Michelin-starred restaurant of your choice. 

Gondola Ride along the Arno

Make sure to pack a fancy dress costume, because this is also Carnival time . 

Tuscany weather in February

Tuscans live February through the old saying, “Per la Candelora, dell’inverno siamo fora, ma se c’è sole o solicello siamo a mezzo dell’inverno” . If there is sunshine or sunny intervals on February 2nd, also known as Candlemas, then winter is still not over. 

February can be one of the coldest months of the year. Expect a typical daytime high of 13℃ (55℉) and a low of 3℃ (37℉) overnight

How busy is Tuscany in February?

The Tuscan coast can get busy during Carnival, but the rest of February is still relatively low season for tourism.

If you are planning a romantic holiday for two, you may not need to book activities ahead of time. You can easily find a table at Michelin starred restaurants which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence , Bistrot in Forte dei Marmi and Arnolfo in Colle di Val d’Elsa.

What’s on in Tuscany in February?

Carnevale di Viareggio is one of Europe’s renowned carnivals. If you are staying in a villa near Pisa or Lucca , visit the seaside town Viareggio on any of 4 consecutive weekends for partying, costumes and float parades. 

Cenci are traditional sweets prepared during Carnival made with fried puff-pastry  and topped with powdered sugar. Pasticceria Patalani is one of the best bakeries in Viareggio. 

Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.

Tuscany in March

After 3 consecutive months’ celebrating, Tuscany enjoys a month of relaxation . Despite no large festivities taking place, those with a healthy appetite or an eye for medieval games will be entertained by a flurry of smaller, local events.

San Gemini, Medieval Games

Tuscany weather in March

The weather in March fluctuates between rain and blue skies , so keep an umbrella handy. 

Expect an average daytime high of 16℃ (60℉) and a low of 6℃ (42℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in March?

The end of winter is still low season for tourism. With fewer crowds and warmer temperatures, you can enjoy activities like a countryside Fiat 500 Tour or a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Tuscany, which may be either booked up or too hot to fully enjoy in high summer.

What’s on in Tuscany in March?

March 8th is International Women’s Day . As a sign of respect and solidarity, Italians gift the women in their life a yellow mimosa flower. Artichokes are in season from March to May. They make beautiful flowers as well as a delicious dish, sauteed or fried. Keep an eye out for Carciofi alla Toscana and Carciofi Fritti. 

Two fairs dedicated to food and wine take place in March: Taste (Florence) focuses on food, wine, objects and ideas that rule contemporary Italian culture; and Terre di Toscana celebrates the wine areas and DOCs of the Tuscan region.

Wine, Tuscany market 

Palio dei Somari is a medieval race held in Torrita di Siena, with donkeys instead of horses. Expect medieval dances, flag-throwing, parades and banquets.

On the first Sunday of the month  state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission. 

Tuscany in April

A sweet tooth and a set of earplugs is enough to hop on a flight to Tuscany in April. While the rest of the world celebrates Easter with chocolate eggs, Tuscans add sweet breads and an exploding cart to the mix.

You can burn off the extra calories in the Tuscan countryside.  Make sure to bring a camera, because the arrival of Spring brings wild popp ies, roses and marguerite daisies.  

Tuscany weather in April 

The Tuscans survive April with the local motto (and umbrella): “Terzo aprilante, quaranta giorni durante”. If it rains on April 3rd, rain will continue for another 40 days.

Temperatures are still not yet bikini-friendly. Expect a daytime high of 19℃ (66℉) with a low of 8℃ (46℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in April?

Easter weekend in Tuscany is packed, but the rest of April is still relatively low season for tourism. If you come over the holiday weekend, we recommend you book major museums (especially the Uffizi ), restaurants, wine tasting and cookery classes in advance.

What’s on in Tuscany in April?

Prepare yourself for the loudest event of the month: Scoppio del Carro . The folklore Easter Day tradition features 150 white oxen, a 30-ft. an antique cart filled with fireworks and one very big explosion. 

Scoppio del Carro

Celebrate Easter with chocolate eggs and a traditional Colomba di Pasqua , sweet bread similar to Panettone baked into the shape of a dove. 

Sinalunga (south-east of Siena) host one of Italy’s sweetest festivals :  Sagra del Ciambellino . The mini-donut is best enjoyed soaked in Vin Santo, coffee or cappuccino.  

Don’t forget that on the first Sunday of the month , state-owned museums and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission. 

Tuscany in May

May is a great time to visit Tuscany, right before the peak season begins. Experience the Tuscan summer without scorching temperatures and crowds. May also features many different outdoor events and activities. 

Evenings are warm enough to enjoy a glass of wine below the pergola of your Tuscany villa . 

Tuscany weather in May 

May is a warm and sunny month , with a typical daytime high of 25℃ (77℉). 

Make use of longer days to explore the outdoors , but carry a light jacket as temperatures drop as low as 12℃ (53℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in May?

May is a great month to visit  Tuscany before peak season really gets going. With various festivals and events taking place, we recommend booking everything ahead of time ( our concierge service can help ).

What’s on in Tuscany in May?

Two major wine events are staged in May. Mostra del Chianti   is dedicated to the traditions, practices and culture of  Chianti wine . Cantine Aperte is one of Italy’s most important wine tourism events. Wineries all across Italy open their cellar doors to the public . Read up on Italian wine — written by our local experts. 

Wine may not count as one of your 5-a-day, but cherries do! Cherries are in season (and are said to have antioxidant properties ). A portion of 15 counts as one of your 5-a-day. 

Chianti wine

Maggio Musicale is one of the oldest classical musical festivals in Europe. Concerts, opera and ballet performances are staged all around the historic centre of Florence.

Barberino Val’d Elsa blossoms each May for “Barberino in Fiore”. Over one weekend, this fortified little town fills with stalls selling local flowers, food, wine, and art — dedicated to the skills, traditions and creativity of Chianti.

Every year in mid-May it’s Night of the Museums across Italy. Museums remain open past midnight, offering free admission or reduced prices . If you miss this chance, don’t forget the first Sunday of the month , when state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and more) and archaeological sites offer free entrance for everyone.

Tuscany in June

Summer has officially arrived! Tour buses, flip-flops and the drifting smell of sunscreen signal the beginning of high season . Outdoor events take place all over Tuscany, so bring a hat. 

Tuscany weather in June 

June is a great time to get outdoors before temperatures hit their summer peak. Expect a daytime high of 27℃ (80℉) and a low of 15℃ (59℉) overnight.

How busy is Tuscany in June?

Summer in Tuscany is high season . We recommend booking all activities in advance, including making restaurant reservations. You may prefer to dedicate more time to relaxing by the private pool in your villa in Tuscany . 

Il Cortile Pratolino , Shaded pergola with seating and dining area by the pool

What’s on in Tuscany in June?

On June 2nd Italy celebrates the Festa della Repubblica . This marks the official abolition of the Monarchy and formation of the Italian republic . Celebrations take place all over the country. 

Pisa hosts 2 big events this month. The Luminara di San Ranieri includes a regatta  contested by the city’s 4 ancient neighbourhoods in honour of their patron, San Ranieri. The Gioco del Ponte is a medieval battle of strength  on Pisa’s oldest bridge. 

In June Florence hosts the renowned Calcio Storico. This early form of football is played between Florence’s 4 traditional neighbourhoods. It’s historic, ruthless and not to be missed. 

You can also join the city in celebrating Corpus Christi . A procession begins in Piazza del Duomo and ends in Piazza Santa Trinita with street celebrations and festivities.  

Escape the sun and stop by any state-owned museum or archeological site on the first Sunday of the month for a free visit. 

Stay hydrated with the seasonal cantaloupes . As a snack, or paired with prosciutto as an antipasto, cantaloupe melon is hydrating, refreshing and sweet. 

Tuscany in July

July in Tuscany is one of the busiest and warmest months. Hot summer calls for a cool pool, a cooking class or a Chianti Wine Tour.

Cooking class at I Corbezzoli

For music aficionados there’s a trio of treats in Fiesole , Montalcino and Torre del Lago. If you are staying in a Villa near Siena , don’t forget to pick up scarf colours for Tuscany’s most anticipated horserace of the year — the Palio di Siena. . 

Tuscany weather in July

July is one of the hottest months of the year  with a typical daytime high of 30℃ (86℉) and a low of 18℃ (64℉) overnight. 

You will avoid the most intense heat if you explore outdoors in the early mornings and late afternoons. 

How busy is Tuscany in July?

Summer in Tuscany is high season — and July is the busiest month of the year. Expect crowds close to major sights in cities like Florence and Siena.

Book all activities and restaurants in advance — or ask our travel concierges to do it for you.

What’s on in Tuscany in July?

The first annual staging of Italy’s most famous horse race, the Palio di Siena takes place in July. Supporters from all over the world gather in Piazza del Campo to watch 10 of Siena’s 17 neighbourhoods compete against one another. The celebration begins with a historical procession at 3pm which winds through the city centre, followed by the race at 7:30pm. 

Palio di Siena, Piazza del Campo

Tuscany is renowned for wild boar. Its rich and succulent meat tastes divine with pasta or as a stew. On the first Sunday of the month, residents of Gavigno celebrate the wild boars that roam their valley with their annual Wild Boar Festival.

The annual Puccini Festival stages works by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, a native of Lucca. A specially built open-air theatre beside Lake Massaciuccoli is open from July till the end of August — and a must for all opera fans.

The Jazz & Wine Festival in Montalcino is the place to enjoy blockbuster red wine Brunello di Montalcino , washed down with some local jazz. Estate Fiesolana is a festival of classical music and theatre at venues around Fiesole , including the town’s ruined Roman amphitheatre. It is a great way to escape the heat of Florence. 

And don’t forget, all state-owned museums and archeological sites in Italy are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month. 

Tuscany in August

August is the hottest month of the year . Locals flock to the mountains and Tuscany’s best beaches , so cities like Florence are given over to tourism. The sights and beauty remain unchanged.

If you’re not lounging by the private pool in a Tuscany villa , then you might like to hit Siena for the second annual staging of its famous pageant, the Palio di Siena .

Tuscany coast, maremma, beaches

Tuscany weather in August

August is the hottest month of the year with a daytime high of 32℃ (89℉) and overnight low of 20℃ (68℉). 

How busy is Tuscany in August?

Summer in Tuscany is high season . Book all activities and restaurants in advance, or ask our dedicated travel concierges to do it for you. 

What’s on in Tuscany in August?

The second annual Palio di Siena takes place on August 16th. Like July’s race, this edition includes representatives from seven neighbourhoods which didn’t race in the previous year’s Palio plus another three drawn from the hat. Even the draw is a major event, and fills the Campo with a mix of contrada members and curious tourists.

During the race itself, the first horse to run three laps around the Campo — with or without its jockey — wins the hand-painted silk banner, the Palio — sometimes known as the Drappellone. 

Eating a slice of watermelon is one trick to cope with the heat — on Palio day or at any other time in August. At the Watermelon Festival (last weekend of August) in Castellina in Chianti , you get to enjoy an abundance of watermelon, live music and dancing. 

Alongside its fine wine, Montepulciano is renowned for a medieval competition which takes place at the end of August. The Bravio delle Botti involves racing uphill for a mile pushing giant wine barrels. 

Enjoy a free visit to any state-owned museum or archeological sites on the first Sunday of the month. They are all air-conditioned!

Tuscany in September

While the rest of the world returns to reality, Tuscans continue to indulge their summer. The weather remains favourable for visitors.

During September in Italy, you can explore historic festivals in three charming cities , including a cheese fair, a candle-lit procession and a street procession. 

Tuscany weather in September 

Summer may be over, but the weather in Tuscany is still warm . We do recommend you pack a light jacket for the evening. 

Expect a typical daytime high of 27℃ (81℉), and a low of 17℃ (62℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in September?

September in Tuscany is shoulder season for tourism. With fewer crowds around, you may not need to book activities ahead of time.

Many restaurants which close over the summer reopen, so book in advance or ask our travel concierges to make table reservations for you. 

What’s on in Tuscany in September?

Festa della Rificolona is the  oldest festival  in Florence . If you are staying in one of our villas near Florence , head into the city centre for street performances, live music and food stalls. Those really in-the-know bring their own papier-mâché lantern to the street procession.

Lucca hosts a sacred candle-lit procession  as part of its religious festival, the Luminara di Santa Croce . Following the parade, there’s a concert inside the Cattedrale di San Martino followed by fireworks. The town walls in the San Frediano neighbourhood usually provide the best vantage point. 

Pienza is known for its pecorino sheep’s milk cheese and streets of love. Every year they honour their local cacio (cheese) with the Festa del Cacio. The festival concludes with a folkloric game where competitors have to roll a cheese wheel at a target.

Pecorino cheese

Pecorino is especially delicious paired with figs. This seasonal flower — not fruit (!!) — can be enjoyed raw or made into a cheese-friendly compote. 

Tuscany in October

Summer has come to an end, but don’t let that stop you enjoying a holiday in a luxury villa in Tuscany . Bask in some much needed R&R by your private pool , weather permitting. (If it doesn’t, we have villas in Italy with heated pools and spa villas in Italy .)  

Two big outdoor events take place in October, so bring your trainers.

Tuscany weather in October

Autumn in Tuscany is characterized by sunshine and blue skies. Expect a daytime high of 22℃ (72℉) and a low of 11℃ (52℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in October?

Autumn in Tuscany is the start of low season for tourism. With fewer crowds around, you may not need to book activities ahead and can easily find a table at sought-after restaurants like La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence or Osteria di Passignano, close to many of our Chianti villas . 

What’s on in Tuscany in October?

It’s just €10 to participate in Certaldo’s Boccaccesca Festival. This pretty  medieval Tuscan town lures food and wine fanatics each year with cooking classes and tastings.

In southern Tuscany, Montalcino hosts its own food festival dedicated to a local delicacy, il tordo (thrush). This songbird is now protected (and no longer on the menu), but you can still feast on  local dishes like wild boar. 

Keep an eye out, pretty much everywhere, for chestnuts . Roasted, boiled, baked in cakes or mashed into a puree, it is a seasonal treat. 

Discovering beauty outdoors is another big theme for October in Tuscany. You can explore Chianti’s backroads during the historical cycling event , L’Eroica , or head to the Tuscan coast for the annual Historical Sailing Boat Gathering , where around 100 historic boats race.

Plus, there is free entry to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites on the first Sunday of the month. 

Tuscany in November

It’s easy to lose your grip on the #healthylifestyle when surrounded by the best food and wine in Italy. If pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar sauce), bistecca alla fiorentina (flamegrilled beef on the bone) and pappa al pomodoro (thick fresh tomato soup) are not enough, a famed seasonal delicacy returns each November: white truffles. 

White truffles

Lucky for you, one of Europe’s most scenic marathons also takes place in Florence this month. Pack your running shoes. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it?

Tuscany weather in November

Temperatures drop with the onset of winter. Expect a daytime high of 16℃ (60℉) and a low of 7℃ (44℉) overnight. 

With the weather generally cool and damp , November is the ideal month to enjoy a wine tasting or cooking class at your villa in Tuscany .  

How busy is Tuscany in November?

Late autumn in Tuscany is low season for tourism . With fewer crowds you should rarely need to book seasonal activities like truffle hunting , or even restaurants. Our concierge team can arrange it all. 

What’s on in Tuscany in November?

November begins with a national holiday: Ognissanti, All Saints’ Day. Traditionally Italians attend mass, followed by a long lunch. 

You can experience this holiday like a local and indulge in two traditional sweet breads: Schiacciata dei Santi – crispy, thin focaccia with raisins, figs and walnuts – and Castagnaccio, a bread made with chestnut flour and garnished with pine nuts, raisins and rosemary. 

Work off the carbs in one of the world’s top 20 marathons through one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Firenze Marathon passes through the historic centre of Florence close to all the major sights. 

The last three weekends of the month are dedicated to San Miniato’s White Truffle Festival . You can learn about the history and culture of this prestigious fungus , and all the many ways to incorporate it in your cooking.

Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums  (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.

Tuscany in December

December in Tuscany is a quiet month to visit. Days are short and colder, but Christmas lights and Vin Brûlé bring out plenty of local festive spirit. 

Just like for every other special occasion, Tuscans don’t miss the opportunity to feast. Pack a big appetite as well as a warm wardrobe. 

Christmas in Florence at night

Tuscany weather in December

December is a cold month to visit Tuscany. Expect a daytime high of 12℃ (53℉) and a low of 7℃ (44℉) overnight. It can get colder up in the hills of the Chianti and Maremma.

How busy is Tuscany in December?

Winter in Tuscany is low season for tourism . Escape the cold and join Tuscans as they feast their way through winter at many a local trattoria.

Book ahead of time to secure your table around major holiday dates — or ask our concierge team to arrange it all for you. 

What’s on in Tuscany in December?

December 8th is a national holiday for the  Immaculate Conception . Religious services and celebrations take place across Tuscany. In Florence the Christmas tree appears in Piazza del Duomo with a ceremony and concert. Every year a life-sized nativity scene with terracotta statues, created by the artisans of Impruneta , also decorates the cathedral square.

The biggest Christmas market in Tuscany is held in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence . The market draws on German traditions for its food, wine and crafts. 

You can attend traditional Christmas Eve/Morning Mass at the Duomo, celebrated by the Cardinal of Florence.

No Christmas in Tuscany is complete without a slice of Panettone . This festive bread with candied fruit is best washed down with a glass of Vin Santo sweet wine.

Don’t forget the first Sunday of the month , when all state-owned museums and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission.

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Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art , others to explore the extraordinary countryside . Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine . Walkers enjoy the mountain paths , cyclists the rolling hills , summer vacationers the sea coast and islands . Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture .

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence , then continue on to  Siena and Pisa . The roll call of città di arte , cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo , Cortona ,  San Gimignano and  Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears. Enjoy your visit!

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Val d'Orcia

The Val d’Orcia invites you to slow down and explore an itinerary filled with hilltop towns, outdoor hot springs, renowned vineyards and a lively cultural calendar with jazz concerts, sagras and outdoor adventures. Check out our guide to enjoy the valley to the fullest!

Top Tours in Tuscany by Viator

See the main sights in Tuscany in one day, enjoy wine tastings as you explore Chianti, take a walking guided tour of Florence or a cooking class and learn to prepare the best of Tuscan cuisine.... these are just a few of the top tours you can do in Tuscany through our partner Viator.

Viticcio: The Passion Behind a Chianti Classico Vineyard

Excellent wines start from the ground up! A visit to the Viticcio vineyards, within walking distance of Greve in Chianti, will charm you with their family run operation and tease your taste buds with their award winning vintages. Read and then book your wine tasting tour.

Exploring Monte Amiata

Monte Amiata, the highest mountain in the south of Tuscany, offers activities year-round as well as a wonderful view over the Val d'Orcia from its peak.

Best Tuscan Guided Tours in Winter

Exploring Tuscany in winter just became so much more fun with these top 10 guided tours. Make pasta, discover the monuments, sip the wine and enjoy the best of Tuscany in winter with quality guides & expert sommeliers.

Accommodation in Tuscany

Our guide to help you choose the accommodation in Tuscany that most suits your needs, a complete list of holiday rentals including agriturismo, villas, bed & breakfast, self catering apartments and hotels where you can save by booking direct with the owner .

Via Francigena

The adventure of a lifetime, combine the slow and satisfying discovery of Tuscany through its beautiful back roads and trails while following in the footsteps of hundreds of years of history, architecture, culture and gastronomical specialities

Photos of Tuscany

Latest pictures from our Instagram account, remember to follow @Discovertuscany !

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Our Travel Guides

15+ Things To Do In Tuscany Italy

T uscany. The word itself evokes a feeling in you of green rolling hills, Tuscan trees, wine, a slower pace of life, and the Tuscan sun! In this post, we will share our list of the top things to do in Tuscany.

When planning a trip to Europe you will want to have Tuscany on your list (along with Cinque Terre and Rome )! The food makes it 100% worth it not to mention that Tuscany is one of the most instagrammable places in Italy .

Tuscany is a region located on the western side of central Italy bordering the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is home to large cities like Florence and Pisa and has a gorgeous landscape of hills and mountains.

It is a region known for its agriculture and wine. Being home to influential figures in the history of art and science and amazing museums. It is a large area to cover so you will want to decide how you want to spend your time in Tuscany.

• Agriturismo Farm – You can choose to immerse yourself in the Tuscan culture by staying at an Agriturismo Farm.
• Big City – You can explore the big cities of Florence and Pisa and spend days exploring the city, restaurants, history and the museums.
• Walled Cities – You can explore the historic walled cities and all of their tiny small streets, delicious gelato and history.
• Wine – Make it all about the wine and wine tasting. Don’t forget to try the olive oil too!

Whatever you choose you are going to love Tuscany and everything it brings to the table. Below we share our recommendations on how to do a little bit of everything when you are in Tuscany.

Getting Around

If you want to explore all around Tuscany you are going to need to rent a car, hire a driver or join a tour. If you are just going from Pisa to Florence you can take the train but getting out into the Tuscan countryside (which we do recommend) you will need another way to get around.

When we went we took a train to Pisa and rented a car at the airport there . We did have to walk from the train station to the airport it was about a 20 minute walk.

Renting a car in Tuscany was not difficult and I am glad we did it, it gave us the freedom to stay where we wanted to and to explore all over Tuscany!

The roads are tight but you are driving on the same side of the car and road as in the US (I’m looking at you UK!) so it wasn’t that bad at all. It just took a minute or a few miles to get used to it. We only ended up driving the wrong way on one street . . . really that was all and it all worked out. 

After our week in Tuscany, we returned the car and took the train from Pisa to Florence. We would not recommend a car for visiting Florence. It isn’t needed.

Where To Stay

Tuscany is a large area. Here is a map of where we stayed and how far out the different places we visited were. If you have specific cities you want to visit while in Tuscany you may want to find a place that is close to those.

The roads are almost all country roads and none of them are just straight. That means there is extra time added on for driving. From our location at the Diacceronia Agriturismo it was a 1 hour 15 minute drive to get to Lucca. Volterra – even though it looks a lot closer was 30 minutes and San Gimignano was about 40 minutes.

Florence was almost a 90 minute drive but we didn’t plan to explore Florence while we were staying at Diacceroni. Instead we stayed in Florence for 3 nights which we would definitely recommend you do.

We thought our location was perfect for what we wanted to do and we would recommend it IF you have a car. But based on the activities you want to do and the cities you want to visit you will want to pull up a map.

Agriturismo Farm

Stay at an Agriturismo farm . These are farm stays and one of the coolest ways to truly experience the Tuscan countryside. I researched a variety of places to stay when we were in Tuscany and they ranged from bigger cities like Pisa to small towns like San Gimignano. Throughout my search, I kept coming across these Agriturismo options and knew I needed to dig in deeper!

The further I looked the more I knew this is where we needed to stay. In a sense, it is staying on a company’s farm/property usually in an apartment, villa, or in our case a glamping tent! The place we picked made wine, wheat, Prosecco, jams, and many more delicious things! 

When we were going it was the off-season so unfortunately, we missed out on the daily planned activities that started just a couple of weeks after we left. But what that meant is we almost had the whole place to ourselves and we really got to know the owner and the amazing people working there. It was one of our top experiences in our whole 3-month trip to Europe!

Ok, so now that you know you should say at an Agriturismo Farm while you are visiting Tuscany let’s get into more details on what to do. And never fear there will be more details on our stay down below under our Where To Stay section. Make sure to keep reading to that section so you don’t miss out on pasta making, truffle hunting, wine tasting, and more!! 

Top Things To Do In Tuscany

We were able to experience the truffle hunting, pasta making and wine tasting with 5 course meal at the Agriturismo farm we were staying at and we wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Truffle Hunting

What an experience! They had a local Truffle hunter come with his 2 dogs and they took us truffle hunting on their property. He showed us how to truffle hunt, talked about the history of truffle hunting, and off we went!

We found multiple truffles – well the dogs did! And the kids were able to dig them up. After we found them they brought them to the chef and he made us an appetizer with the truffles. AMAZING!!

We also got to meet his sweet dogs and got to know more about them. When in Tuscany do this!! 

Pasta Making

We knew we wanted to do Pasta Making while in Italy and it was perfect that they offer this right on-site. Each one of us had our own station and the local chef walked us through the process of how to make multiple different kinds of pasta from scratch.

We got to choose which kind we wanted to make. After that, we used a few ingredients they had given us and made our pasta. 

We came back later that night and enjoyed our pasta for dinner! They also offer Pizza making classes which would be awesome to do too. 

Wine Tasting with 5 course meal

We did this one with just Craig and I and my parents. It was exactly how you would picture a Tuscan dinner – relaxed, long and delicious!!

They brought out 5 different courses and 5 different wines. It was done at a leisurely pace with history shared on each wine and dish we had. It was such a fun night. Another top recommended thing to do when visiting Tuscany! 

One of the beautiful sites of Northern Italy is the Apuan Alps. These majestic mountains overlook the coastline. To the locals, this mountain range is known as the Marble Mountains, because of its famous marble quarries. If you love hiking the Apuan Alps are filled with amazing trails and one of the largest cave systems.

Traditional Cooking Class with Dessert

Can you really go to Italy without learning how to make pasta and dessert? With this great cooking class , you will learn how to make 3 different types of authentic pasta and a traditional dessert. And the best part is after the class you get to eat what you prepared.

Places to visit in Tuscany

When in Tuscany we knew we wanted to visit as many walled cities as we could. What I didn’t really plan for was where we were staying and how close/far everything was. If you are someone who likes a tight itinerary where everything flows and makes sense I recommend picking out what places you want to visit in Tuscany first and from there figure out what part of Tuscany you should stay.

We did the opposite. But in the end, it all worked out and there was no way we were going to see all of Tuscany in 1 week so it was all good. 

I listed Volterra first because it was my favorite. It is so hard to believe that these types of towns actually still exist. It was literally like stepping back in time. This gorgeous hilltop town in Tuscany should not be missed.

No matter what you do when you are here make sure to set aside time just to walk the streets and explore, take pictures and just imagine yourself here hundreds of years ago. 

Here is what we did when we visited.

Parking In Volterra

You can’t park in the town. This is serious – don’t do it. It will ruin your trip to come out and find a ticket, or worse, your rental car towed away! 

Instead, find a lot to park in outside of town and be prepared to walk up the street and when I say up I mean uphill to get into Volterra. 

We parked here as this made sense based on the direction we came into town and because it was by a grocery store and we needed to get groceries before heading back to our glamping tent. Parcheggio “Torricella”, Viale Carlo Cassola, 56048 Volterra PI, Italy

A few other options we came across were: Parcheggio Porta Fiorentina parking lot (GPS: 43.403735, 10.860952), Parcheggio Macelli (GPS: 43.404381, 10.861361) or you could try the Parcheggio Docciola lot (GPS: 43.403384, 10.863572). The Vallebona lot is residents only so even though it looks tempting don’t do it! For any of these make sure to read the signs and that they haven’t changed anything about who can park here.

Map Of What We Did In Volterra:

Click here for the Interactive Map.

View point Teatro Romano

From here you can view the Teatro Romano ruins. They are really well preserved and it was interesting to look down at them from above and imagine what they were like hundreds of years ago. 

You can go down to explore the ruins and see the museum. But unfortunately, when we were there they were closed. 

San Michele Arcangelo

In Europe, you can’t not stop in a church. They are almost all unique and have amazing architecture and a story to tell. Admission into the sanctuary is free but you have to book a guided tour if you want to see the crypt.

L’isola del Gusto Gelateria

You don’t go anywhere in Italy without getting Gelato! This one did not disappoint! Be prepared for each shop to tell you that they are the best in Italy and why. It is fun to hear and we loved everyone’s passion for Gelato!

Palazzo dei Priori

We kind of stumbled into this one. It is the Bell Tower that you can pay to climb to the top of! Ask them about the city pass so you can also get entry to the Cistern and Archeologico park. Or book a private tour of Volterra and visit Palazzo dei Priori and the Cathedral.

Cisterna Romana

An old cistern that you can climb down and into. It was huge down there! Warning, if you don’t like tight spiral staircases you might want to sit this one out. If you make the trek to the bottom you will be amazed at how well-preserved this cistern is.

Parco Archeologico “Enrico Fiumi”

This green space is located in the middle of the city and is another set of ancient ruins to walk around and explore or a great place to stop and take a break. Be sure to check out the view of the Medici Fortress from the park.

La Mangiatoia

Stop here at the end of the day for a HUGE pizza. Seriously it was the largest pizza we had in Italy! 

Map of the day: https://goo.gl/maps/B1Jy5SfP8XCpbs8y6  

San Gimignano

We had heard a lot of good things about San Gimignano. We actually almost stayed here. I am glad we didn’t since the Agriturismo farm was so good. But after visiting I could see coming back to stay for 2-3 nights right in the middle of town. 

It is another walled city on the top of a hill and had so much charm!! Unfortunately the day we were there it was super rainy. But that didn’t stop us from exploring. 

We also knew we had to get Gelato here. We heard again that it was the best in Italy. I told you people like to say this! 

Parking in San Gimignano

Parking was very easy here. We parked in this lot: Parking Publico, Via Bagnaia, 89, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy.

Map Of Our Day In San Gimignano

Click here for the interactive map.

Piazza della Cisterna – Town Square area

When we first got there we walked the streets and made our way to the Piazza Della Cisterna. It was like the town square area and was so cool to just stand in the middle and look around. 

Gelateria Dondoli – Gelato

Right in the Piazza is the Gelato place! We got our Gelato and continued exploring San Gimignano. The architecture, the doors, the towers. It is all so cool!

San Gimignano 1300 – Model of the city

We didn’t even plan to go here but came across the building and went in and they have this awesome model of the whole town. Well worth a stop! Plus a cute gift shop. 

Chiesa di Sant’Agostino Church

From the outside, you couldn’t even tell this was a church. But once you opened the door and walked in it was gorgeous. 

Cheese Shop

Via S. Matteo, 66, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy (website: https://www.formedarte.it/ )

Another random stop that was so worth it! Cheese is like Gelato for me in Europe. I see it and I want it! We came across this shop that wasn’t even on Google maps and headed in. The lady inside was amazing and she let us try all different kinds of cheeses and told us all about where they come from, and why they tasted different, and asked us questions to try to figure out which cheese we would prefer. 

With it being such a rainy day we didn’t get to explore San Gimignano the way we wanted to. But what we did say definitely made us add it to this list and we 100% want to go back! 

Lucca is one of the bigger cities in Tuscany and still has the full wall around the city intact! Here is what we recommend when you visit Lucca. 

Parking in Lucca

Depending on where you are coming in from you are going to park in a lot that is located outside of the city walls. You should put: Parcheggio gratuito into Google maps and see what comes up for you based on the route you are taking into Lucca. Parcheggio gratuito means free parking.

Map Of What We Did In Lucca

I used this view for the map so you can better see where the city wall is and how it goes around the whole city.

For an interactive map click here.

We also downloaded the GPSMyCity guide of Lucca so we could learn more about the city and share it with the kids.

Ride Bikes Around The City Wall

There is a path that goes around the whole top of the City Wall. When we got there we found the closest bike rental place and rented 4-person bikes to take around the wall! 

We rented our bikes from the corner of Via Francesco Carrara & Via San Girolamo, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy. The place isn’t listed on Google – but it looked legit . . . so we went with it. We took the bike up to the top of the wall and made our way all the way around the wall.

The route is 2.7 miles. Click here to see the route.

It was a little bit of a workout but not bad and was a great way to see the city!

Piazza San Martino

This large piazza, located in the center of Lucca, holds many events for the city and also has a Romanesque style cathedral that is worth seeing! We didn’t go inside but from the outside it is very impressive to look at.

Guinigi Tower

We paid to climb a lot of steps up to the Guinigi Tower. You can see the tower from all over town and it has full-grown trees on top of it! 

It was cool to climb up there and it gave us a great view of the city.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

This circular shape piazza is built on the grounds of an ancient Roman amphitheater. It is one of the most recognizable piazza’s in Tuscany due to its shape and the colorful buildings around the piazza. You can access the piazza from 4 “doors” that lead you into it.

Walk through the city

It is always good to just wander through the city streets to see what you come across and to just explore the city without a plan! There are also a variety of Piazzas throughout the city that you can stop at. 

Pizza – Pizzeria da Felice

You can’t eat enough pizza while you are in Italy. It’s all so tasty and a very cheap meal. This was a little shop where you order the pizza and bring it outside to stand and eat or grab one of the 2 small tables inside.

Be aware you are eating along a very narrow street that cars do come down! The cars go slow but just a heads up this isn’t going to be a sit down and relax kind of meal.

Visit the historic city of Siena and check out the Piazza del Campo. It is said to be one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. Siena is one of 7 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Tuscany. While walking through the city be sure to check out Duomo to see the masterpieces made by Michelangelo on a guided tour .

You can never eat too much while in Italy. Be sure to take a Food and Wine Tour of Siena to experience the best tastes the city has to offer.

I am not going to include Florence in this post as we have a whole post coming on Florence AND Florence needs its own trip! When you visit Florence you will want to stay in the city so you can walk everywhere. See the amazing renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, do a local food tour, visit the Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset, and check out the Ponte Vecchio to name a few things!

When you visit Tuscany you will want to stay out in the Tuscan countryside or in one of the walled cities. If this isn’t an option there are a lot of day trips from Florence that you can take to explore more of Tuscany.

Here are a few great options:

From Florence spend a day visiting the beautiful medieval cities of Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni. This great tour includes wine and olive oil tastings.

Explore the Tuscan countryside and winding roads via Vespa on this guided Vespa tour.

See the beauty of the floating city of Venice with this great guided tour that leaves from Florence. Spend a full day exploring Venice on this amazing guided tour.

We went into Pisa to rent the car but that was it. But we were just too excited to get to our glamping tent that we didn’t take the time to explore Pisa. We have heard great things about it and of course you can go and see the leaning tower of Pisa!

Here are a few other things we saw that would be fun to do in Pisa:

Learn about the history and architecture of Pisa including the iconic Leaning Tower on a guided walking tour . You can even climb up the tower for great views of the city.

Visit Pisa’s Square of Miracles and get fast-track tickets to the Cathedral, the Opera del Duomo Museum, Baptistery, Cemetery, and the Sinopie Museum with this audio-guided tour .

Explore the magic of Pisa on this private sightseeing walking tour . Find out what makes Pisa unique from a local.

Diaccorni Farm Stay

We stayed for a week at Diacceroni Agriturismo Farm and it was amazing! By staying at a family-run place for a week you really get comfortable and start to feel like you are part of the family. 

The owner is walking around all the time and checking in on you. So are all of the workers from the waitresses to the chefs and the social media person. We felt so welcomed and had an amazing time!

If you come in the summer season they have weekly activities set up (pizza making, welcome dinner, etc). We came in the off-season so none of this was going on yet. Which may have been better?? Since we got to spend more time with the people who work here since they weren’t as busy! 

The one we stayed at is known for its wheat production and also has a delicious line of wine. At the front store, they had a shop filled with pasta, wine, sauces, etc. You were able to select whatever you wanted and write down in a book what you took and how much it was. At the end of the week, you pay for all of it. 

They also had a huge breakfast spread every morning and would make omelets to order. It was a set fee for the all-you-could-eat buffet-style breakfast with yummy coffee and juices too. 

You could make a reservation for lunch or dinner and order off of the menu. We did this a couple of nights and got the Florentine steak multiple times! Most of the food is local from the farm which means it is so fresh!! 

When the weather was nice we were able to sit out on these gorgeous spots overlooking Tuscany. It was so nice to be able to just walk everywhere, have a nice leisurely breakfast or dinner and walk back. In the summer they also have a saltwater pool available. 

Besides all the great food they offer a variety of activities that they offer on-site: Horseback riding, 4X4 rides, wine tasting, and tours.

We are going to stay true to our one recommendation of the Dacciaroni Agriturismo Farm . They have a variety of options for what type of place you can stay in. We opted for the glamping tents and loved it!

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The post 15+ Things To Do In Tuscany Italy appeared first on Crazy Family Adventure .

BEST TIMES TO VISIT TUSCANY: Month-by-Month

When is the best time to visit Tuscany? Here’s my month to month guide to help you decide which month matches your interests and priorities.

There are highlights for each month, important events, and general weather guidelines.

I’ve included all the public Italian holidays , so you won’t be caught off guard by closed stores and restaurants.

You’ll also find my top 3 places in Tuscany to visit every month.

You may also be interested in the Best Times to Visit Italy: Month-by-Month and Months in Italian .

Table of Contents

JANUARY IN TUSCANY: GENNAIO 

Public holidays in january to watch out for.

January 1: Capodanno ( New Year’s Day ) January 6: Befana ( Epiphany )

January in a Nutshell

The Christmas holiday season in Italy doesn’t end until after the Epiphany , or Befana , on January 6. That means kids are still on winter vacation through the first week of the month. In January, Tuscans are recovering from weeks of feasting and hanging out with their relatives . Relative calm returns to the cities.

January Weather

Even though Tuscany is not very big, its diverse topography (mountains, coast, valleys) means that the weather varies throughout the region. That said, January is Tuscany’s coldest month. 

At night the temperature dips quite a bit. Low temperatures are about 3.5°C to 5.5°C inland (that translates to 38 to 42°F). Temperatures along the Tuscan coast are usually a few degrees Celsius warmer. Head for the mountains for snow and skiing. Despite the colder temperatures, there are usually a good number of sunny days to enjoy.

The weather in Tuscany and all over Italy has become much more unpredictable in recent years. There have also been more extreme weather events, like heat waves, droughts, and flooding.

Top 3 Places to Visit in January

Abetone for skiing Florence Arezzo

FEBRUARY IN TUSCANY: FEBBRAIO

February 14: Valentine’s Day (not a public holiday) Carnival period

February in a Nutshell

February is Carnival time. The major Carnival celebration in Tuscany is in Viareggio, on the sea. However, carnival is celebrated everywhere, mostly by children wearing costumes and throwing paper confetti. 

My favorite part of Carnival is the incredible sweets. You can only taste them at this time of year! Not only that, different cities and towns have their own traditional carnival sweets that you can only find there. In Florence, make sure you try the schiacciata alla Fiorentina , a spiced yellow cake topped with powdered sugar. 

Tuscans who work in tourist destinations like the beach or the Chianti countryside, where summer is high season, often have to take their vacation during this “dead” time of year. Double check if you’re set on going to a certain restaurant or small town. For example, islands like the Giglio and Elba empty out. Many of my favorite restaurants close for a few weeks in January or February.

February Weather

In February the weather is generally on par with January.

Top 3 Places to Visit in February

Viareggio for Carnival Florence San Gimignano to take advantage of low season

MARCH IN TUSCANY: MARZO

March 8: International Women’s Day March 19: San Giuseppe : Father’s Day in Italy

March in a Nutshell

Some trees are starting to flower, and you’ll notice yellow mimosas (the Italian flower of choice for Women’s Day) blooming. Foreign tourists start invading the major cities like Florence and Siena.

March is marked by Lent, but it is also the month of Italian Father’s Day ( San Giuseppe ) on March 19, when Italians enjoy delicious regional fried sweets. In Tuscany, there are frittelle di San Giuseppe , delicious, sweet fried rice balls– and the best ones are at a small stand in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. You can also find fresh fava beans and wild asparagus on Tuscan menus. 

March Weather

March is the start of the transition out of winter to spring, and in most of Tuscany it’s light jacket weather by the end of the month. Be prepared for rain, however. March can be fickle, flipflopping between rain and gorgeous sunny days.

Top 3 Places to Visit in March

Montelupo Fiorentino for hand painted ceramics Siena to eat frittelle di San Giuseppe up until March 19 Montepulciano and Montalcino

APRIL IN TUSCANY: APRILE

Public holidays in april to watch out for.

Between March 22 and April 25: Easter Sunday (falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox) The day after Easter Sunday: Easter Monday   April 25: Festa della Liberazione ( Liberation Day )

April at a Glance

April is host to many lovely spring holidays in Italy, and flowers are in bloom. School children have about a week of spring holidays around Easter , and parents panic every year when they realize how many days off their children have.

April is a time for picnics in the countryside and day trips to the beach, which are a tradition on Easter Monday and April 25: if you’re on the road look out for traffic heading back into Florence on the evening after these holidays, and on Sundays.

April Weather

The weather is highly variable, with showers and clouds, as well as bright sunny days. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in April

Florence for the scoppio del carro on Easter Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery and the Val d’Orcia Lucca

MAY IN TUSCANY: MAGGIO

Public holidays in may to watch out for.

May 1: Festa del Lavoro ( Labor Day )

May at a Glance

May is the time of blooming flowers, street fairs and food festivals, called sagre . It’s a great time to head to the countryside and explore small country towns.

May Weather

May is technically spring, but in Tuscany it’s usually already quite hot . . . when the sun shines. Don’t count on May to be sunny every day though: rain often comes along. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in May

Pitigliano and Saturnia Volterra Chianti countryside between Florence and Siena

JUNE IN TUSCANY: GIUGNO

Public holidays in june to watch out for.

June 2: Festa della Repubblica ( Republic Day )

June at a Glance

June counts as summer in Italy: school gets out about 10 ten days into the month. It’s a great time to go to the beach, because it’s hot but there aren’t crowds or high season prices yet. June is also host to important local events like the calcio storico , Florence’s own high contact sport, with the final match on San Giovanni , or Saint John’s patron saint day , June 24.

June Weather

June is generally nice and hot, with little rainfall. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in June

Florence , for the calcio storico and San Giovanni celebrations Giglio Island Elba Island

JULY IN TUSCANY: LUGLIO

July at a glance.

In July, the Tuscan summer is in full swing. If you like the heat, this is a good time to visit, but don’t say we didn’t warn you! There are a lot of people, and did I mention it’s hot? Places where you can cool off, like the beach and countryside, are your best bet in July. The cities are swelteringly hot and Italians don’t use air conditioning to the extent that Americans do. 

There are also wonderful local festivals, like the Palio di Siena horse race on July 2, and the Mercantia street arts festival in Certaldo.

July Weather

Hot. Hot. Hot. and Dry. The average high temperature is 30 °C.

Top 3 Places to Visit in July

Siena for the Palio on July 2 Certaldo for the Mercantia street arts festival in July Poppi and the Casentino

AUGUST IN TUSCANY: AGOSTO

Public holidays in august to watch out for.

August 15: Ferragosto ( Assumption Day )

August Summary

August is the highpoint of the Tuscan summer. Not only that, most Italians take their summer vacation in August, taking off the entire week, if not two or three, around Ferragosto . Cities clear out because it’s so hot, and it’s not unusual for small towns to shut down too. Tuscans head to the beach or the mountains, which are crowded and abuzz. Only come to Tuscany in August if you like very hot weather. 

August Weather

So hot. The average high temperature is still 30 °C. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in August

Siena for the Palio on August 16  Poppi and the Casentino, Tuscany If you like the beach and crowds: Cecina , Forte dei Marmi , Castiglioncello

SEPTEMBER IN TUSCANY: SETTEMBRE

September summary.

The summer isn’t officially over yet for Italian school children until about September 15, when schools open again. September is a wonderful time to visit if you’re interested in wine, since it’s time for the grape harvest , or vendemmia . Since it’s still hot, it’s a great time to visit beach destinations now that the summer hordes have gone home.

September Weather

It’s usually still quite hot and dry for most of the month. The average high and low temps are 2-3 degrees Celsius cooler than August. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in September

Elba Island Giglio Island Chianti countryside between Florence and Siena

OCTOBER IN TUSCANY: OTTOBRE

October summary.

October is a lovely time to visit Tuscany, especially if you like chestnuts ( castagne ) and mushrooms ( funghi ), which are in season. Parts of Tuscany have already started harvesting their olives for olive oil, so keep an eye out for freshly milled extra virgin oil ( olio nuovo ), which is exquisite. 

Though Halloween is not as widely celebrated as it is in the US and England, it has become more and more popular in recent years. 

October Weather

Temperatures are cooling off (the average high temperature is 22 °C, with the average lows at 11 °C) but it’s still very comfortable and warm in much of Tuscany. 

Even with the weather so unpredictable in recent years, we have noticed a trend: October seems to be getting hotter. So hot that my father-in-law was able to take an October swim in the sea last year (2022). My kids almost never have to wear a jacket on Halloween.

Top 3 Places to Visit in October

Chianti between Florence and Siena Val d’Orcia San Galgano

NOVEMBER IN TUSCANY: NOVEMBRE

Public holidays in november to watch out for.

November 1: All Saint’s Day

November in a Nutshell

November means three things to me: truffles ( tartufi ), chestnuts ( castagne ) and olive oil ( olio di olive ). It’s an incredible month for eating. Tasting freshly pressed olive oil ( olio nuovo ) is a must: when it is fresh it is the extraordinary color of ectoplasm. 

November Weather

November is Tuscany’s rainiest month. Though the weather is colder and rainer, but there are usually plenty of warm, clear days. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in November

San Miniato , Tuscany for the White Truffle Market Fair Pisa and Lucca Val d’Orcia

DECEMBER IN TUSCANY: DICEMBRE

Public holidays in december to watch out for.

December 8: Immacolata ( Feast of the Immaculate Conception ) December 25: Natale ( Christmas ) December 26: Santo Stefano ( St. Stephen’s Day ) December 31, New Year’s Eve, is not a public holiday but most shops close early.

December in a Nutshell

The festive mood of the Italian Christmas holiday season ( le feste ) livens up most of December. Cities set up elaborate light displays and decorations, and churches put up nativity scenes ( presepi ). Italian schools close for the Christmas holidays for two weeks starting at Christmas. The closer to Christmas, the more crowded cities become, with holiday shoppers and local Italians admiring the dazzling Christmas decorations. 

December Weather

Average temperatures range from a low of 4° C to a high of 12 ° C in December. Not exactly cold compared to what a lot of Americans are used to in the winter!

Top 3 Places to Visit in December

Florence Siena Abetone for skiing

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

Starting with a breezy sundress and comfortable walking sneakers.

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

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

The Perfect Sundress

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

Comfortable White Sneakers

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

Leather Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

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

Tailored Shorts

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

Oversized White Button-down Shirt

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

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

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

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

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

Thin Leather Belt

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

Cardigan Sweater

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

Matching Set

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

Wide-brim Packable Sun Hat

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

High-waist Yoga Shorts

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

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We Spent Spring In The Italian Countryside, Here Are 8 Reasons To Visit Now

With lower-than-normal crowds and beautiful weather, it's not too late to catch Tuscany in the spring bloom.

• Visit Italy in spring to avoid crowds in popular tourist spots like Florence's Duomo.
• Enjoy perfect temperatures for lardo tasting, wine tours, and hiking in Tuscany.
• Take advantage of shoulder season hotel deals for a more affordable trip to stunning Italy.

Like any good millennial constantly seeking out my next Lizzie McGuire moment, Italy is always on my mind. But without an unlimited budget, and now a deeply ingrained "ick" for crowds and over-visited tourist spots (like the areas to avoid in Rome ), I knew I had to squeeze my Italy trip in before the high summer months.

It's no secret that this country is beautiful, and now with Italy's digital nomad visa readily available, I'd wager a guess that things are about to get even more crowded and potentially pricier than in years past. Plus, while there are plenty of underrated places in Italy to visit in the summer , especially in the countryside of Tuscany, they're bound to get busier during peak season.

So, before SummerTok takes over the Italian countryside, here are the reasons why you should hightail it to Italy, and more specifically Tuscany, in these last couple months of spring. Trust me, I lived it!

18 Secretly Perfect Places In Northern Italy

8 you avoid the crowds if you book before july, insiders say july to august is absolutely packed, so if you are hoping to go to some of the big tourist spots, do it now.

During the spring, the air is still a little crisp, there's always a threat of a light rain shower, and some seasonal sites still aren't quite open. However, if you're really hoping to hit some of the biggest tourist hot spots near the countryside--like Florence's Duomo, for example-- springtime is much better for avoiding crowds.

Except for an occasional school group flooding the streets at certain times (usually in the afternoons), the roads in both Lucca and Barga, the two towns I stayed in Tuscany, were clear and walkable without much hassle. This also means that the roads are clear for better photos of you living your best Italian countryside life!

7 Lardo Hits Different When It Isn't Egregiously Hot Outside

A tuscan delicacy, it just tastes all that much better when the temperature is perfect outside.

Springtime's perfect temperatures mean that anything you eat--and trust me, you're going to want to eat--will absolutely hit the spot while you're out and about exploring the best food that the Italian countryside can offer.

There's something just...less appetizing...about the Tuscan countryside's richer delicacies, like lardo and all sorts of pork treats, when you're in the heat of summer, but springtime weather means lardo in the morning and gelato in the afternoon, no problem.

For some of the best lardo tasting in Tuscany, head to Carrara, Italy (yes, Carrara as in the marble!), and visit Lardo di Colonnata di Giannarelli for a-cannot-miss sampling of their different lardo varietals.

I visited while on a Carrara tour with Toscana Tour Experiences , and it was by far one of my favorite things I did while in Italy. And I'm so grateful the weather was just right for both the tour and tasting.

6 Wine Tasting Al Fresco Is More Romantic In The Spring

I visited a biodynamic winery, and wine-tasting among flowers is just about the most gorgeous thing i've ever done.

Tucked away in the more rustic hills of Tuscany between the Apennines and Alps, Podere Còncori's almost 25 acres of vineyards feel like a secret garden. And better yet, this secret garden is in bloom around now!

A small, family-run winery that specializes in French varietals in an Italian setting, Podere Còncori's biodynamic philosophy leverages natural companion crops as a means by which to help care for the grape vines. That means, their vine rows are often coupled with other flowering plants, like roses and tulip trees, giving the vineyard a wild, yet beautifully maintained wining and dining experience.

To top it all off, you can finish your springtime wine romp with a hello from the vineyard's resident donkey, Pietro .

These Are The 10 Best Destinations For Wine Tourism In 2023

5 it's warm enough to bike, without fighting the crowds, seeing tuscany by bike is magical, but it's so much better when you're not dodging crowds.

I visited one of Tuscany's most charming towns in the countryside, Lucca, a medieval city surrounded by a 16th-century wall, originally intended as a defense fortification for what was once one of the richest towns in Tuscany. Today, the wall serves as a circumferential public park, standing at 36 feet tall in a 2.7-mile loop with over 185 acres of added green space to the town.

The absolute best way to enjoy the wall and get some of the best views of Lucca is by bike; however, given its higher elevation and little shade from buildings, the wall hike/path can get a bit warm. In the spring, though, the weather is still brisk enough to enjoy the ride without breaking too much of a sweat and once again, the lack of crazy crowds makes it so much easier to navigate and enjoy.

After your ride, be sure to visit the Roman amphitheater turned shopping quarter in Lucca , one of the city's other unique architectural features.

While I was staying in Lucca, Dustin Hoffman was filming a new movie there! Locals all explained that Lucca, as the setting for the film, was an integral part of the movie's storyline, so be sure to add Lucca to your bucket list of cities in Italy to visit for the spring of 2024 before that movie draws in even more crowds!

4 Seasonal Spring Foods Show Off A Different Side Of Tuscany

Summer and fall crops get all the credit, but springtime dishes show off italian culinary ingenuity..

Tuscany is lauded for its delicious foods and world-famous wine, and the seasonality of Italian cooking is part of what makes it all the more appealing. While summer and fall get all the attention (and quite frankly, I'm guilty of obsessing over that autumn squash too), I learned that Tuscany's use of spring seasonality showcases a different side to Italian cooking.

Yes, you still have your staples--pork, Florentine steak, ravioli-- but in the springtime, you can find some unexpected, but divine additions like springtime peas, early tomatoes, and crunchy greens that overall feel lighter, and dare I say healthier...but please, do eat all the pasta and steak you wish while on vacation!

3 It's The Perfect Temperature To Explore The Marble Quarries

One of my most unexpected but loved activities, be sure to beat the heat by visiting in the spring..

I know it sounds strange, but making the trek up to Carrara from my stay in Lucca was one of the most memorable experiences I had while taking my spring trip to Tuscany. Carrara, like I mentioned before, is the home to literal marble mines, scattered throughout a series of hillsides, mountains, and valleys. The marble varies in color from pink to classic white to stormy gray, and it's absolutely beautiful to see "in the wild."

Mining companies work in very intricate ways to carefully extract the marble, and the local governments do impose strict environmental and sustainability standards on the mining process to ensure we're not taking more than we need to. The spoils of the mine are transformed into gorgeous statues, tables, and other wares, crafted and sold at the foot of the mountain.

Our guide from Toscana Tour Experiences, who took us on an offroading trip winding up and down the mountainside mines, told us that we had picked the right season to explore the mines because during the summer it gets unbelievably hot with the sun reflecting off the marble and being at a higher elevation. So, in order to take this once-in-a-lifetime trip to the mines and do it right, springtime is your best bet.

Rockhounding Adventures: 12 Best Spots For Rock Collecting In The Country

2 hiking trails are in full bloom, my "cinque borghi" hike was blossoming...literally.

Scattered throughout the hillside near Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa near Barga, is a cluster of small medieval villages, burrowed among the grassy slopes. Known collectively and colloquially as "Cinque Borghi," or the five villages, the roads and walking paths that connect the villages doubles as a fantastic hiking expedition for those who love beautiful vistas.

In the spring, the hills are buzzing (literally) with little critters waking up to the world again after winter and are absolutely blossoming with dandelions, daisies, wisteria, and tulip trees. The natural creeks in the areas are all filling with unspoiled water from the winter thaw, and it feels like the color is coming back into the countryside.

Firenze Rafting facilitates a great hike with a guide who takes you through the winding roads and points out the best places to view the five villages. As a non-hiker, I honestly do not think I would have enjoyed this as much as I did if it had not been springtime.

1 Shoulder Season Hotel Prices Are Great Deals

We stayed at the renaissance tuscany il ciocco resort & spa and the grand universe lucca properties, and we were obsessed.

Italy is home to many reasonably priced cities and towns, many of them under the radar, but a trip to world-famous Tuscany becomes all that more attainable when you book during the shoulder season in the springtime.

We stayed at three properties total: Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa near the small, countryside village of Barga and the two Grand Universe Lucca properties in the larger town of Lucca. While hunting for sample itineraries, it does appear that August has some decently priced dates, but bear in mind: a) the weather and b) summer vacation for students either traveling with family and/or on holiday.

However, at any of the properties I stayed with during my time in Tuscany, you're bound to have a really pleasant time no matter what, but it all just felt that much more special during the spring.

*Grand Universe La Residenza opened its doors only in July 2023 and remains Lucca's best-kept secret. Housed in a renovated Italian villa, the suites here are spacious and beautifully designed, ideal for honeymooners and even families. It's a smaller, more intimate property, and steady prices during high, low, and shoulder seasons will not last once visitors discover this hidden, Italian paradise!

How to taste your way through Tuscany

Italy is known for its vibrant and varied cuisine. Discover it at its best in the region of Tuscany, where an assortment of inviting culinary experiences offer a true taste of the country.

Located in west-central Italy, the region of Tuscany is rich in natural beauty. Its striking landscapes vary from the chiselled Tuscan-Emilian Apennines in the north and the rugged Apuan Alps in the north-west, to the gentle green hills of Val d’Orcia in the south.

The region’s capital, Florence, is a destination renowned for its art and architecture. Its most iconic sight is the eminent Duomo, a stunning 400ft-tall masterpiece of the Renaissance. During its 100-year build, architect Filippo Brunelleschi is said to have introduced a pulley system to speed up lunch breaks, feeding the workers on the cathedral’s roof with peposo , a black pepper and beef stew.

Today, food remains an important part of Tuscany’s culture, and visitors are encouraged to slow down and savour the wide variety of culinary experiences on offer across the region — from truffle hunting and cheese tasting to sampling fine wine and sipping fresh coffee — here's how to get a taste.

1. Join a truffle hunt

Truffles are deeply rooted in Tuscan history, found throughout the region in all shapes and sizes and revered for their distinctive aromas and flavours. Learn about the timeworn traditions and distinct hunting practices of those seeking these subterranean delicacies at Italy’s first museum dedicated to truffles — the Museo del Tartufo e Centro di Documentazione — housed in an old castle in San Giovanni d’Asso. At Cucina Giuseppina , near the town of Certaldo, forage for your own truffles with the help of a guide and trained truffle-hunting dogs, before indulging in a truffle-based Tuscan lunch. In summer, you'll search for the elusive black truffle, while in the fall, the white truffle is the prize.

2. Try tasty cheeses

Tuscany is best known for pecorino, a sheep’s milk cheese — and especially treasured by Tuscans is the bold-flavoured pecorino cheese produced in Pienza, the aptly named pecorino di Pienza . Elsewhere in the region, the exuberant Palio dei Caci event draws crowds to the town of Volterra each October, where ‘runners’ compete to skilfully guide wheels of pecorino down a cobbled street. Many working farms in Tuscany are open to visitors, too, so you can learn how the cheese is made. Fattoria Corzano e Paterno just south-west of Florence produces cheese, wine and olive oil and also has guesthouses, a farm shop and a restaurant, with tasting sessions available year-round.

3. Make pasta from scratch

Handrolled pici is a popular pasta in Tuscany, often served with tomato, garlic and breadcrumbs. Pappardelle pasta is also a local favourite, generally served with rich and meaty sauces. Join a class to learn how to make your own pasta at wineries such as Magida in Brunello, which also offers accommodation packages. Private cooking lessons are also an option, where you can learn the art of the perfect pasta dish from professional chefs such as Antonella La Macchia .

4. Sample a variety of wines

Tuscany is well known for its geographically protected wines such as Chianti, Montepulciano and Brunello. Stop by the Enoteca la Fortezza wine bar inside the Fortezza di Montalcino and sample Montalcino's intense and complex Brunello wines. Enjoy tart and spicy Chianti wines at Pietraserena Azienda Agricola Arrigoni in San Gimignano, as you admire the impressive views across the hills and vineyards. Although Tuscany’s established viticulture scene is revered, there are also a growing number of organic, natural and biodynamic wines being developed, helping the region stay at the forefront of Italian wine production. Antinori nel Chianti Classico has been making wine since 1385 and now has an ultra-modern winery attached, which is open to visitors. Or find one of the unique buchette del vino (wine holes) hidden around Florence — at restaurants such as Babae , Belle Donne and Il Latini , to name a few — where wine is served through a tiny window, a tradition that dates back to 1559.

5. Experience a traditional trattoria

With charming hilltop towns seemingly around every bend, it’s easy to fall in love with a new local trattoria every evening in Tuscany. On the edge of Panzano-in-Chianti, head to the terrace at Il Vescovino to enjoy homemade ravioli stuffed with leeks and taleggio cheese, served in a simple tomato sauce. Along Tuscany’s western coastline, restaurants such as Il Romito in Livorno serve up a homely fish stew called cacciucco — a 500-year-old dish traditionally made using five or more types of fish in a red wine and tomato broth.

6. Sip freshly roasted coffee

Italy has an affinity for coffee and on almost every corner in Florence you’ll find coffee ‘bars’ in which you can quietly perch to people watch. The city is also home to the Accademia del Caffè Espresso , which features a coffee museum and an indoor coffee plantation, and also offers a selection of educational tasting sessions. Away from the city, learn more about Tuscan artisanal coffee and the finer details of the roasting and blending processes with a tour of Pienza Coffee in Val d’Orcia.

7. Peruse local markets

Intense and aromatic, Tuscany’s local food markets are sure to delight — piled high with humble but delicious ingredients, from bread and cheese to tomatoes and beans. While some markets such as Florence’s Mercato Centrale are open daily, smaller towns in the region host their weekly markets on varying days. In the city of Lucca, head to the MercoledìBio on Wednesdays — for organic fruit and vegetables, honey, olive oil, cold cuts, wine, bread and baked goods, as well as sheep’s, cow’s and goat’s cheese — or the Campagna Amica market on Thursdays — for fresh fish and seasonal vegetables, cheese, plants and flowers.

Related Topics

• FOOD TOURISM

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Spotlight on Tuscany

About this tour.

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savor a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano in the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.

Your Tour Includes

• 1 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Montecatini Terme
• Gothic Line
• Winery Tour

Your Tour at a Glance

7 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

$1,199.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $140.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel spotlight on tuscany.

While just about any month is great to visit Tuscany, there are a few prime times of the year for the Spotlight on Tuscany tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Winter: Enjoy beautiful Cinque Terre during the winter months, with smaller crowds.

Spring and Fall: In March and November, enjoy the calm atmosphere, especially in Cinque Terre, which becomes quite crowded from April through October. While some seasonal attractions might not be open, countless opportunities to soak in the area’s beauty remain.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Stay in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme for 7 nights.

• Journey to Florence for a tour of the "Cradle of the Renaissance."

Stop in the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th-century walls.

Cultural Experiences:

Step to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David.

See the Gothic Line, one of the Germans’ last lines of defense during WWII.

Retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims as they crossed the Devil’s Bridge in the Serchio Valley.

Culinary Inclusions:

Sample delectable wines during a wine tasting at a local farm.

Spend time at a cheese farm to taste flavorful pecorino cheese.

Learn about Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class.

• Choice on Tour
• Cooking Class
• Cheese Farm
• San Gimignano

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• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
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Pre and Post Tour Extensions

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Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Today you have the choice between 2 activities. Your first option is to learn more about Montecatini’s curative waters during a guided walking tour of the city. Discover the town’s elegant Art Nouveau architecture and visit the historic Tettuccio Spa,* known for the health benefits in its mineral waters. Your second choice is to journey to Siena and embark on a walking tour through its narrow Gothic streets. Take in stunning palaces, mansions and the historic Piazza del Campo along the way. Then, get to know local life in a contrada (neighborhood) whose community life is centered around the colorful Palio horse race.

Begin your trip with a 3-night sojourn in the Eternal City. Toast to your Roman getaway with a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. See the city with an expert guide, including an in-depth tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Enjoy ample free time to explore Rome's charms or join an optional tour to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica.

• Overnight Flight
• You are on your way to the eternal city of Rome.
• Rome, Italy - Tour Begins
• Get settled into Rome for your 3-night stay. Take time to get acquainted with the area on your own. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner featuring regional delicacies.
• Rome - Optional Excursion
• Start your morning with a ride on La Metro – Rome’s underground system. First stop – a locally guided tour of Classical Rome. During an in-depth visit to the Colosseum, your guide recounts its rich history. Then wander along the Roman Forum and the Via Sacra, traversed by the likes of Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony. The remainder of the day is yours. Perhaps you will join an optional dinner in a popular restaurant, where you’ll indulge in a hearty meal accompanied by wine and local entertainment.
• Make the most of a free day in Italy’s capital city. Perhaps you will join an optional tour* in the morning to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, taking in world-renowned wonders such as the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s mural of the Last Judgment. In the afternoon, consider strolling through the Borghese Gardens for views of the city’s skyline or meander through Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district.
• Rome - Montecatini Terme
• Your Roman sojourn comes to a close today. Say Arrivederci Roma as you transfer to Montecatini Terme to begin your tour of Tuscany.

Extend your Italian adventure with a 2-night stay in Bologna, Italy’s foodie haven. En route, visit a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese farm, and a Balsamic Vinegar producer aging their barrels in the attic, as countless generations did before them. Your culinary exploration continues with a demonstration of authentic gelato making and a walking tour of Bologna, home to the oldest continuously operating university in the western world and birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic foods: tortellini, mortadella and Bolognese sauce. Buon Appetito!

• Montecatini Terme - Food Valley Tour and Tastings - Bologna
• This morning, traverse the Apennine Mountains and cross from Tuscany into the Emilia region, Italy’s foodie haven. Visit a local farm producing Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese according to traditional codes dating back to the 1300s. Then pause for a light lunch at a nearby villa where the family still ages their Balsamic Vinegar production in the attic, as countless generations have done before them. Your exploration of Emilia’s Food Valley concludes with a demonstration – and tasting – of authentic gelato, before arriving in Bologna, your home for the next 2 nights.
• Bologna - Walking Tour - Food Tour
• Spend the morning exploring Bologna in company of an expert guide. During your walking tour, discover the origin of Bologna’s several nicknames – la dotta (the learned) and la rossa (the red, from the colors of its bricks) and la grassa (the fat). Perhaps the latter nickname is the most fitting. Food is a true passion here, as Bologna is the birthplace of some of Italy’s most iconic foods: tortellini, mortadella - the progenitor of baloney - and Bolognese sauce. Visit the ancient seat of the University – the oldest continuously operating in the western world – before browsing Bologna’s specialty food shops. Then, sample local delicacies such as Parma ham and lasagna during lunch at a local eatery. Spend the afternoon at leisure in this lively town. Indulge in some people-watching at a café in Piazza Maggiore, the expansive plaza at the heart of the city’s social life, or search for Bologna’s very own leaning towers: the Garisenda and Asinelli. Whatever your interest, Bologna guarantees the perfect stroll as it boasts over 23 miles of covered sidewalks lined by colonnades offering protection from rain and heat.
• Bologna - Extension Ends
• Bid arrivederci to Bologna as your Italian sojourn comes to a close today.

Spend a glorious day exploring the unique Cinque Terre. You’ll discover a magical land nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean that is nearly inaccessible. Travel by rail and boat,* past terraced vineyards and stunning panoramas on your way to a string of colorful fishing villages that sit along the area’s breathtaking, rugged coastline. Savor the charms of this special place with a local guide who will help you explore some of the delightful towns of the area. Hear tales of the region’s past and present as you come to know why the Cinque Terre National Park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the perfect way to spend your day – feeling like you have stepped into a postcard.

Journey to Florence for a tour of the "Cradle of the Renaissance."

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