
Tuscany Travel Guide
Tuscany is one of the most iconic regions of Italy, known for its rolling hills, historic cities, world-class wine, and incredible food. Whether you’re interested in exploring Florence’s Renaissance art, driving through the countryside, or indulging in a farm-to-table meal, this Tuscany travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
From Tuscany travel tips to must-try Tuscan food and wine, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of your time in this beautiful region. This central region of Italy is one of the most common places where we provide our Italy travel planning services. But that doesn’t mean it’s commonplace.
Once you step away from the crowds of Pisa and Florence city center, you’ll encounter villages, neighborhoods, and rugged coastlines to explore. In this Tuscany travel guide, we’re sharing our top stories, recipes, and travel tips for Tuscany.
Tuscany Travel Tips
Successful Tuscany travel planning starts with understanding the best ways to navigate the region. While Florence is easily accessible by train, exploring the countryside requires a rental car. Public transportation is available, but car renting offers the most flexibility for discovering hidden gems. Here are a few essential Tuscany travel tips:
When to Visit: Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) are ideal for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Getting Around: Florence and major cities have train stations, but renting a car is best for exploring the countryside.
Where to Stay in Tuscany: Choose between boutique hotels in Florence, countryside villas, or agriturismi (farm stays) for an authentic experience.
Things to Do in Tuscany: Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, explore medieval towns like San Gimignano, or go wine tasting in Chianti.
Tuscany Itineraries: Plan trips including major cities and charming rural villages to get the whole Tuscan experience.
Where To Stay In Tuscany
Florence
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a must-visit for art and history lovers. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city of Florence is home to iconic sites like the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David, and the Duomo.
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, explore bustling markets, and indulge in Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias. Whether admiring Botticelli’s masterpieces or savoring a bistecca alla Fiorentina, Florence offers an unforgettable blend of culture and gastronomy. A few of our team members have lived for years in Florence so we have a lot of insight into this city! Here are a few Florence travel articles to help you dive into the city:
The Tuscan Countryside
Beyond Florence, the Tuscan countryside is a dream destination for those seeking rolling hills, historic villages, and world-class wine. The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts breathtaking landscapes dotted with cypress trees and charming towns like Pienza and Montalcino.
Chianti, famous for its vineyards, offers incredible wine-tasting experiences, while the medieval town of San Gimignano is known for its stunning towers and delicious Vernaccia wine. Whether driving through sunflower fields or visiting a centuries-old winery, the Tuscan countryside embodies the magic of Italy. From researching for travel planning to creating content for travel brands, we have spent months and monthss at wineries, farms, and olive orchards from Val D’Orcia to Chianti.
Tuscan Coast
Tuscany’s coastline is a hidden gem that blends luxury, natural beauty, and seaside charm. Forte dei Marmi is a chic beach destination known for its upscale resorts and designer boutiques, while Viareggio is famous for its lively carnival and scenic promenade. Further south, Maremma offers unspoiled beaches, lush countryside, and rustic agriturismi, where visitors can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun along the Tyrrhenian Sea or exploring medieval coastal towns, the Tuscan coast provides a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. This is not just a location where we like to send our travel clients but also where we vacation. One of our team members spent many summers in Forte dei Marmi, while another has a beach house in Viareggio!
Tuscany Food And Wine
Tuscany food and wine culture is world-renowned, with simple yet flavorful dishes highlighting the region’s quality ingredients. When visiting Tuscany, be sure to try the local specialties:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A massive T-bone steak grilled over an open flame.
Pappa al Pomodoro: A comforting tomato and bread soup.
Pecorino Toscano: A flavorful sheep’s milk cheese, perfect for pairing with local wines.
Cantucci e Vin Santo: Classic almond biscuits served with a sweet dessert wine.
Tuscany’s wines are just as legendary as its food. The region offers some of Italy’s most celebrated wines, from Chianti Classico to Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Whether sipping a bold red in a historic vineyard or enjoying a glass of white Vernaccia in San Gimignano, Tuscany is a paradise for wine lovers.
Classic Tuscan Recipes
Classic Tuscan Recipes
Bringing a taste of Tuscany home is easy with a few classic recipes. Here are some traditional dishes to try:
Ribollita: A hearty Tuscan vegetable and bread soup.
Tagliata di Manzo: Sliced grilled beef served with arugula and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Torta della Nonna: A classic Tuscan dessert featuring custard-filled shortcrust pastry topped with pine nuts.
Tuscany Travel Planning Resources
Starting to plan Italy travel? Check out these helpful links:
- Apartments: Use code SaltandWindTravel/AM when booking apartment stays with Plum Guide
- Hotels: Book High-Quality Hotels at Booking.com
- Italy Trip Calculator: Get our new budget calculator to estimate your Italy trip cost accurately.
- Italy Trip Planner: Planning a trip to Italy yourself? You’ll want our Italy itinerary planner so you can access our expert travel insights from more than ten years of travel planning in Italy!
- Tours: Book in-depth tours with Context Travel
- Shop: See our favorite travel essentials in our Amazon store
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscany Travel
Tuscany is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural sites. Key places to visit include:
- Florence: The region’s capital, renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture, with key sights like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.
- Siena: Famous for its medieval cityscape, the Piazza del Campo, and the Palio, a historic horse race.
- Pisa: Known worldwide for its Leaning Tower, but also home to other impressive architectural sites like the Pisa Cathedral and Campo Santo.
- The Chianti Region: A must for wine lovers, offering picturesque vineyards, wine tastings, and tours of historic wineries.
- Val d’Orcia: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its quintessential Tuscan landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming hilltop towns like Montalcino and Pienza.
Efficient travel in Tuscany enhances the experience, allowing more time at each destination:
- Renting a Car: The best way to explore Tuscany is by car, giving you the flexibility to visit remote villages and vineyards at your own pace.
- Public Transport: Tuscany’s major cities and many smaller towns are accessible by a network of buses and trains, which are a reliable option for those who prefer not to drive.
- Guided Tours: For those interested in specific experiences like wine tasting or historical tours, consider booking guided tours which can provide deeper insight and ease of travel between sites.
- Accommodation: Stay in agriturismos (farm stays), local boutique hotels, or villas for an authentic Tuscan experience, often located in picturesque countryside settings.
Tuscan cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Key dishes and where to try them include:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A large, T-bone steak traditionally sourced from Chianina cattle and grilled over a wood fire. Best enjoyed in Florence or the Chianti region.
- Pecorino Cheese: Try this sheep’s milk cheese in Pienza, a town renowned for its variety of Pecorino.
- Wild Boar (Cinghiale): Sample dishes made with wild boar in Maremma, where the animal is still hunted and served in traditional ragùs or stews.
- Cantucci and Vin Santo: No visit is complete without trying these almond biscuits dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine, best experienced in the vineyards where it’s produced.