Tuscany Travel Guide

Known to the locals as Toscana, to the rest of the world, Tuscany epitomises the romantic, picture-perfect image of rustic Italy. Spanning much of central Italy from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the landscape changes from pastoral to the rocky hills of Chianti, the mountainous region of Montagnola and the flat landscapes of Pisa.

With centuries of impactful history housed in this central region, Tuscany is world-renowned as an artistic powerhouse and the ultimate introduction to the fruits of Italy’s land. Tuscany’s effervescent charm oozes from its medieval hill towns, wine-soaked villages and swathes of rolling olive groves. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more romantic part of Italy than Tuscany.

Art lovers rejoice. Tuscany has charmed its inhabitants since the Etruscans first arrived and indeed, the Romans left an array of exquisite monumental sculptures in their wake, but it was during the medieval and Renaissance periods that Tuscany truly shone. From the murals on Florence’s backstreets to the city’s galleries which burst which incredible paintings and sculptures, Tuscany will impress any art buff. 

Within each region of Italy, you’ll find mouthwatering cuisine you’ll savour your entire trip and Tuscany is no different. Whilst much of its delicious produce can be found in other regions, it’s the concentration in which Tuscany’s fine wines, artisan olive oils and gourmet home-cooked dishes are delivered which fuels its status as one of Italy’s food capitals. 

Hear the word 'Tuscany' and you’re guaranteed to imagine gentle undulating green fields blanketed by olive groves and rows of vines, cypress tree-lined country roads and stone farmhouses scattered across the landscape. This iconic image that many people hold of Tuscany is not wrong, but many forget the region’s mountain ranges and forests of the north as well as the 25-kilometre stretch of Tuscan coastline which is speckled with seaside villages and glamorous resorts. 

Largely protected, Tuscany is a region which will maintain its charming, golden appearance even as it grows in popularity. It’s a place where you’ll always find a quaint countryside farmhouse with owners that usher you inside to fill your belly with authentic deliciousness as you gaze out over the spectacular landscape. It is a land where unspoiled nature and authentic traditions triumph.

Like many of Italy’s regions, Tuscany’s peak season is during its summer months from May to September. July and August bring soaring temperatures crowds making these months to busiest, most expensive and most uncomfortable time to take a Tuscany trip. Due to its mix of terrain from the cooler mountains to the intense heat of its coastline and valleys, Tuscany’s weather varies.

August is when the locals take their holidays so as the cities empty, regions such as Tuscany fill with Italian travellers. Many of the hotels in this region consider this time the low season. 

In the winter, from November to March, temperatures are cool, main sights close earlier and fewer activities are occurring in the region. However, November is also prime truffle season in Tuscany so to make the most of this delicacy, this is the month to take a trip to Tuscany. If you choose to travel during this season, it is best to visit Tuscany with a local as then you can ensure activities will go ahead. 

The best time to visit Tuscany is the shoulder season, which falls either side of the region’s busiest months. Planning a trip to Tuscany during April and May or October and November will mean fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures and lots of activities. During these months, you may need a light jacket in the evenings but the days will bring blue skies and sunshine.

From laying eyes on its beautiful monuments and exploring its never-ending vineyards to savouring the flavour of a bistecca alla fiorentina as you sip a local Chianti wine, Tuscany offers endless unique experiences and opportunities to learn more about this beautiful region. 

Live the Dolce Vita & Explore Tuscany in an Ape Tuk-Tuk

Tuscan towns and medieval villages are known for their quaint winding streets and hilltop positions, however, this can make getting around them a little difficult. The Ape Tuk-Tuk was developed by local Tuscans living in small villages as a way to navigate the streets and deliver goods to and from the farms. Used for over sixty years, these three-wheeled buggies have become an iconic image of Tuscany, and on a trip like this 10-Day Luxury & Charm of Central Italy adventure, you can explore the rolling Tuscan countryside and several wine tastings as part of the experience.

Truffle Hunting in the San Miniato Hills

If there’s one food that Tuscany is world-famous for, it’s truffles. The star of the Tuscan food scene, every species of truffle found in Tuscany ripens at a different time of year. The white truffle in Autumn and the black and brumale truffle in winter are the two of the most popular. Tuscany boasts eight regions from which to truffle hunt and the hills of San Miniato which straddle Florence and Pisa is one of the most prominent producers of truffles in Tuscany. 

When on a tour of Tuscany, like this 10-Day Rome, Ponza, Tuscany & Florence trip, you can head out on a truffle hunting experience in the San Miniato Hills. Together with an expert truffle-gatherer and his inseparable truffled-trained dog, you will discover these 'treasures' hidden in the woods. The day will end with a wonderful tasting lunch of truffles in the truffle factory.

Explore the Beautiful Art-Filled City of Florence

Hailed as the birthplace of Renaissance art, Florence is a city where you can feast on Tuscan cuisine and marvel at the astonishing works of art that fill both the city’s streets and museums. Housing some of the world’s greatest artistic treasures, whilst on a Tuscany trip, you shouldn’t miss the Florence Cathedral, the Gallerie dell’Accademia or the Uffizi Gallery which is home to works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. After laying eyes on Giotto’s Bell Tower, an exquisite example of Florentine Gothic Architecture, you should spend an afternoon admiring the 700-year-old frescoes in the Santa Maria del Carmine church and beauty of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Discover the Iconic Monuments of Pisa and the Walled City of Lucca

Said to be two of the richest cities in the world for their architecture and history, both Pisa and Lucca are unmissable destinations for those that want an in-depth look into Tuscany and its artistic background. 

On this 9-Day Culture between Tuscany and Naples trip, you’ll explore these incredible Tuscan cities with a local guide. Instead of just laying eyes on the famous Leaning Tower and the majestic Pisa Cathedral, you’ll learn about their rich history, construction and how they came to be such iconic images of Tuscany. In Lucca, you’ll explore its historic centre filled with cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches and open squares all encircled by well-preserved Renaissance walls. 

Of course, in Tuscany, a day trip is not a day trip without the taste of a delicious Tuscan speciality. In Lucca, you’ll end the day with a Buccellato tasting, a typical Lucchese cake. As the locals would say: "Those who come to Lucca without eating the Buccellato is like they have never been there!"

Lay Eyes on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Val d’Orcia

The quintessential image of Tuscany, Val d’Orcia is a spectacular landscape dotted with ancient fortresses, quaint Tuscan villages and an abundance of vineyards that produce Brunello and other fine Tuscan wines. The cypress trees steal the show in Val d’Orcia; lined up neatly along countryside roads swooping up and down across the landscape with the hills and ravines. 

Travelling through the countryside on this 6-Day Culture and Wine in Tuscany trip, you’ll pass through characterful villages such as Piena and the beautiful medieval hilltop city of Montalcino and finish the day at a local wine cellar where you’ll taste the world-renowned Brunello of Montalcino and a selection of typical local products.

Explore Siena and San Gimignano - Two Unmissable Cities in Tuscany

Distinguished by its stunning medieval brick buildings, Siena is a jewel of central Italy. At Tuscany’s heart, Siena bustles with locals going about their day and its infectiously charming atmosphere has made it one of Italy's most-loved destinations. Piazza del Campo, the spectacular fan-shaped square flanked by the Palazzo Pubblico, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, is not to be missed. 

Not far from Siena, you’ll find the medieval hill town of San Gimignano encircled by 13th-century walls. Owing its beautifully preserved historical centre to a 13th-century law which banned the destruction of medieval buildings, visiting San Gimignano is like stepping back in time. You can explore both Siena and the city of towers, San Gimignano, with an experienced local guide on a trip like this 10-Day Rome, Ponza, Tuscany & Florence adventure.

Wine, Wine and More Wine in Chianti, Tuscany’s Most Famous Wine Region

Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the enchanting landscape of the Tuscan hills. On this 9-Day Gastronomic Rome to Venice Adventure, you’ll pass through the Chianti region in Tuscany and embark on an intimate excursion to three different wineries with an expert sommelier. Thanks to the beautiful climate and rich soil, the Chianti region produces some of the best wines in the world, known as ‘Super Tuscans’. Savouring the taste of these rich Tuscan wines, you’ll learn to distinguish the scents of flavours of each one whilst in the most fascinating settings – from medieval castles and noble villas to a boutique winery.

If you want to do things a little differently, on this 10-Day Luxury & Charm of Central Italy trip, you can kick off your tour of the Chianti wine region with a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Tuscany, endless olive groves and ancient townships; there’s nothing quite like it!

Bathe in Tuscany’s Natural Hot Springs

Boasting the highest number of thermal centres in the whole of Italy, taking a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring is a must-do in Tuscany. Many of them are open to the elements so that you can relax as hot, steamy water flows over the rocks and your body, surrounded by some of the most beautiful, breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Some of these natural hot springs such as Bagno Vignoni and Bagni di San Filippo are free and open to dive into at any time of the year!

Tuscany is a region so harmonious with its land that it demands to be explored on foot and by bicycle. But when that’s not possible, railways and country roads link this region’s greatest finds with ease. 

A reasonably-sized region, much of Tuscany can be crossed in just a few hours. Trains and buses link the major towns and cities in Tuscany, making these modes of transport the easiest way to get around. Trains are also one of the most affordable ways to travel around Italy; many regions have dedicated passes to explore the top cities and towns in a number of days. 

However, if you plan to spend your trip exploring Tuscany’s abundance of remote villages and off-the-beaten-track towns, travelling by car is the best way. Many of the train routes don’t reach the smaller areas, which means you’ll have to rely on bus travel to reach towns such as San Gimignano. As buses are not the most reliable or most convenient, travelling by car wins in these situations. 

Planning your Tuscany trip with a local guide means you can choose between travelling in Italy by private car with a driver or self-driving. If you decide to drive yourself, your rental vehicle will be pre-arranged and waiting for you when you arrive in Tuscany. 

Tuscany has two international airports, the Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa and Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence. Both are accessible from major European cities, but Pisa is the larger airport. 

Due to its popularity as one of the top regions in Italy, Tuscany offers a wide variety of accommodation from hotels to B&Bs and apartments for those that like to self-cater. Staying in a hotel is the most popular choice of accommodation for Florence, Siena, Pisa and other larger cities in Tuscany.

In the countryside, farmhouses converted into guesthouses are popular places to stay for those that want to combine the charm of the Tuscan country life with the warm hospitality of a local host. Choosing to base yourself in one of the countryside towns or villages over one of Tuscany’s larger cities means having a car as transport would be very useful as in this 6-Day Culture and Wine in Tuscany trip. 

One of the best places to base yourself in Tuscany is in the central area between Florence and Siena. Here, you won’t be far from the Chianti wine region and the San Miniato Hills, and you’ll be less than an hours journey from the many sights in Tuscany: Florence, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Siena, Volterra, Arezzo, the Crete Senesi and the Val d'Orcia. Many of these areas boast an array of locally-owned villas and farmhouses that enable you to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the hills, coast and mountains of Tuscany.

If you’re on a shorter trip like this 9-Day Culture between Tuscany and Naples adventure, you can base yourself in a central city such as Florence and spend your days driving out to the surrounding regions. This way, you’ll be able to experience the artistic beauty of Florence whilst being a short journey from Tuscany’s major sights. If you have a little longer, like on this 12-Day Culture and Wine in Central Italy trip, you can split your stay between a larger city like Siena and a countryside town like Lucca.

Tuscany is the region of a thousand flavours. Truffles and fine Chianti and Brunello wines steal the show, but the enormous pride Tuscans take in the quality of their produce shines through every dish, snack and aperitif. A gourmet destination, many people flock to Tuscany to spend the majority of their trip wining and dining like you would on this 6-Day Culture and Wine in Tuscany trip. 

Every bit of produce is local, seasonal and sustainable in Tuscany. Whether you’re enjoying artisan pasta cut by hand in a family-run trattoria, a glass of Brunello di Montalcino in a world-class estate or sinking your teeth into bistecca alla fiorentina (a chargrilled T-bone steak), life is simply delicious in Tuscany. 

One thing you must not miss in Tuscany is the taste of truffles. One of the most traditional Tuscan products, the truffle can be enjoyed in a variety of ways each one varying hugely in flavour. A bit like diamonds, finding truffles is an activity cherished among locals in Tuscany. You can join in finding the crème de la crème of truffles in the San Miniato Hills with an expert-gatherer and his truffle-hunting dog on this 10-Day Rome, Ponza, Tuscany & Florence trip.

Producing some of the world’s finest wines is what Tuscany does best. Chianti, Vino Nobile Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino and Vernaccia di San Gimignano are four wine varieties that you should taste, savour and enjoy whilst in Tuscany. Of course, like wine, Tuscan olive oil is also world-famous. Each November, olives are hand-picked from the olive groves that scatter the Tuscan hills and are sent to be pressed. 

Foodies will want to indulge in Tuscan food delights such as: Panzanella, a cold bread salad with unsalted bread, red onions, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, vinegar and salt; Lardo di Colonnata, pork lard cured in local marble in Colonnata; Castagnaccio, a traditional cake made with chestnut flour common to the Apennine mountainous area of Tuscany; and Pici, a type of spaghetti from the area of Siena.

So, how much is your Tuscany tour going to cost? If this answer were simple, there wouldn’t be a whole section dedicated to it. The cost of your Tuscany trip comes down to several different variables, including:

• The length of your trip
• The season or month you travel in
• Your accommodation class
• How many places you visit or stay in
• The number of activities or tours you take part in
• Your expenditure on shopping and dining

You’re travelling style can also affect the cost of your Tuscany trip. Do you like to travel alone, as a family, just with your spouse or with friends? Also, do you want to travel by public transport, in a private car with a driver or by bicycle? However you like to travel and whoever you want to travel with, making sure your Tuscany trip is perfect whilst staying within your budget can cause a little bit of a headache. Luckily, with Designer Journeys, it doesn’t have to be. 

You can choose to design your Tuscany trip with an in-destination Local Designer who has been approved by Designer Journeys to offer unique, tailor-made trips through our website. When designing your trip, the Local Designer will take into account your budget, choice of activities, class of accommodation, trip duration and so much more. Using this information, they can create a trip that is perfect for you and every member of your party. Whether you’d like a fully-guided trip with a local there every step of the way or just the occasional guided activity, the choice is yours. With Designer Journeys, you can relax in the knowledge that every detail of your Tuscany trip has been taken care of for a price that suits you.

The cost of a tailor-made Tuscany trip starts at roughly $2,700 per person for a 12-day trip. As an example, this 12-Day Culture and Wine in Central Italy includes:

• 3-star hotels
• 13 activities and day tours
• Transport by private car and train
• A licensed English-speaking guide
• Airport transfers

This is the perfect example of a budget-friendly Tuscany trip which could be made even cheaper by opting to stay in smaller cities and reducing the number of places you visit by staying longer in one or two of them.

 If you’re looking for a luxury Tuscany trip, your Local Designer can upgrade the class of accommodation and include more guided activities. This 10-Day Luxury & Charm of Central Italy trip is the perfect example of a luxury Tuscany trip and includes:

• 5-star hotels
• 26 activities and day tours
• Transport by private car and train
• A licensed English-speaking guide
• Airport transfers
• 3 dinners and 1 lunch and breakfast every day 

With Designer Journeys, you can design your perfect Tuscany trip by browsing our range of fully-customisable Italy trips and tailoring any one of them to your preferences with an expert Local Designer. Or better yet, select what you want out of a trip using the 'Design your Own Trip' function and let a Local Designer design your ideal trip.

Like every region in Italy, Tuscany is full of unique experiences, special events and festivals that occur throughout the year. 

National White Truffle Festival in San Miniato

Known as the ‘City of Truffles’, San Miniato and the hills that surround it are where the best of the white truffle treasures are gathered. Every year in November, thousands of truffle lovers from all over the world fall upon San Miniato for three weekends of all-things-truffles. Sample tastings of these delicious truffles as you peruse the stands which are full of locally-made truffle-based products like truffle oil, sauces, truffle salt and other preserves, as well as lots of other Tuscan food products. If you’re travelling to Tuscany in November, this festival is not to be missed!

The Palio Race in Siena

Every year, Siena’s fan-shaped square, Piazza del Campo is transformed into the racetrack for the famous Palio run. Taking place on 2nd July and 16th August every year, the city divides into 17 ‘contrades’ which are then represented by a horse and a rider in the race. Each contrade has its own unique emblem and colours; as you walk through the city, you’ll be able to tell which contrade you are in due to the flags and emblems that will decorate the street.

The race itself dates back to the 6th century and is a hugely important part of the local Sienese’s lives. Whilst it is very much a local race, the atmosphere that surrounds the Palio race is infectious. If you have the stand to attend the Palio race whilst in Tuscany, it is something you should not miss.

Take away the stress of planning your Tuscany trip and making sure it meets your budget whilst including everything you’d like it too. With the help of one of Designer Journeys’s in-destination Local Designers, you can tailor your Tuscany trip to suit the needs of everyone in your party with a wide range of locally-inspired and culturally-rich activities that few travellers have the chance to take part in.

Get inspired by our range of Italy trips or any of our other 53 countries in the Designer Journeys destination gallery, or design your own trip from scratch by connecting with a Local Designer who can take care of it all.