Tuscany

A vacation guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Italy's Tuscany region

Why Tuscany?

See the David, Botticelli's Venus, and other Renaissance masterpieces in Florence.
Tour the vineyards of Chianti.
Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Indulge in a 3-hour Tuscan dinner at Il Latini in Florence.
Bike atop the walls of Lucca.
Taste wines in the Etruscan cellars of hilltown Montepulciano.
Get your Gothic art fix in Siena then strolling its shopping streets.
Ascend the medieval towers of San Gimignano.
Sample goat cheeses in Pienza, the perfect Renaissance village.
Clamber up inside Brunelleschi's famous cathedral dome for a 360º view of Florence.

Tuscany is one of the richest and most rewarding regions in Italy. It is home to the art of Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the wines of the Chianti.

Tuscany is the birthplace of both the Renaissance and the modern Italian language.

Tuscany is a region where the restaurants serve marathon dinners and the churches in even a small city are stuffed with the kind of Renaissance art that would take pride of place in any major world museum.

The vine-striped valleys and ancient hill towns of Tuscany comprise a Italian fairytale landscape right out of a painting—perhaps one by local boy Leonardo da Vinci.

Tuscany's cultural heritage is unsurpassed. Even the short list of Tuscan luminaries reads like a who's-who of cultural giants: Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, Botticelli, Dante, Giotto, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Puccini...

If you had to pick just one region of Italy—outside of the major cities—to explore, by all means make it Tuscany.

Top destinations in Tuscany

Florence

Birthplace of the Renaissance, hometown to Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Donatello, Giotto, and dozens other of Old Masters—and repository of Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, Brunelleschi's dome, and 1,001 other seminal works of art and architecture. To break up the Art History 101 nature of it you can peruse the artisan workshops of the Oltrarno, bargain in the San Lorenzo leather market, dig into a hearty meal of bistecca fiorentina steak with Chianti wine, and find a hotel for your own, perfect Room with a View moment... » more

Pisa

Pisa's "Field of Miracles" is a grassy lawn sprinkled with some of the most gorgeous Romanesque architecture in Italy, from the Duomo (in which local luminary Galileo discovered his law of pendulum motion by watching the swinging chandeliers) to the statue-studded Baptistery (home of an intricately carved pulpit and near-perfect acoustics) to a famously leaning bell tower (you may have seen it on a pizza delivery box)... » more

Siena

This Gothic antidote to Renaissance Florence is an overgrown hilltown of fine food, brick palaces, and a laid-back lifestyle. It's civic buildings and the mighty zebra-striped Duomo are filled with some of the greatest examples of late Gothic painting in Europe, and its streets are crowded with strolling locals, not blattering automobiles... » more

The Chianti

Take the slow road—the SS 222, a.k.a. the Chiantigiana, through the Chiantihills between Florence and Siena. One of the world's most famous wine-producing regions, these steep slopes are cloaked in terraced rows of vines and peppered with medieval castles and cypress-shrouded abbeys. The narrow valleys are laced with tiny rivers along which are sprinkled small market towns... » more

San Gimignano

The "Medieval Manhattan" is unique in Italy for being the only town to preserve more than a dozen of its medieval stone towers, holdovers from the bad old days of the Middle Ages bristling the skyline above vineyards producing one of Italy's finest white wines... » more

Lucca

Elegant city girdled by mighty 16th century brick bastions (the tops of which have now become a tree-shaded park encircling the city) where everyone gets around by bicycle. Fantastic Romanesque churches, Renaissance frescoes, fine opera, a piazza that takes its form from an ancient Roman amphitheater, and one-tenth the crowds of nearby Pisa... » more

Montepulciano

A postcard Tuscan hilltown of Renaissance palazzi lining the steeply sloping main drag and warrens of Etruscan-era tunnels burrowed through the rock underneath the palaces that now house some of the finest wine cellars in the world—and, more importantly, where the wine tastings are free... » more

Pienza

In the middle of the postcard Tuscan landscape south of Siena—rolling grasslands, grazing sheep, marching lines of cypress—rises the tiny town of Pienza, famed for its sublime pecorino (sheep's milk cheese) and delightful Renaissance architecture. Thanks to the quirky ambition and deep pockets of a homegrown pope, Pienza's main square and buildings were designed by architect Bernardo Rossellino as an homage to all those paintings of "the perfect Renaissance city"... » more

Tips & links

Useful links & resources

Tuscany Tourism office

Via Manzoni 16, Florence
tel. +39-055-23-320
www.turismo.intoscana.it

Official tourism websites throughout Tuscany:

Tuscany: Turismo.intoscana.it
Florence: Firenzeturismo.it
Siena: Terresiena.it
Pisa: Pisaunicaterra.it, Turismo.pisa.it
Lucca: Luccaturismo.it, Comune.lucca.it/Turismo
Chianti: Firenzeturismo.it and Terresiena.it
San Gimignano: Sangimignano.com, Terresiena.it
Montalcino: Montalcinonet.com, Terresiena.it
Montepulciano: Terresiena.it, Stradavinonobile.it, Comune.montepulciano.siena.it
Pienza: Comune.pienza.siena.it, Terresiena.it
Arezzo: Turismo.provincia.arezzo.it, Arezzo.intoscana.it

How long does Tuscany take?

Planning your time: If you give Florence at least 2-3 days, give the hilltowns of Tuscany at least another day or two—preferably three days.

I have prepared some perfect Tuscan itineraries to help you plan a trip to Tuscany lasting anywhere from a single day to an entire week. » more

Rent a car

Although there are excellent rail connections to some towns (Florence, Pisa, Lucca), workable—if not ideal—train connections to some others (Siena, Montepulciano), and buses can get you to the others (San Gimignano, Pienza), having a rental car will really pay off.

This is especially true since the best bits of Tuscany lie down dirt roads and side roads: the smaller hilltowns, the vineyards, the hilltop castles. I wouldn't attempt the Chianti in anything but a car. » more

Take a tour

Day trips
Short breaks (2-4 days)
Tours

Escorted half- and full-day trips in Tuscany from...

Florence
Siena
Rome
Livorno

Tuscany tours from Florence

Tuscany tours from Siena

Tuscany tours from Rome

Tuscany tours from Livorno cruise port

Duration: 12 hours
Cost: $118 per person
Book:

Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour (from Florence)

Famous for a wealth of art, history, striking landscapes and outstanding produce, Tuscany really does have the best of all worlds! With only a day to spare, see the best Tuscany has to offer on this full-day guided coach trip from Florence, including: Gothic Siena, Chianti vineyards, Tuscan lunch and wine-tasting class amongst the Sienese hills, medeival San Gimignano, and Pisa...

Duration: 13 hours
Cost: €103 per person
Book:

Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour (from Rome)

See the very best of Tuscany on a full-day trip from Rome! Traveling to the stunning Val d'Orcia region, south of Siena, you'll be introduced to a beautiful landscape where medieval towns cling to sunny hills and rustic farms adorn the countryside. With an expert guide, you'll visit Montelpulciano, Montalcino and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pienza, sampling fine wines and local delicacies as you go...

Duration: 12 hours
Cost: $165 per person
Book:

Tuscany Towns and Chianti Wine-Tasting Trip from Florence: Siena, Lucca and Pisa

Combine charming Tuscan towns with Chianti wine tasting on this full-day trip from Florence! Led by an expert guide, this comprehensive Tuscany tour includes the must-see towns of this stunning region. Explore Siena's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and have an authentic Tuscan lunch on a prestigious Chianti wine estate. After sampling Chianti Classico wine, head to Lucca and Pisa to spend time at leisure...

Duration: 11 hours
Cost: $250 per person
Book:

The Essence of Tuscany (from Florence)

Follow the scent of the Great Wines through the most stunning landscapes of Chianti, Val d'Orcia and Val di Chiana. From the market in Greve in Chianti to wineries and vineyards in Castellina in Chianti, we'll continue to the Crete Senesi of the Val d'Orcia and a lunch with guided tasting of Montalcino wines. Round out the day with a visit to Montepulciano and its storied wine cellars...

Duration: 13 hours
Cost: €120 per person
Book:

Taste of Italy Food Tour to Chianti and Umbria (from Rome)

Head out of Rome and off the beaten track to experience a different side of Italy in Tuscany and Umbria. You'll visit the lovely towns of Cortona and Montepulciano, and sample wine, cheeses, salami, olive oil and other local specialties. After a stroll in medeival Cortona, you'll drive along the shores of Lake Trasimeno to lunch in a typical country restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll drive through the hills of the Chianti to the hilltop town of Montepulciano, famous the world over for its ruby-red Vino Nobile wine. You'll visit one of the oldest wine cellars, discover the winemakers' secrets, and taste the final result....

Duration: 4 days
Cost: $577
Book:

4-Day Tuscany and Cinque Terre Tour from Rome

Destinations: Val d'orcia, Pienza, Monatelcino, Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Carrara, Lucca

Get to know gorgeous Tuscany and the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre on this incredible 4-day tour from Rome! With 4-star hotel accommodation in Siena and La Spezia included, plus an expert guide, your tour offers everything you need to experience the best of these stunning regions. Discover charming hilltop towns like Pienza and San Gimignano, and then gaze in wonder at monuments like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Head to Liguria and explore the five fishing villages that make up the beautiful Cinque Terre before returning to Rome...

Included activities: Professional guide, transport by air-conditioned coach, 5 Terre Card
Accommodation: 4-star hotels (3 nts)
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport: Coach, Boat
Group size: N/A

Duration: 3 days
Cost: $378
Book:

3-Day Italy Trip: Florence and Pisa

Destinations: Florence, Pisa (or, Nov–Feb, Siena and San Gimignano)

Escape to the romance of Tuscany on a 3-day tour from Rome! The rolling hills of Tuscany continue to shape Italy's rich culture, be it through art, history or the finest Italian produce. Departing Rome, you will travel to the heart of Tuscany in Florence. The city is home to an abundance of paintings and sculptures housed in numerous galleries and public squares. Next it's onto Pisa with its biggest attraction, the Leaning Tower...

Included activities: Profeesional guide, entrance fees, transport by air-conditioned coach
Accommodation: 3-star hotels (2 nts)
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport: Coach
Group size: N/A

Duration: 5 days
Cost: $1,086
Book:

5-Day Italy Private Tour: Rome, Florence and Venice

Destinations: Florence, Rome, and Venice

Discover the three most famous and visited cities of Italy with this private 5 days tour around the “Bel Paese”. Starting from Rome, the Italian capital, this tour will stop in Florence and Venice. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of these cities, walking through their narrow alleys and visiting their top attractions.

Included activities: guided tours, transport by train
Accommodation: 3-star hotels
Meals: Lunch and dinners not included
Transport: Train
Group size: N/A

Duration: 3 days
Cost: from $389
Book:

Up North from Venice

Destinations: Venice, Verona, Lake Como, Milan, Genoa, Pisa, Siena, Rome

See the most beautiful cities and towns of Northern Italy. See Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet; see Lake of Como, famous for villas and mountain scenery; see the world famous Duomo in Milan; visit the most important ports in Italy in Genoa; see the bell tower of the Pisa'ss cathedral; and view the Piazza del Campo and the Municipal Palace in Siena...

Included activities: Entrance fees, tours of Verona, Lake Como, Milan, Genoa, Pisa, and Siena
Accommodation: 4-star hotels in Venice (1 nt), Como (1 nt), Pisa (1 nt)
Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport: Coach
Group size: N/A

Duration: 10 days
Cost: from $2,412
Book:

Italy Experience

Destinations: Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence, Perugia, Spello, Rome

Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of Rome. Explore historic sites and picturesque villages on this special food-lovers' adventure through some of the most incredible places in Italy. There is plenty of time to indulge in everything from fresh seafood and hearty wines to the finest balsamic vinegars and pesto in the world. This 10-day trip is sure to tantalise all the senses....

Included activities: Cinque Terre day pass, Enoteca wine tasting and lunch, Pesto class, San Giorgio Bell Tower, Traghetto across the Grand Canal, Welcome dinner in Venice
Accommodation: Guesthouse (2 nts), Hotel (6 nts)
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport: Bus, Ferry, Metro, Taxi, Train
Group size: Max 16

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,355
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Umbrian Discovery

Destinations: Venice, Gubbio, Assisi, Spello

Travel to Italy and explore the green heart of charming Umbria - mingling with pilgrims, eating delicious foods and seeing ancient sites along the way. Visit the most sacred places in Italy as you travel from Venice to Rome, via the ancient hilltop towns of Gubbio and Assisi. Encounter the religious and historical treasures of one of the most alluring regions in Europe on this delightful Italian adventure....

Included activities: Enoteca wine tasting, Guided tour of Basilica di San Francesco, Hike and cable car ride, Orientation Walk Assisi
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nts)
Meals: 1 lunch; budget €280 for meals
Transport: Bus, Cable car, Metro, Train
Group size: Max 12

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,790
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Active Cinque Terre

Destinations: Levanto, Punta Mesco, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Portovenere, Santa Margherita, San Fruttuoso, Camogli, Portofino

When entering this region of Italy, things can seem a little surreal. The houses are painted in vivid multi-coloured shades, the ocean’s brighter than the sky and the sun rains down so heavily that everything seems a little technicoloured – welcome to Cinque Terre. On this beautiful coastline tour of Italy, we hike from Levanto to Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Montenero and Portofino, finishing in Santa Margherita by foot, boat and train....

Included activities: Guided Walk to Portofino, Guided Walk to the Abbey of San Fruttuoso, Levanto to Monterosso Guided Walk, Riomaggiore to Portovenere Guided Walk, 'Sentiero dell’Amore' Guided Walk, The Wild West Coast Guided Walk, Welcome dinner, Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Agriturismo/farmstay (7 nts)
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport:Boat, Public bus, Train
Group size: Max. 16

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,099
Book:

LOCAL LIVING ITALY: TUSCANY SAN GIMIGNANO

Destinations: Tuscany

Centred in San Gimignano, this Local Living adventure places you in the heart of Tuscany for eight days of exploring. After a chef-prepared lunch, you’re free to explore the town, visit vineyards, discover medieval highlights or embrace your inner artist wandering the Tuscan countryside. You’ll share the accommodation with like-minded travellers, and with a CEO there to point you in the right direction, prepare to fall in love with Italy...

Included activities: Orientation walk around town, starter kit of breakfast essentials and local delicacies, towel and bed linens
Accommodation: Apartments in a locally owned house (7 nts).
Meals: 1 lunch
Transport: Local bus, train, walking
Group size: Max 8, Avg 6

Duration: 7 days
Cost: from $1,399
Book:

LOCAL LIVING ITALY: SOUTHERN TUSCANY

Destinations: Chniaciano Terme, Montalcino

Experience life the local way and you’ll experience a Tuscany that most tourists miss. This trip offers plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty in the kitchen as you’ll learn to prepare and enjoy this picturesque region’s culinary and viticultural delights. Peruse the local markets and delis in search of the finest organic fare, sample wines in the very vineyards that produced them, and work off all that deliciousness with walks across some of the world’s most beautiful scenery...

Included activities: Cooking class of local organic produce, wine tasting with local meats and cheeses, local hiking trails, visit to Montalcino and abbey of Sant'Antimo, five home-cooked dinners at our Agriturismo
Accommodation: Small, locally owned farmhouse/agriturismo (6 nts)
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Transport: Local bus, train, walking
Group size: Max 12, Avg 8

Duration: 7 days
Cost: from $1,299
Book:

LOCAL LIVING ITALY - TUSCANY GARFAGNANA

Destinations: Garfagana Valley, Tuscany

Pnce you’ve seen, smelled, felt and tasted northern Tuscany, you’ll want to devour as much of it as possible. This journey into Garfagnana—one of Italy’s top trekking regions—offers plenty of exercise for mind, body and soul alike. Over eight days, you’ll hike the unspoiled mountains by day, learn to prepare delicious local cuisine in the evening and put your well-used feet up at the end of it all to soak in the simple pleasures of country life....

Included activities: Four local hikes, visit to traditional produce suppliers, home cooking experience, 6 home cooked local dinners.
Accommodation: Small locally owned farmhouse/agriturismo (7 nts)
Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 6 dinners; budget €120–150 for other meals
Transport: Walking, minivan/car
Group size: Max 12, Avg 8

Duration: 7 days
Cost: from $1,020
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CYCLING IN TUSCANY

Destinations: Siena, Chianciano Terme, Pienza, Montepulciano

In a country famed for its extensive (not to mention delicious) culinary traditions, Tuscany is top dog. And what better way to work up an appetite for all those gastronomic delights than by taking a leisurely ride through some of the most gorgeous countryside you’ll find anywhere? On this trip, you’ll explore the gently rolling hills and tiny villages of this idyllic patch of Europe from the seat of a bike, then dig in to expertly prepared meals and flavourful wines drawn from the land you’ve spent all day traversing. If you really are what you eat, expect to become exquisite....

Included activities: Cooking class of local organic produce, winetasting with local meats and cheeses, cycling in Tuscan countryside including visit to Pienza, Montepulciano and Siena.
Accommodation: Small locally owned farmhouse/agriturismo (6 nts)
Meals: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners; budget €120–170 for other meals
Transport: Local bus, train, walking, cycling
Group size: Max 12, Avg 8

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,580
Book:

Cycle Siena & Chianti

Destinations: San Quirico, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Siena, Castellina in Chianti, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, Florence

Cycle through Tuscany and explore some of Italy's most endearing countryside. Ride through Italian vineyards, quaint hamlets and small villages full of culture and a friendly local atmosphere. Admire classic gothic architecture lining lively market squares. Try traditional Italian cuisine, full of flavour and unmistakeably different form the copycats around the world. Finish in the stunningly beautiful city of Florence, full of classic artwork from the likes of Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci...

Included activities: Guided bike ride through Tuscany
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nts)
Meals: 7 breakfasts; budget €300 for other meals
Transport: Bicycle, Support vehicle
Group size: Max 16

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,670
Book:

Cycling in Sardinia

Destinations: San Salvatore Sinis, San Giovanni Sinis, Tharros, Piscinas/Costa Verde, Nebida, Sant'Antioco, Isola di San Pietro, Sant'Anna Arresi, Pula

Cycle over some of the most untouched, breathtaking coastal roads in Europe. Witness flocks of flamingos preening in the lagoons of the beautiful Sinis wetlands. Visit the ancient city ruins of Tharros. Spend a night in a charming agriturismo. Be wowed by the 400-foot-high seat stacks of Pan di Zucchero...