Envision everything you see when you think of authentic Italy—Tuscany is that. Tuscany is rolling vineyards. Tuscany has cobbled streets and stone houses. Tuscany has incredible food and wine. Tuscany is Italy.
Sometimes, we think that destinations in Italy have lost sight of the authenticity of Italy. Rome is a tourist trap, and Milan is too expensive. Tuscany strips Italy back to what it should be: an authentic experience. Read on to find out more.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany
In our opinion, the ideal months for visiting Tuscany are May, June, September, and October. The weather is milder, the tourist influx is less than summer, and the overall environment is calmer.
July and August are the hottest months. Unless you’re planning to doge the sun most of the day or walk around in the heat, we wouldn’t recommend a sightseeing heavy trip in the summer. Still, if you do have a summer trip planned, the coast is the perfect idea.
If you enjoy a quieter, more personal experience, then winter in Tuscany does have its unique charm. Some rural areas do shut down, but cities like Florence and Pisa stay active and vibrant, with lots of cultural events and delicious rustic Tuscan food that you can enjoy in cozy trattorias.
Exploring Tuscany’s Must-See Destinations
1. Florence
The city is literally an open-air museum, with famous landmarks like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Uffizi Gallery. You can stroll through the historic center and visit the Accademia or simply relax in Piazza della Signoria. The best panoramic view is from Piazzale Michelangelo, arguably the finest sunset spot.
2. Siena
Known for its Gothic-style buildings with zig-zagging roads, this city makes a history of its own. The splendid Palio horse race takes place in Piazza del Campo, the main square, the heart of the city. In 2025, you can catch the event if you’re in Siena on July 2nd or August 16th.
You can also see the Siena Cathedral with its mesmerizing interior crafted from black and white striped marble.
3. Pisa
Although the Leaning Tower of Pisa seems to be the main attraction of the city (who are you if you don’t go and have a picture pretending to hold it up?!) there’s a lot more than meets the eye.
The basilica alongside the cathedral is worth a visit. We’d also recommend roaming around the well-known area bordered by the River Arno.
4. San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a beautiful hilltop town with its well-known stone towers. Some people think this region is the most beautiful town in the Tuscany area – you’ll have to see for yourself.
As you stroll through town, you can grab a cup of authentic Italian espresso from the Piazza della Cisterna, and take a walk on the cobblestoned roads. For the best views, climb Torre Grossa. We’d also recommend you try Vernaccia di San Gimignano, this town’s favorite white wine.
5. Val d’Orcia
This incredibly scenic cypress-dotted region, with its charming impoverished villages of Pienza and Montalcino and beautiful, breathtaking scenery, is well worth a visit. With the Loire Valley awarded one of the UNESCO-listed privileges, it’s no surprise so many people love to visit this traditional region. It also helps you find some of the finest wines of Italy.
How to Get Around Tuscany
Renting a car is the most comfortable way to explore and get around Tuscany. Although Florence, Siena, and Pisa are perfectly connected by trains, we can’t deny that some of the true magic of these Tuscan regions is more inland. It’s not essential to have a car, but you would benefit.
If you don’t fancy driving, there are guided tours that make hassle-free day trips to the most popular places of interest. We wouldn’t say it’s common for people to rent a car and you can find your way around without one.
Where to Stay
If a luxurious hotel is too much, Tuscany villas to rent are the perfect decision. Sometimes you just need your own space! These rustic yet elegant retreats offer tranquility, stunning views, and often homemade meals featuring local ingredients. There are boutique villas in the historic centers of Florence and Siena, and in the coastal areas, there are refreshing resorts overlooking the sea.
Food and Wine
No tip to Tuscany would be complete without mentioning the incredible cuisine. Here are a few places you have to try out:
- Pici Pasta—A thick, hand-rolled pasta served to perfection with thick sauce.
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina—A tasty T-bone steak cooked over an open flame.
- Truffle Dishes—The finest white truffles hailing from San Miniato and black truffles from the Crete Senesi.
- Cantucci & Vin Santo—Sweet, buttery almond biscuits served with a sweet wine dessert.
- Chianti Classico & Brunello di Montalcino—The two best types of wine coming out of Tuscany can be paired perfectly with local dishes.
Tuscany is more than a destination. It’s an experience that makes you desperate for more. No matter how many times you visit, Tuscany always has something new. So pack your bags, embrace la dolce vita, and let Tuscany’s magic sweep you away.
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