Tuscany
A vacation guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Italy's Tuscany region
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
NORTHERN TUSCANY
Florence: firenzeturismo.it
Pisa: pisaunicaterra.it
Lucca: luccatourist.it
Arezzo: arezzo.intoscana.it
Prato: pratoturismo.it
Pistoia: pistoia.turismo.toscana.it
Montecatini: montecatini.turismo.toscana.it
CENTRAL TUSCANY
Siena: terresiena.it
San Gimignano: sangimignano.com
Chianti: firenzeturismo.it and terresiena.it
Valdichiana (Pienza, Montepulciano, Chiusi, Chianciano Terme): chiancianotermeinfo.it
SOUTHERN TUSCANY
Maremma (Pitigliano, Massa M., Scancano, Sorano): turismoinmaremma.it
COASTAL TUSCANY
Massa-Carrara: turismomassacarrara.it
Pisa: pisaunicaterra.it
Livorno/central coast: costadeglietruschi.it
Maremma: turismoinmaremma.it
Elba/islands: aptelba.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. 
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. 
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 Livorno cruise port
Duration: 12 hours
Cost: $118 per person
Book:

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:

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:

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: 
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:

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: $575
Book:

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: $377
Book:

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: 4 days
Cost: $630
Book:

Destinations: Florence, Rome
Not an escorted tour, but an independent package from Venice to the other highlights of Italy. Spend two nights in Rome and one night in Florence on this 4-day independent tour from Venice by train. Choose between 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel accommodation and a first- or second-class train ticket. With your train logistics and hotel reservations taken care of, all that’s left to do is sightsee independently as much of Rome and Florence as you want. Check out top Rome attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican, and admire Renaissance architecture in stylish Florence...
- Included activities: NO GUIDE, 3 nights lodging, transport by train
- Accommodation: 3-star hotels (3 nts)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts
- Transport: Train
- Group size: N/A
Duration: 3 days
Cost: from $801
Book:

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: 4 days
Cost: from $728
Book:

Destinations: Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Padova, Venice
A coach tour of the best of Central and Northern Italy leaving from Rome and touring the mystic town Assisi in Umbria, the medieval wine town of Montepulciano in Tuscany, the greatest Renaissance sights of Florence, the Cathedral of St. Anthony in Padua, and walking tours of Venice, the Most Serene city of canals....
- Included activities: Entrance fees, guided visits to Assisi, Montepulciano, and Florence, walking tour of Venice, tour of Murano glass factories
- Accommodation: 4-star hotels in Florence (2 nts), Venice (1 nt)
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Transport: Coach
- Group size: N/A

Duration: 10 days
Cost: from $2,795
Book:


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 (7 nts)
- Meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Transport: Bus, Ferry, Metro, Taxi, Train
- Group size: Max 12

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,695
Book:


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 $1,400
Book:


Destinations: Florence, Siena, San Donato - Tuscan farmstay, Greve in Chianti, Volterra, Colle di Val d'Elsa
Get to know Tuscany, one of Italy's finest wine regions, by walking through vineyards, quaint towns and impressive gothic architecture. Stay at a working farm that produces premium Tuscan wines and olive oil. Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano, peruse the museums of Siena, get a personal lesson in Tuscan wine making, check out the ancient ruins of Castelvecchio and shop at the markets of Greve. Take the time to get under the skin of this gorgeous landscape and use your own two feet to explore....
- Included activities: Guided walks each day (countryside or small town), Palazzo Comunale, Tuscan Wine School - 2 hour private lesson, Wine tasting
- Accommodation: Agriturismo/farmstay (7 nts)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Transport: Bus, Minibus, Train
- Group size: Max. 15

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


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 $1,105
Book:


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: 8 days
Cost: from $1,400
Book:


Destinations: Florence, Siena, San Donato - Tuscan farmstay, Greve in Chianti, Volterra, Colle di Val d'Elsa
Get to know Tuscany, one of Italy's finest wine regions, by walking through vineyards, quaint towns and impressive gothic architecture. Stay at a working farm that produces premium Tuscan wines and olive oil. Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano, peruse the museums of Siena, get a personal lesson in Tuscan wine making, check out the ancient ruins of Castelvecchio and shop at the markets of Greve. Take the time to get under the skin of this gorgeous landscape and use your own two feet to explore....
- Included activities: Guided walks each day (countryside or small town), Palazzo Comunale, Tuscan Wine School - 2 hour private lesson, Wine tasting
- Accommodation: Agriturismo/farmstay (7 nts)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
- Transport: Bus, Minibus, Train
- Group size: Max. 15

Duration: 8 days
Cost: from $1,199
Book:


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: 8 days
Cost: from $1,400
Book:


Destinations: Garfagnana Valley, Tuscany
Embark on walks through the Garfagnana Valley, an area of Tuscany that is well away from tourist crowds. Enjoy forest walks, captivating views over mountain terrain, exploring hilltop villages and traipses through the woodlands of the Orecciella Natural Park. Get a different taste of Italy on this Tuscan walking tour....
- Included activities: A series of day walks from a lodge base nestled serenely among the mountain wilderness
- Accommodation: Lodge (7 nts)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
- Transport: Minibus
- Group size: Maax 14

Duration: 7 days
Cost: from $1,020
Book:


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:


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:


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...
- Included activities: Guide bike ride the length of Sardegna
- Accommodation: Hotel (6 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt)
- Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches; budget €150 for other meals
- Transport: Bicycle, Ferry, Support vehicle
- Group size: Max 16
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