Tuscany is a renowned cultural destination, boasting art, history, food, and wine, which makes it an ideal holiday spot for travelers. But that’s not all. Tuscany has plenty of exciting activities to offer its visitors, too. A luxury travel company can help you make the most of your vacation in Tuscany, whether you want to go on an epicurean journey, explore hidden villages, try adventurous activities, or a mix of all of the above.
Preparing for your vacation in Tuscany
Tuscany is a region tucked in central Italy. It is bordered by the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas to the west and surrounded by mountain ranges like the Apennines. As a result, the Tuscan climate can get very hot during the summer, while the winters tend to be wet and cold.
If you want to avoid large crowds, the best time to visit Tuscany would be from late September to October. These months see low yet comfortable temperatures, and the change of seasons results in very picturesque hills and vineyards.
Another good time to visit Tuscany spans from April to May. Temperatures during the early spring teeter around the 70s, and crowds are much smaller due to the end of the summertime rush.
Vacations in Tuscany – Unforgettable experiences and adventures in the Art Palace of Italy
- Explore historic cities
Tuscany spans an area of about 23,000 kilometers and has a population of 3.8 million. Thanks to its size, visitors will hardly run out of sites to explore, from well-known tourist attractions to landmarks off the beaten path.
One city you should never forget to visit, is Florence. Tuscany’s capital city is famously known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to some of the world’s most recognizable art pieces and architectural wonders.
The Uffizi Palace and Gallery is a must-see stop in Florence—it houses world-renowned artworks like Sandro Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s Adoration of the Magi. You can also visit the Accademia Gallery, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s legendary work, David.
Another Tuscan city worth visiting is Pisa. You may know it as the home of the unusually charming Leaning Tower, which you can climb to experience a bird’s-eye view of the area. Then, you can continue to the neighboring city of Lucca, the site of historical landmarks like Anfiteatro Square, San Martino Cathedral, and Guinigi Tower.
- Visit charming villages
There is more to Tuscany than its cities. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, you can choose to visit the region’s charming villages and hilltop towns. Montalcino, for example, is an ancient village dotted by colorful vineyards and stunning olive groves. Meanwhile, Montepulciano, a nearby town, is heavily influenced by its Etruscan roots and filled with globally recognized wine estates.
- Discover nature’s hidden gems.
Although Tuscany owes its fame to quaint villages and renowned cities like Florence and Pisa, the region is still traditionally agricultural. Tuscany’s geography is characterized by hills and fertile plains, bordered by seas and mountain ranges.
This unique geography makes Tuscany a must-visit site for nature lovers. You can admire the region’s rolling hills from hilltop towns like Cortona, an ancient Etruscan settlement with charming palaces and piazzas.
You might also find tour packages that can take you from Tuscany to neighboring coastal areas like Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. A Tuscany and Amalfi Coast tour includes once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a private boat tour of Sorrento, Cala di Puolo, Mitigliano Bay, and the Li Galli islands, perfect for those who love to be at sea.
- Enjoy nature on horseback.
What if you want to stay on land? Don’t worry—Tuscany has many underrated experiences you can enjoy all without needing to deal with large crowds. A horseback riding tour will allow you to admire the hilly region from a new perspective. During your ride, you will get to see medieval villages, ancient castles, and sparkling lakes.
- Indulge in Tuscan cuisine.
One of the best ways to experience Italy is not through your eyes but through your stomach. Italian cuisine is undeniably the world’s best, loved for its fresh and natural flavors that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Every region in Italy has its own special cuisine, and Tuscany is no different. Because of the area’s agricultural roots, Tuscan food is heavily characterized by freshly picked fruits and vegetables and lean, delectable meats.
The Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a timeless choice and the perfect dish for meat lovers. This Tuscan specialty features a hefty serving of T-bone steak sourced from local Chianina cattle and seasoned with rosemary and sage.
Pasta is also a must-try, no matter which Italian region you choose to visit. In Tuscany, tagliatelle al tartufo is a popular menu option, a mouthwatering pasta dish made with melted butter and garlic and topped with black truffle shavings and Parmigiano cheese.
If you’re craving something sweet, you won’t run out of dessert dishes in the region. For instance, castagnaccio is a widely loved cake made with chestnut flour, walnuts, and pine nuts, while biscotti di Prato is a simple biscuit snack that is best eaten with espresso.
- Tickle your taste buds on a wine-tasting excursion
You can never go wrong with a glass or two of locally made Italian wine. Tuscany is the country’s second-largest wine producer, making up 17% of Italy’s DOC production. And because of this, you won’t ever run out of wine selections during your stay.
A must-try wine is the Chianti Classico, a world-renowned red wine made with 80% Sangiovese grapes. This classic beverage has an elegance that will remind you of cherries and violets, pairing wonderfully with red meat, prosciutto, and a variety of pasta dishes.
Another wine to look out for is the Brunello di Montalcino, exclusively made with Sangiovese grapes. Brunello is loved by locals and tourists alike, characterized by hints of blackberry and tobacco and pairing beautifully with Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Are you ready to discover what Tuscany has to offer? Make sure to plan your vacation in Tuscany with an experienced travel operator. Certified tour operators in Italy can turn your trip into a luxurious holiday, complete with private transportation, professional guides, 24/7 customer assistance, and portage services from your airport, cruise terminal, or train station.