Tuscany blends Renaissance cities, hill towns, vineyards, and coast. Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca anchor the region. Beyond the cities lie Chianti vines, Val d’Orcia views, hot springs, and island beaches. Use this guide to plan a balanced trip in clear, short steps.
Highlights at a Glance
World‑class cities: Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca.
UNESCO centers and landscapes across the region.
Chianti hills and classic SR222 scenic drive.
Val d’Orcia photo views and slow villages.
Hot springs at Saturnia, Bagno Vignoni, and Bagni San Filippo.
Versilia sands, the Maremma coast, and Elba island escapes.
Apuan Alps trails and beech forests in the Casentinesi.
Wine legends: Chianti Classico, Brunello, and Vino Nobile.
Family‑friendly days and honeymoon nights.
Where to Stay in Tuscany
Pick a base that matches your style. Then add one or two contrasting nights.
Best by traveler type
First‑timers: Florence (walkable, art‑rich, great trains)
Medieval vibes: Siena (Campo, cathedral, Palio culture)
Wine stays: Chianti agriturismi along the SR222
Scenery & slow travel: Val d’Orcia (Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano)
Families & beach time: Versilia (long sandy shore, services)
Wild coast: Maremma & Argentario (dunes, coves, clear water)
Hiking base: Garfagnana & Apuan Alps (cooler air, big views)
Island week: Elba (easy ferries, varied beaches)
What is an agriturismo? A working farm offering rooms or apartments—often with onsite produce, pools, and countryside views. Expect relaxed stays and local breakfasts.
When to avoid: Peak midday heat in July–August for inland sightseeing; book air‑con rooms and start early.
Florence for first‑timers
Art, museums, and landmark squares. The Duomo, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio anchor the center. Expect crowds in summer. Walk everywhere. Public transport links are strong. Nights glow in Oltrarno wine bars.
Siena for medieval mood
Piazza del Campo sets the scene. Gothic bricks and narrow lanes frame the day. The cathedral shines with striped marble. Base here for southern Tuscany. The Palio adds pageantry in summer.
Lucca for calm streets
A ring of walls encircles a relaxed core. You can cycle on the ramparts. Churches and towers sit close together. Day‑trip to Pisa by train. Evenings feel gentle and local.
Pisa for quick access
The Leaning Tower draws bucket lists. The airport makes travel simple. Best for late arrivals or early flights. Stay near the river for charm.
Chianti for vineyard stays
Rolling hills, stone farmhouses, and tasting rooms. Sleep in an agriturismo. Wake to birds and vines. Explore villages like Greve, Radda, and Gaiole. The SR222 links it all.
Val d’Orcia for slow vistas
Wave‑like hills and lone cypress rows. Base in Pienza, Montalcino, or Montepulciano. Sip local reds at sunset. Drive strade bianche for photos.
Versilia for beach time
Long sandy shore and classic bathing clubs. Nightlife buzzes in high season. Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi mix art and style.
Maremma and Argentario for wild coast
Wide dunes, pine woods, and quiet coves. Spot wildlife in the park. Swim at Feniglia or Giannella. Argentario adds cliffs and clear water.
Elba for an island week
Short ferries make it easy. Beaches vary from sandy bays to pebble coves. Hike Monte Capanne. Mix beach days with village evenings.
Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps for hikers
Green valleys and sharp marble peaks. Choose small inns and mountain huts. Trails reward with views and cool air.
Things to Do in Tuscany
Blend culture, landscapes, and food. Keep your plan flexible. Leave space for detours.
UNESCO headliners
Florence Historic Center — Renaissance masterpieces in a compact core. Book the Uffizi and Accademia in advance. Sunrise walks give quiet streets.
Pisa’s Piazza del Duomo — Cathedral, Baptistery, Leaning Tower, and Camposanto in one ensemble. Timed tower climbs sell out. Combine with the riverside quarter.
San Gimignano — Medieval skyline of stone towers and frescoed chapels. Climb Torre Grossa for views. Arrive early or late to dodge crowds.
Siena Historic Center — Piazza del Campo and a striped Gothic cathedral. The museum rooftop offers a classic panorama. Evenings feel atmospheric.
Pienza — Ideal Renaissance town planned by Pope Pius II. Walk the walls at golden hour. Taste pecorino from tiny shops.
Val d’Orcia — Sculpted cypress hills and farm lanes, a UNESCO cultural landscape. Drive strade bianche slowly. Never block farm gates for photos.
Medici Villas & Gardens — Country estates that shaped Tuscan landscape design. Favourites include Poggio a Caiano and La Petraia. Check seasonal hours.
Montecatini Terme — Historic spa town in the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Ride the funicular to Montecatini Alto. Book spa slots on weekends.
City essentials
Florence. Book the Uffizi and the Accademia. Climb the Duomo dome or Giotto’s bell tower. Cross to Oltrarno for artisans and views. Reserve ahead for sunset terraces. Mondays see some museums closed.
Siena. Sit on the Campo with a coffee. Tour the cathedral complex. Visit the Museo dell’Opera for a rooftop moment. Try ricciarelli and panforte. Night strolls feel timeless.
Pisa. Reserve a tower climb if you like heights. Wander the riverfront quarters. Seek quiet churches beyond the square. Add Camposanto frescoes for depth.
Lucca. Walk or cycle the walls. Climb Torre Guinigi with its rooftop trees. Enjoy a lazy lunch under porticoes. Rent bikes near Porta San Donato.
Arezzo, Prato, Pistoia, and Livorno. Add these for second or third trips. Frescoes, markets, and port life round out the picture. Time trips for monthly antiques fairs in Arezzo.
Hill towns and countryside
Plan a loop with short hops. San Gimignano → Volterra → Colle Val d’Elsa → Certaldo fits one full day by car. South of Siena, villages scatter across chalky ridges. Montalcino pours Brunello. Montepulciano favours Vino Nobile. Pienza sells pecorino. Cortona delivers terrace views. Use lay‑bys for photos. Avoid dawn fog in autumn valleys.
Wine and food experiences
Taste Chianti Classico under the black rooster. Tour Brunello estates near Montalcino. Try Vino Nobile cellars in Montepulciano. Book tastings on weekends. Choose a driver.
Book a cooking class on a farm. Visit morning markets for tomatoes and cheese. Order bistecca alla fiorentina to share. Warm up with ribollita or pappa al pomodoro. In Livorno, try cacciucco. Finish with cantucci dipped in Vin Santo.
In autumn, hunt truffles around San Miniato. Join guided walks. Respect private land and dogs.
Nature and outdoor time
Hike the Apuan Alps for big scenery. Explore caves and marble valleys. Carry layers and a headlamp for longer routes.
Walk shady paths in the Casentinesi forests. Look for fall colours and cool streams. Picnic near waterfalls.
Spring and autumn are prime seasons. Start early in summer. Always check trail status.
Hot springs
Bathe in Saturnia’s Cascate del Mulino. White rock and warm flow set the mood. Visit early morning or late evening.
Bagno Vignoni shows a steaming pool in the square. Bathe only in designated spa areas. Book a thermal circuit for couples time.
Bagni San Filippo feels rustic and wild. Water shoes help on limestone. After rain, paths get muddy.
Coast and islands
Versilia suits families. Expect long sandy strands and classic beach clubs. Reserve loungers in peak weeks.
The Etruscan Coast runs south with clear water and mix‑and‑match coves. The Maremma stays natural with dunes and pines.
Monte Argentario offers coves and views. Bring light reef shoes. Parking is limited near trailheads.
Arcipelago Toscano National Park protects seven islands. Elba is the easiest add‑on for a week. Hike Monte Capanne and swim at Fetovaia or Sansone.
Festivals and events
Plan around a few classics. Viareggio Carnival typically lights winter weekends (late January–February). Calcio Storico is usually held in Florence in June. Luminara di San Ranieri is held on 16 June along the Arno. The Palio di Siena is traditionally run on 2 July and 16 August. San Miniato generally hosts its White Truffle Fair on November weekends.
Dates can shift. Always check the current year when booking.
Experiences & classes
Cooking classes. Half‑day farm classes with pasta, sauces, and tiramisù.
Artisan workshops. Leather, paper marbling, ceramics, and olive‑wood.
Truffle walks. Guided hunts near San Miniato (autumn peak).
E‑bike tours. Chianti lanes and Val d’Orcia gravel routes.
Marble quarries. Apuan Alps tours by jeep with lookout stops.
Kayak & SUP. Calm mornings on Elba and sheltered Versilia creeks.
Photo spots
Val d’Orcia. Cypress rows near Cappella di Vitaleta and Podere Belvedere.
San Quirico d’Orcia. The Cypress Circle at sunrise.
Pienza walls. Golden hour over rolling fields.
Florence. Piazzale Michelangelo at dusk; Arno bridges at blue hour.
Pisa. Camposanto arcades for geometry and shade.
Wildlife & nature moments
Parco della Maremma. Dunes, herons, and deer at dusk.
Casentinesi. Spring birdsong and shaded streams.
Elba coast. Snorkel over posidonia meadows on calm days.
Free or low‑cost ideas
Cathedral facades and city walls. Markets and food halls. Sunset walks and piazza concerts. Country lanes after rain‑clears.
When to book
Museum entries in Florence, tower climbs in Pisa, summer beach clubs in Versilia, winery tastings on weekends, Palio or Carnival seating weeks ahead.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May). Mild days and flowers. April and May feel balanced and bright. Book museums and popular stays.
Early summer (June). Long evenings and lively squares. Expect rising heat inland. Reserve timed entries in Florence.
High summer (July–August). Hot inland and crowded in cities. Choose early starts and long siestas. The coast and islands shine.
Autumn (September–October). Harvest time and soft light. Ideal for road trips and vineyard stays. Evenings turn cool.
Winter (November–February). Quiet cities and easy bookings. Great for museums and hot springs. Pack layers and a rain jacket.
Festival notes. Viareggio Carnival typically runs on winter weekends (late January–February). Pisa’s Luminara di San Ranieri is held on 16 June. Siena’s Palio is traditionally run on 2 July and 16 August.
Getting There
Airports. Pisa (PSA) handles many European routes. Florence (FLR) links to major hubs. Bologna (BLQ) and Rome (FCO) work as alternates with fast trains.
Trains. High‑speed lines connect Florence with Rome, Milan, and Venice. Main station: Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Pisa Centrale links the coast and the airport shuttle. Siena and Lucca use regional trains with easy connections.
Long‑distance buses. Useful for cities without fast rail. They add options late at night and on weekends.
Ferries to islands. Elba ferries sail from Piombino to Portoferraio, Rio Marina, and Cavo. Monte Argentario serves Giglio and Giannutri. Livorno links to Capraia. Schedules vary by season.
Driving in. Car rentals cluster at airports and major stations. Motorways are toll roads.
Booking tip. In peak season, secure flights, car hire, and Elba ferries early.
Getting Around & ZTL Basics
Trains work well between major cities. Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena are easy without a car. A car helps in Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and Maremma. Roads are well signed. Distances are short.
ZTL warning
Cameras fine unauthorized entry to historic cores.
Ask hotels to register plates before you arrive.
Use park‑and‑ride; never follow GPS into old centers.
If unsure, park outside and walk in to confirm.
Train vs Car (quick guide)
Cities (Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena): train + walking
Countryside (Chianti, Val d’Orcia, Maremma): car
Mountains (Garfagnana/Apuan Alps): car to trailheads
Drive‑time cheats
Florence → Siena ~ 1h15
Siena → Pienza (Val d’Orcia) ~ 1h
Florence → Lucca ~ 1h20
SR222, the Chiantigiana, makes a classic drive. Take it slow. Stop for viewpoints and small villages. Designate a driver for tastings.
Driving, Parking & Safety Tips
Carry your license and rental papers. Keep change or a card for garages. Do not leave valuables in cars. Fuel is easy to find on main roads. Some rural stations close mid‑day. Respect speed limits and cameras. In villages, yield to pedestrians. Use navigation but watch for ZTL warnings.
Sample Itineraries
Use these as flexible frameworks. Adjust for season and interests.
3 Days in Tuscany (train‑based)
Arrive & explore (Florence). Duomo area, Uffizi, Arno sunset; dine in Oltrarno.
Climb & cycle (Pisa + Lucca). Morning Leaning Tower complex; afternoon walls and towers in Lucca; return to Florence.
Wander & wonder (Siena). Piazza del Campo, cathedral, lanes; stay overnight or return.
3 Days in Winter (city + spa)
Museums & markets (Florence). Timed entries and cosy trattorie.
Steam & stone (Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia). Spa afternoon and slow dinner.
Hill town hush (Pienza/Montepulciano). Short walks, wine bars, warm views.
5 Days in Tuscany (mixed)
Cities & neighborhoods (Florence 2d). Add the Accademia and a neighborhood walk.
Taste & tour (SR222 to Chianti). Greve, Panzano, Radda; sleep in an agriturismo.
Towers & Etruscans (San Gimignano + Volterra). Base near Siena.
Gothic glow (Siena). Deepen the visit; drive south if extending.
7 Days in Tuscany (road trip)
Arrive & highlights (Florence). Gentle city loop and major museums.
Taste & roll (Chianti). SR222 south, tastings, village stops; countryside stay.
Campo & cathedral (Siena). Historic center and relaxed dinner.
Cypress & cellars (Val d’Orcia). Pienza, Montalcino, photo stops; sunset views.
Soak & slow (hot springs). Saturnia or Bagni San Filippo; spa‑town night.
Coast or walls (Versilia or Lucca). Beach time or ramparts stroll.
7 Days in Tuscany (road trip + Elba in season)
Florence 2d → Chianti 1d → Siena 1d → Elba 3d. Ferries to Portoferraio; mix sandy bays and hikes on Monte Capanne.
Tuscany with Kids
Keep days short and varied. Mix one city sight with a playground. Add gelato breaks and pools. Avoid peak heat at midday. Coast days work well for energy. Choose family rooms or apartments. Book museum slots to avoid queues. Farm stays offer space to roam. Many estates welcome families for tours.
Planning basics
Start early. Rest after lunch. Swim late. Avoid long queues. Prebook headline museums. Pick one “wow” per day. Keep drives under 90 minutes.
By age group
Toddlers. Strollers work in cities, but streets are bumpy. Choose ground‑floor rooms when possible.
School age. Add towers, bikes, caves, and easy hikes. Give them a map and a small budget.
Teens. Try kayaking, e‑bikes, marble quarries, and sunset photo stops. Mix independence with meet‑up times.
Kid‑friendly picks by area
Florence. Boboli Gardens and Rose Garden. Gelato tasting. Climb one tower only.
Siena. Piazza del Campo for space. Cathedral mosaics. Evening passeggiata.
Pisa & Lucca. Tower view from outside for little ones. Bike the Lucca walls.
Chianti. Farm animals, pools, and short vineyard walks. Picnic spots under olives.
Val d’Orcia. Easy town strolls. Pecorino tastings. Short golden‑hour drives.
Versilia & Etruscan Coast. Sandy strands with services. Book a beach club in season.
Elba. Shallow bays, snorkelling, chairlift to Monte Capanne (weather‑dependent).
Apuan Alps & Garfagnana. Short signed trails. Caves with guided routes. Bring light layers.
Rainy‑day plan
Pick one museum with timed entry. Add a covered market or cooking class. Finish with a bookstore or cinema.
Food tips
Share plates. Order simpler pastas. Ask for half portions. Carry snacks and a water bottle. Try markets for fresh fruit.
Practical notes
Many churches require modest dress. Public toilets are rare; use café stops. Carry coins for parking. Keep hands free in crowds. Teach kids the ZTL sign.
Packing for families
Light layers, hats, swim gear, water shoes. A small first‑aid kit. Compact stroller or carrier. Reusable bottles and wet wipes.
Tuscany for a Honeymoon
Balance cities with calm countryside. Pick a romantic base in Chianti or Val d’Orcia. Add one night in Florence for art and views.
How to shape the week
Slow mornings. Breakfast on a terrace. One key sight before noon.
Golden hours. Plan sunset stops and blue‑hour walks.
Spa time. Book a thermal circuit or couples massage.
Private tastings. Reserve small wineries with short tours.
Stargazing. Rural skies shine on clear nights.
Romantic moments
Sunrise at Piazzale Michelangelo or San Miniato (Florence).
Sunset near Cappella di Vitaleta or the cypress rows of Val d’Orcia.
Hot springs soak at Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia (off‑peak hours).
Dinner under pergolas at a countryside trattoria.
Countryside picnic with pecorino, olives, and local wine.
Mini‑itinerary (5 nights)
Nights 1–2: Florence. Walk the historic center. Book one major museum. Sunset in Oltrarno. Dinner by candlelight.
Nights 3–4: Chianti or Val d’Orcia. Vineyard stay. Private tasting. Golden‑hour drive. Spa afternoon.
Night 5: Coast or Lucca. Choose a quiet cove near Argentario or a wall walk in Lucca. Farewell dinner.
Practical tips
Travel with light bags. Choose rooms with views or private patios. Book air‑con in summer. Request late checkout when possible. Leave unplanned blocks for surprises.
Practical Planning
Tickets and reservations
Reserve top museums in Florence. Book the Leaning Tower if you want to climb. Secure tasting slots on weekends. In high season, book lunches in famous villages.
Money and costs
Cards work almost everywhere. Keep some cash for small shops and parking. City centers run pricey in summer. Countryside stays can offer better value. Consider shoulder seasons for savings.
Dress and etiquette
Churches require modest clothing. Shoulders and knees covered is a safe rule. Speak a few Italian phrases. A warm “buongiorno” goes a long way. Tipping is modest and optional.
Health and accessibility
Summer heat can be intense inland. Hydrate and rest at midday. Historic streets have uneven stones. Wear supportive shoes. Many sights provide ramps and lifts. Check access notes in advance.
Food and Drink Primer
Start with crostini and local cured meats. Order ribollita when nights are cool. Try pici pasta in the south. Share bistecca alla fiorentina in Florence. In Livorno, taste cacciucco fish stew. Sample pecorino di Pienza. Drizzle olio nuovo (new oil) in autumn. Pair Chianti Classico with grilled meats. Sip Brunello with slow stews. End with cantucci and Vin Santo.
How to dine like a local
Order acqua naturale or frizzante. Expect a small coperto (cover charge). Ask steak doneness: al sangue, media, ben cotta. Share plates. Book popular trattorie.
Dishes by area
Florence. Bistecca, lampredotto sandwiches, schiacciata bread.
Siena & Val d’Orcia. Pici all’aglione, ribollita, pecorino tastings.
Lucca. Tordelli lucchesi (filled pasta), farro soups.
Pisa & Livorno. Cecina (chickpea flatbread), cacciucco.
Maremma. Cinghiale (wild boar) ragù, hearty stews.
Coast & islands. Grilled catch, seafood pastas, Elba’s schiaccia briaca.
Wine quick map
Chianti Classico DOCG (Sangiovese): red cherries, food‑friendly.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG: structured, long‑aged.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG: elegant, versatile.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG: crisp white for antipasti.
Morellino di Scansano DOCG: sunny coastal red.
Bolgheri DOC: Super Tuscan blends; great with steaks.
Seasonal flavours
Spring: artichokes, fava beans, asparagus. Summer: tomatoes, peaches, seafood. Autumn: porcini, white truffles (San Miniato), new oil, harvest sweets. Winter: hearty soups, game, chestnuts.
Tasting tips
Book winery visits. Choose two or three estates per day. Eat before tastings. Use a driver. Buy what you love; shipping is common.
Dietary notes
Vegetarian options are easy (soups, pastas, veg contorni). For gluten‑free, look for senza glutine menus and bakeries. Lactose‑free milk is widely available.
Beaches and Coastal Notes
Tuscany’s coast runs long and varied. Choose by mood, access, and season.
Versilia
Long sandy beaches with full services. Family‑friendly clubs and level entries. Lively nights in high summer. Base in Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, or Viareggio. Bike paths parallel the shore. Apuan peaks frame sunsets.
Etruscan Coast (Costa degli Etruschi)
Mix of family bays and rocky coves. Vada has pale sands and shallow water. Castiglioncello offers snorkelling coves. Baratti curves under Populonia’s headland. Expect clearer water south of Livorno.
Maremma & Argentario
Wild dunes and pine woods in Parco della Maremma. Marina di Alberese stays natural. On Monte Argentario, swim at Feniglia and Giannella for long, easy strands. Seek coves like Cala del Gesso for clear water and views. Parking is limited near trailheads.
Elba & the Archipelago
Elba suits a week of beach‑hopping. Fetovaia and Cavoli are sandy and sheltered. Sansone and Capo Bianco have white pebbles and turquoise water. Giglio mixes sandy Campese with coves like Cannelle. Capraia and Giannutri feel wilder and see fewer cars.
How to choose
Families: Versilia, Marina di Alberese, Fetovaia.
Snorkelling: Castiglioncello, Sansone, Cala del Gesso.
Wide, serviced strands: Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Feniglia.
Quiet coves: Baratti headland, Argentario trails, Capraia by boat.
Practical tips
Bring reef shoes for pebbly shores. Book beach clubs in peak weeks. Early mornings are calm and bright. Shade matters in July–August. Pack water and a light cooler. Respect dune fences and wildlife zones. Take rubbish with you.
Hot Springs Etiquette
General
Rinse before and after. Do not use soaps or shampoos in nature pools.
Avoid glass. Bring a reusable bottle and a small towel.
Wear water shoes on travertine. Surfaces are slick and uneven.
Keep voices low. Many visitors come for quiet.
Pack out all rubbish. Leave pools and banks clean.
Respect the flow. Enter calmly and move aside for others.
Go early morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
In rain, water runs faster. Step carefully.
Use marked parking only. Do not block farm access.
The historic central pool is look‑only. No bathing.
Use designated spa facilities or the signed stream areas nearby.
Check hours for spa hotels in high season.
Paths can be muddy or closed after heavy rain. Wear sturdy shoes.
Keep to signed areas. Protect delicate limestone deposits.
Travel light. Changing spots are limited.
Health & comfort
Limit soak time if you feel light‑headed. Hydrate often.
Remove silver jewellery; sulphur can tarnish metals.
Apply sunscreen 20–30 minutes before bathing to reduce runoff.
Hiking Basics
Pre‑hike checks
Check weather and trail status.
Start early in hot months.
Tell someone your plan and ETA.
Terrain overview
Apuan Alps. Steep, exposed limestone with big views.
Garfagnana. Forested valleys and ridge paths.
Casentinesi. Shaded beech and fir woods, cool streams.
Val d’Orcia. Rolling lanes and strade bianche.
Elba. Coastal paths and a granite summit.
Monte Amiata. Volcanic cone with chestnut forests.
Safety & gear
Layers, sun protection, and 1.5–2L water per person.
Grippy shoes; poles help on descents.
Map app with offline tiles plus a paper backup.
Small first‑aid kit and headlamp.
Cash, ID, and charged phone.
Waymarking & rules
Trails often use CAI red‑white blazes.
Respect closures and private land.
Keep gates as you found them. Give livestock space.
Suggested day hikes (sample)
Apuan Alps: Monte Forato arch loop; Pania della Croce for fit hikers.
Casentinesi: La Verna woodland loop; Acquacheta waterfall trail.
Val d’Orcia: Pienza–San Quirico on farm lanes; Bagno Vignoni–Rocca d’Orcia.
Elba: Monte Capanne by trail or chairlift; Cavoli–Seccheto coast path.
Seasons
Spring: flowers, flowing streams, changeable weather.
Summer: heat; carry extra water; avoid midday.
Autumn: foliage in Casentinesi; clear views.
Winter: snow or ice on higher peaks; check access.
Etiquette
Stay on marked paths. Do not pick wildflowers or truffles.
Pack out all waste. Keep noise low.
Drones may be restricted in parks.
Seasonal Ideas
Spring. City art plus a Chianti picnic. Wildflowers and bright fields.
Summer. Early starts in cities. Late beach evenings. Mountain hikes for cooler air.
Autumn. Harvest scenes and truffle events. Warm days and crisp nights.
Winter. Museum focus and spa soaks. Quiet lanes and easy bookings.
Packing Checklist
Light layers for changeable days.
A warm layer for hills and nights.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Water shoes for springs and rocky shores.
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Reusable water bottle.
Modest outfit for churches.
Swimwear and a quick‑dry towel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trying to see everything in three days. Planning long back‑and‑forth drives. Entering a ZTL without checking rules. Skipping timed tickets in summer. Booking only large cities. Avoiding shoulder seasons. Overpacking for hill towns.
Responsible Travel Notes
Support small producers and family farms. Taste but do not waste. Refill bottles at public fountains where safe. Stick to waymarked trails. Respect private property near fields. Keep sound levels low in villages. Buy local crafts in place of mass souvenirs.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Tuscany? Spring and early autumn. Weather is mild and crowds are manageable.
Do I need a car in Tuscany? Not for major cities. A car helps in Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and Maremma.
How many days do I need? Three days cover highlights. Five to seven days bring balance and calm.
Is driving difficult? Roads are good. Town centers have ZTL zones. Park outside and walk in.
What are the must‑see UNESCO sites? Florence, Pisa’s Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano, Siena, Pienza, Val d’Orcia, and several Medici villas.
Where can I enjoy hot springs? Saturnia for free pools. Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo for variety.
Which wines should I try? Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Are beaches close to the cities? Versilia lies under the Apuan Alps. The Etruscan Coast runs south. The Maremma is wilder.
Is Tuscany good with kids? Yes. Short days, gelato stops, and farm stays keep smiles high.
Is Tuscany good for a honeymoon? Very. Mix a city start with quiet vineyard nights.
Can I do Tuscany by train only? Yes for Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena. Add buses for smaller towns.
What is the SR222? A scenic road through Chianti. It links Florence and Siena via vineyard hills.
Plan Your Tuscany Trip
Choose your base. Select two hero experiences. Add one contrast day (coast, springs, or hills). Reserve key tickets and stays early. Travel light and leave time for slow mornings and sunsets.
Discover Tuscany: Cities, Villages, Posts & Nature
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!
