Travel to Tuscany Italy is in your mind? Researching the ideas of travel to Tuscany Italy? Great! A trip to Tuscany is one of the most spectacular trips in the world. And here’s the ultimate travel guide to Tuscany Italy!
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WHAT IS TUSCANY
Tuscany, or Toscana in Italian, is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.
Stunning Tuscany is a world-renowned region in Italy, best known for the breathtaking landscapes and stunning cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa.
Therefore, the Tuscany region in Italy is one of the top vacation destinations in the world.
WHAT IS TUSCANY FAMOUS FOR
Tuscany is famous for its rich historical, artistic, and architectural heritage, spectacular landscapes (rolling hills, vast vineyards, olive groves, sunflower fields, cypress avenues), historical cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa, charming medieval hilltop towns, and world-class wine (Chianti wine).
WHERE IS TUSCANY
Tuscany is in central Italy.
The capital of Tuscany is the magnificent city of Florence (or Firenze in Italian).
Tuscany is a neighboring region to the regions of Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Umbria, and Lazio.
For instance, Florence in Tuscany is easily reachable from Rome. Visiting Tuscany is among the best day trips from Rome. It takes only 1 hour and a half by high-speed train from Rome to Florence. It also takes about 3 hours by car from Rome to Florence.
Pisa in Tuscany is about 2 hours and 10 min by direct high-speed train from Rome.
Stunning Tuscany is enjoyed the best by car. A road trip to Tuscany is a must-have in a lifetime.
Fly to Florence, hire a car in Florence, and explore beautiful Tuscany independently.
– Find a flight to Florence: Skyscanner
– Rent a car in Florence: DiscoverCarHire
or,
– Find a flight to Rome: Skyscanner
– Rent a car in Rome: DiscoverCarHire at Rome Airport
WHERE TO GO IN TUSCANY ITALY
Best places to visit in Tuscany Italy
1. FLORENCE, THE CAPITAL OF TUSCANY
Florence is the capital of Tuscany.
The beautiful capital city of Tuscany is known as the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. The historic center of Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Arno river, and Boboli Gardens in Florence are must-sees in Tuscany.
Florence, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Marvelous Florence is an excellent place for a lavish vacation. Some of the most magnificent Tuscan villas for rent are in Florence.
How to get to Florence: Amerigo Vespucci International Airport serves Florence. Florence is also less than 2 hours by high-speed train from Rome and 3 hours by train from Venice in Italy.
READ MORE:
Best Things to Do in Florence
What to Eat in Florence, Italy
The Perfect One Day in Florence Itinerary
2. SIENA
Siena, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Italy.
Siena is best known for the Piazza del Campo and Il Palio horse race, museums, art, Siennese cuisine, and Siena Cathedral. The historic center of Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The historical republic of Siena was a powerful medieval republic, and a rival to the Republic of Florence and the Republic of Pisa.
The art and architecture show Siena’s rich historical legacy.
READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Siena
How to get to Siena: There is no Siena airport. The nearest airport to Siena is Florence Airport. Siena is one hour drive from Florence. Pisa Aiport is also close to Siena. Siena is one hour and 45 min by train from Pisa.
3. PISA
Pisa is a lovely historic city in Tuscany, Italy.
Pisa is best known for the Leaning Tower, a landmark of Italy.
Pisa Square of the Miracles with the Leaning Tower, the cathedral, baptistery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pisa and the Square of the Miracles are must-sees in Tuscany.
The medieval Republic of Pisa was a powerful maritime republic and a rival to the Republic of Florence and the Republic of Siena. The Square of the Miracles showcases the rich historical heritage of Pisa.
How to get to Pisa: Pisa International Airport serves Pisa. Florence Airport is also close to Pisa. Pisa is only one hour by car from Florence and one hour and 45 min by train from Florence. Pisa is 2 hours and 30 min by train from Rome as well.
4. SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque medieval hilltop towns in Tuscany.
It is nicknamed Manhattan of the Middle Ages. This beautiful Tuscan town is famous for its 14 medieval towers, great wines, and the best gelateria in Italy (the world champion in gelato making). San Gimignano is near Siena in Tuscany.
READ MORE: 15 Top Things to Do in San Gimignano
How to get to San Gimignano: Florence Airport is the nearest airport to San Gimignano. San Gimignano is only one hour drive from Florence. Touring San Gimignano is a popular day trip from Florence.
5. LUCCA
Lucca is one of the most charming towns in Tuscany and Italy overall.
The city of Lucca is a walled medieval Tuscan town.
The historic center of Lucca is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy.
Lucca is called ‘the City of Art’ (‘Città d’arte’ in Italian) in Italy. Lucca is one of the loveliest cities in Tuscany, Italy.
How to get to Lucca: Pisa International Airport is the nearest airport to Lucca. Lucca is a one-hour drive from Pisa and one hour and a half by bus from Pisa.
6. CORTONA
Cortona is one of the prettiest hilltop towns in Tuscany, Italy.
Beautiful Cortona was the filming location of the famous ‘Under Tuscan Sun’ movie. Cortona is a popular Tuscan destination well worth visiting.
How to get to Cortona: Perugia International Airport is the nearest airport to Cortona. Cortona is less than a one-hour drive from Perugia. Cortona is also 1 hour and 20 min by train from Perugia.
Read more: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cortona, Italy
7. PIENZA
Pienza is one of the most beautiful small towns in Tuscany.
The town of Pienza lies in the picturesque Val d’Orcia valley in southern Tuscany. Gorgeous Pienza is a World Heritage Site in Italy. And, Val d’Orcia Valley is one of the most idyllic places in Tuscany.
Pienza is near Siena in southern Tuscany, Italy.
How to get to Pienza: Perugia International Airport is the closest airport to Pienza. Pienza in Tuscany is about 1 hour and 20 min drive from Perugia in Umbria.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Pienza Travel Guide
8. VOLTERRA
Volterra is a scenic medieval hilltop town known for its Etruscan origins and fictional Volturi vampires from the Twilight series.
Volterra is one of the most popular stops on any Tuscan trip.
This lovely town is near Pisa in Tuscany.
How to get to Volterra: Voleterra is about 1-hour drive from Florence and about the same from Pisa. Fly to Pisa International Airport or Florence International Airport and head to Volterra.
9. MONTERIGGIONI
Monteriggioni is an impressive medival hilltop village.
It is one of the oldest villages in all of Italy. The walls of Monteriggioni are some of the best preserved in Italy. Tiny Monteriggioni looks like a perfect medieval movie set.
Monteriggioni is near Siena, Tuscany.
How to get to Monteriggioni: Florence International Airport is the nearest airport to Monteriggioni. Monteriggioniis less than one one-hour drive from Florence.
10. COLLE VAL D’ELSA
Colle Val d’Elsa is a cliff-standing medieval town in Tuscany. This charming town stands on the hills of the Chianti Senesi. Colle Val d’Elsa is one of the most popular day trips from Siena.
The town of Cole Val D’Elsa is near Siena, and between San Gimignano and Monteriggioni.
How to get to Colle Val d’Elsa: Florence International Airport is the nearest airport to Colle Val d’Elsa. Colle Val d’Elsa is 50-min drive from Florence.
11. SATURNIA
Saturnia is a spa town in Tuscany famous for its spring waters.
Saturnia Hot Springs (Terme di Saturnia in Italian) is one of the most popular places in Tuscany. Saturnia thermal baths are free.
Saturnia is in southern Tuscany. It is about a 2-hour drive from Rome.
How to get to Saturnia: There is no bus or train station in Saturnia. Rome International Airport is the closest airport to Saturnia. Saturnia is about 2-hour drive from Rome. Saturnia is also less than a 3-hour drive from Florence.
12. PITIGLIANO
Pitigliano is one of the prettiest small towns in Italy.
The town spectacularly sits atop a red volcanic tufa ridge.
It is nicknamed ‘Little Jerusalem’ (La Piccola Gerusalemme in Italian). Jews escaped to Pitigliano from Rome after the decree of the Pope in 1555. This lovely small Tuscan town is halfway between Florence and Rome.
How to get to Pitiglano: Rome International Airport is the closest airport to Pitiglano. Pitiglano is 2 hours and 15 min by car from Rome.
13. AREZZO
Arezzo is a beautiful historical town in Tuscany.
Arezzo was an Etruscan capital. It is a culturally rich medieval town best known for the stunning Piero Della Francesca frescoes in a chapel of the Basilica of S. Francesco. The Life is Beautiful movie was filmed in Arezzo. Arezzo is near Siena and Florence in Tuscany.
How to get to Arezzo: Florence International Airport is the nearest airport to Arezzo. Arezzo is a one-hour drive from Florence. It is also one hour and 20 min by train from Florence.
READ MORE: Top Things to Do in Arezzo, Italy
14. ELBA
Elba is a beautiful volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Livorno in western Tuscany.
Elba is best known for Napoleon. Emperor Napoleon was expelled from France to Elba in 1814.
Elba has some of the most beautiful beaches in Tuscany.
Ferries to Elba run from the port of Piombino in the Livorno province.
How to get to Elba: Marina di Campo Airport on the island of Elba serves Elba. There are also direct buses from Florence and Milan to the Piombino port, where ferries to Elba depart from.
15. MONTEPULCIANO
Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hilltop town with magnificent panoramas of Val d’Orcia near Siena in Tuscany.
The Montepulciano is famous for some of the finest wines in the world. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of the most famous wines from Italy.
How to get to Montepulciano: Florence International Airport is the closest airport to Montepulciano. Montepulciano is a one-hour and 30-minute drive from Florence. Montepulciano is about 2 hours and 20 min by car from Rome.
READ MORE: The 12 Best Things to Do in Montepulciano
16. CHIANTI COUNTRYSIDE AND VINEYARDS
Chianti is a famous wine area in central Tuscany.
It is one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany with postcard-perfect rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards.
It is one of the most photographed areas of Tuscany and Italy overall. Chianti is a synonym for great wines.
How to get to Chianti: Greve in Chianti is only a 50-minute drive from Florence. Touring Chianti wineries is a popular day trip from Florence. Chianti is also 50 min from Siena. Chianti and Castles Tour with Wine Tastings is one of the most popular tours from Siena. Greve in Chianti is also one hour and 30 min by car from Pisa.
17. LA VERNA SANCTUARY
St Francis is the patron saint of Italy. St Francis lived in La Verna in Mount Penna and got his stigmata in the Chapel of the Stigmata in La Verna sanctuary.
La Verna Sanctuary is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Italy.
La Verna Sanctuary is 4 km away from Chiusi Della Verna, a small town in the Arezzo province in Tuscany.
How to get to La Verna Sanctuary: Florence International Airport is the closest airport to La Verna Sanctuary. La Verna Sanctuary is 2 hours by car from Florence. It is possible also to visit La Verna Sanctuary on a private day tour.
18. MONTECATINI TERME
Montecatini Terme is the largest spa town in Tuscany.
It is known as ‘the biggest spa town in Italy’. The thermal waters of Montecatini Terme are near Pistoia and between Florence and Lucca in the heart of Tuscany.
How to get to Montecatini Terme: Florence International Airport is the closest airport to Montecatini Terme. Montecatini Terme is 50 minute sby car from Florence. Montecatini Terme is also 1 hour and 15 min by train from Florence.
19. VIAREGGIO
Viareggio is a famous seaside resort town in Tuscany with lovely examples of the Art Nouveau architecture in Italy. It is one of the most charming beach towns in Tuscany.
Viareggio is near Lucca in western Tuscany.
How to get to Viareggio: Viareggio. Viareggio is only 20 min by train from Pisa. It is also a 30-minute drive from Pisa.
20. LIVORNO
Livorno is a seaport town with fabulous seafood-based local cuisine and great beaches.
It is on the Ligurian Sea near Lucca in western Tuscany.
How to get to Livorno: Pisa International Airport is the closest airport to Livorno. Livorno is only 15 minutes by train from Pisa. Livorno is 40 minutes by car from Pisa too.
21. MONTAIONE
Montaione is a serene village in the Chianti near Florence, Pisa and Siena.
Montaione is among the most idyllic places in Tuscany. It is in the middle of the Florence-Pisa-Siena triangle in Tuscany. Montaione is an excellent base for exploring Tuscany by car.
How to get to Montaione: Florence International Airport and Pisa International Airport are the closest airports to Monatioane. Montaione is a one-hour drive from Florence and an hour drive from Pisa.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TUSCANY
The best time to visit Tuscany is from May to October.
The peak of the tourist season is summer (and the summer months of July and August). But be aware, summer daily temperatures go above 30°C degrees in Tuscany.
The best months for visiting Tuscany are May and September to escape tourist crowds and enjoy sightseeing in Tuscany with pleasant temperatures.
HOW TO GET TO TUSCANY
Tuscany has two international airports: one in Florence and one in Pisa.
The two main international airports in Tuscany are Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) in Florence and Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) in Pisa.
Tuscany is about 125 mi (200 km) away from Rome. It takes about 2 hours and 20 min from Rome to Tuscany by car.
THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL TO TUSCANY ITALY
The best is to fly to one of the airports in Tuscany, hire a car at the airport, and take a Tuscany road trip.
Since Tuscany is about 125 mi (200 km) away from Rome, you can also start your Tuscany road trip by hiring a car at Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport.
READ MORE: Road trip to Tuscany
Hire a car at:
Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport.
Pisa Airport
Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport
So, if you are looking for some ideas for road trips, the ultimate Tuscany road trip is one of the top road trips everyone should take once in their lifetime.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY TO READ: Best Tuscan villas in Tuscany to rent
WHAT TO SEE IN TUSCANY
Best sites to see in Tuscany
Travel to Tuscany Italy is unimaginable without seeing the following sites in Tuscany:
- Uffizi Gallery in Florence – The gallery holds a superb collection of masterpiece paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to Modernism. Some of the most famous masterpiece works of art in Uffizi are the Birth of Venus by Botticelli, Venus of Urbino by Titian, Doni Tondo by Michelangelo, Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael, La Primavera by Botticelli, and the Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto.
Viator: Skip the Line: Florence Uffizi Gallery Tickets
GetYourGuide: Florence: Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery - Ponte Vecchio in Florence – Ponte Vecchio literally means the Old Bridge. Ponte Vecchio in Florence is a medieval stone bridge over the River Arno. It is one of the most famous bridges in the world.
Viator: Florence Full Day Tour with David, Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio and More
GetYourGuide: Florence Ponte Vecchio Bridge and City Sights Rafting Cruise - Palazzo Vecchio in Florence – is the most impressive medieval town hall in Tuscany. Today it is home to the Museo dei Ragazzi.
Viator: Palazzo Vecchio – Skip the Line Priority Ticket
GetYourGuide: Palazzo Vecchio Tour - Accademia Gallery in Florence – the gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David which is most likely the most famous sculpture in the world. This former art school, but today’s gallery holds a large collection of extraordinary statues, paintings, religious prints, and icons.
Viator: Skip the Line: Florence Accademia Gallery Tickets
GetYourGuide: Florence: Timed Entrance Ticket To Michelangelo’s David - Giotto’s bell tower in Florence – is a part of the Florence Cathedral complex. It is the finest example of wonderful Florentine Gothic architecture.
Viator: Florence “Duomo Complex” Guided Tour with Cathedral direct access – small group
GetYourGuide: Brunelleschi’s Dome: Tour - Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens in Florence – The Palace was the official residence of the Medici family (the Grand Duke and his family. Pitti family originally built it but sold it to the Medici. Today the lavish Palace is one of the most popular museums in Florence. Boboli Gardens of the Pitti Palace are the largest green area in Florence.
Viator: Pitti Palace, Boboli and Bardini gardens tour
GetYourGuide: Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and Palatina Gallery Tour - The Square of Miracles in Pisa – The Square of Miracles complex in Pisa includes the Cathedral, bell tower (Leaning Tower), baptistery, and cemetery. The complex is a must-see in Tuscany, Italy.
Viator: Pisa all inclusive: Baptistery, Cathedral and Leaning Tower guided tour
GetYourGuide: Reserved Entrance to Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral - Siena Cathedral – The Duomo in Siena is one of the prettiest churches in Italy. It holds the artwork of Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo, and frescoes by Pinturicchio.
Viator: Skip-the-Line Siena Cathedral Duomo Complex Entrance Ticket
GetYourGuide: Skip-the-Line Siena Cathedral Duomo Complex Entrance Ticket - Piccolomini Library in Siena – The Library is one of the most impressive libraries in the world. It is a part of the Cathedral. The library is decorated with breathtakingly colorful Pinturicchio frescos.
- Piazza del Campo in Siena – is the main square in Siena. Il Campo Square in Siena is one of the most famous squares in the world, known for its beauty and architectural unity. It hosts the famous Il Palio Horse Race in July and August every year.
Viator: Siena Historic City Walking Tour with Cathedral Option
GetYourGuide: Historic Siena: Guided Walking Tour - The Walls of Lucca – The intact historic walls of Lucca are some of the best-preserved city walls in Europe. Lucca Walls are 2,8 mi (4 km) long and 6,3 mi (10 m) high.
Viator: Your Lucca Walking Tour
GetYourGuide: Lucca: Renaissance City Walls Walking Tour
- The Guining Tower in Lucca – The Torre Guinigi in Lucca is the finest example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The tower provides the best views of Lucca.
- The Towers in San Gimignano – San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The 14 preserved towers out of the 72 medieval towers of San Gimignano make the most unique landscape in Tuscany. Towers were a symbol of power in the Middle Ages. Medieval noble families built them to show their wealth and influence.
- The historical center of Pienza – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents an ideal Renaissance town.
- Montecatini Terme – The Thermal Baths of Montecatini in Tuscany, Italy are known as the healthiest thermal baths in Europe.
Viator: Montecatini Terme cycle and wine tasting visit
GetYourGuide: Montecatini Terme: Thermal Pool Entrance Ticket - Chinati vineyards – Castellina di Chianti, Panzano in Chianti, and Greve di Chianti are some of the best places in Chianti with the most impressive Chianti vineyards.
Viator: Greve in Chianti Wine Tasting and Winery Tour
WHAT TO DO IN TUSCANY
Best things to do in Tuscany
- Visit the Uffizi in Florence
- Climb the Leaning Tower in Pisa
- Tour Tuscan countryside by Vespa from Florence
- Truffle hunting in San Miniato – Tuscany is a top place to go truffle hunting in Italy. READ MORE: Best Truffle Hunting in Italy
- Have a hot-air balloon ride over Tuscany
- Have the best gelato in the world at Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano
- Explore the filming locations of the ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ in Cortona
- Visit La Verna sanctuary (the hermitage where St. Frances lived)
- Have a spa time in Terme
- Have horseback ride in San Gimignano
- Have wine tasting in Chianti: sample Classico, Chianti Rufina, Chianti Colli Fiorentini
- Explore historical wine cellars in Montepulciano
- Tour the historical streets of Siena
FESTIVALS IN TUSCANY
- The Feast of Saint John`s Day in Florence on June 24: St John is the patron saint of Florence. A spectacular public celebration with processions and fireworks in Florence
- Festival of the Lanterns (Festa Della Rificolona) in Florence on September 7: a lantern parade, boat parade, and a fair.
- Luminara festival in Pisa on June 16 with Regatta San Ranieri on June 17: San Ranieri is the patron saint of Pisa. The entire Pisa is illuminated by candles
- Saracen Tournament (Giostra del Saracino) in Arezzo on the third Saturday in June and the second on the first Sunday in September
- The Palio horse race in Siena on July 2 and on August 16
- The Pistoia Blues Festival in July
- Viarregio Carneval in February
- San Miniato Truffle Fair (La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco) in November
- White Truffles Festival (Tarufesta) in Montaione on the last weekend in October
- Puccini Festival in Lucca in July – August
- Lucca Summer Festival in June – July
WHAT TO EAT IN TUSCANY
Travel to Tuscany Italy is incomplete without sampling traditional Tuscan foods (traditional Tuscan dishes, traditional Tuscan cheese, and sausages, traditional Tuscan cakes …)
Best traditional Tuscan foods to try in Tuscany
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina
- Ribollita soup
- Crostini Toscani
- Pappardelle alla Lepre
- Trippa in Florence
- Finocchiona salami
- Pecorino Toscano cheese
- Panzanella salad
- Tuscan Ricciarelli almond cookies
- Biscotti di Prato cookies
- Tuscan Castagnaccio chesnat cake
- Truffles
READ: Must-Try Traditional Foods in Tuscany
RELATED:
Famous Italian Foods
Best Italian Desserts in Italy
RECOMMENDED FOOD TOURS IN TUSCANY
From Florence: Chianti Wine Tasting Day Trip with Food
From Florence: Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan Farmhouse
From Siena: Dinner in the Chianti Vineyards
San Gimignano: Tuscany Truffle Hunting with Wine and Lunch
Wine Tasting and Dinner in the Vineyards of Chianti
Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany
WHAT TO DRINK IN TUSCANY
Best wines in Tuscany to try
- Chianti wines
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano
- Vinsanto sweet dessert wine
RELATED: Most Popular Italian Drinks
TUSCANY ITALY MAP
Best places to see in Tuscany Italy
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