Tuscany 

Tuscany is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Italy and if you’re are planning a trip to the region, you won’t be disappointed. With its cobblestone streets, blooming flowers, rolling hills, and incredible wine, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip. 

In this blog post, we have included some of the best villages to visit, where to stay, and things to do on your trip. So if you’re ready to explore some of the most stunning scenery on earth, read on!

How To Get There

From Florence: 

Getting to Tuscany is really straightforward, especially if you are coming from Florence. It’s only a 30-minute drive outside of Florence city centre and renting a car is a great way to get around. 

There are also trains that run regularly from Florence to different regions of Tuscany via Trenitalia. 

If you are coming from a different city, such as Rome, the trains are just as accessible. Equally, you can rent your car from Rome and drive to Tuscany as we did. Only 2 hours in the car and you are in the heart of the Italian countryside. 

Renting a car 

In our opinion, renting a car is the best thing to do if you have a few days in Tuscany. Not only does it give you more freedom to explore various regions, but you will also be able to get around more quickly. 

Planning a road trip through this region was such an unforgettable experience and we highly recommend it. 

Centauro Rent A Car 

We used Centauro Rent A Car and couldn’t recommend it more. We picked our car up in Rome and it was such a seamless experience. The team was super friendly and they even allowed us to drop the car off in a different location, Pisa. Because Centauro Rent A Car allows multi-city pick and drop-off for its customers we were able to be more flexible with our trip. The selection of cars was incredible and we were really pleased with our VW. 

With various locations around Italy, we felt like we were in good hands. If you are looking to book you can get 15% off until the end of 2022 using our code: IANBRL15  Click Here to browse the rental car options!

By Public Transport 

There are a few different options for travelling to Tuscany by public transport. You can take the train, which is probably the most comfortable option. There are also buses that run from major cities like Florence and Rome. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a ride on the iconic Frecciarossa, Italy’s high-speed train.

Towns to visit

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a small town in the Province of Arezzo, in Tuscany, Italy. It has a population of about 2,500 people and is known for its thermal springs, which are said to be the most therapeutic in the area. The town is also home to a number of interesting historical buildings, including the Palazzo Pubblico (which houses the town hall), and the Church of San Francesco. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, Montepulciano may be a good place to start! We really enjoyed visiting the small shops and boutiques the town has to offer, plus the incredible restaurants and cafes littered around. 

Pienza

If you’re looking for a beautiful but relatively quiet destination to spend a few days in, consider visiting Pienza. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most impressive Renaissance architecture in all of Italy, and it’s easy to see why. The small town is situated in the heart of the Monti Sanniti mountain range, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy regardless of what season it is. From hiking to biking to exploring the local wineries, Pienza has something for everyone. It was our personal favourite village on our trip!

Siena

If you’re looking for a stunning Italian city to visit, then look no further than Siena. With its majestic architecture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food, Siena is a perfect place to spend a few days exploring. Not only is Siena a beautiful place to visit, but it’s also home to some of the best museums in Italy, including the Palazzo Ducale. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an easy trip from major cities like Rome and Florence. If you’re ever in the Tuscan city of Siena, be sure to visit the Duomo (Cathedral). Not only is it one of the most impressive churches in all of Italy, but it’s also home to one of Europe’s most famous altarpieces: The Madonna and Child with St. Anne. And don’t forget to stroll around the city’s beautiful streets and boutiques – you won’t regret it!

Asciano

The municipality of Asciano is located in the Siena province of Italy. Visitors to Asciano can enjoy the community’s small-town feel, stunning Tuscan landscapes, and local cuisine. One of the most popular attractions in Asciano is the Agriturismo Baccoleno photograph. The Agriturismo Baccoleno is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the photograph has been widely praised for its beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, be sure to add Asciano and the Agriturismo Baccoleno viewpoint to your itinerary. But be sure to get there before sunset as parking is located on the main road with limited spaces. Additionally, it gets busy with locals and tourists so if you want to get that classic picture without anyone in it, make sure to arrive early.

San Gimignano 

San Gimignano is a beautiful hill town in Tuscany, Italy. It is famous for its medieval architecture and for its many towers, which can be seen from miles around. If you are planning a visit to San Gimignano, here are some things you can do to make the most of your trip.

First, take a walking tour of the town to see the sights. The town has a beautiful feel, which left us in awe each street we went down. You can also visit the Duomo, the main church in San Gimignano, and the Museo Civico, which houses a collection of medieval art. If you want to get a taste of the local culture, there are also several wineries in the area that offer tours and tastings. In addition to sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in San Gimignano. You can go shopping in the many boutiques and shops, plus eat at the many restaurants located in town. 

Panzano in Chianti 

Panzano in Chianti is a charming Tuscan town located in the heart of the Chianti wine region. The town is nestled among rolling hills and vineyards and is a popular destination for wine lovers and foodies alike. There are many things to do in Panzano in Chianti, from visiting wineries and tasting local wines to exploring the town’s medieval history.

Things To Do 

Saturnia – Hot Springs

The Saturnia hot springs are located near the town of Saturnia, Italy. The springs are set in a natural environment and are surrounded by lush gardens. The water is said to have healing properties and is a popular destination for travelers.

If you’re planning a trip to the Saturnia hot springs, there are a few things you should know. The springs are open all year round, but the best time to visit is between May and October. The springs are located about 2 hours from Rome, so you’ll need to plan your travel accordingly. And finally, be sure to bring your bathing suit – you’ll definitely want to take a dip in the healing waters!

In our experience, the Saturnia hot springs get very busy so we would suggest visiting them earlier in the day than later. Additionally, as these are sulfur springs, we would recommend bringing a swimsuit that you don’t mind smelling of sulfur during your trip. The smell eventually goes, but this is something we experienced. 

These springs are free to visit so there is no need to pay! 

Vespa Wine Tour Florence Town

One of our favourite memories from Tuscany was the Vespa wine tour with Florence Town. It was hands down one of the best ways to see Tuscany and visit a few of the wineries at the same time. If you are looking for a memorable experience we highly recommend booking this tour as we left with big smiles and a day filled with fun. 

This tour starts in Florence where you will meet your guide and board the minivan to drive to the Tuscan hills. Once there, you will learn how to drive the Vespa to ensure you are comfortable on the roads. So don’t worry if it is your first time riding a bike. The guides are extremely kind and help you feel ready before you depart. 

Once on the road, you will get panoramic views of Tuscany while riding your authentic Piaggio Vespa. The scenery is incredible and you’ll get to stop at some iconic viewpoints in the Chianti region. The tour lasts a few hours and once finished, you’ll get to try some amazing local wines and olive oil. Our group stopped at two wineries where we managed to see production and packaging take place. At the final winery, we also got to enjoy a late lunch which included some tasty foods such as prosciutto and pecorino along with seasonal dishes. 

Overall the tour was amazing and we highly recommend it to anyone looking to visit the region. Whether you are staying in Tuscany for a few days, or just want a fabulous day trip from Florence, it’s a great option. You can click here to read more about the tour! 

Cooking Class

You can’t take a trip to Tuscany without trying a traditional Tuscan cooking class. There are many to choose from, a few more authentic than others, but the best ones are when you are cooking at a home with a local. We found ourselves at Bnb Fagiolari and Anna showed us our way around the kitchen. We tried our hand at making fresh pasta, tomato sauce, a roast chicken with sauteed onions, fresh zucchini, and tiramisu! The menu is farm-to-table style and you are sure to use only the freshest of ingredients. Drink, cook and enjoy!

Places To Eat

La Taverna Fucile 

If you’re looking for a great Italian restaurant in Montepulciano, look no further than La Taverna Fucile. This cosy little spot is perfect for a romantic night out or a family dinner. It was attached to our Airbnb and the hosts ran it family-style. The menu features all of your favourite Italian dishes, plus a few surprises. And the wine list is second to none. From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel at home the staff is friendly and welcoming, and they’ll do everything they can to make your dining experience unforgettable. 

Azienda Agricola Casagori

Azienda Agricola Casagori is a family-run farm in the Tuscan hills that has been producing olive oil, beer, honey, and other agricultural goods. Visitors can tour the farm, learn about the olive oil-making process, and taste the farm’s fantastic beer and wine. This was another highlight of our trip as this was a recommendation we received from a local. The farm has a food truck that only operates on Saturday but the farm is well worth a visit if you’re heading there during the week. 

Prosit Pienza

If you find yourself in the beautiful town of Pienza, be sure to stop by Prosit for a bite to eat and craft beers produced locally. This hidden gem is located just off the main entrance and offers a variety of delicious Italian sandwiches, plus more. The staff is incredibly friendly and the prices are very reasonable. Be sure to try the artichoke pecorino and prosciutto sandwich- it’s some of the best we’ve ever had!

Places to Stay 

Relais Fattoria Valle – Chianti 

Relais Fattoria Valle is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a tranquil and relaxing vacation in Chianti. This picturesque country estate is nestled in the Tuscan hills, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the property and take in the stunning views. The property also has a swimming pool making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Apartment in Agriturismo Podere Fucile – La Taverna Fucile 

One of our favourite stays in Tuscany was our apartment located at La Taverna Fucile. Not only do they have an incredible restaurant but they also operate apartment-style rooms in the building. We stayed in apartment 1 which is a part of the Agriturismo Podere Fucile complex, consisting of four apartments. The grounds host a swimming pool, children’s playground, a large furnished garden, barbecue, and free car park. The apartment has a private loggia, kitchen, large living room with TV, and a large double bedroom plus a single bed with a bathroom. We stayed here for 3 nights which was the perfect amount of time.

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