Tuscany is the Italy of daydreams – and it is real. Medieval towns crown the hilltops, cypress trees line the gravel roads and every village seems to have a church with a masterpiece inside. This Tuscany travel guide helps you balance the great art cities with the countryside, so you get the best of both.
Why visit Tuscany
Few places pack so much into such a small area: the Renaissance treasures of Florence, the Gothic beauty of Siena, the walls of Lucca, the towers of San Gimignano and the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO landscape.
Add world-famous wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, simple but perfect food and a coastline that most visitors miss, and it is easy to see why people return again and again.
Top places to visit in Tuscany
Florence
Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi Galleries, Brunelleschi’s dome and the Ponte Vecchio. Climb to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for the classic view.
Siena
The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, a striped cathedral and, twice a year, the Palio, a wild horse race around the square on 2 July and 16 August.
Pisa and Lucca
Snap the Leaning Tower in Pisa, then cycle the tree-lined Renaissance walls of Lucca, one of the most pleasant small cities in Italy.
San Gimignano and Chianti
The medieval towers of San Gimignano rise above vineyards, and the Chianti hills between Florence and Siena are made for winery visits and slow drives.
The Val d’Orcia
The postcard Tuscany: Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano, with cypress avenues, thermal springs and some of Italy’s finest red wines.
Best time to visit Tuscany
April to June and September to October are the best months: green or golden hills, comfortable temperatures and wine festivals in autumn. July and August are hot and Florence is very busy. Winter is quiet and cool, good for museums without queues.
Getting to and around Tuscany
Florence and Pisa have airports, and fast trains link Florence with Rome, Bologna and Milan. Regional trains and buses reach Pisa, Lucca and Siena, but a car is essential for the countryside, the Val d’Orcia and the small hill towns. Avoid driving into historic centres: they are limited traffic zones (ZTL).
Tuscany itinerary ideas
- Five days: Florence (three days) and day trips to Siena and Pisa or Lucca.
- One week by car: Florence, Chianti, San Gimignano, Siena and the Val d’Orcia.
- Slow Tuscany: a week in a countryside farmhouse (agriturismo), exploring one valley at a time.
What to eat in Tuscany
Tuscan food is simple and generous: bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, pici pasta with ragù, pecorino from Pienza and cantucci dipped in vin santo to finish. To drink: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Tuscany travel tips
- Book the Uffizi and the Accademia (David) in advance.
- Watch for ZTL signs: fines for entering by car arrive months later.
- Stay in an agriturismo to experience the countryside.
- Plan a designated driver if you are touring wineries.
Tuscany FAQ
How many days do you need in Tuscany?
Five days for Florence and a couple of day trips, and a week or more to enjoy the countryside properly.
Do you need a car in Tuscany?
Not for Florence, Pisa, Lucca or Siena, which are linked by train and bus. For the hill towns and the Val d’Orcia, a car makes all the difference.
Is it better to stay in Florence or in the countryside?
Combine both: a few nights in Florence for the art, then a farmhouse in Chianti or the Val d’Orcia for the landscapes.
