Tuscany Travel Guide

Planning to visit Tuscany in Italy? Tuscany, also known as Toscana, is one of the most beautiful regions in the country and is a destination that you should visit at least once in your life.

Here awaits beautiful scenery with rolling hills, picturesque villages and vineyards that produce some of the best wines in Italy. Down below you can read more about Tuscany and its beautiful villages, as well as useful information before your trip:

10 beautiful cities in Tuscany

Tuscany is home to a number of beautiful cities and villages that you can visit during your stay. Many of the cities are located close to each other, so it is possible to visit several of them if you plan your trip well.

Siena

Siena is the second largest city in Tuscany after Florence. This city has a lot to offer – from the dining experience to beautiful and historic places to visit.

This is one of Tuscany’s most visited cities, since the old town of Siena today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lucca

Lucca is a cozy little town located between Pisa and the Italian coast. It’s one of the most beautiful and coziest cities in Tuscany, and is a must visit.

Here you can see an old amphitheater, tall towers, a city wall, and beautiful art inside the cathedrals. Lucca is a city that will take your breath away.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is known as Manhattan of the Middle Ages with its many tall towers.

It’s a beautiful town that today is a Unesco World Heritage site where you can have a look at historic buildings, stroll around the old cobbled streets, and drink delicious Italian coffee at nice cafes.

Montepulciano

Beautiful views, delicious wines, and picturesque medieval streets and squares – that’s what awaits in Montepulciano.

Montepulciano is located near Siena, Pienza, and Montalcino and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush nature. It’s a beautiful city that I can highly recommend you to visit during your trip.

Pisa

Pisa is a town most famous for the leaning tower, but I can say that the city has more to offer.

In addition to the UNESCO area around the leaning tower with the big cathedral, the cemetery, and the baptistery, there are many nice churches, beautiful squares, markets, and lovely cafes and restaurants.

Pisa is simply a beautiful town that’s a must visit when you are in Tuscany.

Volterra

If you are interested in history and historical sites then Volterra is a town for you. Here you can have a look at archaeological sites dating back to the Etruscans and Roman times.

It’s a small medieval town that you can visit on a day trip to stroll around the old streets, have a look in shops, and to enjoy the lovely atmosphere.

Arezzo

Arezzo is a beautiful little Tuscan town filled with old streets, museums, nice cafes and restaurants.

This town is usually overlooked by the other cities in Tuscany, which makes it a little bit less touristy. Arezzo is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood – it’s truly a beautiful small town.

Florence

Florence is the largest city in Tuscany and is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy.

Here you’ll find one of the most beautiful churches in the world, some of the world’s most important artworks, nice places where you can sit down for a cup of Italian coffee, and a generally nice atmosphere.

When it comes to cities to visit in Tuscany, Florence is a must to add to your bucket list.

Pienza

Pienza is known for being one of the most impressive Renaissance settlements in Tuscany thanks to its location and beautiful town.

This city is today a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its lovely atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and delicious pecorino cheese.

Cortona

This small beautiful town is located high up on a hill and has a lot to offer its visitors.

Here you can stroll around old town where you can have look at historic buildings, beautiful artworks, and taste delicious local wines. It’s a cozy town that offers excellent dining experiences as well as cozy environments.

Wine tasting in Tuscany

Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s best wines, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

If you are interested in wine, then you have come to the right place. There are plenty of vineyards in Tuscany where you can taste local wines together with local delicacies.

Down below you have recommendations on vineyards that you can visit during your stay in beautiful Tuscany:

• Antinori
• Barone Ricasoli
• Castello di Ama
• Castiglion del Bosco
• Fontodi
• Salcheto
• Capezzana
• Avignonesi
• Badia a Coltibuono
• Castellare di Castellina

Travel to Tuscany

You can travel to Tuscany by air or by train from other cities in the country. If you travel by air, it’s easiest to book a flight to either Florence or Pisa, which are the most common cities to fly to.

From these cities you can rent a car, which is a must to have to explore Tuscany.

Best time to visit Tuscany

The best time to visit Tuscany is between April-May and October-September. During these months the weather is nice and warm and it’s also less tourists comparing with high season.

During the summer, you can expect that the villages and the various attractions in Tuscany to be packed with tourists. It will also be much warmer when you’re out exploring.

Recommended hotels

Below you have tips on two different hotels in Tuscany. One is luxurious and comfortable, and the other accommodation offers you a local experience.

Relais la Costa – Dimora Storica

Relais la Costa is a beautiful hotel located in the middle of Tuscany and surrounded by greenery and beautiful views.

It’s a perfect hotel for those looking for a relaxed and luxurious stay in Tuscany. The staff is nice, the food is delicious and the rooms are comfortable. It’s a great hotel!

Click here for more information, photos, and price

Stay with a local family

When we visited Tuscany, we stayed with a local family via Homestay. Through this page we booked a room in a local family’s old stone house surrounded by olive trees.

We ate both breakfast and dinner with this family and learned lots about Tuscany and the Italian culture. It’s no doubt one of the best experiences we had during our trip in Tuscany.

More about Tuscany in Italy

Tuscany is a region located in central Italy, bordering to Liguria and Emilia-Romagna in the north, Lazio in the south, and Umbria and Marche in the east.

The region has about 4 million inhabitants, where most of the people live in Florence, Siena and Pisa.

Tuscany is considered to have some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy, as well as one of the best cuisines – so delicious food can be expected. They also grow some of Italy’s best wines in the districts of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, and Morellino di Scansano.

How to get around

The best way to get around in Tuscany is by car, but it is also possible by bus to some cities and villages. 

However, car is no doubt the best option. With a rental car you can easily get around between the various cities and attractions and stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful views – something that is not possible by train or bus.

Map of Tuscany

Below you have a map of Tuscany where you can see the recommended cities and towns.

As you can see, many of the cities are located quite close to each other, so it is possible to visit several of them if you plan your trip well.

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Do you have more questions about Tuscany in Italy? Leave a comment below!