It’s impossible to run out of wonderful things to do in Tuscany.
This deservedly popular Italian region has captured the hearts of generations of travelers over the years. Whether it’s strolling the streets of a medieval town, admiring the way the golden light highlights the region’s typical hills, sipping one of the world’s finest wines in the piazza del duomo or taking a dip in some superb hot springs, the question isn’t so much what to do in Tuscany, but rather how to narrow down your list so that you have time to do it all during your stay!
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Tuscany or your 50th, this article of the best Tuscan experiences is for you!
Take a Vespa ride to explore the vineyards and countryside
If you’re looking for a superb experience for two, treat yourself to a vespa trip through the countryside and the region’s prettiest towns – Lucca, Siena, Volterra. Renting a vespa will allow you to travel through the Italian region in total freedom.
Travelling at your own pace, you’ll be able to stop off at this charming village, discover its historic center, stroll along its ramparts, and why not grab a bite to eat at this unexpected little restaurant, serving up a dish of pasta italiana you’ll remember for a long time to come.
There are also “Vespa trips”, guided tours on your Vespa, where you are accompanied by a guide who will show you the region’s jewels, without getting you lost!
For example, you could leave Florence for the countryside, then head to the Chianti region to sample local Tuscan produce, enjoy a light lunch and soak up the atmosphere of the beautiful Chianti countryside.
One of the must-dos in Tuscany: a tasting session on a gastronomic tour
Tuscany is one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, so our list of the best things to do in Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a gastronomic tour!
Indulge in the best that Tuscany has to offer, get to know its gastronomic scene and prepare for a journey to the land of some of the finest gastronomy.
We recommend that you take a gastronomic tour at the beginning of your trip to Tuscany, rather than at the end. That way, you’ll get a better idea of the dishes on offer in the restaurants, and you’ll be able to try them several times during the rest of your stay in the region!
We’ve heard a lot of good things about the Dine Around Florence tour, but there are plenty of others out there for you to try.
Admire the view from Tuscany’s hilltop towns
Whether you’re visiting Volterra, San Gimignano, Siena or other towns, contemplating the Tuscan countryside (perhaps with a good lunch and a glass of wine?) is one of the best things to do in Tuscany. So, above all, take the time to stroll around, simply for the pleasure of soaking up the magic of Tuscany and its magnificent landscapes, which change to the rhythm of the brightness offered by the sun.
Parma places to visit, don’t forget the beaches and Porto Santo Stefano
Of course, Tuscany is all about vineyards, olive groves, gastronomy, hilltop villages and famous cities like Florence. But don’t forget the magnificent Tuscan coast. Yes, Tuscany has its own stretch of Mediterranean coastline – and even an island!
The island of Elba is an ideal place to recharge your batteries, go sailing or scuba diving, eat delicious seafood and learn a little more about the region’s history. It was on this island that Napoleon was originally exiled (although he returned to France some 300 days later).
The Port of Santo Stefano is well worth a visit. It’s in the province of Grosseto. The road to get there is a little small, but it’s well worth the detour, as the view of the coastline is fantastic! And you can buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen.
A must-see in Tuscany: take a road trip in the Val d’Orcia
There are literally endless extraordinary places to visit in Tuscany, but there’s no way you should miss out on the Val d’Orcia. If you’ve ever seen photos of Tuscany, they were probably taken in the Val d’Orcia. It has been painted and photographed from every angle, from Renaissance paintings to modern photography. It really is the ideal place to hit the road.
For the perfect road trip, we recommend renting an Italian car. Why not a Fiat 500 or, for luxury lovers, a Ferrari. On the other hand, don’t drive too fast, as Tuscan road signs tend to be rather poorly placed on the roadsides!
Take the time to visit Montepulciano, one of Tuscany’s prettiest little towns, while you’re in the area! While Montepulciano is one of Italy’s best-known red wine grape varieties, it’s also a town in southern Tuscany, 60 km from Siena, between the hills of the Val di Chiana and Orcia. Don’t miss the Palazzo Cocconi-Del Pecora, whose walls are covered with archaeological remains. And of course, it’s the ideal place for a wine tasting!
Take a dip in the hot springs
Did you know that Tuscany is home to several natural hot springs, most of which are free? The best-known hot spring is Saturnia? It’s a fantastic way to relax in nature with your loved one or family, with a glass of local wine at aperitif time!
However, there’s one unromantic thing about the local hot springs that’s worth mentioning: the sulfur smell is strong! So go and bathe in it, wearing old bathing suits that you can part with once you’ve finished your rejuvenating break.
Still, it’s well worth a visit, and certainly something to add to your list when planning a trip to Italy!
Visit Tuscany: say hello to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
How can you not mention the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa when you think of Tuscany? It just can’t be. It’s one of Tuscany’s most emblematic attractions, so don’t hesitate to take out your camera and snap a few photos in front of this world-famous leaning tower.
The tower itself is complex and well worth a visit. The surrounding lawns are an ideal spot for a picnic in the sunshine. Especially if you’ve ordered the local street food called “cecina”, a delicious giant wafer made with chickpea flour, a local staple.
