Tuscany Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Tuscany

Cypress-lined winding roads, great wines, and Renaissance cities full of history – that’s what most people associate with Tuscany when they think of this beautiful region in Italy. But Tuscany offers so much more. From picturesque medieval hill towns to unique thermal springs to unparalleled landscapes – Tuscany has it all!

In this travel guide, I’m sharing the highlights of this charming Italian region with you, including the best things to do in Tuscany and the top places to visit in Tuscany. It also features the best tours and useful information for planning your trip. A visit to Tuscany should definitely be on everyone’s bucket list!

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Tuscany Travel Guide – Quick Tips

Best Places to Stay | La Terazza Sul Duomo B&B, Hotel Lungarno, Palazzo Gaddi

Best Time to Visit | May, September

Best Tours | Highlights of Tuscany Day Trip, Chianti Wine Tasting Tour, Traditional Cooking Class

How to Get Around | Rental Car, Train

Top Places to Visit | Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, Hot Springs of Saturnia, Val D’Orcia

Insider Tips | Pitigliano, Bagni San Filippo

Stay Connected | Get your Europe eSIM

Keep reading for my full Tuscany travel guide…

How to Get to Tuscany & How to Get Around

If you live in a European country close to Italy, hitting the road to Tuscany by car is a fantastic option. On the other hand, if you travel to Tuscany from a long distance, catching a flight to one of Tuscany’s international gateways – Pisa or Florence – is the way to go.

Once you have arrived in Tuscany, the best option to get around is by car. It grants you the freedom to navigate even the most tucked-away treasures that public transport might miss. Tuscany is the perfect place for a road trip! Plus, driving through the scenic Tuscan countryside is a great travel experience by itself. Click here to compare rental car companies in Florence and Pisa.

However, if you would like to focus your Tuscany visit on the big cities, it is also possible to travel by train or do some guided tours including transportation.

Tip: Make sure to check out my blog post about the Best Tuscany Day Trips From Florence Without A Car.

Best Time to Visit Tuscany

The best time to visit Tuscany is in shoulder season from April – May and September – October. During these months it will be much less crowded compared to the peak season in summer. The temperatures are also very pleasant during this time. If you are a wine lover, the best month to visit for wine tours and harvest festivals is September. We have visited Tuscany once in May and once in September. The weather was perfect and it wasn’t too crowded at major attractions during both of our visits.

Where to Stay in Tuscany

Depending on which areas of Tuscany you want to see, you have to decide whether you want to stay in one place and take day trips from there or in multiple locations to be closer to specific attractions. We have tried both options.

During our first Tuscany visit, we stayed at a charming agriturismo (farmhouse) located halfway between Florence and Siena, which was a great base to visit not only both cities but also the Chianti wine region, San Gimignano, and Volterra.

During our second visit, we stayed in three different locations: Florence, Montepulciano (to visit Val D’Orcia and Bagni San Filippo) and Manciano (to visit Saturnia and Pitigliano). I have linked all the hotels we stayed at the end of the article.

Based on what you would like to see, you should decide which option is best for you. The next part of this Tuscany travel guide will give you an overview of the highlights of Tuscany as well as the best things to do in Tuscany. These will help you decide where to stay, depending on what places you personally don’t want to miss.

Best Things to Do in Tuscany

What to Do in Tuscany in Detail:

Visit Florence, the Renaissance City

Florence, also known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, definitely should be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Tuscany. This charming city boasts some of the most impressive historical buildings and magnificent arts.

Make sure to visit the stunning Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore, which is a masterpiece of Italian architecture. The cathedral and Brunelleschi’s Dome belong to the absolute highlights of Florence, therefore the ticket lines are oftentimes very long (hours of waiting!!). I recommed getting skip-the-line-tickets in advance, so you don’t waste any time standing in line (it is also possible to book tour options including a guide). In my opinion, it’s better to use the time saved to enjoy an Aprol Spritz on the Piazza del Duomo. 😉

From the Piazza del Duomo, stroll through the historic streets to the Piazza della Signoria where you can find the Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Uffizi Gallery. If you have time, join a walking tour with a local guide to learn more about the history of Florence and the city’s most impressive museums (you will also see Michelangelo’s David).

After the guided tour, cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio with its old shops spanning over the Arno River and enjoy the beautiful Boboli Gardens on the other side of the bridge. For the most beautiful sunset view overlooking Florence head to Piazzale Michelangelo. The view from up there is simply breathtaking!

In case you should decide to stay in one place during your Tuscany trip (and take day trips from there), Florence is a great choice because many tours start from there. If you only have a limited number of days, this Tuscany Day Trip is perfect to see many of the best places in Tuscany in just one day. The full day tour starts in Florence and will take you to the charming town of Siena, the medieval village of San Gimignano (one of my favorite places in Tuscany), and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is also possible to include a homemade lunch and a wine tasting at a Tuscan farmhouse.

Another fun thing to do in Tuscany, is a traditional Italian cooking class. There are many different options for Italian cooking classes in Florence. Check out these top-rated cooking experiences below:

• Cooking Class & Lunch at Tuscan Farmhouse (from Florence)
• Pasta Cooking Class in Florence
• 4-Course Cooking Experience in Florence

Go Wine Tasting in Chianti

Tuscany is famous for its wines. There’s nothing like a wine tasting under the Tuscan sun! It’s actually one of the top things to do in Tuscany. The famous Chianti wine region is located in-between Florence and Siena.

We took the scenic Chiantigiana road (SR 222) which guarantees panoramic views over the idyllic vineyards. Make sure to stop in some of the charming towns in the Chianti wine region such as Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti.

Along the way, you can also visit some of the many different wineries for a wine tasting. Soak in the scenic views of the Tuscan landscape and simply enjoy la dolce vita with a glass of wine in your hand. Cin Cin! Next to wine, olive oil is also produced in the region.

If you are staying in Florence, make sure to check out these top-rated guided Chianti wine tasting tours starting from Florence:

• Chianti Wineries Tour with Food and Wine Tasting (budget-friendly option)
• Small Group Wine Tasting Tour with Food Pairing (small group tour, my personal tip)

Wander the Streets of Siena

Siena is located south of Florence and belongs to the most charming cities in Tuscany. Wander the beautiful, old cobblestone streets in-between historic brick buildings. The old town of Siena, in fact, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The heart of the city is the unique, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. At this bustling piazza, you can also find find Siena’s main points of interest: the Palazzo Publico and the Torre del Mangia, which you can climb for a panoramic view over Siena and the historic center.

Another must-see is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its dramatic black and white striped façade. If you have time, you can join this 2-hour guided walking tour (including skip-the-line-tickets for the Duomo) that will take you to all main attractions of Siena’s historical center.

Don’t miss visiting Siena! It’s a must do and one of the best places to visit in Tuscany next to Florence. I truly loved this charming city.

You might also be interested in: 4 days in Cinque Terre

Visit the Small Hill Town of San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful hill towns in Tuscany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque town is also known as the ‘Medieval Manhattan’ and is famous for its medieval architecture and the many iconic ancient towers that create a unique skyline in the middle of the idyllic Tuscan countryside.

Stroll through the winding alleys of San Gimignano and visit the charming main square, the Piazza del Duomo. For magnificent views over San Gimignano and the surrounding Tuscan countryside, you can climb the Torre Grossa. I really loved the unparalleled charm of this medieval hill town. For me, it’s a must-see in Tuscany!

Tip: Head to the Piazza della Cisterna to enjoy an Italian Aperitivo including some snacks. Or if you are hungry, visit a local vineyard for lunch including a wine tasting in a picturesque outdoor setting.

For more information about San Gimignano, check out this comprehensive San Gimignano travel guide.

Go off the Beaten Path to Volterra

Volterra is a medieval hill town close to San Gimignano. When we visited Volterra it was much less crowded than San Gimignano. Volterra is surrounded by thick walls and is known for its Etruscan history and medieval buildings. I absolutely enjoyed wandering through the narrow, winding streets of this quaint town.

Sights in Volterra include the Piazza dei Priori, where you can find the Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo Pretorio with the Tower of the Piglet, the Duomo and Baptistery, the Teatro Romano (amphitheater), and the Etruscan walls, gates and museum. Volterra is definitely one of the best places to go in Tuscany to escape the tourist crowds.

You may also want to explore: Lake Como in 3 Days

Snap a Photo with the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is by far the most iconic sight of the Tuscan city of Pisa. It’s one of Italy’s most famous landmarks and one of the countries’ leading tourist attractions. So, expect to share this place with crowds of tourists from around the world.

Nevertheless, the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the Piazza dei Miracoli belongs to the places that are worth visiting once in your life. Make sure to snap a funny picture with the tower as a travel memory.

If you want to climb up the world-famous tower, I recommend getting a skip-the-line-ticket in advance because the ticket lines can get pretty long, like at all popular attractions in Italy.

Right next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you can find the Duomo of Pisa which is also worth visiting. The interior of the cathedral is very beautiful and impressive. There are also guided tours available for both attractions.

Other than that, I recommend visiting the charming town of Lucca (close to Pisa) with its beautiful old town as well as the little mediaval town of San Miniato (famous for truffle hunting).

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Travel Back in Time in Pitigliano

Pitigliano belongs to my favorite places in Tuscany because it’s still a hidden gem. The small hilltop village is located in the deep south of Tuscany. Walking through the medieval cobbled alleys of Pitigliano felt like traveling back in time.

In the past, Pitigliano was an Etruscan settlement. Later in time it became home to a large Jewish community which led to the town’s nickname ‘Little Jerusalem’.

From the main square of Pitigliano, the Piazza della Repubblica, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the surrounding Tuscan countryside. But even more impressive for me was the view from Via San Michele (where we parked) over Pitigliano itself. This view of the steep hilltop village truly left me speechless!

This article may also pique your interest: Top Places to Visit in Puglia, Italy

Take a Dip in the Thermal Springs in Saturnia

The thermal hot springs of Saturnia, called Cascate del Mulino, are probably one of most unique things to do in Tuscany as well as one of the most hyped places. Cascate del Mulino is like a natural spa with milky blue rock pools and waterfall terraces situated in the middle of the Tuscan countryside.

The thermal water is around 37°C and very rich in minerals and sulfur which is good for your skin and well-being (you can smell the sulfur which is similar to rotten eggs but it’s not too bad). Don’t be afraid of the small red worms in the water – they are harmless and you will forget about them anyway when relaxing in the hot water of this unbelievably beautiful place.

We visited Cascate del Mulino twice because we loved these natural pools so much. You should definitely add this unique place to your Tuscany bucket list!

The best thing about the hot springs: they are actually FREE! Due to the popularity of this place, you should avoid visiting the springs in peak season (during the summer months) and on the weekends to beat the crowds. Generally, the best time to visit is at sunrise. Tip: Avoid wearing jewelry because it will tarnish.

You may also want to explore: Highlights of the Amalfi Coast

Relax at Bagni San Filippo

If you are looking for a quieter and less crowded place, you should visit the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo which are located in the middle of the woods. Compared to Saturnia, these hot springs are still a hidden gem.

The water at Bagni San Filippo can reach temperatures up to 50°C and the pools and waterfalls look very picturesque. I really loved the tranquility at Bagni San Filippo and that the water here gets really hot in some spots.

One really unique thing at Bagni San Filippo is the Fosso Bianco which is a calcium formation in form of a spectacular white rock. Don’t miss this place!

Enjoy the Tuscan Landscape in Val D’Orcia

The typical Tuscan landscape is what many people come for when visiting this idyllic region. Cypress-lined winding roads, rolling hills, endless vineyards, and olive groves – this is probably what comes to your mind when picturing Tuscany.

The best place to see this image of Tuscany in real life is Val D’Orcia, which is the epitome of the typical Tuscan landscape. The enchanting region of Val D’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features some of the most picturesque views of Tuscany.

Visiting Val D’Orcia was one of the most dreamy and romantic things to do in Tuscany for me. Also, make sure to stop by some of the charming towns within this area such as Pienza, Montalcino and Radicofani.

We stayed in the medieval hilltop town of Montepulciano which is the perfect base for visiting Val D’Orcia. But also the village itself is worth exploring because there are so many things to do in Montepulciano.

Where We Stayed:

La Terrazza sul Duomo B&B, Florence

If you are looking for a B&B to stay in Florence DIRECTLY at the Duomo, this is your place. I really loved the beautifully decorated rooms that are authentic and modern at the same time. The highlight of this B&B is undoubtedly the rooftop terrace with its breathtaking view over the red roofs of Florence and the Duomo. The view is absolutely priceless!

Tenuta Sant’Ilario, Gambassi Terme

Tenuta Sant’Ilario is nestled in-between idyllic vineyards and olive groves. The agriturismo is located in the Chianti area between Florence and Siena. I really loved the endless views and the tranquility at this place. We always enjoyed our breakfast outside while soaking in the panoramic views. The rooms are furnished in an authentic Tuscan style. Moreover, Tenuta Sant’Ilario has a pool to relax on hot days nestled in their idyllic garden.

Agriturismo La Pievina, Montepulciano

La Pievina is a small family-run agriturismo near Montepulciano. It’s located in the middle of the Tuscan countryside and offers scenic views over the surrounding hills and vineyards. We stayed here to visit the beautiful Val D’Orcia region. We really loved the homemade breakfast, the incredible infinity pool and the unparalleled sunsets at this agriturismo. Such a dream!

Agriturismo Quercia Rossa, Manciano

Quercia Rossa is a rural farmhouse near Saturnia. We stayed here to visit the thermal hot springs nearby as well as the medieval village of Pitigliano. I truly loved the endless views of the vast and hilly Tuscan landscape around this agriturismo, and especially the view from the pool in the middle of the olive groves. The rooms have an antique charm (maybe a bit too antique for my liking) and the breakfast was really great.

I hope you enjoyed reading this Tuscany travel guide! If you have any other questions about our Tuscany trip, let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more Italy Travel Guides? Click HERE for more Italy travel tips & content or select one of the articles below!

• 10 Best Day Trips from Florence without a Car
• 3-Day Lake Como Itinerary
• Amalfi Coast – Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
• Best Places to Visit in Puglia
• Cinque Terre & La Spezia in 4 Days

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