From vibrant cities to hilltop cities, charming Chianti to beautiful San Gimignano, my journey information has the most effective locations to go to in Tuscany Italy and the place to remain.
The phrase the journey is the vacation spot all the time springs to thoughts after I consider Tuscany. From rolling hills and medieval walled cities, to fairly stone farmhouses surrounded by Cypress timber, there may be magnificence round each nook. I’ve listed the most effective locations to go to in Tuscany under, however I really imagine that driving by means of the Tuscan countryside is as a lot a marvel as marvelling at Florence’s jaw-dropping Duomo.
I visited many Tuscany cities in my twenties and all the time vowed to return with my household. I lastly acquired an opportunity to revisit not too long ago and it jogged my memory why this is among the most stunning components of Italy.
About Tuscany
Tuscany is a area in central Italy that’s recognized for its rolling hills, walled cities, great wines and wonderful artwork. It has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Websites in addition to stunning seashores and a few of Italy’s most visited cities.
Tuscany was as soon as house to a few of the world’s most well-known artists together with Leonardo da Vinci, Puccini, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Dante, so it’s no shock that it’s now house to one of many world’s most spectacular artwork galleries and extraordinary structure.
I’ve listed my high picks of the most effective locations to go to in Tuscany under and linked some excursions and excursions that will help you take advantage of this stunning area.
1. Pisa
Pisa might not be Tuscany’s prettiest metropolis, however it’s the metropolis that’s most accessible. Most worldwide flights land right here and it’s the gateway to exploring Tuscany, so it is smart to remain awhile.
Most individuals are inclined to spend a number of hours on the Leaning Tower and transfer on. Nonetheless, due to this, town is never crowded, which is a weird for any giant Italian metropolis. In the event you choose to remain over, you’ll discover a college metropolis with a vigorous bar and cafe tradition which will swimsuit Gen Z travellers.
For the remainder of us, a number of hours spent on the Campo dei Miracoli, the place the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Bapistry and cemetery are positioned, is normally what is finished to tick Pisa off your bucket record and see top-of-the-line locations to go to in Tuscany.
The Leaning Tower is just 3km from Pisa airport so it is smart to go to both once you arrive in Tuscany or if you find yourself leaving. It’s about quarter-hour by taxi or you may catch the Pisa Mover (prepare) from the airport to the centre of Pisa, and hop on a bus or stroll to the Leaning Tower. If driving, there are quite a few automobile parks shut by that value simply €1.80 per hour to park.
There are lots of methods to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa – you may merely stroll into the Campo dei Miracoli, see all three buildings and take limitless pictures, all freed from cost.
If you wish to climb the 297 steps to the highest of the tower, you will want to pre-book tickets upfront. Worth for entry to all 4 buildings and the Tower is €27, however you may select to simply entry the Cathedral, Bapistry orcemetery for €7 every. Alternatively this top-rated guided tour presents nice worth at simply €39 per particular person.
View Tickets Guided Tour
The place to Keep in Pisa
All of those high picks are motels close to the Leaning Tower and are really useful on TripAdvisor.
3 Star Lodge di Stefano
4 Star Villa Tower Inn
4 Star Rif Boutique Lodge
2. Florence
Florence is Tuscany’s capital metropolis and when strolling round it, you get the sensation that it deserves to be! Most individuals go to Tuscany to see its rolling hills and hilltop cities, however I firmly imagine that with a purpose to absolutely expertise Tuscany, you must see its extraordinary capital. It is among the finest cities in Tuscany, so don’t miss it!
High Tip: Go to the Piazzale Michelangelo for the most effective view of Florence skyline.
If you’re in search of the highest issues to see in Tuscany, Florence in all probability has most of them! Florence is the house of the Renaissance and has one of many largest collections of artwork on the earth. From its Uffizi Gallery to the spectacular Duomo, Michelangelo’s David to the enduring Ponte Vecchio, Florence has has beautiful structure on each nook and is filled with sculptures, work and statues.
Nonetheless, its recognition has led to an enormous inflow of vacationers and you’ll in all probability discover Florence extraordinarily busy whatever the time of yr you go to. Nonetheless, town is compact and a lot of the high points of interest are shut by. It’s potential to stroll from the Ponte Vecchio to the Duomo in 10 minutes and see the reproduction statue of David in your method!
High Tip: If you wish to go to the Uffizi it’s crucial that you just pre e book tickets upfront, as queues could be over two hours lengthy throughout peak occasions. This top-rated small group tour of the Uffizi presents nice worth skip the road tickets:
View tour right here
It’s free to go contained in the Duomo, though queues are normally fairly lengthy. If you wish to go to the dome, baptistery, museum and the bell tower, it’s essential to pre e book tickets upfront. This skip the road tour with Duomo climb presents nice worth:
View tour
Observe: The Cathedral is closed on non secular holidays and Sundays.
Florence will not be solely recognized for its inventive attraction, it’s fairly romantic too. The Ponte Vecchio, one of the vital photographed locations in Florence, is lined with jewelry and craft retailers hoping the magic of this metropolis will entice the spellbound vacationers to buy one thing for his or her cherished one.
If you’re staying in Florence and need to discover its surrounding countryside, then don’t miss this Vespa tour. It one of many high issues to do in Tuscany, and is among the most high rated excursions from Florence.
See extra right here
Restaurant advice in Florence: Pre e book the Trattoria Za Za for a lunch or dinner and thank me later!
The place to remain in Florence
The historic centre is finest place to remain in Florence as a lot of the high points of interest are shut collectively. I’ve chosen a number of central Florence Inns to swimsuit most budgets under.
3 Star+ Palazzo Ridolfi – Residenza d’Epoca
4 Star Relais Piazza Signoria
4 Star Condominium Palazzo Alfani – Residenza d’Epoca
5 Star Bernini Palace
3. Siena
Siena is simply over an hour from Florence by prepare or automobile and is for sure a should see in Tuscany. Siena is among the finest Tuscan cities to go to and one in all my private favourites. In contrast to Tuscany’s giant cities of Florence and Pisa, Siena has a a lot smaller old-town really feel. The historic centre is pedestrianised and may be very simple to navigate.
Siena has been declared a World Heritage web site by UNESCO and after a go to to its essential sq., Piazza del Campo, you will note why. The Palazzo Pubblico (City Corridor) stands magnificently beside the Torre del Magnia. I like to recommend you climb the 400 steps to the highest, to see the crimson roof tops of Siena and the encompassing countryside, it’s breathtaking.
This skip the road Duomo and metropolis strolling tour presents nice worth at simply €40pp:
See extra right here
Siena can also be the well-known location for the Il Palio. The Palio horse race takes place twice each summer time the place ten horses with naked again riders race round Il Campo, every representing their very own district, wearing varied colors. Film buffs might recall this from a scene within the James Bond’s film, Quantum of Solace.
The streets surrounding the Piazza del Campo are lined with boutiques and excessive avenue shops, in addition to quite a few Trattorias and Osterias, they’re a pleasure to discover.
High Tip: Among the best Osterias lies within the coronary heart of Siena. Sadly the key is out, so its normally thronged with locals and vacationers, however attempt to go to, you received’t be upset – Losteria on through de Rossi.
The place to remain in Siena
Siena is among the finest cities to remain in Tuscany. It has every part you want from a giant metropolis, but nonetheless appears like a small city. I’ve picked a few of the finest locations to remain in Siena to swimsuit all tastes and budgets.
3 Star Palazzetto Rosso – Artwork Lodge
4 Star Lodge Athena
5 Star Grand Lodge Continental Siena
4. Montepuliciano
I nonetheless recall stumbling throughout Montepulciano over 20 years in the past as we have been driving by means of Tuscany. I’d not hear of Montepulciano wine till years later, however this stunning walled city all the time caught in my thoughts.
Perched on high of a hill and surrounded by vineyards, this medieval city has tiny slim streets which are a pleasure to discover – though perhaps not by automobile! There are historical church buildings, fairly piazzas and essentially the most unimaginable panoramic views over the Tuscan countryside.
There are such a lot of stunning Tuscany cities, however Montepulciano has one thing particular – it is among the finest cities in Tuscany to go to. It’s located near Siena in southern Tuscany, and is the right alternative for a day journey in Tuscany. And if time permits, this one-hour wine tasting tour appears to be like idyllic:
See extra right here
3 Star Albergo Il Marzocco
4 Star Dimora del Corso di Montepulciano
4 Star La Locanda Di San Francesco
4 Star Meublé il Riccio
5. San Gimignano
San Gimignano is among the finest locations to go to in Tuscany and in addition one in all my favorite cities. I visited quite a few occasions in my twenties, however returned not too long ago, stayed contained in the walled city and fell in love with it once more!
Whatever the giant inflow of day trippers, the medieval walled city of San Gimignano is city you simply should go to in Tuscany. In the event you can, I strongly suggest staying in a single day so you may respect the quiet nights and peaceable mornings earlier than the crowds arrive.
San Gimignano’s fourteen towers dominate the panorama, and provides a dramatic really feel as you get nearer to it. Like most of Tuscany’s cities it’s pedestrianised and a pleasure to discover, though the streets can get very busy through the day.
A lot of the pleasure will come from exploring its slim streets and taking within the panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, however I urge you to not overlook the Duomo, and the painted partitions behind it. The partitions inside are lined within the authentic frescoes that have been painted within the 1300s and remarkably most haven’t wanted restoration. Entry charge is simply €5.
San Gimignano finest eating places:
There are such a lot of wonderful eating places in San Gimignano, each meal we had was excellent however my favourites have been Le Vecchie Mura and La Mandragola.
La Vecchie Mura has a stunning cave-style room inside and a panoramic terrace exterior, so it’s a nice alternative no matter climate. The wild boar pappardelle was scrumptious and there’s a number of dishes to fulfill any truffle lover!
La Mandragola is an genuine family-run restaurant within the historic centre. It was filled with locals and serves up scrumptious conventional Tuscan delicacies, grilled meats and fish.
High Tip: Skip dessert and make for the world well-known Gelataria Dondoli – it boasts the most effective gelato in Tuscany!
The place to remain in San Gimignano:
Discovering motels contained in the walled city of San Gimignano will not be all the time simple, particularly in peak season, nevertheless, it’s arguably the finest space to remain in Tuscany. Its proximity to Siena, Florence and Pisa make it a agency favorite with holidaymakers seeking to discover Tuscany.
In the event you plan on holidaying right here, chances are you’ll want to contemplate a lodge exterior the centre with a swimming pool, so I’ve supplied a number of San Gimignano motels under.
3 Star Lodge Bel Soggiorno
3 Star Lodge Leon Bianco
3 Star L’Antico Pozzo
4 Star Relais Santa Chiara Lodge
4 Star Il Casale del Cotone
The Artists Tower
If you’re in search of a singular keep in San Gimignano, look no additional than the Artists Tower. We had the pleasure of staying right here not too long ago and have been blown away by the situation, character and luxury of this residence, that’s on the base of one in all San Gimignano’s Towers.
The views of the city centre and surrounding countryside have been unimaginable – you may see a full room tour on my Instagram spotlight. Observe minimal keep of three-nights normally applies.
6. Volterra
Due to the character of walled cities, they get darkish very early, so except you e book a restaurant with a panoramic view, they don’t seem to be the most effective place to look at the sundown in Tuscany. Volterra alternatively, though a walled city, has essentially the most attractive panoramic terrace and a should go to for the night solar.
The city is one other fairly city to discover however it additionally has a Cathedral, bell tower and Museum with a big assortment of archaeological artifacts.
Volterra is positioned a half hour’s drive from San Gimignano. We cherished going right here within the night time to get pleasure from a sundowner and watch the locals meet within the open sq. to debate the occasions of the day. It has an genuine Tuscany really feel, and not using a large inflow of vacationers, all whereas taking in top-of-the-line sunsets in Tuscany.
The place to remain in Volterra
3 Star Albergo Etruria
4 Star La Locanda
7. Chianti
Driving the Chianti area, stopping at varied cities and sampling the native wines was one other spotlight of mine. There are lots of cities in Chianti – Greve, Panzano, Castellina, Radda and Gaiole are in all probability the preferred, and Radda is arguably the prettiest.
We rented a home in Gaiole in Chianti for a month after I was on maternity go away and I feel this was what lead me to actually fall in love with Italy.
Gaiole isn’t a very spectacular city, however the €1.20 espresso’s every morning definitely have been! It is among the many small cities you’ll encounter if driving by means of the area of Chianti.
Regardless of being top-of-the-line locations to go to in Tuscany, Chianti is surprisingly much less touristy than what you may anticipate. Drive by means of the gorgeous countryside and marvel on the rolling hills and small villages.
Nonetheless, no go to to Chianti could be full with out visiting some vineyards and having fun with some scrumptious Chianti Classico – it’s merely a should do in Tuscany!
See extra right here
The place to remain in Chianti
Chianti is usually thought of one of many best locations to remain in Tuscany, nevertheless, it’s made up of many cities and villages and subsequently there are numerous completely different motels in Chianti to select from. I’ve chosen a broad choice to swimsuit all tastes and budgets.
4 Star Palazzo Leopoldo Dimora Storica & Spa
4 Star Belvedere di San Leonino
4 Star Relais Vignale & Spa
5 Star La Fontanelle
5 Star Aldina Relais & Chateaux
2 Bed room Home
8. Lucca
Lucca is one other metropolis we fell in love with a few years in the past – a lot in order that we virtually purchased an residence there! It’s one other stunning walled metropolis with a historic centre and Roman amphitheatre, however its location in north Tuscany, close to the Apuan Alps provides it a unique vibe to the cities within the south.
Lucca will not be positioned on a hilltop, which makes it simpler to discover if you’re aged or infirm, and its entry to Pisa and Florence by prepare in addition to its shut proximity to the Tuscan coast make it simpler to discover if you’re visiting Tuscany and not using a automobile.
This 90 minute wine tasting expertise shouldn’t be missed, it prices simply €15!
See extra right here
The place to remain in Lucca
3 Star Albergo San Martino
4 Star San Luca Palace Lodge
4 Star Palazzo Alexander
Casa Paolina Condominium
9. Elba Island
It could shock you to know that Elba is the third largest island of Italy, after Sardinia and Sicily. Along with eight different islands it types the Tuscan Archipelago and the biggest marine park in Europe. It not often options on the lists of the finest locations in Tuscany however if you’re seeking to swap the vineyards for the seashore, then Elba is the place to go!
Elba is known for harbouring Napoleon in 1814 and its museums and delightful residences are a nod again to that period. Nonetheless, it’s its crystal clear waters and delightful seashores that convey most vacationers to Elba as we speak. You’ll be able to get pleasure from loads of water sports activities together with diving right here, and it’s a Mecca for hill walkers and hikers. Try the various watersports out there, together with kayaking and diving right here:
See extra right here
The place to remain in Elba
3 Star Lodge Sardi
4 Star Lodge Baia Imperiale
4 Star Lodge Airone – Isola d’Elba
4 Star+ Lodge Plaza
One of the best time to go to Tuscany
One of the best time to go to Tuscany if you wish to discover its beautiful cities are April, Could, September and October, the place the temperatures are nonetheless gentle.
The summer time months can get highly regarded and busy, so if you’re visiting throughout this time it is suggested you keep away from staying within the cities and keep on the seashore resorts or quieter countryside cities as an alternative.
Learn how to get to Tuscany
Pisa and Florence are the 2 worldwide airports in Tuscany. Ryanair fly six occasions weekly from Dublin to Pisa, and twice weekly type Cork to Pisa. Aer Lingus fly thrice weekly from Dublin to Pisa.
I hope my information on the most effective locations to go to in Tuscany will allow you to plan a visit there quickly. Whereas each effort was made to make sure accuracy, descriptions, actions and costs are topic to alter.
A number of the hyperlinks on this put up include affiliate hyperlinks the place I obtain a small fee if a reserving is made, however at no extra value to you.
