Tuscany is known as one of the most enchanting regions of Italy. This region in central Italy is characterized by beautiful rolling landscapes full of vineyards, cultural richness, art, history, and delicious food and drink. Exploring this region is a journey through time, with medieval towns, charming villages, and iconic monuments found everywhere. What places can you absolutely not miss during your trip to Tuscany? We will tell you more about them in this article!
Florence
Florence is a beautiful city and definitely worth a visit. It is famous for its central role in the Renaissance and is known as one of the most historic and cultural cities in Europe. It is also the most visited city in Tuscany. It’s not surprising as every step you take, you are surrounded by a plethora of art and culture. The abundance of impressive attractions such as the iconic Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio attracts millions of visitors annually. Florence’s museums showcase various artworks by world-famous masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. It’s not only a paradise for art lovers but also houses many delicious restaurants, cozy terraces, and a big shopping street.
Check out this article for more tips on Florence.
Siena
Siena is a beautiful city located about an hour’s drive from Florence. In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. Its historical center has been in excellent condition since it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1995. The famous Piazza del Campo is located in the center of Siena and is considered the heart of the city. Some important attractions located in the square include Palazzo Publico, Torre del Mangia, and Fonte Gaia. Don’t forget to visit the stunning Duomo when you are in Siena. For more tips on Siena, check out this article.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval town located in Tuscany. The town is famous for its striking skyline of fourteen tall towers, giving it the nickname of “Manhattan of the Middle Ages.” Walking through this town feels like stepping back in time to the medieval era since it seems as though time has stood still here. Climb one of the towers and enjoy a delicious gelato on one of the cozy terraces overlooking the square.
Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia is an enchanting valley full of rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages reminiscent of a postcard. This beautiful valley is situated south of Siena and is one of the most unspoiled and authentic places in Tuscany. It is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a bit of peace and relaxation. The landscape of Val d’Orcia is breathtaking – soft hills covered in green vineyards and fields, lined by rows of cypress trees. It is the perfect place for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take beautiful pictures of the stunning surroundings.
Pienza
In the beautiful Val d’Orcia, lies the idyllic town of Pienza. The literal meaning of Pienza is ‘the city of Pius’. The town got its current name in 1462, when Pope Pius II, born as Enea Silvio Piccolomini, decided to rebuild and rename his birthplace, the town of Corsignano, in honor of himself. Pope Pius II was a humanist and wanted to transform his birthplace into an ideal Renaissance city. He commissioned architect Bernardo Rossellino to revise the city’s design and lead the transformation. The result was a beautiful city with a harmonious urban design, which has been preserved to this day. The place is known for Italy’s most famous sheep cheese, Pecorino. During your visit, don’t forget to take a look at the Piazza Pio II, the beautiful square where the Palazzo Comunale and the city’s cathedral are also located.
Pisa
The third city we are discussing here is Pisa. Pisa is, of course, most famous for its iconic leaning tower. However, the city has more to offer than just this famous masterpiece. The city is filled with beautiful monuments and buildings, such as the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Camposanto. Wander through the cobbled streets of this historic city and discover hidden gems such as old churches, the Arno River and lively squares.
Check out this article for more tips on what to see in Pisa.
Lucca
The city of Lucca is located between Pisa and Florence and is considered one of the wealthiest cities in Italy. There are numerous churches to be admired in the city. Lucca is well-known for its well-preserved medieval city walls, which serve as a unique walking path offering breathtaking views of the city. The city is also praised for its charming historic center which features narrow cobbled streets, impressive squares, and beautiful churches. Lucca is rich in cultural heritage, including the Cathedral of San Martino and the Guinigi Tower, known for the trees that grow on top of it. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
Chianti
Chianti is located south of Florence and is one of the most famous wine regions in the world. It boasts extensive vineyards and beautiful landscapes. Some of the world’s best wines are produced in Chianti. The wines of Chianti are renowned worldwide and are produced using centuries-old traditions and techniques. Enjoy the delicious Chianti Classico or Sangiovese, the most famous grape variety in the region. Visit some of the beautiful wineries and taste the wines while enjoying the beautiful views of the vineyards. In addition to the beautiful vineyards of Chianti, visit some idyllic villages in Tuscany such as the medieval towns of Greve, Radda, and Castellina in Chianti. In these charming towns, you will find narrow streets, picturesque squares and historical buildings that will take you back in time.
Cascate del Mulino
The Terme di Saturnia, also known as ‘Cascate del Mulino’, offers an enchanting sight of bright blue thermal baths in the heart of Tuscany. The water has an average temperature of about 37.5 degrees and is heated by Monte Amiata, a nearby extinct volcano. The baths are not only pleasantly warm but also rich in minerals that are often considered beneficial, contributing to the therapeutic properties of the baths.
Read this article for even more tips on Cascate del Mulini.
Transport
To visit these beautiful sights, we recommend using a car. You can choose to drive to Tuscany with your own car or opt to fly to one of the larger cities (such as Pisa or Florence) and rent a car from there. Check SkyScanner for the cheapest tickets. Renting a car can be done, for example, through Sunnycars or Rentalcars. Depending on the high demand for rental cars during the summer period, it may be wise to pre-book a car in advance. This way, you are assured of transportation during your trip and are generally more cost-effective.
The best time to visit Tuscany.
We advise visiting Tuscany in the early or late seasons, such as May, September, and October. These months are perfect for exploring the beautiful region without the crowds and with slightly cooler temperatures. Try to avoid peak season as Tuscany is a popular destination, and you won’t be the only one visiting during the summer. To avoid long lines at tourist attractions, it’s recommended to avoid visiting in July and August.
