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Affordable Tuscany Tour Packages Available

The natural beauty of the Tuscany region is worth exploring every step of the way. Its quaint landscapes and culture of this place will make you fall in love with it. The natural beauty of this place is loaded with lyrical topography. As an online travel aggregator, for us, our customer satisfaction is always the top priority. We ensure that we give our customers a seamless holiday booking experience.

With our Tuscany tour packages, you get to explore and do everything like sightseeing activities without any hassle. Explore and visit the famous Tuscan towns from Siena, Florence to Pisa. Enjoy your Tuscany holiday in Montecatini, a famous municipality in Tuscany from where you can witness the famous leaning tower of Pisa and visit Vinci, the hometown of Leonardo da Vinci. It’s all possible in Tuscany. Plan your vacation to Tuscany with us we will customize your tour according to your needs. 

Tuscany Road Trip 10 Days (or Customized)

In this Tuscany tour packages explore the Tuscany road trip to enjoy the unique and sublime local culture while learning about its history.

Taste of Tuscany 7 Nights (or Customized)

Immerse yourself in Tuscany in this comprehensive Tuscany vacation packages, it is action packed and leisurely at the same time.

Iconic Tuscany 14 Days (or Customized)

In this tour package visit the most iconic places in Tuscany, taking in the art, history and local culture with a spot of hiking and a cooking class.

Tuscany Wine Tour 11 Nights (or Customized)

In this Tuscany holiday packages discover why beautiful Tuscany. It is so famous around the world and learn how it is produced. Sample the best Tuscan wine paired with food.

Tantalizing Tuscany 7 Nights (or Customized)

Book Tuscany Vacations all inclusive. Take this tantalizing tour through Tuscany savoring all the flavors from villages to the countryside and the coast.

Tuscany Grand Vacations 14 Nights (or Customized)

Explore grand Tuscany vacation packages to the fullest on a grand tour which includes an array of historical, cultural, and culinary experiences with time to try them all.

Wellness in Tuscany 8 Nights (or Customized)

During this Tuscany vacation packages enjoy the best thermal spas and relaxing countryside in Italy for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle

Chianti Hills Tour 9 Nights (or Customized)

This Tuscany travel packages starts from Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. You can discover quaint villages, vineyards, and castles set among the rolling hills.

If You Are Planning for Tuscany Vacation Book Our Tuscany Tour Packages at a Reasonable Price Guarantee

Exquisite topography, delicious food, marvelous history, rolling hills, and magnificent architecture are the ingredients that define Tuscany in its most raw and unfiltered form. Situated in West Italy, Tuscany, a quaint city is everything a traveler can encompass in his dream. Want to explore this amazing city? Book Tuscany tour packages that fit your budget with our travel experts and experience your dream holiday to Tuscany like never before! 

From the best accommodation options to affordable Tuscany flight tickets we have everything sorted for our customers. As far as the price is concerned, you can get in touch with our travel experts to know more about the vacation and holiday package prices in Tuscany.

What Is The Best Time To Go To Tuscany For Holiday?

The best time to visit and explore Tuscany is between the months of April-May and between September and October. The overall weather conditions during this time frame in Tuscany are simply amazing. Plus, you will get every opportunity to make loads of memories with your loved ones. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Tuscany vacation packages with us right away!

What Are The Best Outdoor Activities To Do In Tuscany?

Some of the best outdoor activities to do in Tuscany are as follows:

• Cinque Terre Day Trip 
• Chianti Wineries Tour
• Chianti and Castles Tour 
• Tuscan Countryside Tour

What Foods To Try During Tuscany Holiday?

If you ever book a Tuscany vacation package and fly to Tuscany then you have got to taste the eclectic food of this city. Some of the best food dishes in Tuscany are as follows: 

• Crostini Toscani
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina
• Fagioli con salsiccia
• Tagliatelle al tartufo
• Torta di ceci
• Potato tortelli

What Should I Consider When Choosing Tuscany Vacation Packages?

When selecting vacation packages, several factors should influence your decision. Firstly, choose your preferences—whether you’re inclined towards cultural immersion, culinary experiences, or leisurely country retreats. Check for included activities, accommodations, and transportation arrangements to match your needs and expectations. Reading reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the experiences of previous travelers, helping you make an informed decision. Lastly, verify the flexibility of the package—opt for those that allow customization, ensuring your Tuscany vacation packages is tailored to your desires.

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Classic Tuscany Itinerary

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• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

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Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, florence - light from the shadows.

Florence is home to dazzling art and superb culture, emanating from the cobblestone streets and classic architecture. Cafes line the banks of the Arno River. Palaces hide behind stunning gates at the heart of the city. Your private transfer greets you at the airport and escorts you into the historic city center. The splendor of the city is almost overwhelming.

The dome of the Duomo adds shape and dimension to the antique skyline of bell towers. In Santa Croce Church, the aroma of frankincense continues to waft up and down the nave. Giotto’s frescoes dating back to the 14th-century decorate the walls, depicting the life of St. Francis. Funerary monuments of Leon Battista Alberti, Galileo, and Machiavelli decorate the interior, including the tomb of Michelangelo, casting a long and inspiring reach on the arts of the city.

The laidback culture of the city brings to light the ideals of truth and beauty in art. The Accademia houses Michelangelo’s David, and Bargello Museum houses Donatello’s David. Both works of art are a testament to their time, marked with indescribable detail, and sensational in their size, able to tell an entire story in a single pose.

The scent of café con latte, or coffee with milk, fills the afternoon air. Bakeries display dwindling pieces of cake and cookies. It is easy to settle into the luxuries of the city cast in the preserved antiquity.

What's Included:

Florence - Enlightened Beginnings

The morning begins with the scent of espresso drifting out of gilded cafes. You can sit and enjoy a morning cappuccino, letting the foam add a pillow-like softness to the texture of your drink. Your guide meets you at the hotel after breakfast ready to show you the city, known as the Birthplace of the Renaissance. Consider learning more about your luxury Italy tour companies who strive to provide you with the highest quality and meticulously personalized itinerary. The white and green marble of the Cathedral glints in the sunlight. The replica-gilded doors of Giotto’s Gate’s of Paradise situated on the Baptistery illuminate the stories of the Old Testament. The actual golden doors stand in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo in the Piazza located behind the cathedral.

The city has an undeniable energy ready to sweep you up and convince you to stay. The scent of the morning filled with baked brioches and coffee fades to freshly made pasta and simmering sauces. The Uffizi is an absolute must see when in the city, highlighting the vibrancy of the Renaissance in the representation of people and objects. Cosimo de Medici funded the building in the 16th-century to use as offices for the city’s magistrate. Today, the marble floors and open windows create an opulent space to house works invented by some of the greatest artists the Western World has ever known.

The building itself is emblematic of its holdings, where every step offers insight into the past inside an opulent space with classic style. The air is cool inside, and the sunlight reaches every corner of the interior. Your guide brings you to the painting, Dukes of Urbino, painted by Piero della Francesca in the 15th-century. The painting depicts the Duchess and Duke facing one another and commemorates the Duke’s ability to turn the city of Urbino into a refined and renowned cultural center. Your guide explains the reason for the profile depiction, due to the fact the Duke had lost his left eye during a tournament.

Apuan Alps - Against the Apuan Alps

In the morning, you can see the greenery of Tuscany cast in the hills around the city. Cypress trees stand along the landscape standing out against the bright blue sky. After breakfast, your private transfer sweeps you away from the city and into the charming foothills of the Apuan Alps in the town of Lucca. The city is known for its ramparts constructed in the 16th-century, which still enclose the city today. In the background, you can see the snowcapped peaks of the mountain range. The red-tiled roofs of the historic center shine against the lushness of the walls, now inhabiting a public park. Romanesque churches line the cobbled streets.

Residents ride bicycles and jog around the historic and impressive walls. San Michele in Foro has a tiered façade resembling a wedding cake, complete with sham arches and pillars. The church stands atop the old Roman Forum and was erected between the 12th and 14th-centuries. A statue of the Archangel Michael adorns the tiers looking down on the square. The original pavement continues to decorate the interior in gray and white, along with the marble pillars and Corinthian toppers. The beauty of the city goes beyond the encompassing walls and fits into the preserved wonders of Lucca, including the embracing culture.

After a morning of exploring, you will make your way to a class designed to teach conversational Italian skills. The qualified native Italian speakers of Lucca Italian School will teach you everything you need to know to confidently travel through Italy. Learn how to order your favorite Italian meal and introduce yourself to impress the locals. A wonderful Lucchese style lunch is served at a local restaurant to showcase traditional Tuscan heritage. Afterwords recollect on the Italian you have learned and set out to practice your new skills for the rest of your journey through Italy

San Gimignano - Twin Towns

In the morning, the image of the undulating peaks of the Apuan Alps fades. The walls disappear. Your private transfer escorts you away from the medieval town of Lucca and into a city that once controlled the most powerful navy on the Mediterranean coast, Pisa. The sun casts the Piazza dei Miracoli in light, highlighting the pristine marble of the Cathedral, Baptistery, and acclaimed Leaning Tower. The tower stands 183 feet tall and lists almost four degrees, decorated with quintessential Pisan architectural design. Outside of the square, the city is often overlooked. However, there is more to the city than the Leaning Tower.

The National Museum is a former Benedictine Convent of San Matteo and features Tuscan images dating between the 12th and 15th centuries. The unassuming edifice contains sculptural masterworks by Pisano and Donatello, along with antique paintings by Berlinghiero and Volterrano. The museum is located near the Palazzo Medici along the banks of the Arno River. You can hear the current brushing the water against the subterranean walkways.

You have found that the best moments in Italy come when you take the time to notice your surroundings. In the calm cityscape, outside of the Piazza dei Miracoli, you can’t help but notice the historic majesty of Pisa.

Siena - Pristine Past

In the morning, the sunlight highlights the strength and height of the San Gimignano’s 13 remaining towers. The wealthy 14th-century families of the city built the towers as a symbol of their wealth and prestige, once numbering 72 separate towers climbing along the hilltop. The city has an unparalleled enchantment set in the meandering cobblestone streets, climbing towers, and panorama of the Tuscan countryside. You climb to the top of Torre Grossa, standing at a height of more than 177 feet. The view is outstanding.

The red rooftops slope into the rugged sandstone facades of the old city. You can still hear the sounds of people walking along the streets. The antique ambiance of the historic city opens to the valley floor. A breeze brings cool and refreshing air. You can see as far as the Apuan Mountains in the distance. When you descend the tower, you venture into Palazzo del Pòpolo, a 14th-century building connected to the tower. Inside the connected Municipal Art Gallery, you can find a room dedicated to the 13th-century poet Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy . The poet once visited the town and stayed in the room now decorated with an elaborate collection of medieval frescoes.

Siena - Into the Palaces

Siena has a golden sheen in the morning, cast by the historic red brick buildings topped by Palazzo Pubblico, which now stands as the city’s town hall. The day is yours to explore the city, taking in the wonders of the staggering Torre del Mangia, the 334-foot tower overlooking the Piazza del Campo, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, home to numerous mosaics etched into the marble floor.

The cool breeze brushes over the hillsides, and you come to Piazza Salimbeni, surrounded on three sides by the facades of threes separate palaces. The 14th-century Gothic Palazzo Salimbeni stands at the center. The square once acted as the palace’s garden until the mid 18th-century. The palace itself now houses the offices of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, a bank founded in the 15th-century. The original decoration has been preserved, showcasing unique busts adorning the ledge above the entryway. The uniqueness of the building and its preserved nature immerses you deeper into the culture of the city and its vibrant hold of its history.

Montepulciano - Slowly Finding Tuscany

In the morning, you leave behind the hills of Siena making your way towards the charming town of Montepulciano. En route, you notice a sensational abbey standing perched on a cliff. The structure is the 15th-century Oliveto Maggiore Abbey, known as a type of territorial abbey. The creamy stones of the building stand out against the greenery of the Tuscany countryside. You access the monastery over a drawbridge, which encapsulates the brilliance of Tuscany. So much history can be preserved in the rush of perpetual progress. A terracotta of the Madonna and Child adorns the entrance arch.

The large and graceful structure opens into cavernous halls that absorb the echo of your footsteps. The oldest side of the cloister, erected between the 1420s and 1440s, contains various frescoes, one specifically painted by ll Sodoma, situated underneath the vaults and representing the masterworks of the Italian Renaissance. The work shows an account of St. Benedict’s life with marvelous detail paid to the architecture and cherubic faces of the characters. The continuous marvels of the countryside are no longer surprising but always enriching and captivating. You continue to Pienza and eventually find yourself near the palaces and the Renaissance church of Montepulciano.

Montepulciano - Renaissance Once More

Vines and cypress trees drape the tall hills of Tuscany, producing some of the most treasured wine and landscape in all of Italy. After breakfast, your guide meets you at the hotel to take you on a brief tour of the city, known for its cool wine cellars overtaking Etruscan tombs. Wine shops line the meandering streets. The walls surrounding the 16th-century town have helped preserve the historic ambiance and detail, with touches of Baroque architecture and noble familiarity perched on the hills.

The church of San Biagio stands atop a cypress-lined avenue. The golden color of travertine shines in the afternoon light at the center of Tuscan lushness. The high dome ceiling encompasses a floor plan of an equal length Greek cross. The image of the building itself is striking, and you admire the focus it took to design and create the interior. After your tour, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Florence International Airport for your flight home.

Trip Highlights

• Discover the marvels of the often overlooked Bargello Museum, including the masterworks of famous artist Donatello
• Delight in a private tour of Florence that offers an in-depth view of the Renaissance city and its exceptional artwork, architecture, and history
• Explore the exquisite architecture of the medieval town of Lucca, known for its historic walls, and filled with architectural treasures you shouldn’t miss
• Witness the exceptional design and miraculously preserved Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Follow your guide on a tour of Siena to visit the treasured palaces and museums housing some of the region’s most inspiring history and frescoes
• Visit the headquarters of one of the oldest banks in the world
• Traverse the large and embracing grounds of the magnificent abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore

Detailed Description

Each village in Tuscany has a distinct character making it feel independent of its surroundings, yet somehow fit into the encompassing collective details of Tuscany. On your 8-day Tuscany tour through the celebrated Italian province of Tuscany, you will find hill towns and Etruscan ruins, art commemorating saints and poets, sculptures and stories. Marble churches act as signs of devotion, and historic ramparts continue to protect cities from outside influences. The enchanting qualities of Tuscany vacations take you beyond the surface and deeper into the cities that house history in the artwork and artwork in their history. When you arrive at Florence International Airport, your private transfer is ready to greet you.

You enter the Renaissance city of Florence and find the preserved splendor of the past emanating from the design and décor of the historic city center. The remainder of the day is yours to become acquainted with all Florence has to offer, from the images inside Santa Croce to the delicious restaurants on the opposite side of the Arno River, known as the neighborhood of Oltrarno. The following morning, your guide meets you at the hotel after breakfast ready to lead you through the marvels of Florence, including a guided tour of the celebrated Uffizi Gallery, providing insider details of the iconic and lesser-known works.

Venture outside of Florence to the city of Lucca, located at the base of the Apuan Alps. Step beyond the historic city walls for a tour of the Romanesque churches and exquisite tower overlooking the main square. A half-day tour of Pisa shows you the classic image of the city, the Leaning Tower. Then, go deeper into the city’s history with a visit to the National Museum. Later that day, you arrive in San Gimignano for a peaceful introduction to the quiet hilltop town. After breakfast, you can traverse the vibrant streets climbing up and down the hillside, and visit the tallest tower in the city.

Continue onward to the medieval city of Siena, where you can visit the famous Siena Cathedral in the afternoon. The following day, you can take your time traversing the sensational preserved streets of Siena, visiting lesser-known yet equally wondrous sites, around the cityscape. Venture through the Tuscan countryside, visiting the magnificent abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, before enjoying a relaxing lunch in Pienza, and the rest of the day in Montepulciano. Your final day in Tuscany lets you spend some time in Montepulciano reveling in the quintessential Tuscan charm, down to the wineries encircling the city. Your private transfer meets you at your hotel in Montepulciano and escorts you to Florence International Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$2,859  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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Tuscany holidays.

Join us on one of our Tuscany tours where you will discover Italy’s rolling green hills and romantic towns. In addition to its glorious landscapes and cities of art, Tuscany is world renowned for its thermal spas and wine production. It's not surprising it's one of the most popular destinations in Italy for over 50s!

Tuscany Tours

Regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscan holidays are steeped in art, music, and literature. On our guided tours in Tuscany, we visit the crown jewel of the region, Florence where art and history lovers will be enthralled with the heritage of this beautiful city. There will be plenty of free time to soak in its incredible atmosphere and to uncover its countless attractions like the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.

Countryside blessed with unspoilt beauty, our Tuscany escorted tours explore landscapes you would only dream of. With its rich soil ideal for the cultivation of vines, olives, cereals and sunflowers, it provides the backdrop to perfectly placed hilltop villages, country churches and traditional stone farmhouses. Amidst all its splendour lies the thermal spa town of Montecatini, the ideal base for our Tuscany tours to unwind during our free days at leisure and to easily access the top sights.

Our Tuscany holidays are always popular, with guided tours to Pisa and its Leaning tower, Lucca, Siena and medieval San Gimignano. They include a variety of excursions around medieval hill towns and lush vineyards, and introduce a different way to experience this Italian region.

All our 2024 Tuscany tours include half-board hotel accommodation, flights, transfers, exciting excursions, and an expert, local guide, so all you have to worry about is what to pack – Get booking today!

Select A Guided Holiday To Tuscany

£999pp £939 pp

Classic Tuscany including Florence and Pisa

Fully Guided

Flights & Transfers

£1,139 pp

Christmas in Tuscany

£1,229 pp

New Year in Tuscany

£1,169 pp

Christmas in Tuscany - Solo Traveller

£1,259 pp

Classic Tuscany including Florence and Pisa - Solo Traveller

£1,129pp £1,099 pp

Classic Tuscany & Puccini Opera Festival

£1,319pp £1,289 pp

Treasures of Tuscany – Unique Small Group

Top places to visit & tourist attractions in tuscany.

The rich cultural and history of Florence makes it a must-see destination for any traveller. But beyond its impressive heritage, this city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the quaint late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches are a feast for the eyes. On our holidays to Tuscany, we’ll discover all of the highlights of Florence including visits to its famous Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria.

The beautiful Renaissance town of Lucca is not only the birthplace of Puccini but also the only city in Italy completely surrounded by walls. These remarkably intact city walls provide an ideal set of viewpoints from which to see the town’s rooftops, bell towers and lush surrounding countryside. On our trips to Tuscany, we’ll have free time to visit Lucca’s impressive Cathedral of San Martino, which houses Tintoretto’s painting of The Last Supper and a wooden cross carved by the biblical figure Nicodemus.

Thanks to its extraordinary Leaning Tower and the impressive Campo dei Miracoli where the tower is situated, the university town of Pisa is one of Tuscany’s top attractions. The town’s historic centre has well-preserved Romanesque architecture and spacious piazzas, where students and locals enjoy the city’s buzzing café and bar scene. On our holidays to Tuscany, we’ll get to discover this picturesque town and even have time for a picture or two with the iconic Leaning Tower.

Siena & San Gimignano

One of the most charming aspects of Tuscany are the tiny medieval towns dotted across this region’s lush landscape. On our holidays, we’ll visit two of the most scenic, Siena and San Gimignano. In Siena, a Gothic walled city that boasts some of the finest architecture in the region, we’ll wander its winding streets and impressive Piazza del Campo, home to the famous horse race. In the hilltop town of San Gimignano, we’ll have free time to admire its impressive display of medieval tower houses or try some of its delicious local wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Tuscany Escorted Tours Highlights

• Stay in Montecatini, a beautiful town built around its mineral water springs. 
• Learn more about the Renaissance with a walking tour of Florence, visit the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio .
• Explore Piazza dei Miracoli, Square of Miracles, and see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. 
• Enjoy guided excursions to quintessential Tuscan towns and cities, such as Lucca, Siena & San Gimignano.

Looking for more information? Check out our Tuscany travel guide. 

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• Blog: Cameron's Travels

How to Experience the Best of Tuscany: 12 Travel Tips for Italy’s Heartland

I love Italy. (Who doesn’t?) And after years of traveling all up and down “The Boot,” one area in particular keeps drawing me back: Tuscany, Italy’s heartland. In this country notorious for its challenging idiosyncrasies, Tuscany is the one place where everything is in perfect, serene harmony. What’s not to love? Amazing art — check. Gregarious locals — check. Epic history — check. Stunning landscapes — check. Incredible food — check. Entertaining cities — check. Gelato — super-check.

Six months ago, as I was plotting out my summer travels, I volunteered to do some guidebook-updating work in Italy: Orvieto, Assisi, and, oh, I don’t know, maybe a few other places… like, say… Tuscany?

Jennifer Madison Davis, the managing editor who keeps our guidebook production schedule humming like a finely tuned machine, eyed me suspiciously. “ Tuscany , eh?” She remembers all too well that the last time I went to Tuscany on a guidebook-updating expedition, I came home with a chapter twice as long as the one I left with…including a nine-page, fresco-by-fresco, self-guided tour of an obscure monastery tucked deep in the Tuscan hills. “Now, why might you want to go to Tuscany?”

I cut to the chase: “Look, I just want to go. I promise that I won’t get carried away. I’ll just update what’s already there. Honest!”

She went for it. And now I’m back in one of my favorite places on earth.

When I’m in the bucolic heart of Tuscany, I have trouble getting to sleep. I’m amped up, like I’m a toy-crazy little kid and every night is Christmas Eve. My head spins with the sublime experiences of the day that just ended, and my pulse quickens thinking about what tomorrow will bring. It’s like I’m on some sort of globetrotting drug…freebasing the essence of peak travel. And when I get home, it all feels like some sort of surreal fever dream. (Or maybe it’s just all the pecorino and truffles.)

Our tour company just announced a brand-new Best of Tuscany Tour for 2020. Impeccably designed by Heather Lawless and other experts and guides in our Tour Operations department, it weaves together 12 days of vivid Tuscan experiences. Comparing notes with Heather as she’s put this tour together, I’m both gratified to see many of my personal favorites on the list…and impressed by how many entirely new-to-me experiences Heather has sniffed out. I’ve led many Rick Steves’ Europe Tours, but I’ve never been on one just for fun. That’s about to change — my wife and I are signing up to be tour members on the Best of Tuscany in 2020.

Why is Tuscany my first choice for a European vacation? I think it’s because it’s so experience-rich. And, after years of visits, I’ve assembled this “best of” list — a running tally of the intensely pleasurable experiences that put Tuscany in travel’s all-time hall of fame. Here my top dozen things to do in Tuscany — whether you’re going with a tour, or on your own.

Bask in Stunning Scenery

One of Tuscany’s calling cards is its mind-bending scenery: Sumptuous, extravagantly green, undulating farm fields that look like a painting. Hillsides grooved with twisty rural roads and lined with pointy cypress trees. Stately churches, humble chapels, rustic farmhouses, and circles of trees perched just so in resplendent tableaus. But it’s not just the landscape. Beauty is in the DNA of Tuscans. One Siena native recently told me that Tuscans consider themselves the inheritors and stewards of a centuries-long legacy of beauty. Every tree that’s planted, every farmhouse that’s restored, every road that’s re-routed — it’s all carefully considered not only on practical or economic merits, but also on aesthetics.

Here’s a list of the best viewpoints in Tuscany — where you can snap postcard-worthy photos of your own. 

Have a “Zero-Kilometer” Meal on a Farm

“Farm-to-table” was a thing in Tuscany centuries before it became trendy among 21st-century American foodies. Tuscans have always been keenly aware that the same produce can taste very different, depending on the specific conditions in which it’s grown — soil, sun exposure, micro-climate, and so on. Many Tuscan farms invite visitors to learn about how they make their wine, olive oil, and prosciutto. You can walk through the vineyards, check out the olive press, and step into the hut where giant ham hocks hang on racks, slowly curing in the dry air. The ultimate farm experience is having a “zero-kilometer” meal — meaning that all of the ingredients are sourced from within less than a kilometer of where they’re eaten. A meal like this is an interplay of earthy flavors, where the taste of each item enhances, and is enhanced by, the taste of every other item. At a zero-kilometer meal, you’re not just eating food. You are, in effect, eating a very specific place .

Read about a zero-kilometer meal you can experience just outside of Montalcino.

Ogle Great Art in a Forgotten Church

During the 1400s and 1500s, the Tuscan art world had a very, very, very deep bench: Michelangelo. Da Vinci. Raphael. Donatello. And many others (Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Giotto, Vasari, Fra Angelico) who don’t share their names with radioactive turtles. But many of my favorite works don’t hang in famous Florence museums; they’re hidden away in off-the-beaten-path towns and overlooked countryside churches. Two examples stick out in my mind: In Arezzo, you can step into the Technicolor apse of the town church to see luscious frescoes by Piero della Francesca. And deep in the Tuscan countryside, at the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the cloister is gloriously frescoed with fascinating works by Luca Signorelli and Il Sodoma — offering both a lesson in the life of St. Benedict, and countless examples of two dueling artists whose egos ran amuck 600 years ago. Best of all, because 99 percent of travelers have never heard of these sights, they’re all yours.

Read more about these two overlooked Tuscan masterpieces…and why Il Sodoma may be the quirkiest character in art history. 

Meet a Real-Life Artisan

Because of their deep dedication to beauty, many Tuscans have devoted their lives to mastering a craft — creating something with care and precision, while carrying on a proud aesthetic tradition going back centuries. If you take the time to slow down and seek out these modern-day masters, you’re left with indelible memories: Roberto the alabaster sculptor. Cesare the coppersmith. Adamo the vintner. Giulio the steak maestro. Nicola the gelato artist. (All of these craftspeople — and others — are recommended in our Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook ). If you want something done just right, with precision artistry and care…find yourself a Tuscan.

Here are four Tuscan artisans you can get to know in Montepulciano.

Sleep (and Eat) at an Agriturismo

Italy has more than 20,000 agriturismi : farms that are subsidized by the government to introduce travelers to a unique pastoral lifestyle. Agriturismi  are required to be working farms (that is, they must actually produce something) while also offering accommodations, restaurants, educational activities, or all of the above. Settling into an agriturismo , you meet fascinating locals and feel close to the earth. It’s like summer camp for grownups. We recommend our favorites in the  Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook , and you can also find a comprehensive list at Agriturismo.it .

Read more about one of our favorite agriturismi : Cretaiole, just outside of Pienza.

Play “King of the Castle” atop a Fortified Tower

Tuscany is crazy about its towers — whether it’s the turreted townhouse of a wealthy local bigwig in San Gimignano, the fancy facade of a humble town hall in  Montepulciano or Volterra, the towering City Hall of Siena, or the famously tipsy bell tower at Pisa’s Field of Miracles . Tuscany’s towers date from a time long before there was an “Italy” — when this area was a loose collection of city-states and wealthy families, all vying for the upper hand. Towers both served a defensive purpose and stood as status symbols for proud communities. That architectural legacy is a boon for today’s travelers, who enjoy climbing to the tops of these towers for views over the rooftops and rolling hills of Tuscany.

Learn more about the roots of Tuscany’s obsession with towers. 

Lick Artisanal Gelato

My favorite gelato artist in Tuscany, Nicola Sgarbi, is a perfectionist…a total gelato snob. He makes several batches fresh every morning, so they’re not even available until mid-day. And then, in the late afternoon, when they’re gone — they’re gone. But if you’re lucky enough to hit his shop when he’s all stocked up, you’ll enjoy his explosively flavorful creations. Nicola goes all-in on seasonal flavors (creamy basil), surprising combinations (carrot-ginger, kiwi-spinach), and top quality. Nicola’s gelaterie — in Pienza and in Montepulciano — are just two of many great places to try top-quality gelato in Tuscany.

Get to know my favorite gelato artist, Nicola. Or study up on how to sniff out the best gelato wherever you go, anywhere in Italy.

Get to Know the Etruscans

Hold on! Stick with me. Don’t let your eyes glaze over. I know — when compared to things like gelato and Michelangelo and pappardelle alla bolognese , it’s hard to get excited about the people who lived in Tuscany 3,000 years ago. But the Etruscans may well be the most fascinating prehistoric people you’ve never even thought about. Not only did their advanced culture lay a foundation for the ancient Romans, and ultimately for all of Western Civilization. Not only did they warn Julius Caesar about the Ides of March and give their name to the region of Tuscany. But, despite all of this, the Etruscans left virtually nothing tangible behind — shrouding their distant civilization in mystery. A few tragically under-visited museums around Tuscany display what does survive, including delicate artwork (like the hauntingly beautiful statue called The Evening Shadow, or L’Ombra della Sera) and evocative funerary urns, showing Etruscans with big personalities lounging at an eternal banquet for the gods. Give the Etruscans a little bit of your touristic attention…and you may just find yourself entranced by the stories they have to tell.

Here are a few of Tuscany’s top Etruscan artifacts, and where to find them.

Sail Away to Elba for an Island Getaway

So much of the traveler’s Tuscany is rolling farm fields, world-class art, stony hill towns, and hearty, meaty cuisine. For a change of pace, consider hopping a ferry for the one-hour crossing to the little isle of Elba. I went there earlier this summer (researching a new chapter for the upcoming 18th edition of our  Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook ) and was totally charmed by the place. Elba is synonymous with Napoleon, who was exiled here for 10 months after his bitter defeat. Today, touring his now-shabby residences is poignant. But there’s much more to this rocky little island: pebbly beaches, hardworking harbors, seafood dinners, and a truly terrifying gondola ride. Elba makes for a relaxing island escape from a busy Tuscan itinerary.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of splicing a little Tuscan seaside into your trip, check out my full report on Elba.

Take a Cooking Class

“Tuscan cooking classes” are an entire subgenre of travel. I’ve blogged more about that subject than I have about entire countries. That’s because this region has an outrageously appealing food culture — ranging from big, sloppy plates of pasta to refined high cuisine. And there’s a cooking class for every taste: hand-rolling pasta in a casual, family-friendly setting; going to the private residence of a talented home chef to assemble a seasonal feast; hanging out in the kitchen of a Michelin-star chef ; and everything in between. Also remember to look beyond the kitchen. While not technically a “cooking class,” going on a truffle hunt in a Tuscan forest — chasing after a smart-as-a-whip dog who has the scent of those precious deposits — gives you a whole new appreciation for a plate of truffle pasta.

For inspiration, here’s a rundown of my all-time-favorite Tuscan cooking classes.

Linger on a Convivial Piazza and Join the Passeggiata

Tuscany is all about community. And there’s no better place to commune with the Tuscans than on the piazza, or main square — particularly in the late afternoon, when families are out strolling…doing those aimless laps that they call the passeggiata. Each Tuscan town’s piazza has its own special character: Florence’s is in the shadow of the towering Palazzo Vecchio. Pienza’s is a perfect Renaissance cube. Lucca’s follows the footprint of an old Roman amphitheater. And Siena’s — the best of them all — is a vast, slanted, brick-paved oblong that hosts a twice-yearly horse race. These are places where it’s actually worth paying way too much for a fancy aperitivo for the privilege of just hanging out at an al fresco table and getting serious about people-watching. Then, hop out of your chair and join the informal people parade as it promenades through the traffic-free town center. Become a temporary Tuscan. Come to understand the local saying, il dolce far niente — “the sweetness of doing nothing.”

Looking for the ultimate Tuscan piazza? Check out this “best of” list.

Visit Off-Season — and Have the Place to Yourself

Tuscany — like other popular European destinations — can be extremely crowded. Fortunately, the region remains entertaining off-season, when things are much quieter. One of my all-time favorite trips to Tuscany came in late November . It was chilly but not cold, a crop of winter wheat blanketed the hillsides with a green vibrancy, seasonal ingredients (like chestnuts, persimmons, and truffles) infused each meal with autumnal flavors, and — best of all — we could simply show up spontaneously at museums and restaurants that would have been mobbed a few months before. While off-season travel comes with its downsides (cooler weather, earlier closing times, fewer daylight hours), visiting Tuscany outside of peak season can be a great plan for flexible travelers.

Here’s what to expect in off-season Tuscany.

There’s so much more that I haven’t covered here — cycling around Lucca’s ramparts , taking a dip in the Roman-era hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, doing a tasting of high-end “Super Tuscan” wines at a Florentine enoteca — but hopefully this is enough to stoke your wanderlust for your next trip to Tuscany.

What have I forgotten? What are some of your favorite Tuscan experiences?

This roundup is designed to inspire you to pack your trip with quintessential Tuscan experiences. For all of the details on everything described here, check out our Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany  guidebook .

Or…let someone else do all that planning. My inspiration for this piece is the arrival of our just-announced Best of Tuscany in 12 Days Tour , which weaves together, in some form or another, virtually all of the experiences I’ve described here. I’ve already signed up for one of the 2020 departures — just for fun (no work this time, I promise). Maybe I’ll see you there.

21 Replies to “How to Experience the Best of Tuscany: 12 Travel Tips for Italy’s Heartland”

Cameron, Just wondering if you, Sarah Corfield, or any of the guides (including Rick) have been to ‘Basco della Ragnaia’, just outside the village of San Giovanni D’Asso? It’s an interesting art garden of an eccentric (U.S., I think) artist, open to the public. I thought the village was fun, also.

It’s a great garden. The story behind that garden is very special. We had one of our most memorable lunch up at the castle restaurant in town.

Hi, Rick. Yes, I have been to that lovely garden! It is, as you describe, somewhat eccentric and an enjoyable place for a little walk. In fact, I went there once after a truffle hunt (with the hunter and his dog), simply to learn about the garden. Suddenly the dog got excited, started digging, and discovered a truffle right in the middle of a pathway through the park. San Giovanni d’Asso itself is a nice little town (and very striking from afar, since it perches on a little plateau). Many great truffle-focused eateries there…

My trip was in 2005, Loved it, wish I could live the there, did almost everything you suggested except cooking class, not enough time.

We stayed in an Agriturismo outside of Orvieto and had the most amazing farm to table communal meals there with guests from all over the world. Highly recommend!!

What was the name of the place you stayed? It sounds lovely. Thanks

What was the name of that farm to table? We are looking close to Orvieto!

Touring Tuscany in May 2016 was a dream…I was lucky to have a seasoned traveler to Italy with me……..trying hard to pack in Florence, Cinque Terre, followed by a leisurely week in Lucca ( followed by 5 days in Montepulciano )where we rented a lovely apartment and got to know the local baker and the veg &fruit lady…… we rented bikes and rode the rampart surrounding the town…..but the very best experience was a live concert of Puccini arias in a lovely old church ( since Puccini spent some time in Lucca….the town has claimed him as their own… with concerts one evening a week pretty much throughout the year…..front row….we could most reach out and touch the performers…..breathtakingly beautiful ! 4+ stars !

We attended that same opera while visiting Lucca. Then went on to have one of our most outstanding dinners while in Italy. It was one of our best memories of that trip.

We love Tuscany…have been to Cesare’s workshop where he made a gift for us. We stayed at a marvelous B &B in Montalcino. And a wonderful Agriturismo just outside Assisi….we had a glorious view of Assisi and could easily hear the church bells pealing. As an added bonus we were able to throw open our shuttered windows….it was April and the nights were cool…and one of the resident cats hopped through the windows and spent the night in bed with us!

I’m so excited cuz I’m booked on the September departure of the Tuscany tour. Thank you for this new tour and thanks so very, very much for all the wonderful experiences I’ve had with your tours. You have changed my life in such a wonderful way that I can’t even express. Happy Travels!!!

I want to move there! Looking into it…

Hi Steve, your Italy book recommended one of my favourite little towns, “civita di bagnoregio” if someone wants to travel off the beaten path. I found it a magical place to visit.

My wife, Sandy, and I have been to Italy several times and Tuscany is our favorite. Our last visit was in April, 2017 and we stayed two weeks in a condo located in the serene countryside near Assisi. We rented a little Fiat 500 and enjoyed day trips from our home base, buzzing along the narrow country roads throughout Tuscany and Umbria. We chose one destination per day, soaking in the scenery and ambience of each, visiting farmers markets and vineyards, and enjoying an inexpensive lunch (usually per Rick’s recommendations). Of course, we always indulged in a mid-afternoon gelato, too! During each day’s jaunt, we loved speaking with the locals in our limited Italian and they seemed to love (and get a kick out of) our attempts to do so! We usually returned late to our little condo and I cooked up the fresh veggies and pasta that we purchased for a few Euros along our journey, enjoying it with a little Tuscan vino and fragrant bread. Over dinner, we discussed our plans for the next day’s adventure. This was our favorite visit to Italy and our takeaways were: 1) spend a couple of weeks in one homebase location (if possible); 2) rent a vehicle for sightseeing in Tuscany; 3) Learn a little Italian and speak to the people you meet; 4) Try doing some of your own cooking with the amazing, fresh Tuscan produce; 5) Enjoy a daily glass of Tuscan wine and, of course, a gelato!

My wife and I have been to Siena three times, but the most memorable visit included two days before and after the New Year, especially because of the magnificent 360-degree video projection in the palazzo leading up to the New Year countdown. As fate–and the surprising Italian planning would have it–the video was completely Beatles themed, if I recall correctly. Everyone in attendance sang along to the group’s many hits and without a hint of an Italian accent. The thing that made the night most memorable, however, was that in the two or three hours before the celebration, a steady rain had been falling and we had waffled on whether to go to the party. We’ve always been glad that we decided to go. However, I’m still upset with the local guy who kissed my wife at the stroke of midnight before I did. (I just checked my records, and the end of this year will mark the tenth anniversary of that visit.)

PS: We don’t go to Europe without a Rick Steves’ book to guide us.

We have been to Cretaiole several times and it is our favorite place on earth. Isabella taught us to make pici. One visit was at Halloween, a fabulous time of year to go! The harvests and cooler air, the scent of roast chestnuts in Pienza, the warm uncrowded waters of Saturnia were unforgettable.

Tuscany and the Cinque Terre are our favorites. One night in Vernazza, we sat on the cliffs with a view of the full moon over the Mediterranean! And fireflies (none where we live) just added to the magic.

Ugh, five weeks from today I was heading to Italy to start the new Tuscany tour. Oh well. Hope to do it in the future!

Looking for recommendations for moving about Tuscany in Oct 2021. We are a group of 6 and we would like to spend 2-3 nights in area as we move from Cinque Terre to Florence. We think we’d like a driver/ vehicle so we could travel about together. To rent our own van doesn’t make sense. Also favorite lodging is appreciated.

Hello Cameron, Thank you for this delightful article. We all know how 2020 turned out but thankfully there is 2022 coming up and we signed up for this tour. I’ll be scouring more through the links you posted so we can maximize our time in Tuscany next year. Can’t wait!

Thank you Cameron..love all the information. Our 7th Rick Steves tour coming up! We just signed up for Best of Tuscany in May, 2022. We’ve been on the wait list..got in..so excited..celebrating my 71st B’day!

Comments are closed.

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Classic Tuscany & The Puccini Opera Festival - with RTÉ Lyric fm's Marty in the Morning

Fully Guided

Flights & Transfers

• Discover the picturesque charm of Tuscany, Italy’s most famous region with Marty Whelan. 
• Enjoy a special open-air performance of Puccini's greatest masterpiece Tosca in Torre del Lago
• Spend 7 nights in Montecatini, a scenic town surrounded by natural thermal springs.
• Experience the Renaissance capital on a day trip to Florence, including stops at the Ponte Vecchio & Duomo.  
• Learn about the incredible architecture & history of Lucca & Pisa on a guided day tour.
• Visit the traditional Italian towns of Siena & San Gimignano on a full day guided excursion.
• Explore at your own pace with plenty of leisure time & recommendations from your expert guide.

Please contact us for more information

Add to wishlist, remove from wishlist, view hotels, your guided group holiday to tuscany.

RTÉ lyric fm is teaming up with Travel Department for a very special programme. Listen in this August to hear 'Marty in the Morning' live from Tuscany.

Join lyric fm’s Marty Whelan for a night at the opera in the glorious surrounds of Tuscany and the Puccini Festival. Regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, many famous artists, including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, have called Tuscany home throughout the centuries. The area is not only rich in art and culture but is also world renowned for its medieval hill towns, lush vineyards, olive groves and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

On this 7-night holiday we will visit the beautiful city of Florence with its famous Piazza della Signoria and travel to Lucca, a walled city that was the birthplace of Puccini. We will also visit Siena, a city famous for its art, cuisine, museums and medieval landscape and the small medieval town of San Gimignano. A highlight for many is the trip to Pisa, which is home not only to the tower, but also to some magnificent cathedrals and baroque buildings.

The Puccini Festival is held annually during July and August to celebrate the life and works of the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. Together with Marty, we will enjoy a special open air performance of Puccini's greatest masterpiece Tosca in Torre del Lago on the banks of Lake Massaciuccoli as part of this special Classic Tuscany holiday.

Trip Itinerary

Activity Level: Moderate

Moderate itinerary likely to have some early starts, longer days and coach journeys, including walking tours of 2-4 hours possibly on uneven terrain with stops. You should have reasonable health and mobility.

Travel to Italy

Transfer to montecatini.

Upon arrival in Italy, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel in Montecatini. 

Guided Walking Tour of Florence

Join us for a full day excursion exploring Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance!

This morning our guide will take us on a walking tour, exploring this fascinating city. We will witness the famous Duomo (cathedral) with its elaborate green and pink façade before moving on to the Piazza della Signoria, which was the centre of the Florentine Republic and remains the political hub of the city. We will discover more as we walk towards the Arno River to see the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which has shops built along the length of it.

We will have our afternoon free for lunch, sightseeing or perhaps do some shopping at the famous Leather Market.

Lucca & Pisa

Visit lucca.

This morning let’s join our guide for a full day excursion, discovering more of this delightful region of Italy.

We start with a visit to Lucca, birthplace of the renowned composer Puccini and the only town in Italy entirely surrounded by walls.  Our expert local guide will take us on a walk through the streets of this prosperous city, crammed with beautiful Romanesque churches.

After the tour, we can enjoy free time to refuel with some lunch or explore the city further before our afternoon visit to Pisa.

Explore Pisa

We travel to Pisa where we will visit the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to perhaps the most iconic building in Italy – the Leaning Tower. The famous lean was caused by poor foundations, which could not support the structure’s weight. The tilt continued to increase before the tower was completed and was corrected in the 20 th  and 21 st  centuries. During our tour we will also discover Pisa Cathedral and the many baroque buildings which make up the Square of Miracles.

Puccini Museum & Opera Performance

Visit the puccini museum.

This morning we will enjoy a visit to the Puccini Museum in Torre del Lago. The Museum Villa Puccini is the former home of the composer, housing photos and relics from Puccini's life including his piano and the chapel with his tomb.

Opera Performance

This evening, Marty Whelan will meet us for a small drinks reception and dinner in our hotel, before accompanying you to the Gran Teatro all'Aperto in Torre de Lago for a performance Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca. F irst performed in 1900, is an Italian tragedy in three acts. Set in Rome during the time of the Napoleonic Wars it is the story of a love triangle focusing on a strong female character.

Free Time in Montecatini

Today, there will be a full day to relax and enjoy the charms of Montecatini. Take a stroll around this welcoming spa town, treat yourself to a coffee in one of the many cafes, or take the cable car to hilltop Montecatini Alto. Our guide will be happy to offer suggestions for activities and places to see.

Siena & San Gimignano

Guided tour of siena.

Let’s see more, as we continue to explore and uncover the beauty of Tuscany !

Our day begins with a guided tour of Siena, a city famous for its art, cuisine, museums and medieval landscape. Here, we will visit the Piazza del Campo, home of the famous Palio horse race held twice a year.

Explore San Gimignano

In the afternoon we continue to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the “Town of Fine Towers”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is encircled by walls and is famous for its medieval architecture and impressive skyline. We will have free time to explore the history and narrow streets – perhaps take this opportunity to try the local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, made from grapes grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. 

Explore Montecatini at Your Pace

Enjoy a final day in Montecatini at your own pace.  Pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or treat yourself in one of the nine thermal centres, where you can enjoy everything from massages to mud baths, saunas to beauty treatments. 

Return Home

Depart italy.

Time to say 'arrivederci' to Tuscany! 

We'll check out of our hotel and depart by coach to the airport for our return flight.

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You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.

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Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements

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13 Perfect Looks to Pack if You’re Going to Tuscany or Want to Emulate Italian Summer Style — From $10

Starting with a breezy sundress and comfortable walking sneakers.

As a travel editor who’s been to more than 40 countries, I’ve seen a lot of the world — but I still haven’t found anywhere that compares to Italy in the summer . My sun-kissed memories of cruising around Capri, leather-shopping in Florence, and bike riding through Chianti vineyards are some of my fondest, which is why I can’t wait to get back there in May. This time I’ll be focusing on Tuscany, and you can bet that I plan to live out my dreams of lounging by the villa pool with a spritz in hand.

Of course, I’m going to need a wardrobe that lives up to the glam of this trip (but that fits in a carry-on since I haven’t checked a bag in four-plus years , and I’m not about to start now). With past Italy visits under my belt, I already know I’ll need comfortable walking shoes and a breezy sundress , but I’m adding a few new looks to my suitcase, including wide-leg pants and a matching set . Here’s what I’m eyeing for my trip to Italy — and hopefully, it’ll inspire all of your out-of-office adventures near and far, too.

The Perfect Sundress

I can see it now: I’m walking through Florence with a gelato and admiring the Duomo, wearing the perfect sundress. For this, I’ve already picked up the Melody Smocked Midi Dress from Madewell in black knowing it’ll take me from day to night — city walk to aperitivo — effortlessly. Thanks to its ultra-flattering fit with a smocked top and gentle A-line flare, I wouldn’t doubt if you see this midi dress way beyond Italy this summer. I’m going to pair it with white sneakers during the day and my platform sandals in the evening. I’m also eyeing this beautiful white sundress and this aptly named “Tagliatelle” dress from Reformation .

Comfortable White Sneakers

I’ve been a loyal fan of the celeb-loved Veja Campo sneakers for years now, but after reading rave reviews of these cushioned, platform Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers , I may just make the upgrade before my trip. Even Oprah loves this brand , with shoppers saying they feel like “walking on clouds.” Sounds like they’re worth it, especially since they’re on sale. I plan to wear these with everything from my breezy sundresses to casual shorts. 

Leather Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

It’s practically shameful to walk through Florence’s leather market without your own nice leather bag, and this one from Lo & Sons recently changed my world . The stylish, versatile Lo & Sons Waverley 2 4-in-1 Bag has a convertible strap that makes it four bags in one. I can wear it on my shoulder, crossbody for more security, as a belt bag to keep my hands free, and as a wristlet for a night out. That covers pretty much everything on my itinerary — and cuts down on packing space.

Tailored Shorts

These high-waisted shorts are so classy and elegant, they practically scream “Italy vacation.” French-girl-favorite and T+L editor-loved brand Sézane must’ve thought so too because they named this style “Rome.” I love the elevated, tailored details like pleating and cuffs. For the same look for less, I’d spring for these casual $26 linen shorts or classic $25 white shorts from Amazon.

Oversized White Button-down Shirt

I’m convinced there’s no trip I can’t use this Hotouch oversized white button-down shirt for, which is why it’s a permanent part of my travel capsule wardrobe . I can use it to cover up in the morning or evening if it’s chilly or if I enter a church, or I can throw it on over a bathing suit by the villa pool in Tuscany. (Psst, you can shop more of our favorite oversized button-downs here!)

Maybe it’s the White Lotus Tanya McQuoid in me, but I can’t imagine my Italy trip without a silk scarf to tie around my neck or hair (while riding a Vespa, probably). I’m eyeing this pretty, neutral one from Fonyve from Amazon since it’s a steal at $10. I was sold the moment I read this five-star review from a fellow traveler: “Elegant, well-made scarf…The colors of these are very vibrant and look like expensive scarves from Italy.” 

I always had a lot of trouble finding sunglasses that fit my narrow face (I used to buy kids’ sizes!) — until I tried these frames at Warby Parker, the same affordable brand that makes my eyeglasses. I love that they have narrow, medium, and wide sizes to fit pretty much any face, and you can add polarization and your prescription to them, all for way less than you’d normally pay for name-brand sunglasses. There’s far less guilt than if I lost my Ray-Bans, but they’re still nicer than super cheap ones. If you’re still not ready to shell out $95 for a quality pair, you can’t go wrong with these Sojos vintage sunglasses at Amazon, which look just like them but are only $15. 

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

I’ve written before about how Madewell’s Harlow wide-leg pants are the comfiest pants I own and go with absolutely everything (I even purchased another color after originally buying them), but I’ll sing their praises again and again. They are made from a luxuriously soft lyocell-linen blend that keeps things cool even on hot days, and I’ve found they wrinkle far less than my 100 percent linen pants.

Thin Leather Belt

Sometimes crafting the perfect travel outfit is all about accessories, and the right belt can take a good outfit from good to bellissima. This thin, understated option from Jasgood adds just the right amount of polish to a look whether it’s cinching a billowy dress or adding the cherry on top of the perfect pants. Adding a belt is also great for switching up looks from day to day.

Cardigan Sweater

Nights can get chilly in the Tuscan hills — even June and July see lows of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why I pack a versatile cardigan that pairs with all my looks in case I get cold. To pass my Italy packing list test, I usually ask myself, “Would Audrey Hepburn have worn this?” And this one from J. Crew passed the test . There’s something decidedly European about its classic stripes, and its neutral palette will match with anything I pack. While the 100 percent cotton sweater is on sale for less than $100 (and has an impressive 4.7 rating), I found a more affordable lookalike at Amazon for just $40.

Matching Set

Matching sets are the epitome of no-fuss, one-and-done outfits that look put-together for any event on the itinerary, whether you’re sipping Chianti at a vineyard or exploring town. Plus, you can mix and match them with other shorts and tops in your suitcase for maximum outfit potential. I splurged on the Noah Two-piece Set from Reformation (look how perfect that “linguini” print is for an Italian wedding weekend event!) but I also have and would recommend something very similar to this $33 matching set from Amazon.

Wide-brim Packable Sun Hat

I plan to soak up the Tuscan sun on this trip and to make sure I’m protected and looking stylish, I’ll pack my trusty J.Crew Packable Sun Hat that’s taken me from Egypt to Greece and back. It easily folds right up into my carry-on, and only takes minimal zhuzhing to get back to its original shape. I’d snap one up while they’re still 62 percent off if I were you.

High-waist Yoga Shorts

One of the most magical moments of my last trips to Tuscany was a bike ride through Chianti. I’m planning to convince my travel partners to re-create that, and I know for that I’ll need some athletic shorts like this pair I swear by from The Gym People. They’re perfect when strolling through markets paired with my oversized white button-down, sun hat, and sneakers. 

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11 Best Hotels in Tuscany, From the Coast to the Outskirts of Florence

By Alex Erdekian

While Tuscany is hands-down one of the best places in Italy to visit, there's no getting around it—it's difficult to plan a trip there. The myriad of tiny towns you've never heard of, vineyards, hills, and networks of highways to cross en route to your destination are the region's entire charm, but also are what makes it so complicated to navigate. However, a great hotel (and accommodating concierge) can help smooth out the process—which is why we've rounded up Condé Nast Traveler's highest regarded Tuscany hotels. Read on for 11 of the best hotels in Tuscany.

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and reviewed by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

La Roqqa Arrow

The location: Porto Ercole, an area with built in exclusivity due to a hard to reach location on a quiet bay

Top amenities: Balconies or terraces in every room; everything from hiking and biking tours to horse riding or wine tasting tours can be arranged by the guest services team

It’s been eons since a new hotel graced Porto Ercole, a chic but discreet village on the Monte Argentario peninsula that’s home to Caravaggio’s tomb. The newcomer creating ripples on this part of the rock-strewn Maremma coastline is petite La Roqqa, a cliffside retreat whose distinctive coral-orange façade and secluded views of the Tyrrhenian Sea provide a forward-looking alternative to Hotel Il Pellicano, the area’s sine qua non grande dame since 1965. In the 55 rooms and suites, floor-to-ceiling windows let sunshine flood onto walls of sage green or Terra di Siena orange, which pop against crisp white bed linen. Designers Palomba Serafini, Milanese masters of uncluttered contemporary chic, have mixed midcentury pieces and Gaetano Pesce’s iconic Up chairs with ultramodern features, including an eye-catching white central staircase spiraling from the entrance. On the alfresco rooftop, Ferragamo-clad locals sip Negronis gilded by sunset rays in view of the 16th-century Forte Stella and harbor yachts below. Aperitivo hour turns into dinner at the outdoor Scirocco restaurant, where chef Francesco Ferretti knocks up fresh sea bass and other local seafood capped with Venetian grappa. Days spent lounging at the hotel’s smart Isolotto Beach Club are broken up by lunches of avocado and tuna salads paired with a local white. Or you can ask friendly staff to book you a Vespa tour along the rugged coast. It’s la dolce vita reimagined for the next generation. —Erin Florio

Hotel Il Pelicano Arrow

Porto Ercole

The location: Porto Ercole, a coastal town in Southern Tuscany situated around a yacht-filled harbor, halfway between Florence and Rome Top amenities: The beach club—one of Italy's best oceanfront properties, and a 2023 Michelin-starred restaurant

Il Pelicano is one of Italy's most legendary and best-known hotels, one which has been open since 1979 and where Sophia Loren and other Hollywood royalty have stayed. The bedrooms are crisp and bright: some have ocean views, some have balconies and terraces, and some have floors made of Carrera marble. The more casual restaurant, Pelligrill, is considered a classic with the yacht crowd and overlooks the pool and ocean, perfect for sunset; while the 2023 Michelin-starred Restaurant Il Pellicano earned accolades for its creative uses of ingredients from land and sea including pigeon, lobster, and shrimp.

Casa Iris Arrow

The location: Orbetello, a small, walled coastal town on a lagoon and a peninsula, Grosseto, once the site of an ancient Etruscan settlement; located midway between Florence and Rome

Top amenities: Breakfast served, highly personal service from the two owners

This luxurious, all-done-up bed and breakfast, set in a peach colored palazzo on the town's main drag, is highly personal, with just three bedrooms inside and the owners filling the roles of concierges. Before they purchased it, the 15th century property was full of historic frescoes—the owners proceeded to hire a restorer who had worked on the Sistine Chapel to make it their own. A cozy breakfast is served to guests in the communal kitchen, featuring fresh apricot jam; and the rooms are works of art, with walls whose historic layers of paint have been scraped into designs.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco Arrow

The location: Montalcino, a hilltop town famed for its production of Brunello di Montalcino wine, made from the town's sangiovese grosso grapes—it's an hour and a half by car from Florence and 45 minutes by car from Siena

Top amenities: On-site Brunello di Montalcino winery, 18-hole golf course, cooking classes, spa, infinity pool, truffle-hunting outings

We've already listed the terrific amenities—which, yes, include truffle hunting—but if you need more information on Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, we'll go on. This Tuscan estate is on 5,000 acres and has 42 suites and 11 villas. Travel reporter and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Laura Itzkowitz —who lived in Rome previously and writes often about Italy—describes the bedrooms as “lavish” in her hotel review for the magazine:

“If money were no object,” she writes, “I would check into one of the sumptuous villas and never leave. Each one comes with a private heated pool, though some feature woodburning pizza ovens, a home theater, or tennis court.”

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Abigail Malbon

Castello di Vicarello Arrow

Poggi del Sasso

The location: A true village in central Italy with a population of 88

Top amenities: Vegetable garden with ingredients used in food on-site, yoga, alfresco spa

This nine-suite retreat, formerly an actual family home, is set within a 12th century medieval castle. But in spite of the down-home, rustic setting—there are no TVs—this place is totally chic. Mario Testino shot a Vogue photo shoot here featuring Lara Stone. The food is an offering that sets Castello di Vicarello apart from the others in the Tuscany hotel landscape. Here's how contributor Sophie Goodwin describes it in her first-person Condé Nast Traveler hotel review: “Ingredients are fresh from the vegetable garden, eggs straight from the chicken coop, and cakes and bread baked every morning. Breakfast is slices of Pecorino with bread, eggs with sunny orange yolks, and strong Italian coffee. Wild boar is breaded and served with a dollop of olive-oily-aioli, the al-dente spaghetti comes with fresh tomato.”

We don't need any more convincing.

Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa Arrow

The location: Outside the walled medieval city of Lucca, an all-time classic day trip from Florence

Top amenities: Spa, pool, bar, 24-hour service

The Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, a 180-room luxury resort hotel by Marriott International, is surrounded by 1,500 acres of green hills and land—and by all of the special perks, amenities, and experiences you would expect from the brand. These include marble bathrooms in the rooms, cooking classes from the restaurant, and destination weddings packages. The ideal location in the heart of Tuscany means exploring the region's vineyards, tasting wine, and biking, hiking, and horseback riding are all activities on demand—not to mention the ability to stroll through the historic towns of Lucca and Barga.

Fontelunga Hotel & Villas Arrow

The location: The city of Arezzo, in eastern Tuscany, is well-known among history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike, and is home to a famed 15th century fresco of Mary Magdalene, as well as ample Chianti wine vineyards

Top amenities: Complimentary breakfast and bicycles, pool bar, on-site dinner parties, private cooking lessons at an extra cost

Italy writer Bridget Arsenault kicks off her hotel review of Villa Fontelunga in the dreamiest way possible:

“Set amid 200 olive trees,” she writes, “Villa Fontelunga's marmalade-colored building appears against the blue sky as you enter the driveway. Set within the beautiful hilltop town of Cortona, the hotel offers spectacular views across the Val di Chiana in the heart of Tuscany. An intimate, fairly remote Tuscan getaway, this hotel takes some research to track down. Once there, you'll find everyone from honeymooners to Italian adventure-seekers inspired by Under The Tuscan Sun to retired couples enjoying la dolce vita.” If that isn't inspiring enough, the details she reports—including the two tiny dogs who run around the property, the Tuesday and Thursday chef-hosted dinner parties, and the honesty bar by the pool—really seal the deal.

Relais Sant'Elena Arrow

The location: Bibbona, situated between beach and forest, and home to a centuries-old fortress and medieval piazzas Top amenities: Complimentary breakfast with an Instagrammable spread, guided farm tour with olive oil tasting, cooking class, holistic spa

This dreamy farmhouse-style 16-room boutique hotel emulates the Tuscan experience to a tee. Guests enter a secluded tangle of ivy, rose gardens, stone walls, and wood beams, the stuff of Italian storybooks. The rooms and the dining program alike are top-tier. Bedrooms are full of antiques and rain showers, while the food offered includes fresh ingredients from the on-site garden and olive oil made on-property. The food was the favorite part for reviewer, Bridget Arsenault again, who also highly recommends the bookable cooking class:

“There's daily lunch (poolside or in the whimsical garden) and you can order drinks throughout the day,” she writes. “Dinner is an otherworldly affair. You can also book an on-site cooking class and learn to make Tuscan classics like ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, fresh pastas with ragu, and tiramisu.”

She also reports a romantic vibe, and says that you'll find plenty of honeymooners and couples here.

Cala del Porto Arrow

The location: Harbor-side, in a small town on Tuscany's Southern coast

Top amenities: Sister property Cala Beach located directly on the beach, hands-on winemaking opportunity, bookable experiences including cycling tours in the Maremma and day trips to the archipelago's island

It's hard to go wrong when you're staying on a serene archipelago surrounded by turquoise harbors, smack between land and sea—the glittering ocean and Tuscan wine country. At Cala del Porto, guests get the best of both worlds. But the resort itself takes the joys even further with five-star service, in-room balconies, four restaurants, and planned experiences and excursions that are made accessible, including private yacht tours, golfing and wellness packages, and biking and wine tasting tours.

Hotel Adler Thermae Arrow

Bagno Vignoni

The location: Bagno Vignoni, a hamlet in the province of Siena well-known for its dramatic hot springs, overlooking Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004

Top amenities: Thermal swimming pools, sauna, steam bath, holistic spa

One of the most unique places to stay on this list, Hotel Adler Thermae makes use of its location on Tuscany's hot springs in the most delicious way possible—by providing a compound of thermal swimming pools, baths, and spas full of travertine grottoes, stalactites, and stalagmites, for guests to luxuriate in. Staying somewhere like this is one of those wish list travel experiences most people only dream about. The resort has plenty of other things going for it too, though: a glass-roofed restaurant, stellar wine list, and in-room terraces, to name a few.

Castel Monastero Arrow

Castelnuovo Berardenga

The location: Castelnuovo Berardenga, a village that's a day trip from Florence, full of castles and Romanesque churches Top amenities: Interlocking swimming pools

Castel Monastero, a castle of a hotel 15 miles from Siena with 75 guest rooms, is well-situated for the quintessential Tuscany trip. The spacious accommodations here have “wood beams, comfortable leather sofas, terra-cotta floors, and views into the valley,” according Traveler 's review of the hotel. The interlocking swimming pools have those picture-perfect valley views, as well. Oh, and how could we forget? There's also a 13th century wine cellar on the property.

For more inspiration, see our first-hand researched rankings of Italy's best hotels, Airbnbs, and villas.

Editor picks:

• Our Ultimate Italy Where-to-Stay Guide
• Best Hotels in Florence
• Best Hotels in Rome
• Best Hotels in Venice
• Best Airbnbs in Italy
• Best Airbnbs in Rome
• Best Airbnbs in Venice
• Best Villas in Italy
• Best Villas in Tuscany
• Best Villas in Lake Como

2023 Readers' Choice Awards picks:

• Best Hotels in Italy, According to Readers
• Best Hotels in Florence, According to Readers
• Best Hotels in Rome, According to Readers
• Best Hotels in Venice, According to Readers

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A highly seductive medley of Renaissance cities, rolling hills and terraced vineyards, Tuscany offers the quintessential Italian experience. From the olive groves and cypress alleys to the romantic villages perched on rocky outcrops, the landscape here has become a symbol of the country as a whole. Its truffles, olives, wines and cheeses combine in a rich culinary tradition that makes dining a pleasure all of its own. Yet, the region's greatest treasures are the medieval masterpieces of Florence , Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano and the astonishing legacy of art and architecture they hold.

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