HomeEuropean ToursItaly ToursTuscany ToursTuscany Travel Guide

Top 7 Things to Do in Tuscany

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Farmhouse in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy

Farmhouse in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy

Things to do in Tuscany capture the endless beauty of the landscape and remarkable culture displayed in preserved medieval towns and Renaissance cities. Whether your first visit or a place you return to annually, Tuscany offers a lifetime's worth of charm and adventure in a single destination with opportunities to relax on a vineyard, hike ancient trails, or simply embrace the majesty of one of Italy’s most famous regions. The following list offers some of the essential things to do to shape your Tuscany experience.

Overview
  1. 1. Indulge in the Celebrated Flavors of Tuscany
  2. 2. Ride Your Bike along the Country Lanes
  3. 3. Uncover Charm and Wonder in Heritage and History
  4. 4. Bask in the Comforts of Warm Waters
  5. 5. Discover the Best of Art and History
  6. 6. Enjoy the Surrounding Scenery at your Pace
  7. 7. Embrace the Vines across the Tuscan Landscape
  8. More Tuscany Travel Information & Tips

1. Indulge in the Celebrated Flavors of Tuscany

Ribollita, a tuscan soup made with bead and vegetables

Ribollita, a tuscan soup made with bead and vegetables

The culinary secrets of Tuscany can take you into the private homes of grandmothers who have perfected dishes over time or into restaurants where celebrated chefs are reimagining how locals engage with familiar flavors. When visiting Tuscany and partaking in a food tour, you can enjoy a cooking class, discover hidden eateries with a guide, or simply dine on a traditional rustic meal in a lavish setting. From pappardelle al cinghiale to ribollita, you can indulge in the authentic local tastes of Tuscany.

Best Places to Visit for Food: Florence | Siena | Livorno | Greve in Chianti | San Gimignano

2. Ride Your Bike along the Country Lanes

Biking through the Tuscany landscape

Biking through the Tuscany landscape

From an expert trail winding through the mountains to a leisurely ride along the famous verdant hills, Tuscany is an exceptional destination for cycling. Take to the country lanes. Glide between famous medieval towns. Witness the beauty of the Val d’Orcia or follow the charming coastline. Cycling in Tuscany can give you a rare glimpse of the region’s natural and cultural splendor while traveling at your preferred pace as you engage your senses among your surroundings.

Best Places to Visit for Cycling: Volterra | Radda in Chianti | Castagneto | Pietrasanta

3. Uncover Charm and Wonder in Heritage and History

Medieval town of Pitigliano, Italy

Pitigliano, Italy

The idyllic charm of Tuscany spreads across the historic villages known for crowning hillsides and mountain slopes alike. Cobblestone streets, elegant towers, and staggering vineyards create immersive ambiances in equal measure as you discover the cultural heritage of Tuscany. Whether sampling traditional cuisine or wandering antique walls, you can embrace the true past and authentic culture of Tuscany around the historic towns, artistic cities, and the traditional dishes.

Best Places to Visit for Cultural Heritage: Cortona | Lucca | Pitigliano | Arezzo | Montepulciano

4. Bask in the Comforts of Warm Waters

Saturnia thermal hot springs in Tuscany, Italy

Saturnia thermal hot springs in Tuscany, Italy

The thermal baths around Tuscany can plunge you into some of the region's best-kept secrets no matter the time of year. With silky blue water and inviting temperatures, rejuvenating minerals, and a refreshing ambiance, the spa towns around Tuscany represent age-old traditions mixed with touches of modern luxury. You can slow down, relax, and embrace the inherent charisma of Italy’s la dolce vita as you take in your surroundings in the soothing natural waters.

Best Places to Visit for Thermal Baths: Siena | Val d’Orcia | Chianciano Terme | Chianti | Rapolano Terme

5. Discover the Best of Art and History

Michelangelo's David at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Michelangelo's David at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The towns and cities across Tuscany can feel like living works of art, but art and history emerge from the galleries and preserved villas around the region that can take you from Florence to Siena, Pienza to Pisa. The rich diversity of art brings the history of Tuscany to life with access to masterpieces of the Renaissance and Etruscan mosaics. Whether looking for Botticelli, Michelangelo, da Vinci, or Brunelleschi, you can witness the dynamic perspectives of artists through the ages in a variety of mediums.

Best Places to Visit for Art and History: Florence | Seina | Pisa | Volterra | Pienza

6. Enjoy the Surrounding Scenery at your Pace

Hiking around Lake Nero, in the mountains of Abetone, Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy, in summer

Hiking in the mountains of Abetone, Italy

Hiking in Tuscany can reveal ancient paths and hidden wonders. The trails may wind through vineyards and rolling hills or weave into the mountains, edge the golden coastline or connect to ancient catacombs. You can find a serene ambiance of solitude on more remote routes or follow the pilgrims along the famous Via Francigena. Every step during your hike in Tuscany can immerse you in natural beauty, connect you to historic heritage, and bring to light a new perception of authentic Italy.

Best Places to Visit for Trekking: Abetone | Forte Falcone | Monte Amiata | Savona | Val d’Orcia

7. Embrace the Vines across the Tuscan Landscape

Vineyards in Montalcino, Italy

Vineyards in Montalcino, Italy

The best towns to visit in Tuscany for wine embody the historic connection to the vines and a contemporary appreciation for the nuanced characteristics. From Chianti Classico to Vino Nobile, the Supertuscans to daring mineralistic white wines, Tuscany has an established tradition of the craft with vineyards ranging from ancient cellars to modern wineries. Visit the hillsides draped in perfectly combed vineyards or sample a variety of local wines while overlooking the grandeur of the Tuscan countryside for an unforgettable memory of the Tuscan wine towns.

Best Places to Visit for Wine: Montalcino | Montepulciano | Bolgheri | San Gimignano | Maremma

More Tuscany Travel Information & Tips

Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy

Tuscany is the embodiment of Italy’s natural and cultural beauty with treasures that spread from the museums of Florence to the wines of Montepulciano. From enjoying a food tour to witnessing the masterworks of Michelangelo, enjoying a romantic couple’s dinner on a vineyard or learning how to make pasta as a family, you can find the right blend of activities in Tuscany’s must-see destinations.  Our Italy Travel Guide has more information for creating your perfect trip. You can also speak with an Italy travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip