Tuscany is widely considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance—a cultural movement that changed art and science across Europe. Icons like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo came from this region. Beyond that, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites, famous wines, a unique cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, and natural hot springs. In this post, we share the places we recommend visiting in Tuscany based on our experience, plus essential tips such as must-see attractions, typical dishes, and regional wines.
Where Is Tuscany?
Tuscany sits in central Italy and borders Lazio to the south, Umbria to the east, Emilia-Romagna and Liguria to the north, and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west.
Traveling through Tuscany means diving into centuries of history, art, and traditions that still thrive today. Every city and village offers its own charm, which makes Tuscany unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany
The best time depends on what you want from your trip. However, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) work best in our opinion.
During these seasons, the weather usually feels mild, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in summer, when the region gets busy. Tuscany looks beautiful year-round, but in spring the fields bloom, while in fall the vineyards explode with color during harvest time*. If you love festivals and cultural events, summer can be the right choice, since many towns host traditional celebrations and open-air activities.
*Harvest time (vendemmia) is when wineries pick the grapes for winemaking. It’s lively and crucial for the local wine industry, and many estates host special events—like harvest parties, vineyard walks, and tastings of fresh wines. If you want to join the harvest in Tuscany, contact wineries in advance to check their planned activities and availability.
How to Get to Tuscany
By Car:
Driving gives you the freedom to explore Tuscany at your own pace. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Italy, like Rome or Milan, follow highways A1 or E35. Roads are well signed and showcase the Italian countryside. Keep in mind that some areas, like central Florence, have traffic restrictions (ZTL).
We took a train from Milan to Florence, enjoyed the city without a car, and then rented one in Florence to explore all of Tuscany. In our opinion, it’s the best way to travel because it gives you more flexibility.
If you plan to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars. You’ll find great options, read company reviews, and compare prices easily.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
By Train:
Italy’s trains run efficiently and offer direct routes to many Tuscan cities, including Florence, Pisa, and Siena. Take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from major hubs. For shorter trips, regional trains work well and let you watch the countryside roll by.
For train and bus tickets in Italy, we recommend Omio. This popular platform across Europe makes it easy to compare prices and timetables from top companies. We’ve used it many times and always found good deals.
By Bus:
Buses offer a budget-friendly option and work especially well if you travel from nearby cities or within Tuscany. Companies like SITA connect main towns and villages, although trips may take longer than by train or car. The downside is the extra time on the road.
Remember to check timetables and buy tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
Best Places to Visit in Tuscany
Florence
It is the enchanting capital of Tuscany, shines for its history, art, and architecture. As the cradle of the Renaissance, its streets and squares overflow with culture.
Founded in 59 BC, Florence grew into a major commercial center during the Middle Ages. The powerful Medici family funded artistic innovation and attracted geniuses like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, and Galileo.
Top Attractions:
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): Brunelleschi’s dome defines this Renaissance icon. The multicolored marble façade dazzles, and the vast interior impresses. Climb to the top for sweeping views of Florence.
- Uffizi Gallery: One of the world’s most famous museums, it houses a superb Renaissance collection. Masterpieces by Botticelli—like “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera”—sit alongside works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
- Ponte Vecchio: Florence’s oldest bridge lines both sides with jewelry shops. Spanning the Arno, this medieval bridge ranks among the city’s top sights—especially at sunset.
- Pitti Palace: Once the Medici residence, this vast complex includes several museums such as the Palatine Gallery, rich with Raphael and Titian. Behind it, the Boboli Gardens showcase classic Renaissance landscaping, statues, fountains, and city views.
- Basilica di Santa Croce: The world’s largest Franciscan church, it holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, and features Giotto frescoes and a striking Neo-Gothic façade.
Typical Dishes:
Try bistecca alla fiorentina, a juicy T-bone steak, and ribollita, a hearty bread-and-vegetable soup.
Signature Wine:
Chianti Classico, with its robust character, symbolizes Florence and the surrounding area.
Pisa
Pisa is famous for its incredible Leaning Tower. Because the tower tilts to one side, travelers love snapping playful photos “holding” or “pushing” it. Beyond the tower, Pisa boasts a rich history and vibrant art scene, and it’s home to the University of Pisa, founded in 1343.
Top Attractions:
- Leaning Tower of Pisa: This city icon stands on the Piazza dei Miracoli. It began to lean in the 12th century because of unstable ground and still tilts today. Climb 294 steps to the top for panoramic views.
- Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa): Next to the tower, this Romanesque masterpiece from the 11th–12th centuries features dazzling mosaics and magnificent art, plus a decorated wooden ceiling that reflects Pisa’s medieval power.
- Pisa Baptistery: Italy’s largest baptistery mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. Famous for superb acoustics, it showcases a hexagonal font and detailed sculptures.
Typical Dishes:
Order cecina (savory chickpea flatbread) and spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams).
Signature Wine:
Enjoy a glass of Vermentino, an aromatic white that pairs perfectly with seafood.
Tip:
Stay in Florence and take a day trip to Pisa. If you’re driving, it’s an easy route with Google Maps. Without a car, several tours depart from Florence. Here are a few ideas.
👉 Tour link: Pisa Day Trip from Florence
Lucca
Lucca exudes history, culture, and beauty. Known for its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, it offers an authentic experience and calmer vibe than its famous neighbors, Florence and Pisa.
Top Attractions:
- Lucca’s City Walls: These historic walls circle the city and create a lovely path for walking or cycling with great views.
- Guinigi Tower: This city symbol stands out for its rooftop oak garden. Climb the 230 steps for views of Lucca and the Tuscan hills—a unique mix of medieval architecture and nature.
- Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: Built over a Roman amphitheater, this oval piazza now hosts restaurants and shops.
- Lucca Cathedral (San Martino): The city’s main cathedral features a beautiful façade and a peaceful interior decorated with art.
- Palazzo Pfanner: This 17th-century Baroque palace impresses with statues, fountains, and lush gardens. Inside, antique furniture and art evoke aristocratic life.
Typical Dishes:
Try torta di erbi (savory greens pie) and buccellato (sweet ring bread).
Signature Wine:
Choose Colline Lucchesi—local wines that come in both white and red styles.
Tip:
Base yourself in Florence and pair Lucca with Pisa as a day trip. If you drive, the route is straightforward; however, parking in Lucca can be tricky.
👉 Tour link: From Florence: Pisa & Lucca Day Trip with Buccellato Tasting
Greve in Chianti
This is the beating heart of Tuscan wine country, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards that look like a postcard.
Top Attractions:
- Piazza Matteotti: The triangular square anchors Greve in Chianti. Historic buildings surround cafés, restaurants, and shops selling olive oil, cheeses, and other specialties. On Saturdays, the outdoor market brings fresh local products.
- Museo del Vino: Wine lovers get an overview of Chianti’s winemaking history with interactive exhibits and traditional tools.
- Castello di Verrazzano: A historic vineyard since the 7th century, it offers tours of vines and cellars with tastings paired with local cheeses and cured meats.
- Wineries: Countless estates offer tours and tastings. Below you’ll find a post with a few we visited and recommend.
- Antica Macelleria Falorni: One of Italy’s oldest and most famous butcher shops (founded in 1806), located on the main square.
Typical Dishes:
Order classics like ribollita (rustic soup), pappa al pomodoro (tomato-and-bread soup), and the famous bistecca alla fiorentina.
Signature Wine:
Chianti Classico—renowned worldwide—is the must-try wine here.
Montefioralle
This small medieval hamlet keeps its historic atmosphere intact and delivers sweeping views of the Tuscan hills.
Top Attractions:
- Montefioralle Castle: A 10th-century fortress at the village core. Walk the walls and imagine medieval life while enjoying vineyard and olive grove views.
- Church of Santo Stefano: This 13th-century church in the center holds frescoes and sacred art, which create a quiet moment for reflection.
- Medieval Lanes: Wander stone-paved streets with panoramic views over the vineyards.
- Local Wineries: Because Montefioralle lies in Chianti, winery visits are essential. Taste Chianti Classico and learn about the production process—many estates offer guided tours.
- I Vini nel Castello Event: Held every May, this weekend celebration showcases Chianti flavors. With the keepsake tasting glass (we paid only €15), we sampled up to 15 wines along with olive oils and local products—we loved it.
Typical Dishes:
Try pappardelle al cinghiale (wide pasta with wild boar ragù) and crostini toscani.
Signature Wine:
More Chianti Classico—take the chance to explore different styles and vintages.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers and time-capsule atmosphere. With preserved architecture, rich history, and celebrated wines, it once had 72 towers built by wealthy families—14 still stand—earning it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.” In 1990, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
Top Attractions:
- Piazza della Cisterna: This triangular square is the perfect starting point. Surrounded by medieval houses and towers, it’s named after the central well. Relax with a gelato and soak up the vibe.
- Torre Grossa: Dating to 1311 and rising 54 meters, it dominates the skyline. Climb it for incredible views of town and countryside.
- Duomo di San Gimignano (Collegiata): Notable for frescoes that narrate biblical and hagiographic stories. Built in the 12th century in Romanesque style, it features works by Bartolo di Fredi and Domenico Ghirlandaio.
- Vernaccia Wine Museum: The town is famous for Vernaccia, a white wine. At the museum in the Rocca di Montestaffoli, learn about production and history while tasting with vineyard views.
- Local Shopping: Browse chocolate shops, crafts, and local products like cheeses and salumi. We bought a truffled salami we adored—our favorite in Italy.
Typical Dishes:
Wild boar dishes and panzanella.
Signature Wine:
Vernaccia di San Gimignano is the town’s star wine, recognized internationally.
Tip:
If you don’t have a car, stay in Florence or Siena and take a day tour—there are many options.
👉 Tour link: 1-Day Tour to San Gimignano
Montirrigioni
This well-preserved fortress looks like it came straight out of a history book, with medieval towers and walls.
Top Attractions:
- City Walls: Built between 1213 and 1219, they define the town. Walk the ramparts for sweeping Tuscan views while you learn about local military history.
- Porta Franca (Porta Romea): The main gate makes a great starting point. Its stone structure sets the medieval mood as soon as you enter.
- Piazza Roma: The central square, lined with historic buildings, invites you to linger at cafés and restaurants serving Tuscan dishes.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta: This 13th-century Romanesque church on Piazza Roma features frescoes and sacred art in a peaceful setting.
- Museo Monteriggioni in Arme: Inside the walls, this museum explores the town’s military past with arms, armor, and medieval artifacts.
Typical Dishes:
Treat yourself to torta di ceci (savory chickpea pie).
Signature Wine:
Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Siena
Siena charms with its medieval look and deep history. It’s larger than many neighbors, offers more infrastructure, and often becomes a strategic base for travelers exploring Tuscany.
Top Attractions:
- Piazza del Campo: Famous for its shell shape and the Palio di Siena horse race, it’s lined with palaces and the Palazzo Pubblico—perfect for people-watching with a gelato or coffee.
- Duomo di Siena: A masterpiece of Italian Gothic with a striking tricolor marble façade and ornate interiors. Don’t miss the mosaic floor, the Piccolomini Library frescoes, and the Baptistery.
- Torre del Mangia: Built between 1338 and 1348, this 88-meter tower rewards the climb with panoramic views of Siena’s terracotta roofs and the green hills beyond.
- Basilica di San Domenico: From the 13th century, it houses relics of St. Catherine and offers a tranquil place for reflection.
- Pinacoteca Nazionale: Essential for art lovers, with paintings from the 13th–17th centuries and highlights from the Sienese School, including Duccio and Simone Martini.
Typical Dishes:
Sample panforte (dense fruit-and-nut cake) and pici (thick hand-rolled pasta).
Signature Wine:
Chianti Colli Senesi and Brunello di Montalcino.
Montalcino
This lovely town is famous worldwide for exceptional wines and its medieval fortress. Best known for Brunello di Montalcino, it’s a must for wine lovers, history fans, and landscape seekers.
Top Attractions:
- Montalcino Fortress: Built in 1361, this striking medieval stronghold offers panoramic views. You can climb towers and walls and taste wine at the on-site enoteca.
- Museo Civico e Diocesano di Arte Sacra: An impressive collection of sacred art with paintings, sculptures, and religious artifacts from medieval and Renaissance periods.
- Cattedrale del Santissimo Salvatore: A blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles typical of 14th-century Tuscany. Inside, peaceful light filters through stained glass over renowned artworks.
- Piazza del Popolo: The town’s heart, lined with historic buildings and cafés—ideal for relaxing and people-watching.
- Brunello Wineries & Tastings: Explore estates around Montalcino for tours and tastings that dive into Tuscany’s wine culture.
Typical Dishes:
Enjoy dishes with local truffles, agnello scottadito (grilled lamb chops), and pici, the area’s hand-rolled pasta.
Signature Wine:
Brunello di Montalcino—the town’s pride—is a structured, elegant red.
Montepulciano
This Renaissance hilltop town is famous for its architecture, sweeping vistas, and the celebrated Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Top Attractions:
- Piazza Grande: The city’s core, home to the Palazzo Comunale. Climb its tower for an amazing panorama over town and the Tuscan countryside.
- Montepulciano Cathedral (Santa Maria Assunta): On Piazza Grande, this Renaissance cathedral holds valuable art, including Taddeo di Bartolo’s “Assumption of the Virgin.”
- San Biagio Church: Outside the center, Antonio da Sangallo the Elder designed this travertine masterpiece. The serene interior invites a quiet pause.
- Torre di Pulcinella: A quirky clock tower topped by the Pulcinella figure from commedia dell’arte—a fun photo stop.
- Wineries: Known for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. We loved Icario Winery—modern style, friendly service, and excellent wines.
Typical Dishes:
Try pici all’aglione, homemade pasta with tomato and garlic sauce.
Signature Wine:
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano—elegant and aromatic—is the wine to taste here.
Val D’Orcia
This region delivers incomparable natural beauty: rolling hills, solitary farmhouses, and a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Top Attractions:
- Scenery: Iconic photo spots and rolling hills recognized by UNESCO.
- Pienza: The “ideal Renaissance city,” with harmonious streets and squares. Visit the Cathedral and try the local pecorino cheese.
- Bagno Vignoni: Known for its natural thermal waters, this unique village invites you to relax in warm Roman-era springs amid Tuscan views.
- San Quirico d’Orcia: A walled medieval town with historic churches and palaces. See the Collegiata and the Horti Leonini gardens—a calm retreat in the center.
Typical Dishes:
Savor pecorino di Pienza, zuppa di farro, and panzanella—a rustic Tuscan bread salad.
Signature Wine:
Wines under the Orcia DOC designation pair beautifully with local cuisine.
Civita di Bagnoregio
Nicknamed “the dying city,” this geological wonder sits atop a plateau and you can reach it only via a pedestrian bridge.
Top Attractions:
- Pedestrian Bridge: Crossing the bridge—also called the “Bridge of Sighs”—builds excitement as the views get better with every step.
- Porta Santa Maria: After the bridge, you’ll enter through this medieval gate into the historic core—straight into the age of knights and castles.
- Piazza San Donato: Admire historic buildings and enjoy an Italian coffee while you soak up the medieval atmosphere.
- Church of San Donato: This Romanesque gem presides over the main square with frescoes and sacred art dedicated to the town’s patron saint.
- Wandering the Lanes: Explore narrow alleys, artisan shops, and scenic overlooks of the surrounding valleys.
Typical Dishes:
Look for seasonal vegetable dishes and pollo sotto il mattone—chicken cooked under a brick.
Signature Wine:
Wine EST! EST! EST!!! di Montefiascone.
Saturnia
The famous hot springs feature mineral-rich waters known for healing and relaxation.
Top Attractions:
- Cascate del Mulino: Soak in the outdoor thermal pools and visit Parco delle Cascate, where warm water forms natural terraces and pools.
Typical Dishes:
After your relaxing bath, warm up with acquacotta, a rustic Tuscan soup.
Signature Wine:
Enjoy a glass of Morellino di Scansano, a refreshing local red.
Pitigliano
Built on volcanic tuff, Pitigliano stands out for its Jewish heritage and dramatic clifftop architecture.
Top Attractions:
- Historic Center: Stroll cobbled streets and see how past and present blend. Highlights include the Orsini Fortress and the synagogue—symbols of the town’s Jewish legacy.
- Pitigliano Cathedral: Dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, it features Renaissance frescoes and a serene sacred interior.
Typical Dishes:
Taste sfratto dei goym, a walnut-and-honey pastry with Jewish origins.
Signature Wine:
Bianco di Pitigliano, a dry white that matches local cuisine beautifully.
Arezzo
Arezzo brims with history and art and also hosts the “Arezzo Wave” classical music festival each year. Food lovers can savor acquacotta, a rustic soup, and Chianina, a prized local beef.
Top Attractions:
- Piazza Grande: An amphitheater-shaped square lined with Renaissance buildings—the city’s focal point. Browse charming cafés or the monthly antiques market.
- Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo): A Gothic masterpiece with sacred art and frescoes by Piero della Francesca.
- Basilica of San Francesco: Famous for its white-and-green marble and the fresco cycle “Legend of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesca.
- National Archaeological Museum: Traces Arezzo’s story from Etruscan to Roman times with ceramics, sculptures, and jewelry.
- Medici Fortress: A reminder of Medici influence, with walls and towers you can explore and city views to enjoy.
Typical Dishes:
Try anatra all’aretina (Arezzo-style roast duck) and cantucci, almond biscuits perfect for dipping in wine.
Signature Wine:
Rosso di Arezzo—usually light and fruity—makes a great choice.
Our Final Thoughts
Tuscany offers endless options. Your itinerary will depend on how much time you have. We’ve visited several times and loved each trip. We plan to return, especially because there are always more wineries to discover and every season paints a different landscape.
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
The 50 Most Famous Italian Wines
First Time in Italy? Essential Travel Tips You Must Know
Milan, Italy: What to Do in 1 Day
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