Are you planning to visit what is one of Italy’s most fascinating regions, but not sure where to start? Read our advice on what to see in Tuscany and discover the best this region has to offer!
Vast, culturally and artistically rich, characterised by varied landscapes and famous for an enviable food and wine tradition, Tuscany poses a serious challenge to those who want to organise a holiday here. Here, then, is a quick guide to help you choose the most authentic Italian Vibes in the area!
1 – Florence
The heart of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is a city that leaves no one indifferent. The Tuscan capital is a veritable open-air museum where every corner of the historic centre recounts centuries of culture and beauty.
Some of the must-see sights include:
- Basilica of Santa Maria Novella: famous for its marble façade and Giotto’s magnificent Crucifix.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo): one of the most imposing churches in Italy. Don’t miss the climb up Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower.
- Palazzo Vecchio: seat of the Florence City Council, this 14th-century building houses frescoed rooms and works by artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello.
- Uffizi Gallery: one of the most important art galleries in the world, with works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
- Ponte Vecchio: the ideal place for a romantic stroll.
Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens: Renaissance building that was first the residence of the De’ Medici family and then of the Savoys. - Basilica of Santa Croce: an imposing church that houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Ugo Foscolo, among many others.
Gastronomic tip: before leaving Florence, don’t forget to treat yourself to a gourmet break. Try the lampredotto, the typical street food for those who like to be daring, and the famous Florentine steak.
2 – Pisa
Famous all over the world for its leaning tower, Pisa actually offers much more to its visitors.
Here’s what you absolutely must see in the city:
- Piazza dei Miracoli: the tourist heart of Pisa with the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Monumental Cemetery.
- Lungarni: the streets running along the banks of the Arno, beautiful to walk along, especially at sunset.
- Borgo Stretto: the nucleus of the historical centre full of shops, cafés, restaurants and workshops.
Gastronomic tip: try the bordatino, a soup made with yellow flour, beans and black cabbage, and the steak of mucco pisano, an indigenous breed of cattle.
3 – Siena
Siena, with its medieval charm and age-old traditions, is undoubtedly one of the cities that cannot be missed among our recommendations on what to see in Tuscany. Its historic centre is a maze of narrow streets that leave you in awe!
Here are the stops not to be missed:
- Piazza del Campo: the real beating heart of the city, famous for its shell shape and for hosting the famous Palio.
- Duomo: one of Italy’s most iconic cathedrals thanks to its imposing white marble façade with decorations in Siena red and Prato serpentine.
- Piccolomini Library: located inside the Duomo, this library is famous for its cycle of frescoes by Pinturicchio.
- Torre del Mangia: not to be missed for its breathtaking panoramic view over all of Siena and the surrounding countryside.
For the best way to visit Siena, discover our Siena & San Gimignano tour. We propose an exclusive experience with private car and dedicated guide that also includes a typical lunch!
Gastronomic tip: don’t miss the chance to taste real ricciarelli, almond-based sweets, and Panforte di Siena IGP, a Christmas cake made with dried fruit, spices and honey.
4 – San Gimignano and Volterra
San Gimignano and Volterra are two unmissable stops if you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Tuscan medieval villages.
As for the first destination, we recommend you don’t miss:
- Piazza Duomo and the Towers: the symbols of the town.
- Palazzo Comunale: home to the Civic Museum, the Art Gallery and the Torre Grossa.
In Volterra, on the other hand, the must-sees include:
- Piazza and Palazzo dei Priori: the latter is the oldest municipal palace in Tuscany.
- Duomo: a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture.
- Etruscan Museum ‘Mario Guarnacci’: fascinating collection of Etruscan artefacts.
Gastronomic tip: enjoy an aperitif sipping a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and taste the Pecorino Rosso di Volterra.
5 – Arezzo
Arezzo, a city decidedly less well known than those mentioned so far, is the ideal destination for those who want to discover a less touristy Tuscany.
Things to see include:
- Duomo: home to a marvellous fresco by Piero della Francesca.
- Piazza Grande and Loggiato Vasariano: the beating heart of the historical centre.
- Basilica of San Francesco: where you can admire Piero della Francesca’s Stories of the True Cross.
- Casa Vasari Museum: a very interesting house-museum.
Gastronomic tip: during your visit to Arezzo try the crostini neri and fegatelli, typical dishes of Arezzo cuisine known for its strong flavours.
6 – Chianti
Chianti is perhaps the most fascinating territory in the whole of Tuscany, a destination that enchants at every glance thanks to its gentle hills, endless vineyards and many castles. A paradise for lovers of wine and good food, Chianti is an unmissable destination to experience first-hand what Italian Vibes really means!
To fully appreciate all that this region has to offer, it is necessary to move from one part of the territory to another, visit its villages, enter a winery to discover the best wines of the area and sit down in a trattoria to taste the typical dishes.
If you want an all-round experience, consider our Chianti Tour during which, thanks to a private car, you will move up and down between villages and farms. For a much more exciting adventure, on the other hand, don’t miss the Vespa Tour on which you will discover the Chianti hills with the wind in your hair!
Among the most beautiful villages to visit, you can’t miss:
- Greve in Chianti;
- Castellina in Chianti;
- Radda in Chianti;
- Gaiole in Chianti;
- Montefioralle.
Gastronomic tip: taste the Chianti Classico and accompany it with Cinta Senese ham, but if you want to savour a unique moment take part in one of our Cooking Classes to learn how to cook typical Tuscan dishes before enjoying them.
Finally, don’t forget that Chianti is a land of truffles: participate in Truffle Hunting to discover another hidden treasure of this territory!
7 – The Val d’Orcia
Among the recommendations on what to see in Tuscany, we must definitely include the Val d’Orcia, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its landscapes characterised by undulating hills, cypress trees, medieval villages, vineyards and olive groves perfectly embody the essence of Tuscan beauty and offer picture-postcard scenery at every turn.
Among the most beautiful places to visit are:
- Pienza;
- Montalcino;
- San Quirico d’Orcia;
- Bagno Vignoni;
- Montepulciano.
Gastronomic tip: during your stay in the area, try pici, a traditional handmade pasta often served with meat sauce, sauce all’aglione or mushrooms.
8 – Lucca and the Garfagnana
Lucca, a city on a human scale with an elegant historic centre, is another fascinating destination to visit that can be a great base for exploring the little-known Garfagnana.
In Lucca, you cannot miss:
- Walls: still perfectly intact, they make for a beautiful walk.
- Piazza Anfiteatro: a spectacular square built on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
- Duomo: an imposing church housing the famous and sacred Holy Face of Lucca.
If you also wish to wander around the Garfagnana, here are some stops to make:
- Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
- Grotta del Vento
- Verrucole Fortress
Gastronomic tip: try tordelli lucchesi, a typical filled pasta, and buccellato, a sweet bread with sultanas and hints of aniseed.
9 – The Maremma
Wild and authentic, the Maremma is one of Tuscany’s most fascinating territories.
With its natural parks, semi-deserted beaches and historic villages that are still genuine, this is the ideal destination for those seeking an experience off the beaten tourist track.
Among the places to visit we would like to point out:
- Maremma Natural Park;
- Pitigliano and Sovana;
- Saturnia and its free spas;
- Orbetello;
- Castiglione della Pescaia and its beaches.
Gastronomic tip: if you visit the area, you should definitely try the tortelli maremmani, a pasta filled with ricotta and spinach, and acquacotta, a vegetable and bread soup typical of the butteri tradition.
10 – The Island of Elba
The Island of Elba, the largest of the Tuscan Archipelago, is the ideal destination for a summer holiday with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Among the stops we recommend you include in an itinerary on the island are:
- Portoferraio;
- Capoliveri;
- Marciana Marina;
- Cavoli Beach;
- National museum of Napoleon’s residences ‘Palazzina dei Mulini’;
Gastronomic tip: try the gurguglione, a vegetable stew typical of the island, and finish your dinner with a glass of Aleatico passito dell’Isola d’Elba DOCG.
We hope you find this article inspiring for your next holiday in Tuscany. If you’re still undecided about what to visit, book our Tuscan Gran Tour to discover the must-see destinations in this region: we’ll take care of everything!
