Vacation In Tuscany

A vacation in Tuscany is the ultimate way to treat yourself while you unwind. Italy is known as one of the most popular destinations for that perfect vacation, and Tuscany alone is incredible all on its own. You will find that this area, specifically in Florence, has much cultural significance and a lot to offer.

Are you looking for the right travel destination to spend your holidays? Are you looking for a destination that is away from the countries that most people would choose? If this is what you are searching for, then I have the answer for you. Tuscany in Italy is one of such places with a lot to offer.

The Tuscany region of Italy is one the most popular holiday destinations on the planet, but get it wrong and you could have a very expensive holiday indeed. Consider this your Tuscany travel guide.

So you want to know about Italy’s famous Tuscan region? Good for you, because this article is going to show you all the ways it will wow and fascinate you. (Disclaimer: this post has some affiliate links that allow me to get paid.)

Vacation In Tuscany

Tuscany, with its spectacular cities, towns, and scenery, is one of Italy’s top vacation destinations. Tuscany’s many attractions include historic cities, art-filled museums and churches, great wine and food, medieval hill towns, beaches, and beautiful countryside. 

Each part of the Tuscany region has its own unique personality. And while it’s hard to narrow down a best-of list in an area of travel superlatives, the following are TripSavvy’s top 10 places to visit for medieval and Renaissance architecture, gorgeous scenery, and of course, the food and wine. 

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Florence

Florence, in the heart of Tuscany, is one of Italy’s top cities to visit. Florence is an important Renaissance architecture and art center with several excellent museums. Florence’s cathedral, or Duomo, with its famous dome and its Baptistery, are architectural wonders that are not to be missed.

Many visitors use Florence as their base for winery tours or day trips to other towns in the region. Visit the Museo Galileo or the Palazzo Strozzi to get a feel for the history and culture of the area.

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Siena

Siena is a classic medieval hill town in Tuscany famous for its sizeable fan-shaped piazza, the Piazza del Campo, dominated by its bell tower, the Torre del Mangia. 

Siena’s annual summer horse race, Il Palio, is about as different from the Kentucky Derby as one can imagine: Bareback riders race the horses along the city’s cobblestone streets, keeping with medieval tradition. 

Siena’s medieval streets are lined with shops and rustic trattoria serving traditional Tuscan cuisine off the main piazza. Find a cozy spot, preferably one filled with Italians, and sample local fare paired with a nice bottle of regional wine.

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Pisa

Pisa, in northern Tuscany, is famous for its leaning tower, which all visitors must climb and take an excellent touristy photo with. You’ll be in the Piazza Dei Miracoli, where you can admire the cathedral and the baptistery, which date back to the Italian Renaissance. 

Besides its tower, Pisa has much more to do and see. To visit its historic Piazza Dei Cavalieri, take a stroll along the Arno River. And before you leave Pisa, try the local delicacy, a chickpea flour bread called cecina.

If you visit Pisa in June, you’re in for a treat. That’s when the city holds a festival to honor its patron saint San Ranieri during its annual Giugno Pisano.

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Lucca

Lucca is famous for its Renaissance-era wall, which encircles the city, and its cobblestone streets. Walking and bicycling paths and gardens sit atop the wall, allowing visitors to walk entirely around Lucca’s historic center.

In addition to being home to several historic cathedrals, Lucca has several well-preserved towers that provide fabulous views of the city and beyond.

Be sure to check out the home of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini, which is a popular museum in Lucca. And for authentic regional dishes like tortelli lucchese or zuppa di farro all lucchese, visit one of Lucca’s excellent restaurants, such as Buralli or La Buca di Sant’Antonio.

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Cortona

Cortona is the Tuscan hill town made famous by Francis Mayes in her book “Under the Tuscan Sun.” Surrounded by 3,000-year-old Etruscan walls, Cortona retains much of its history through its layers of architecture.

Cortona’s stately buildings include the Abbazia Farneta and the Chiesa San Francesco. This area has a large American expatriate community, so tourists from the States will find plenty of English speakers.

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San Gimignano

San Gimignano, known as the City of Beautiful Towers, is a classic medieval walled hill town famous for its 14 surviving medieval towers. These create a distinctive skyline visible from the surrounding countryside. 

Be sure to visit the Museo Estrusco and the historic Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta. For local flavor, try one of the many cinghiale (wild boar) dishes at Cum Quibus or Ristorante San Martino.

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Chianti Classico Wine Region

The Chianti Classico wine region lies between the larger cities of Florence and Siena and is a fascinating area to visit. The Chianti region has picturesque villages like Greve and, of course, many fine wineries. Start your wine tasting at ​Barone Ricasoli Winery and Brolio Castle.