Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Tuscany

When envisioning Tuscany, individuals often picture rolling hills, vast sunflower fields, and meticulously arranged vineyards. A quick online inquiry will yield similar imagery. After all, this idyllic countryside is a significant part of the region’s global attraction; it is a place to immerse oneself in nature and relax, perhaps while enjoying a fragrant glass of red wine. However, despite this accurate depiction, Tuscany encompasses much more than its captivating rural landscape. Visitors can explore enchanting medieval villages (borghi), savor distinct culinary experiences, discover ancient local traditions, and tour cities rich in art and culture, many of which remain relatively unknown internationally.

Therefore, venture beyond the conventional destinations and sidestep the escalating challenge of overtourism with this comprehensive guide to premier experiences during your next visit to Tuscany.

1. Swim and hike on the island of Elba

The island of Elba, the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago, features two distinct personalities: one side abundant with hospitality services and another where untamed nature prevails. During your stay on Elba, you can indulge in a splendid seaside vacation, enjoying activities such as snorkeling in crystalline waters and sampling fresh seafood on the beach, as well as embark on nature excursions culminating in hikes to the island’s highest peaks. Elba is accessible year-round via ferries from Piombino.

Planning tip: If you seek relaxation and tranquility, consider renting an apartment in a secluded village on the island, like Poggio, or a room with a sea view at Hotel Antares located on the beach of Capoliveri.

2. Admire some of the world’s most famous artworks in Florence

If you have not yet visited, Florence is essential; it serves as an open-air museum, boasting stunning Renaissance architecture characterized by churches, bridges, palazzi (mansions), and public sculptures. Immerse yourself in the artistic glory found at the Galleria degli Uffizi, where you can admire Botticelli’s celebrated piece the Birth of Venus, alongside countless other invaluable artworks. Additionally, Michelangelo’s David awaits at the Galleria dell’Accademia. You should also not overlook Florence’s magnificent Duomo, Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, with its impressive dome crafted by Brunelleschi, along with the adjacent Baptistery. This only scratches the surface of what Florence has to offer.

Planning tip: It is advisable to visit Florence during the off-peak season to avoid long queues. Given the city’s vast array of attractions, you should allocate at least a weekend to explore the primary sites thoroughly.

3. Go horseback-riding in the Parco Regionale della Maremma

Reconnect with the land through its native creatures, reminiscent of traditional Tuscans. An ancient rapport exists between horses and humans in the plains of the Parco Regionale della Maremma. For centuries, horseback-riding herders known as butteri maremmani have tended their livestock in this region; interestingly, in 1890, Buffalo Bill and his traveling circus found themselves bested in a horse-taming competition by local butteri. Contemporary butteri do not only perform impressive exhibitions of their horsemanship, but they also organize riding lessons and guided excursions that you may arrange through Parco della Maremma or Corte degli Ulivi.

Detour: During your visit, consider stopping by the vibrant sculpture garden, il Giardino dei Tarocchi (Park of the Tarots), from April 1 to October 15. Alternatively, you might explore the nearby city of Grosseto or the lagoon and beaches of Orbetello.

4. See Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a notable achievement. locals may even indulge the humorous yet cliched pictures of tourists pretending to support the tower, if only visitors would explore beyond the landmark itself. In addition to the tower, take time to appreciate Piazza dei Miracoli and enter the magnificent Duomo, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, along with its Battistero, the largest in Italy. Completing this architectural quartet is the unique and significant monumental cemetery, Camposanto. Beyond the hustle of miracle square, Pisa possesses a plethora of attractions. Revel in the vibrant atmosphere along the Lungarno, where numerous university scholars and locals convene for aperitivo (a pre-dinner drink) amidst medieval and Renaissance architectural grandeur; don’t overlook the charming Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina and Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Detour: For a change of scenery, visit the neighboring coastal city of Livorno, one of Italy’s more recent cities, founded in the 16th century.

5. Cycle through Val d’Orcia

What better way to embrace a slow and environmentally conscious journey than by biking? The stunning UNESCO-recognized Val d’Orcia, located south of Siena, stands out as a highlight of any Tuscany itinerary. Cycling through this region reveals breathtaking landscapes where nature and historical architecture seamlessly integrate. Enhance your experience by choosing to cycle instead of driving, allowing you to appreciate the valleys, vineyards, and quaint villages up close. Take your time to relish the views and take breaks as needed. Numerous hotels and agriturismi (farm-stay accommodations) offer bike rentals as part of your stay, and additional organizations, such as Val d’Orcia E-Bike and Radicofani E-Bike, also facilitate the rental process. When renting, consult locals for recommendations regarding the most scenic paths tailored to your skills, interests, and available time.

Detour: If the season permits, indulge in the natural thermal baths at Bagni San Filippo (near the village of Bagno Vignoni) or Bagni di Petriolo (near Monticiano). These spa towns are free to enter, although there is limited infrastructure in their vicinity. Both locations provide opportunities away from the mainstream tourist circuit.

6. Taste the wines of Tuscany

Wine aficionados will appreciate Tuscany’s prolific selection of DOC and DOCG wines, which are further enhanced when enjoyed in their original setting and paired with local culinary offerings. If wine sampling intrigues you, plan a visit to a cantina (winery or wine cellar) for a comprehensive experience that incorporates vineyard tours, barrel tastings, and dining experiences. Hundreds of wineries provide hospitality services and activities centered on wine tasting. The zero-emission Carpineto farm, producing an array of wine varieties throughout Tuscany (Chianti, Montepulciano, Montalcino, etc.), also organizes diverse activities beyond wine tasting (such as lakeside picnics and truffle hunts, season permitting), making it a suitable option for those traveling with non-wine-drinking companions.

Planning tip: If wine-focused activities pique your interest, consider scheduling your visit between September and October for the vendemmia (grape harvest) to engage more actively in the winemaking tradition and process.

7. Climb 400 steps to see Siena from above

The 87m-tall (285ft) Torre del Mangia towers over Siena’s renowned Piazza del Campo. Those who dare to ascend its 400 steps are rewarded with panoramic views over the city. (Please note that due to its narrow design and antiquated construction—dating back to 1348—the tower is not wheelchair accessible.) An alternative viewpoint is provided by the Facciatone, a still-standing unfinished structure adjacent to the Duomo, which is part of a failed project to expand the cathedral. Be sure to enter the cathedral itself to appreciate its beautiful mosaic flooring, visible to the public only in July or after August 18 to safeguard against damage.

Detour: Travel southwest of Siena to the Abbazia di San Galgano, a striking ruined abbey that appears straight from a Gothic narrative. The nearby hermitage hosts a legendary sword embedded in stone, believed to have been placed there by the saint in 1180.

8. Enjoy staples of Tuscan cuisine

Having a subpar meal in Tuscany is nearly impossible. From the famed T-bone steak known as fiorentina to an array of preparations for wild boar, the region’s meat-based dishes are plentiful. The more adventurous may choose to sample local offal dishes such as trippa or lampredotto, both integral to the Tuscan dining experience. Meanwhile, vegetarians can savor local cheeses like the intense Pecorino di Pienza along with distinctive pasta dishes like pici all’aglione and creamy cacio e pepe. Although vegan options may be limited, fresh local vegetables can often be arranged, particularly during harvest season, so consider asking for porcini mushrooms when available.

Local tip: Unless necessary for dietary considerations, refrain from requesting alterations to the menu or substitutions based on personal preferences. Experiencing the dishes as intended will lend to a more authentic gastronomic journey.

9. Follow the Via Francigena

During the Middle Ages, pilgrims would typically spend about 80 days journeying from Canterbury, England to Rome along the Via Francigena. The Tuscan segment of this winding route remains remarkably intact and continues to attract tourists; though the aim may no longer be reaching Rome, the scenic white roads linking diverse Tuscan villages are worth traversing, allowing you to absorb the myriad sounds, aromas, and colors of the surrounding fields. This journey epitomizes slow, sustainable tourism, allowing you to travel at your own pace on your terms. Visit Tuscany can assist in selecting segments of the Via Francigena to explore, offering various itineraries of approximately 30km (19 miles) per day. The most favorable months for this journey are April to May and September to October, characterized by pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Detour: A delightful walk leads to the Renaissance gem of Pienza, designed to be “the ideal city” by Pope Pius II in 1462.

10. Visit the medieval towns of Lucca and Pistoia and avoid crowds

Opt for accommodations in lesser-known cities rather than popular tourist destinations to ensure a more tranquil trip, offering a genuine experience devoid of tourist traps and providing interesting stories to share with friends back home. At first glance, the nearby cities of Lucca and Pistoia in northern Tuscany may appear similar in style, with a shared medieval architecture evident in their centers. Delve into their cathedrals and battisteri, which alone justify the visit, along with immersing yourself in the scents and sounds of these settlements for an authentic understanding of contemporary Tuscan life, contrasting sharply with the polished, tourist-centric atmospheres of Florence or Siena.

Planning tip: If extended stays are not feasible, both municipalities can be explored within a day.