Tuscany · 26 Places · Best April-May and September-October
Tuscany (Toscana) is one of Italy's most celebrated regions, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and vineyards, as well as its extraordinary concentration of Renaissance art and medieval architecture. Home to Florence, Siena, and Pisa, Tuscany gave the world Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and the foundations of the Italian language.
Tuscany stretches across central Italy between the Apennine mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, encompassing five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-class museums, and one of Italy's most beloved culinary traditions. The region produces iconic wines including Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, grows prized truffles in the San Miniato hills, and yields extra-virgin olive oil celebrated across the globe. Whether you come for art, food, hiking, beach holidays, or simply to drive through the countryside, Tuscany delivers an experience of rare beauty and depth.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of the world's most important art museums, housing an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces including Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation, and works by Michelangelo and Raphael. The gallery occupies the former Medici administrative offices designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560.
The world-famous freestanding bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, begun in 1173 and renowned for its unintended tilt caused by soft ground on one side. Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top for sweeping views over the Campo dei Miracoli. The tower leans at approximately 3.97 degrees from vertical.
One of Europe's greatest medieval public squares, the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in Siena is divided into nine segments representing the Council of Nine who governed medieval Siena. The square is dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico and its slender Torre del Mangia, and hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year.
Florence's magnificent Gothic cathedral is crowned by Brunelleschi's revolutionary dome, still the largest brick dome ever constructed. The cathedral complex includes the dome, Giotto's campanile, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni with its famous bronze 'Gates of Paradise' by Ghiberti. Climbing the 463 steps to the dome top rewards with panoramic city views.
Florence's oldest and most iconic bridge spans the Arno River and is lined with goldsmiths, jewelers, and art dealers. Dating from 1345, it is the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II intact. The Vasari Corridor runs along the top of the shops, connecting the Uffizi with the Pitti Palace.
Florence's fortress-like town hall has been the seat of civic government since 1299 and now houses a magnificent museum with frescoed halls, Renaissance sculptures, and the famous Hall of the Five Hundred. The Torre d'Arnolfo tower offers spectacular views over the city and the Arno River.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Set in a stunning 15th-century Renaissance palazzo with a 4.5-acre private garden, the Four Seasons Florence is one of Italy's most prestigious hotels. Rooms are opulently decorated with period furniture and silk fabrics, and the hotel's spa and Michelin-starred restaurant Il Palagio make it a complete destination.
Perched on the hillside at Fiesole above Florence, this breathtaking 15th-century former monastery designed in part by Michelangelo offers stunning views over the Arno Valley and Florence's rooftops. Each room is individually decorated with antiques, and the heated pool and Michelin-starred restaurant complete the experience.
Within the walls of the medieval Castello Banfi estate in the heart of Brunello wine country, this stunning hotel offers 14 suites and 14 rooms decorated with antique furnishings and local stone. Surrounded by 2,800 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, and woods with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
A 5,000-acre private estate in the Val d'Orcia with a restored medieval village converted into one of Italy's most exclusive resorts. Offering private villas, a championship golf course, Ristorante Campo del Drago with outstanding Brunello wine, a luxury spa, and falconry experiences.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Florence's oldest restaurant, operating since 1880 in the atmospheric vaulted wine cellars beneath Palazzo Antinori. Famous for its enormous bistecca fiorentina grilled over charcoal, the walls are plastered with vintage travel posters. A true Florentine institution.
One of Italy's most celebrated restaurants with three Michelin stars, housed in a 15th-century palazzo in Florence with one of Italy's finest wine cellars (over 130,000 bottles). Chef Annie Feolde has created an extraordinary temple of Italian haute cuisine combining Tuscan tradition with French technique.
An iconic and beloved Florence trattoria operating since 1953 near the Mercato Centrale. Communal tables, paper tablecloths, no reservations, and a short menu of daily specials including ribollita, lampredotto, and bistecca make this the quintessential Florentine lunch experience beloved by locals and savvy travelers alike.
One of Siena's finest restaurants, housed in a magnificent 19th-century pharmacy with original wooden shelves, marble counters, and terracotta floors. The menu celebrates Sienese and Tuscan cuisine with exceptional seasonal ingredients, an outstanding wine list focused on Brunello and Chianti Classico.
Dario Cecchini, an 8th-generation butcher and global celebrity chef, runs this legendary butcher shop and restaurant in Panzano in Chianti. Featured on Netflix's Chef's Table, it serves extraordinary bistecca fiorentina and other cuts in a unique communal, festive atmosphere. The most famous butcher in Italy.
A charming farmhouse osteria in the Chianti hills serving authentic Tuscan farm cooking with a menu that changes with the seasons and uses ingredients from the surrounding countryside. The terrace views over the vineyards and the wood-fire cooking make this a favorite for those exploring Chianti.
Tuscany has good transport links between major cities via train, but a rental car is strongly recommended for exploring the countryside, Chianti wine region, Val d'Orcia, and smaller hill towns not served by public transport.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €80 | €250 |
| Food (per day) | €15 | €40 | €100 |
| Transportation | €10 | €15 | €30 |
| Activities | €10 | €15 | €20 |
| Daily total | €60 | €150 | €400+ |
Keep valuables in hotel safe and use anti-theft bags
Be cautious of pickpockets near the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio
Validate train tickets before boarding to avoid fines
Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
Entry requirements follow Italy/Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card; non-EU visitors from many countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days; others require a Schengen visa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Tuscany is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Tuscany: Italian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Tuscany include Uffizi Gallery, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza del Campo, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Duomo), and Ponte Vecchio. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
