Italy is all about delicious food and fabulous wine. It offers a stunning landscape and fascinating history. It boasts beautiful architecture and pleasant weather. In no other place is this truer than in lovely Tuscany. Here is how to make your trip one to remember. Check out the best experiences and things to do in Tuscany.
Tip from tour guide
What I love most about Tuscany are the narrow, rusticated streets and houses, with the beautiful green-blue landscape in the background. Tuscany promises a laidback vibe, something that has disappeared in the modern city lifestyle. It feels like home and helps me reminisce about the times when we were living close to nature.
ETIAS
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for a good reason. Between da Vinci and Rome there is something for everyone to explore. Before heading to Italy you need to be aware of the country’s travel regulations. ETIAS visa for Italy will be implemented in 2021 alongside all the other countries within the Schengen Area. This will be introduced with the aim of making traveling safer. The ETIAS is a simple online application form that travelers will fill out and then receive confirmation electronically.
By receiving confirmation of the ETIAS it will be established that you meet the ETIAS requirements and as such you are eligible to visit Italy for short-term stays. The ETIAS is valid for three years. The ETIAS, alongside your valid passport, should then constitute your travel documentation. For an exhaustive list of travel rules and regulations, it is best to check the official sources online.
10 things to experience in Tuscany
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa (from USD 99.0)
It’s iconic and it’s a must. Climb the 300 steps and enjoy the spectacular view of Piazza Dei Miracoli. The Piazza is where the edifice is located and serves as the bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa. It is the last component of a series of landmark buildings that turned the region into a popular tourist destination. With an original height of 60 meters (197 feet), it now stands at 56.67 meters (186 feet) on the higher side and 55.86 meters (183 feet) on the lower end. Through advanced engineering, the leaning action has stopped and was straightened at a safe angle, about 4 degrees from the perpendicular.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Website: Leaning Tower of Pisa
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Tip from tour guide
While Piazza dei Miracoli is world-famous for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are many other things to see there. Here are a couple of must-visit attractions on the plaza:
- Cattedrale di Pisa: The cathedral dates back to 1063 and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. The city of Pisa became a maritime power in the 11th century and the cathedral was built with the spoils brought back from Palermo. Hence, it presents a mixture of styles: Moresque, Lombard Romanesque, and local.
Take a good look at its façade, the marble cover, and the central doors of John Bologna’s workshop, as well as the side door of Bonanno Pisano. Its details are really surprising! The elegant and harmonious interior houses the remains of the patron saint of Pisa, Saint Rainier, the spectacular pulpit of Giovanni Pisano, and the mosaic of Cimabue in the apse.
- Battistero di San Giovanni: Just opposite the cathedral, there is a circular building whose base showcases a Romanesque and Gothic style. Look at the decorations below the entrance; you can see scenes from the life of Saint-Jean Baptiste. The baptistery also has exceptional acoustics. In fact, when you visit it, do not be surprised by songs that illustrate this phenomenon. Baptistries were used to baptize; in the center of this one, you can see the octagonal baptismal basin. Just like in the cathedral, there is another pulpit here made by Giovanni’s father, Nicola Pisano.
Skip-the-line Leaning Tower of Pisa Guided Small-Group Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Thermal springs in Saturnia
This is a magical sight that is as soothing as it is beautiful. The huge thermal hot springs contain adequate amounts of sulfur in the waters that run through it. The healing effects of the waters are commonly sought by people suffering from various skin diseases, arthritis, throat, and nasal infections. The hot springs have waters that warm to 37 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit). This site is one of the reasons why visitors love going to Saturnia. Others come over just to relax and have fun with their families and friends. This is surely a refreshing way to spend a vacation in Tuscany.
Thermal springs in Saturnia
Address: Via Della Follonata, 58014 Saturnia GR, Italy
Website: Thermal springs in Saturnia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Tuscany Tour Guide
Joanna
Hello, my name is Joanna. I was born and raised in Poland but then I fell hopelessly in love with Tuscany and have been living in Florence for 20 years. Wisely enough, I decided to turn my passion into work and became a tour guide. Now I can share with you my immense love for the beauty, history and art of these enchanted places. I am particularly passionate about the Middle Ages, history, scu... Read more
Tours by Joanna
Tuscany Tour Guide
Sara Pallabazzer
I am a lively well-spoken tour guide and tour leader from Florence, and a person who has the ability to motivate different sets of audience; to communicate effectively and possesses a high degree of energy and enthusiasm.I am able to manage multiple tasks, self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills. I am proficient in Italian, English and Norwegian and possess a strong love ... Read more
Tours by Sara
3. Vespa Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Il corner Vespa Club d'Italia del Museo Piaggio si arricchisce! Ecco la parete ricoperta di stickers provenienti da tutti i Vespa Club del Mondo! ?
Posted by Museo Piaggio on Sunday, April 18, 2021
This is a bit out of the ordinary when it comes to museums perhaps but nonetheless a fun experience. The Museo Piaggio is home to an extensive exhibit of one of Italy’s prominent vehicles, the Vespa scooter. This place is more popularly called the Vespa Museum. Museo Piaggio showcases exhibits about the history of the company that manufactures Vespa. The exhibit area displays about 100 Vespa scooters and is located in the original tool room of the factory. All classic models are included with the Dali, Siluro, and Monthlery drawing the most attention and interest from guests. This is one iconic experience you should not miss.
Vespa Museum
Address: Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 7, 56025 Pontedera PI, Italy
Website: Vespa Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Tip from tour guide
Vespa (which translates to wasp) has become an Italian icon, a symbol of dolce far niente (sweet idleness), hot summers, romantic passions, freedom, and a lifestyle. That's why I recommend you to visit Museo Piaggio in Pontedera, which has dedicated a huge room to the Vespa collection, produced by the company since 1946. Even though I'm not into bikes and cars, I loved the Vespa room. My first scooter in Italy was a Kymco, but I would have preferred a Vespa instead!
In the museum, you can also see other sections, dedicated to bikes such as Gilera, Guzzi, and Aprilia, the legendary Ape, still used in the countryside to transport goods and more, temporary exhibitions, and archives. The museum was inaugurated in March 2000 in the tooling department of the ancient Pontedera factory complex. It was entirely renovated in 2018 and has become the largest and most comprehensive Italian museum dedicated to two wheels today, bringing together lovers of cars, sports, and the Italian lifestyle.
The entrance is free but you have to book tickets on the website: www.museopiaggio.it
Visit duration: about 60-90 minutes
4. Olive oil
Enjoy a tasting of the elixir of life and learn about its origin as well as the different vintages. Tuscan olive oil stands among the best in the world. A combination of ideal climate, rich land, and skilled farmers are what contribute to producing top-quality olive oil. This has become Italy’s most prized food export and the Tuscan region is at the forefront of it all. Relying on the old way of preparing olive oil, Tuscan producers cold press the olives to extract the oil at its purest. These olives are picked from the groves and washed. These are milled using large millstones when the ambient temperature does not go over 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
5. Hot air balloon ride (from USD 298.0)
This panorama viewing of vineyards in Tuscany is a truly unique experience. Going on a hot air balloon ride allows you to experience a magical flight. The scenery includes endless miles of grape vineyards and olive groves. The Chianti Hills are always a sight to behold from high above. Ancient and historic villages are also easily visible from the balloon. You will get to the chance to see some of the iconic cities of Tuscany, including Florence. When the weather permits, a hot air balloon is the best way to see the region. It is best to have your camera charged and loaded as this experience will take you on a wild ride you’ll surely want to capture.
Tuscany Hot Air Balloon Flight
Duration: 3 hours
6. Michelangelo's David
One of the world’s masterpieces may be found at the Galleria dell’Accademia and it is one of the Master’s most notable works. David, by Michelangelo is one of the revered works of art from the Renaissance period. The sculpture of David, a biblical hero holding a fustibal, stands 5.17 meters (17 feet) high. David is one of the favorite subjects in Florentine art, as evidenced by the size of the sculpture. It is also the very first time a nude sculpture of that size was ever made during that period. To this day, it remains a wonder how a single man was able to craft such a huge structure during the Renaissance.
Michelangelo's David
Address: Galleria dell'Accademia, Via Ricasoli, 60, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: Michelangelo’s David
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8:15am - 6:50pm (closed on Mon)
Tip from tour guide
Aside from the famous David sculpture, there are many other masterpieces to unveil at Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze. Check out the very impressive Gypsoteca area, which has many works by Lorenzo Bartolini. He was an amazing marble sculptor who created many busts, statues, and tombs of famous people.
7. Truffle hunt (from USD 204.0)
In San Miniato, it is possible to go on a treasure hunt as well as learn the best way to get the maximum taste experience from this exclusive produce. Tuscany is blessed to have two places where these nuggets are found. The first is San Miniato which is perfect for hunting truffles. Families are known to host these hunting expeditions with the help of dogs. Another place is San Giovanni d’Asso. The Siena landscape is perfect for hunting the rarer white truffle. The fungus is so revered that a festival is held in its honor during mid-November. So get ready for a hunting expedition like no other.
Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch in San Miniato
Duration: 3 hours
8. Walk around Florence
A walking tour is often an underappreciated way of exploring a city which is a shame. By walking you will get to see parts of a city that might not be revealed otherwise. A little planning is involved as you need to identify Florence’s places of interest that you would like to visit. Because Florence is a small city, you get to see all of its interesting destinations in a day or two. Not to be missed are San Miniato, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Oltrarno, and the Centro Storico. Along the way, you have the chance to see other interesting places that are not listed on websites and brochures. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water during your walks.
9. Palazzo Vecchio
Home to one of the most infamous families in Italy, the Medicci’s, Palazzo Vecchio is a true architectural masterpiece. This is Florence’s town hall which provides a beautiful view of Piazza Della Signoria, where a replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David, can be found. Built for the Priors, the original building was constructed by the famed architect, Arnolfo di Cambio. Several sculptures done by masters are displayed out front. Among its most photographed areas is the front door where a figure of Christ stands between two lions. Several important additions and renovations were done during the 1400s and the 1500s. The interior courtyard is now a favorite venue for exhibits.
Palazzo Vecchio
Address: Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Website: Palazzo Vecchio
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 10pm; Thu: 9am - 2pm
Tip from tour guide
Palazzo Vecchio has a wonderfully decorated courtyard that not only overlooks Piazza della Signoria but also the Persian Sea. These decorations were created for a woman, but apparently, she did not have a happy life in Florence. But who doesn't love sad and mysterious stories?Inside the palace, you can check out a lot of attractions, including Giorgio Vasari’s Mercury/Hermes, Andrea del Verrocchio's Putto with Dolphin, Dante's death mask, and Studiolo of Francesco I.
Meanwhile, in the plaza, you can check out many amazing works of art. Click a picture of the bronze relief depicting Perseus freeing Andromeda, created by Benvenuto Cellini in 1554. The original artwork is in Bargello National Museum. Kids love this piece of art, especially as it has a dragon. Don't forget to look at the sculpture in the plaza as well: Perseus with the head of Medusa! It shows more of the hero's story when he releases Andromeda from a rock when a dragon is already preparing to swallow her. If you look at the sculpture closely, you'll see a small monster on Perseus' helmet. The helmet is the Cap of Invisibility, also known as the Cap of Hades, the god of the underworld. In some stories, Perseus is said to have received the Cap along with the Winged Sandals from Athena. Behind the head of Perseus, you can see a face. Some art historians say that it's Benvenuto Cellini's self-portrait, while others claim it's Hades' face. Perseus hides a lot of secrets!
10. The secret Boboli Gardens
16th- to 18th-century sculptures create the backdrop of this experience and they are surrounded by stunningly beautiful nature. The Boboli Gardens is one of the awe-inspiring places to see in Tuscany. The perfect mix of art and nature make this place a haven. Visitors troop to this open museum that shows the artistic culture of Florence. Oak trees that have lasted for centuries and fountains provide a cooling effect from the sweltering sun. The greenery is simply stunning and should not be missed by visitors to the city. It inspired many other garden architecture structures throughout Europe, including the famous Versailles.
The secret Boboli Gardens
Address: Piazza de’ Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Opening hours: 8:15am – 6:30pm (daily)
Travel to Italy and discover Tuscany
Tuscany is a wonderful destination filled to the brim with exciting experiences. The suggestions made here are a great way for you to start exploring this amazing area. Add to the list based on your own interests and make sure that you sample the local cuisine as well. Bel viaggio!
This article is sponsored by ETIAS.
The Tarot Garden in Capalbio
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Visit The Tarot Garden in Capalbio to see extraordinary modern artwork by a French-American artist, Niki de Saint Phalle. The garden displays huge sculptures inspired by the 22 Major Arcana of the tarot cards. Niki started this project in approximately 1978 and worked on it for over 17 years, collaborating with many contemporary artists, including Jean Tinguely, her husband.
The artworks were made of steel and concrete and it was covered with ceramic, mirrors, colored glass, and stones. Some of the sculptures are habitable, for example, the Popesse.
Lavender fields
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Want to add some color to your Tuscan holiday? Visit the many lavender fields in the region with your loved ones. You can explore them from the second week of June until the beginning of August. Here’s a list of the places where you can enjoy these picturesque fields:
Lavanda di Massarosa in Massarosa near Viareggio
Flora Bio in Lorenzana
Santa Luce in Pisa (You can often see them along the road from Orciano Pisano to Santa Luce)
Officina degli Aromi Il Bellini in Castelfranco di Sotto, Arezzo
Podere Argo in Sorano
La Valicandolina, Bibbona, Livorno
Lavanda di Maremma, Gavorrano, Grosseto
To know about the opening hours and fees, you can check the official websites of these places.
Hike from Doganaccia to Lake Scaffaiolo
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Would you like to have a real adventure and explore the wild part of Tuscany? I recommend the scenic hike from Doganaccia to Lake Scaffaiolo. This easy and short walk is a real treat, against the backdrop of the verdant Appennino mountains.
The hike starts at Doganaccia. You can get there by car or take the cable car from Cutigliano, which is an hour’s drive from Pistoia. You can enjoy this hike from June until October. In winter and spring, the area is covered with snow and turns into a popular ski area. Thus, it can also be a fun place for an immersive ski holiday for beginners!
There is one cafè-cum-restaurant in Doganaccia and one by the lake (not always open). The area is also full of other hiking trails. Consider spending enough time there to fully explore them!
Castello di Sammezzano
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Source: Joanna
Castello di Sammezzano or Sammezzano Castle is situated in Leccio near Reggello in Tuscany and features gorgeous Oriental architecture. This breathtaking castle was built at the beginning of the 17th century. It was remodeled in the Moorish revival style in the second half of the 19th century by Ferdinand Panciatichi Ximenes.
Viale dei Cipressi
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
One of the most iconic roads in Tuscany, the charming Viale dei Cipressi (Boulevard of Cypresses) is a treat for nature lovers and romantics. It’s located near the seaside comune of Castagneto Carducci and is a 5-km (3-mi) tree-lined road that connects the Oratory of San Guido with the historic center of the village of Bolgheri.
The road became famous thanks to the well-known poem by the poet and Nobel Prize winner Giosuè Carducci, who lived there for quite a while. The surroundings of Bolgheri are also famous for red wine, and the town is worth a visit.
Have a sumptuous dinner at Orto de' Pecci in Siena
Contributed by Tour Guide, Joanna
Source: Joanna
If you’re planning a long stay in Siena, are fond of nature, or are traveling with children, I recommend this wonderful park-cum-garden with a restaurant: Orto de’ Pecci. This lovely place is only 10 minutes from Piazza del Campo. The restaurant on site serves local dishes at very affordable prices. Children will love to run around and meet the animals in the park, including geese, chickens, peacocks, goats, and donkeys. Meanwhile, adults can relax far from the bustle amidst the greenery.
History
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