14 Very Best Places in Tuscany To Visit - Hand Luggage Only

Palms down, Tuscany is definitely among the finest locations in Italy to go to – particularly when you love a very good mixture of historic cities, rolling hills and essentially the most scrumptious meals and vineyards that you could’t miss. Tuscany is completely particular and excellent for a street journey across the area, or perhaps a metropolis break! That being stated, it may be robust to whittle down a agency checklist of all the perfect locations in Tuscany to go to as they’re all dotted round this iconic area of Italy. 

So, to make issues a little bit simpler (and also you’re not slowed down with an excessive amount of planning), I wished to share a few of the gems we cherished visiting in Tuscany. 

Some are attractive little cities that date again 1000’s of years and a few are little retreats that I’m hoping you’ll love. Regardless of the case, I simply know you’re going to be spoilt for selection on the place to go to in Tuscany. 

Have a look, beneath, at the perfect locations in Tuscany to go to. Have the perfect time in Italy! 

1.) Florence

Best Things To Do In Florence (7)

Okay, let’s begin with one in all Tuscany’s most iconic cities, Florence. Actually, there are such a lot of epic issues to see in Florence that you simply’ll want not less than a couple of days,if no more, to see all of them. 

Fact be advised, it wants little introduction and is thought the world over for its centuries of historic, artwork and completely gorgeous streets. Through the years, we’ve visited many occasions and by no means not loved our time within the metropolis. In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s one in all our favorite cities in Italy to go to. A daring assertion, I do know! 

It’s no coincidence that Florence known as the jewel of the Renaissance, particularly with its contribution to the enlightenment that traditionally introduced the town to the centre of the world. These days, you may see works from the likes of Michelangelo and Da Vinci alongside world-renowned spots which have stood for hundreds of years. 

As soon as right here, be sure to cease and luxuriate in a few of the free issues to do in Florence and likewise take within the views throughout the town from Piazzale Michelangelo. We cherished going simply earlier than sundown (with gelato in hand) and watching Florence glitter. It sounds kinda tacky, but it surely actually is beautiful. 

Oh, and don’t neglect to walk over Ponte Vecchio (the long-lasting bridge) and The Piazza della Signoria, too. If you wish to see the masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, and others, be sure to book these Uffizi Gallery skip-the-line tickets. You may’t miss it in Florence. 

For those who’ve obtained a head for heights, go to the highest of the Duomo and see the views throughout the town. Simply be warned, queues can construct fairly rapidly.

You may simply guide this superb Dumo, Baptistery and the long-lasting Florence Cathedral guided tour ticket that’ll get you inside very quickly. It’s such an effective way to discover this iconic sight, all with a certified information by your aspect. 

Fancy getting away from the town? E-book this incredible Tuscan day trip tour that departs proper from Florence itself. It’ll help you discover the long-lasting metropolis of Siena, Pisa and time within the Chianti Hills. Not solely that, you’ll get to go to an genuine Tuscan farmhouse for lunch and take a look at a few of the wines from the native vineyards, too. It’s unbelievable and excellent if you wish to take advantage of out of your time in Tuscany. 

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Florence

2.) Pisa

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Round a 90-minute drive from Florence (or a 50-minute practice), Pisa is one other among the finest locations in Florence to go to if you wish to go to world-renowned sights (just like the Leaning Tower of Pisa) on a straightforward day journey.

Everyone knows the Leaning Tower of Pisa, proper? Effectively, it’s truly a part of a a lot bigger advanced of the cathedral that’s so gorgeous to go to.

To ensure you get inside, book this reserved entry ticket to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Better of all, it’ll be all at your personal tempo – so there’s no have to rush. 

Afterwards, take a wander across the cathedral itself and discover Piazza dei Miracoli and Piazza dei Cavalieri, too.

Oh, and don’t neglect to strive some tasty native dishes, too! Like Pappardelle al Cinghiale. It’s a wild boar dish in a wealthy tomato sauce with, usually, do-it-yourself ‘flat’ Pappardelle pasta. It’s so good. 

Learn extra: Issues to know earlier than visiting Pisa

3.) Siena

Best Things To Do In Siena (2)

The gorgeous Tuscan metropolis of Siena is an absolute gem to go to, particularly with the historic centre. In any case, the centre of Siena is a UNESCO-listed Heritage Website and it’s like stepping again centuries.

For me, among the finest methods to discover Siena is by foot. It’s a very beautiful metropolis to walk in, although, take some cozy sneakers (you’ll thank me later).

As soon as right here, you may go to a few of Tuscany’s most iconic spots just like the Palazzo Pubblico, the Cathedral of Siena, Palazzo Salimbeni and the Basilica of San Domenico. Plus, you can too try the spectacular Piazza del Campo the place you can be transported again in time.

Lastly, you may scale to the highest of Torre del Mangia when you’re toes are feeling as much as it! Simply be warned, it could actually get fairly busy in the summertime months and fairly heat when strolling up. 

Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Siena

4.) Lucca

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

The neighbour of close by Pisa, Lucca is likely one of the greatest locations in Tuscany to go to when you’re close to the west coast. It’s completely stunning and form of seems like a Tuscan time capsule while you’re exploring all of the superb Romanesque structure and renaissance buildings.

As soon as right here, you should definitely try the winding streets and get to the highest of Guinigi Tower. It’s not fairly as arduous because it appears (when you take it good and gradual).

If that’s not your factor, head over to the long-lasting Puccini Museum which showcases all of the worldly data in regards to the composer that was born right here. 

Talking of composers and opera, be sure to book these Puccini rehearsal tickets contained in the Church of San Giovanni. It’s 1000’s of years outdated and the expertise is simply unbelievable. 

5.) Cortona

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Featured within the guide Beneath the Tuscan Solar by Francis Mayes, Cortona has been among the finest locations in Tuscany to go to for fairly a while. It is likely to be a comparatively small city, but it surely packs a mighty punch with regards to being an amazing place to go to. 

Surrounded by the Etruscan partitions, that are virtually 3,000 years outdated, a lot of the historical past of the place will be noticed by the buildings you will see within the province of Arezzo. 

After arriving, you may try the Chiesa San Francesco and the Abbazia Farneta which is gorgeous to see.

Not solely that, there are marketplaces between the Santa Maria Cathedral and Garibaldi Sq. that you could discover to have a style of their well-known purple wine varieties which makes this area so scrumptious. 

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Cortona can be an amazing stopping level when you’re driving from Florence to Rome (that’s not in Tuscany) as a part of a wider Italian street journey.

It’s about 10km off the E35 Freeway and very easy to go to.  

6.) Pistoia

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Thought-about the pistol firearm’s birthplace, Pistoia is a well-liked little hang-out to go to when exploring Tuscany. It’s very easy to go to when you’re driving between Florence, Plato, Lucca and Pisa and the right little cease for a half-day journey.

As soon as right here, you should definitely try the Cathedral of St. Zeno and its Baptistery, Montecatini Terme, the Museo Capitolare, Monte Cimone mountain vary, the advanced of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, and Montecatini Alto. It’s all so stunning. 

Oh, and when you can, seize a seat at Locanda del Capitano del Popolo. Their Minestra di Fagioli (a bit like a bean soup) and pasta are superb. It’s such a comfortable and casual consuming spot, we like it.

7.) Arezzo

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Perched roughly between the Adriatic coast and the Mediterranean coast, Arezzo is likely one of the greatest locations in Tuscany to discover as you meander the japanese fringes of the area. 

For me, Arezzo is all about its gorgeous historic centre, which is nestled on the high part of the hillside. It’s completely stunning and effectively price taking a gander when you’re exploring this space of Tuscany. 

As you get into the historic centre, you should definitely see the Fortezza Medicea, Arezzo Cathedral (With its gorgeous Piero Della Francesca fresco) and the Teatro Petrarca.

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

That being stated, when you get caught in an unseasonal bathe, try the attractive Museum of Medieval and Fashionable Artwork and the Museo Archeologico Mecenate. 

We love the town. 

8.) San Gimignano

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

We fell in love with San Gimignano as quickly as we visited! Belief me, as quickly as you arrive, you’ll see what all of the fuss is about.

It’s among the finest locations in Tuscany to go to for an ideal snapshot of a Tuscan medieval city. It’s that excellent mixture of quaint, accessible and completely charming. 

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Recognized for its historic partitions and medieval towers, be sure to not miss the possibility to go to San Gimignano in your street journey round Tuscany.

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

After you get right here, you should definitely pop into the Museo Archeologico, Sant’Agostino Basilica, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

The museums within the space are attractive, so that you may need to take into account visiting even one or two museums to finish your journey to San Gimignano (particularly if the solar will get too sizzling exterior). 

Learn extra: Our time visiting San Gimignano

9.) Montepulciano

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

One other medieval hilltop Tuscan city, Montepulciano has a appeal that’s too attractive to overlook. Traditionally generally known as a spot the place highly effective and noble households frequented and lived, the structure in Montepulciano is simply stunning. 

Not solely that, it’s surrounded by a few of the tastiest vineyards in all of Tuscany (shhh, don’t inform the others). 

To strive a few of the area’s scrumptious wines, book this wine-tasting and cellar tour that’ll get you up shut and private with a few of the city’s most scrumptious varieties. 

Afterwards, don’t neglect to additionally go to Piazza Grande and the church of San Biago to finish your expertise in Montepulciano. You may simply spend a soothing day right here (or longer).

Learn extra: Our time visiting Montepulciano

10.) Elba

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Famous as probably the most greatest locations in Tuscany to go to for its magnificence and since it’s the area’s largest island. It’s completely attractive to go to for a couple of days and effectively price exploring the island as a lot as potential while you’re visiting Tuscany. 

To succeed in the island of Elba, you want to journey the ferry from Piombino’s mainland port. Elba is round 10 kilometres away, so not too far in any respect.

As soon as right here, you should definitely spot Villa dei Molini, Through Napoleone and Piazza Napoleone. Oh, and don’t neglect to go to a few of the Tuscan island’s seashores, too. Nisportino and Spiaggia Cala Seregola are two agency favourites you may’t miss. 

Lastly, take a wander by a few of the cities, too. Notable locations to go to are Monte Capanne, Porto Azzurro and Procchio. 

11.) Volterra

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

The wall mountaintop Tuscan city of Volterra is attractive to discover. It’s the form of place that’s excellent for a day journey and effectively price taking a gander across the historic streets and seeing the attractive vistas across the area. 

As soon as right here, you should definitely try the Palazzo dei Priori (With its iconic tower). You’ll have to pay a small payment to enter and climb the tower but it surely’s effectively price it.

Afterwards, see the ruins of the Roman Theatre and take a look at Volterra Cathedral that’s obtained essentially the most ornate ceilings. 

12.) Pitigliano

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

Perched throughout the province of Grosseto, Pitigliano is likely one of the greatest locations in Tuscany to go to as you journey to the southern fringes of Tuscany. 

After parking up, be sure to discover the Museum of Palazzo Orsini and La Piccola Gerusalemme for all of the historical past inside (and out). 

Sure, the city of Pitigliano is kind of small, but it surely makes it excellent to go to for 2-3 hours as a part of an extended journey. 

13.) Monteriggioni

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

The long-lasting medieval walled city is round a 25-minute drive from the town of Siena and effectively price a gander. 

After arriving, you may get contained in the outdated city itself through the Porta Franca gate. Nonetheless, to this present day, you may see the watchtowers and towering partitions that after saved this city secure within the Tuscan hills. 

Inside, it is best to head straight to Piazza Roma and take a look at the attractive church and the quiet little homes that line the streets. 

Not solely that, however from Monteriggioni, you may see some attractive vistas over the broader Chianti area in Tuscany. It’s an ideal morning journey to Siena and effectively price stopping by for a couple of hours. 

14.) San Miniato

Best Places in Tuscany To Visit

One other historic city in Tuscany, San Miniato is a gem to discover. Though it’s fairly small, it’s effectively price visiting for a protracted afternoon journey (and an early lunch). We cherished it.

After arriving, you should definitely try The Tower of Frederick II, the Diocesan Museum and the cathedral which all make San Miniato so particular. 

Once more, like a lot of the smaller cities in Tuscany, you may simply go to for a half-day journey and see many of the city itself. 

Learn extra: Greatest cities to go to in Italy

16 Greatest Cities In Italy To Go to


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