Tuscany, located in central Italy, is one of the country’s most celebrated regions. Bordered by Liguria to the northwest, Emilia-Romagna to the north, Umbria to the east, and Lazio to the south, with the Tyrrhenian Sea forming its western coastline. Its capital, Florence, was the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to artistic giants like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The region’s varied landscape includes the Apennine Mountains, the fertile Arno River valley, and the iconic rolling hills dotted with vineyards and cypress trees. Historically, Tuscany was once the heart of the powerful Etruscan civilization before becoming a center of art, science, and political influence during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Today, it’s known worldwide for its rich culture, world-class wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, and beautifully preserved towns that offer a glimpse into Italy’s timeless charm.
Tuscany is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. Rolling hills dotted with cypress trees, charming medieval towns, world-famous wines, and unforgettable food — this region of Italy feels like it was designed for slow travel and pure pleasure. Whether you’re exploring Florence’s art-filled streets or sipping Chianti in a sunlit vineyard, Tuscany invites you to slow down, take it all in, and live beautifully. These are the highlights we recommend visiting in Tuscany — from must-see cities to hidden corners that locals love.
Wander Through Florence — the Beating Heart of Tuscany
If you only have time for one city in Tuscany, make it Florence. This is the birthplace of the Renaissance — where art, history, and architecture come together in a way that’s simply breathtaking.
Start your day at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo, and don’t miss climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome for a view that stretches across terracotta rooftops and the Arno River. Inside, look for Paolo Uccello’s clock — a quirky masterpiece that still runs on “Italian time.”
Walk over to the Uffizi Gallery for a close encounter with Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci’s early works, then cross the Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s iconic bridge lined with goldsmiths’ shops.
And when you need a break, do what Florentines do — grab a gelato and stroll through Piazza della Signoria, soaking in the beauty around you.
Discover Siena’s Charm
Siena is smaller than Florence, but it has an equally strong personality. This medieval city feels frozen in time, with winding streets that lead to Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
If you visit in July or August, you might catch the Palio di Siena, a centuries-old horse race that turns the entire city into a colorful celebration of tradition and rivalry. Even if you miss the race, the atmosphere in Siena is something special — it’s lively yet relaxed, deeply historical but never dull.
Climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views or step inside the stunning Siena Cathedral, whose black-and-white marble design and vivid frescoes are guaranteed to impress.
Taste Tuscany — One Bite at a Time
You can’t talk about Tuscany without talking about food. Every meal here feels like a celebration — simple, seasonal, and packed with flavor.
Try pici pasta, a hand-rolled specialty from Siena that pairs perfectly with rich meat sauces or a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy bistecca alla fiorentina, the famous Florentine T-bone steak, grilled to perfection and shared among friends. And don’t leave without tasting ribollita, a rustic vegetable soup that locals swear by.
Of course, Tuscany is also wine country. Head to Chianti, Montepulciano, or Montalcino for tastings at small family-run wineries. Sipping a glass of Brunello di Montalcino while watching the sunset over the vineyards is one of those “life is good” moments you won’t forget.
Explore the Tuscan Countryside
Once you’ve had your fill of city life, it’s time to hit the road. Tuscany’s countryside is a dream — endless hills, vineyards, olive groves, and tiny villages that seem untouched by time.
Drive (or cycle) through the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s pure postcard perfection. Stop in Pienza, known for its pecorino cheese, and Montepulciano, famous for its red wine and charming stone streets.
If you love thermal springs, visit Bagno Vignoni or Saturnia, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature.
And if you want something truly off the beaten path, head toward Volterra, a mysterious hilltop town with Etruscan roots and a touch of Tuscan magic.
The Coast is Tuscany’s Seaside Surprise
Yes, Tuscany has beaches too! The region’s western coastline is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely worth exploring.
The Maremma area offers wild, unspoiled landscapes where pine forests meet the sea. Castiglione della Pescaia and Monte Argentario are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying fresh seafood with a view.
If you’re in the mood for island life, catch a ferry to Elba Island, where Napoleon was once exiled. Today it’s a peaceful paradise of crystal-clear water, hiking trails, and hidden coves.
Walk Through History in San Gimignano and Lucca
Few places capture old-world Tuscany like San Gimignano — a medieval town famous for its tower-filled skyline. Once you’re there, wander its narrow lanes, taste the local white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and climb one of the towers for a bird’s-eye view of the countryside.
Then make your way to Lucca, a charming city surrounded by intact Renaissance walls that you can actually walk or cycle along. Inside, you’ll find elegant piazzas, antique shops, and a relaxed vibe that makes it hard to leave.
The best thing to do in Tuscany may be simply to slow down. Sit in a quiet square with an espresso, listen to church bells echo through the hills, or watch the sunset turn everything golden. Tuscany isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next; it’s about feeling the rhythm of life here — calm, joyful, and effortlessly beautiful.
Whether you’re exploring Florence’s masterpieces, tasting Chianti in a vineyard, or wandering through medieval streets, Tuscany has a way of making every moment special. So take your time, follow your curiosity, and let Tuscany work its magic on you.
