Going on a Tuscan holiday soon? Make sure you tick every item on the list of the best things to do in Tuscany, Italy.
With its vineyards, medieval towns, and Renaissance city of Florence, Tuscany is one Italian region you’ll want to add to your travel itinerary.
Called Toscana in Italian, this region is known for its rich red wines. It also features some of the most breathtaking sceneries in the world, so you’ll want to make the most of your time here.
15 Best Things To Do in Tuscany, Italy
Very few other places in the world could quite match the experiences this Central Italian region offers. With its good weather, amazing food, rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and artistic legacy, Tuscany really has it all.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in Tuscany, Italy.
1. Explore the gorgeous city of Florence
There is no other city to better understand the Renaissance than Florence, where it all started. This should be your first destination when you visit Tuscany.
As a result of the aristocracy’s sponsorship and the city’s humanist intellectuals, artists, craftsmen, and builders, the Age of Enlightenment came to Italy and Europe as a whole, thanks in large part to this Tuscan city.
The best examples of this thrilling resurgence may be found in and around the Piazza del Duomo, as Brunelleschi’s enormous dome dominates the skyline. The marble-faced tower of Giotto rises next to it. The magnificent bronze Gates of Paradise, created by Ghiberti, may be found below the baptistery.
For those who want to see more art from the Renaissance period, there is a nearby museum that houses some of the most famous masterpieces, such as Michelangelo or Donatello’s, that you may visit.
Additionally, the Basilica di San Lorenzo and the Medici Tombs by Michelangelo are just a short walk away. The Renaissance masterpieces of San Lorenzo will wow you and there are more to find in several other churches in Florence.
Cimabue’s crucifix is on display in Santa Croce, while masterpieces by Giotto, Ghiberti, and Brunelleschi may be found at Santa Maria Novella.
Check these popular Florence group tours:
2. Surround yourself with Renaissance art in Florence
Some of the world’s top art museums are found in Florence. Let’s have a look at the two of the best Florentine museums.
• Uffizi Gallery, Florence
The Uffizi Gallery houses the finest collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, unrivaled anywhere in the world.
Located between Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio, this Medici palace houses an enormous collection that provides a clear picture of Renaissance Florence’s impact on Western art and culture.
At Uffizi Gallery, you’ll be able to see works by all of Florence’s greatest artists from the 14th to the 16th centuries, as well as earlier works that show how styles and subjects evolved through time. In addition to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, several well-known artworks can be seen here.
Any art enthusiast may easily spend the entire day enjoying the museum’s collection, which includes much more than Renaissance masterpieces.
• Accademia Gallery
Visiting the Uffizi Gallery may leave you with the impression that you’ve seen everything there is to see in Renaissance art. On the other hand, this means missing some of Michelangelo’s most well-known works, such as David.
If you’ve already seen the copies in Piazza dell’Signore and Piozzale Michelangelo, nothing can compare to the impact of the actual marble statue, which appears to be about to step off its pedestal.
Consider Michelangelo’s four unfinished slave figures which, rather than implying that the marble had been chiseled out of them, appear as if they’ve always been there.
If you don’t have time to explore Uffizi but want to see art while in Florence, a visit to this gallery is a must.
Discover Florence art and culture group tour here:
3. Take pictures of the Leaning Tower and explore the city of Pisa
Seeing this famous tower is probably cliché and touristy, but taking photos of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Campo dei Miracoli is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Tuscany.
The city of Pisa, however, is much more than its famously shaky tower.
You’ll find a bohemian vibe if you take a stroll through the city’s small lanes, which date back to the 5th century BC, according to archaeological findings.
In Pisa you’ll also find seafaring-themed cafés and restaurants, Italy’s premier university Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, and fascinating museums, such as one dedicated to ships.
All mentioned are truly worth checking out when you visit Tuscany.
Find the perfect Pisa group tour for you:
4. Ride a Vespa and tour the countryside
If you’re searching for a romantic getaway that you can take at your own pace, renting a Vespa is a good option. Most of the things to do in Tuscany may be completely self-directed, and hiring a Vespa is a great way to avoid the crowds and explore the countryside freely.
Traveling at your leisure allows you to stop at any beautiful village or vista that strikes your eye. Taking this Vespa journey gives you the freedom to travel in a way that isn’t hampered by the constraints of public transportation.
The ride from Florence to the Chianti region in Tuscany’s countryside on a Vespa is a worthwhile one to take. You’ll get a chance to sample some of Tuscany’s finest products and savor a light lunch while soaking in the Chianti countryside’s scenery.
Book this amazing tour here.
5. Admire the many hilltop towns across Tuscany
Tuscany is home to a diverse collection of picturesque villages, many of which are worth spending at least a few hours exploring, whether they have medieval castles or centuries-old cathedrals. Some can be visited in a day from Florence; but for a more in-depth experience, plan on spending at least a few days here.
Visiting the hilltop Etruscan town, Cortona, is one of the most interesting things to do in Tuscany.
Another interesting place to visit is the small town of Volterra, which is only a few hours away by car from San Gimignano and boasts a medieval Duomo and Baptistery as well as the Palazzo dei Priori with its belfry from which you can see all of Volterra and beyond.
6. Stroll within the medieval walls of Lucca
These ancient walls still encompass most of Lucca’s well-preserved historic old town, making the city one of the Italian’s Città d’arte (“arts town”).
Just a little over an hour by car from Florence, Lucca was originally established by Etruscans. It was colonized by the Romans in circa 180 BC. The city served as ab important meeting place for Julius Caesar and Crassus during the Roman era. So if you’re a history buff, a visit to the ancient walled city of Lucca is one of the things to do in Tuscany that you can’t ignore.
Lucca is for architecture buffs as well, being home to some of Europe’s finest Romanesque buildings. For a more in-depth exploration of Lucca, you can book the guided walking tour here.
7. Relax in the hot springs
Photo by Albarubescens via Wikimedia Commons
Many hot springs in Tuscany are open to the public, and many of them are even free to visit.
Saturnia is the most well-known hot spring, and it’s a great place to spend quality time with your special someone while enjoying a bottle of local wine.
The sulfur scent of the hot springs, though, is worth noting. Make sure to bring a pair of old, bathing suits that you don’t mind getting rid of when you’re done.
If you are considering an Italy road trip, make sure to include this stop on your list of must-sees.
Find out more about this exciting getaway here. Also check out the 12 Best Thermal Baths in Italy
8. Visit a Tuscan island
The Tuscan Archipelago boasts some really stunning islands, the biggest of which (and also the most famous) is Elba.
There are seven major islands in the archipelago which, according to legends, came from a necklace that the Roman goddess Venus lost while emerging from the Tyrrhenian Sea. These seven islands are said to be the seven pearls the goddess didn’t manage to recover.
- RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Best Islands in Italy To Visit
Montecristo is another popular island you can visit in the Tuscan Archipelago. The lesser-known ones such as Giglio and Pianosa are also worth checking out.
View Tuscan island group tours here:
9. Take a Tuscan cooking class
In Tuscany, what could be better than a trip that combines excellent cuisine, an exciting new recipe learned, and an equally exciting meal.
There’s a cooking lesson in Tuscany for just about any dish you can imagine.
Taking a cooking lesson is definitely one of the most enriching things to do in Tuscany. It is one of the best ways to learn about the area’s rich history and culture.
There is a variety of cooking classes available in Tuscany, ranging from those hosted in gorgeous Tuscan farmhouses to those where an expert comes to your villa.
All of the classic dishes – from ragu to tiramisu – will be covered, and you’re sure to leave each session satisfied and a little tipsy, thanks to the generous supply of wine and snacks that are served as you prepare and cook each dish.
10. Go wine tasting in Chianti
For wine connoisseurs, there’s one item you can’t miss while visiting Tuscany: the Chianti wine. For a certain wine to qualify as a Chianti, it must contain at least 70 percent Sangiovese grapes. The Chianti wine has a deep, complex flavor that benefits from meal pairing.
You will find the renowned Chianti area around halfway between Florence and Siena. A must-do in Tuscany, this is considered one of the most iconic excursions available. Chianti can also be visited on a day trip from Florence if you choose.
Book any of the following guided tours for your ultimate Chianti experience:
11. Go truffle hunting
When it comes to Tuscan cuisine, the truffle is one of the most sought-after culinary jewels. The Italian word for truffle is “tartufo,” and while tartufi are accessible year-round in Toscano, the winter months are when they are most plentiful.
This fungus cannot be grown in an agricultural context, thus, it must be “hunted” for its supply, which is why it is so pricey. Book any of the following tours to get a firsthand look at the process:
12. Experience the Italian Alps (Apuan Alps)
It’s easy to see why Tuscany’s postcard-worthy countryside is so popular, with its rolling hills lined with cypress trees and quaint medieval towns. Many visitors to Tuscany are surprised by the Italian Alps, which may be seen in the Tuscan landscape.
Known as the Apuan Alps in Tuscany, this picturesque mountain range are a treasure trove of hiking and other outdoor sports activities in Italy. They are well-known for their marble quarries, which have been going on since the days of ancient Rome.
13. Explore some of Tuscany’s castles
Photo by Paolo Bellini via Flicker
Tuscany, like much of Europe, is full of castles, and there are numerous strongholds and beautiful architecture to be found throughout the region. Some castles have been turned into magnificent hotels, but many others are still used by their original owners’ families today.
Several Tuscan castles have been converted into museums and cultural centers that the general public can visit. If you’re interested in seeing some historically significant castles, you may visit the 11th-century Castle of Brolio and the 13th-century Castello dei Conti Guidi or Poppi Castle.
Exploring Tuscan castles is definitely of the best things you can do when you visit Tuscany.
14. Hike to the mountaintop sanctuary of La Verna
This 13th-century mountain retreat of St. Francis of Assisi, who is said to have received the stigmata here, is now a major pilgrimage site in Tuscany.
A thriving Franciscan monastery, La Verna Sanctuary is on the Mount Falterona and Campigna, part of the province of Arezzo. While a lot of pilgrims come here to honor St. Francis, it is still less crowded compared to Assisi.
The spectacular views of the Apennines from La Verna and the church’s marvelous paintings are a welcome bonus after the climb. This pilgrimage site is accessible from Florence.
A pilgrimage to La Verna is one of the most meaningful things to do in Tuscany that you shouldn’t miss.
15. Tour the filming locations
The picturesque region of Tuscany has been the setting for a slew of films and television shows.
It’s no secret that Tuscany is a beautiful place to film a movie, and Under the Tuscan Sun is one of the best examples. Inferno, based on Dan Brown’s novel, and Letters to Juliet were also filmed in this region.
Key scenes for the James Bond movie Quantum of Solace were shot in Siena, Talamone, and the Carrara white marble quarries during the production of the film.