Best of Tuscany

How Many Days Should You Spend in Tuscany?

Whether you have two days or two weeks, Tuscany is a wonderful destination. Travelers short on time should focus their energy on Florence and the wine region of Chianti, while those with five days can road-trip to medieval highlights like Siena and San Gimignano. With a week, slow down and take a pasta-making class — and with ten days or more, spend some time exploring Tuscany's gorgeous coast. Read on for advice on how many days to spend in the region.

Florence's City Skyline and the Ponte Vecchio Bridge

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa & More - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring the art and cuisine of Italy's Tuscany region. Discover Rennaissance art in Florence, browse bustling markets for fresh produce and cured meats and stroll through narrow medieval streets to see the 1,000-year-old Ponte Vecchio bridge. Head to the Tuscan countryside to visit Siena, tour a typical Chianti winery, and see the medieval Monteriggioni fortress. End your visit with a trip to see the famous leaning tower of Pisa and Lucca's historic city walls.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 14 Days

Discover why Pisa's famous tower leans so much (and why it's not the only one!), plus much more on this exploration of Tuscany. Start in Florence to see Da Vinci's 'The Annunciation' and other famous Renaissance works in the Uffizi Gallery. Look for treasures in the San Lorenzo market, browse shops on the medieval Ponte Vecchio, and explore history in the medieval cities of Siena and Lucca. End your trip with sweeping ocean views on the Cinque Terre hiking trail.

A winding road leading to a Tuscan villa

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 10 Days

If you only have 10 days to spend in Italy, this is the tour for you. Start in Florence to see Renaissance works by da Vinci and other artists in the Uffizi Gallery, then head to Pisa to climb the famous leaning tower. Continue to the Tuscan countryside to see the medieval city of Siena, and end in Lucca, where 11th-century churches and the perfect plate of handmade pasta await.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 12 Days

Discover why Tuscany is a favorite second home to many celebrities on this 12-day trip. Check out the iconic Duomo dome and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence, then climb to the top of the leaning tower in Pisa. Tour the medieval cities of Siena and nearby village of Montepulciano to see 12th-century architecture and the rolling Tuscan countryside. Sample the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, then end your trip in Lucca where you will learn the art of pasta making and go horseback riding in the Tuscan hills.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 7 Days

Explore Tuscany's incredible art and history on this 7-day itinerary. Start your trip in Florence, where world-famous works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, and others dominate the art scene. Tour the Uffizi Gallery and Duomo, then climb the iconic leaning tower in Pisa. Celebrate with gelato before heading to the Tuscan countryside to see 13th-century churches in Siena and try the renowned Chianti wine. End in Lucca where you'll learn why handmade pasta tastes better and enjoy a sunny afternoon in a medieval courtyard, a glass of wine in hand.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 9 Days

If spending 9 days seeing top works of art and eating chocolate Foccacia sounds good, then this trip is perfect for you. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David', tour the Uffizi Gallery, and go shopping on the medieval Pontevecchio Bridge. See the Tuscan countryside from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, then see soaring cathedrals and ancient Piazzas in medieval Siena. Explore food and wine in the Val d’Orcia before ending in romantic Lucca, where quiet courtyards, 12th-century chapels, and the perfect cup of afternoon coffee await.

Cycling in Tuscany: Pisa, Lucca, & Beyond - 6 Days

Spend 6 days biking through Tuscany's serene landscapes, medieval towns, and quiet country roads. Explore rivers and hills, Renaissance villas, and the beauty of the homeland of Giacomo Puccini, Pinocchio, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 15 Days

Explore the birthplace of Pinnochio on this packed 15-day itinerary of the Tuscany region. Begin in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and works by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Donatello. Hunt for flavorful truffles in the countryside, climb the leaning tower of Pisa and take a vintage Vespa out for a ride on rolling country roads. Visit the pretty medieval cities of Montepulciano and Siena, tour Tuscany's top vineyards, and handmake your own Italian pasta. Round out your trip with a hike on the historic Cinque Terre trail, which hugs the stunning Mediterranean coast.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 8 Days

This packed 8-day itinerary is perfect for travelers on a time crunch. Begin your trip in Florence to see top Renaissance works by Michelangelo and da Vinci, tour the iconic Duomo, and go shopping on the Pontevecchio Bridge. Climb the leaning tower of Pisa and see the 12th-century Monumental Cemetery, then head to the countryside for wine tasting and afternoon coffee in medieval village piazzas. End in Lucca where you'll tour the 11th-century Duomo di San Martino, then make—and eat!—the perfect bowl of pasta.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 11 Days

Explore the region that gave birth to the modern Italian language on this packed 11-day trip. Start in Florence to see Michelangelo's 'David' sculpture and other famous Renaissance works, then head to Pisa to climb the leaning tower and try the local gelato. Sample world-famous wine and local pecorino cheese in the Val d'Orcia region and see Tuscany from a hot-air balloon. End in medieval Lucca, where you'll learn how to hand make your own pasta before relaxing in a 12th-century Piazza with a cup of coffee and a good book.

Explore Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, & Lucca - 13 Days

With 7 UNESCO designated sites (as many as Egypt!), Tuscany's rich historic background is matched only by its wine and food traditions. Explore all this and more on this 13-day itinerary, starting in Florence to see world-famous Renaissance art by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Take in the views from the top of Pisa's leaning tower, explore Siena's 13th-century streets, and discover the rambling country roads of the Val d'Orcia region. End your trip with a pasta-making class and a full-day hike connecting historic fishing villages on the Mediterranean coast.

Tuscany Off the Beaten Path: 7 Ways to Go Beyond Florence

It’s easy to fall into the Florence trap in Tuscany. While no one is denying the appeal of that most cultured of cities, Tuscany goes way beyond the obvious appeal of Pisa’s leaning tower, Siena’s Palio and popular hill towns like San Gimignano. Read on to find out how you can sidestep the crowds and find Tuscany's off-the-radar highlights.

Best Time of Year to Visit Tuscany: Seasons, Travel Tips, and More

Tuscany is a fantastic destination throughout the calendar year. But there are advantages to visiting in spring and fall: you'll encounter fewer crowds, avoid high peak-season pricing on hotel rooms, and enjoy comfortable, sunny weather that's ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and the beach. Read on for more details on the best times to visit Tuscany—and the top events you won't want to miss during all four seasons.

Admire festive twinkling lights in Montegemoli

Tuscany in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Dark and chilly December brightens up in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's Eve, attracting visitors to Tuscany's decked-out villages, towns, and cities. This is a great month to hit the slopes, wander a holiday market, and feast on local Tuscan delicacies.

Shop along medieval Ponte Vecchio before visiting the Uffizi Gallery

Tuscany in November: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

While the weather has turned grey and rainy, November sees fewer crowds, lower-priced accommodation, and Tuscany's largest truffle fair in medieval San Miniato. Discover the region's cultural attractions: museums and galleries, monuments and castles.

Tuscany in October: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

October is one of the prettiest months to visit Tuscany. With few visitors, experience the changing foliage throughout the country, the Casentino National Park being a great place to start. Plus, the Tyrrhenian Sea is still warm enough for a dip.

Visit the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Piazza dei Miracoli

Tuscany in March: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Visitors to Tuscany in March will catch the earliest glimpses of spring and though the weather is a little temperamental, you can catch the best of both winter and late spring seasons. This is a great month to hit the slopes, explore the cities, and experience uncrowded popular attractions. Find out what to do and where to go with this March guide.

Take in the blossoming poppies of Pienza in Tuscany's Siena province

Tuscany in April: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Spring is well underway in April, offering mild, sunny days, blossoming flowers, and religious events—with the entire country coming out for Easter festivities. Tourist numbers are low and prices for accommodation and flights remain attractive, making this an ideal time to sightsee less crowded popular attractions as well as take advantage of outdoor activities.

Admire the Chianti landscape after a winter snowfall

Tuscany in February: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

February is the last full month of winter in Tuscany, offering plenty of snowy adventures and lively festivals, as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. Ski season is well underway in the mountains, the resorts and their respective slopes bustling with activity. Meanwhile, the rest of the country celebrates the coming of spring with Lent and one of Italy's liveliest religious events: Carnevale.

Explore the province of Pisa and visit medieval San Miniato

Tuscany in May: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

May offers the perfect time to visit Tuscany. The weather is sunny with fewer bouts of rain and the Tyrrhenian Sea is just about warm enough to swim. There's still a month before the foreign tourist onslaught and shoulder season bargains are still to be had. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Tuscany this month.

Planning Your Honeymoon in Tuscany: Itinerary Ideas & Romantic Experiences

Few places fit the dream honeymoon bill quite like Tuscany. In Italy’s heart, this region delivers romance in a nutshell, with a dash of everything that makes the country great: gourmet food and wine, eyrie-like medieval hill towns perched above sloping vines and olive groves, and cultured cities packed with high-caliber Renaissance art and magnificent café-rimmed piazzas. You're bound to fall head over heels in love with it.

Tuscany in June: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

June marks the beginning of the high season as crowds start to infiltrate one of Italy's most popular regions. The sun and sea beckon visitors to flock to the Tyrrhenian coast, the mountains are waiting to be traversed, and the Chianti and Siena wine provinces are waiting to be explored. Drink in Tuscany as you learn what to do and where to go.

Listen to a Puccini opera with views over Lago di Massaciuccoli in Torre del Lago

Tuscany in August: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Tuscany, like most of the country, is hot and crowded. It's the peak of tourist season, but this monthly guide can point you in the right direction—to less-crowded beaches and cooler locales.

24 Hours in Florence

Sitting romantically astride the Arno River, topped by terracotta-tiled domes and medieval towers that lift the gaze skywards, and bathed in painterly light—Florence is one of Europe’s most captivating cities. The Tuscan capital has enough Renaissance art and architecture to keep you coming back for a lifetime, but in just one day you can get a taste of what makes the city great.

Drive along the Livorno coastline, stopping to take a dip if the mood strikes

Tuscany in September: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

Outside the height of peak season, September makes for a great time to visit Tuscany. Toward the end of the month, the crowds have lessened, the weather is not blazingly hot, and the Tyrrhenian Sea remains inviting. Read on to learn more.

5 Best Local and Cultural Experiences in Tuscany

Sidestep the crowds in Florence and Pisa and get a more authentic taste of one of Italy's most beautiful regions with this enchanting list. Find hidden piazzas perfect for an aperitivo (aperitif) and artisan workshops that have been in business for centuries—or, dip into the countryside where lyrical landscapes unfold to reveal hill towns and tucked-away farm stays. Read on for our tips on Tuscany's best immersive experiences.

Take a ferry to Elba Island's Portoferraio

Tuscany in July: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

July is high season in Tuscany, and with sunny, hot weather, it's a perfect month for getting outdoors to bike, hike, and play in the water. The whole region is waiting to be explored, so take advantage of the fine weather and the slew of festivals that take place throughout the month.

Family Travel in Tuscany: Travel Tips & Itinerary Ideas

Whether it’s to be a family-friendly pedal through vineyards and poppy fields, a race to the top of a medieval tower, or the perfect scoop of gelato⁠—Tuscany is a surefire kid-pleaser. With a little forward planning, this low-key corner of Italy can be utter heaven for bambini (children). Read on for the top activities, places to go, and trip ideas.

Ultimate Guide to Florence: Cradle of the Italian Renaissance

One of the world's most beloved cities, Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance. Today, it remains a lively cultural hotspot—this is where "masterpiece" could mean a centuries-old Botticelli painting or, just as easily, a made-from-scratch cone of stracciatella gelato. Learn when to go, what to do, and where to stay in this idea-filled guide to vibrant Florence.

A panoramic view of the historic center of Siena

Ultimate Guide to Siena: Medieval Jewel of Tuscany

Siena is the Gothic masterpiece of sunny Tuscany. Come for the impressive Duomo cathedral and medieval museums, stay for cheerful gelato shops, quiet botanical gardens, and a leisurely glass of Chianti (or two) with a view of famous Piazza del Campo. Find out what to do, where to stay, and what to eat with this ultimate guide to the city.

Ultimate Guide to Tuscany: Florence, Chianti, Siena, and Beyond

Tuscany is a dream destination for travelers from all over the world. From the medieval towers of San Gimignano and the art galleries of Florence to the wineries of Chianti and the beaches of the Maremma, the region has something for everyone. Learn more about what to do, where to go, what to eat, and where to stay with this ultimate guide to Tuscany.

Ultimate Guide to Lucca: Laidback City Retreat in Tuscany

Ringed by Italy's most impressive and intact medieval walls, lovely Lucca often plays second fiddle to Florence and Siena, but opt instead for this highly cultured città and you won't be disappointed. Beyond the amphitheater-shaped piazza lies a delightfully walkable city, brimming with centuries-old towers and churches, hidden alleyways and botanical gardens, and restaurants that play up the bounty of farm-fresh Tuscan produce.

What to Eat in Tuscany (and Where to Eat It)

The term "farm to table" is taken seriously in Tuscany. This northwestern region of Italy embodies the ethos of celebrating regional meats and produce, from its root vegetables to its prized Cinta Senese pigs. Here, these ingredients are treated with care to produce some of the finest dishes in the nation. Read on for our guide to the best things to eat in Tuscany—and where to try them.

7 Best Boutique Hotels in Florence

There are few more romantic destinations in the world than Florence. This was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and today its historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you're planning a visit, you'll want to hang your hat in style—here are the best boutique hotels where you can do just that.