Tuscany holidays

There’s beauty around every corner in Tuscany. This romantic region in central Italy is a place of rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. It’s where rustic farmhouses meet dazzling cities filled with Renaissance architecture, and rugged coastlines reveal hidden beaches. And no holiday to Tuscany would be complete without sampling some of its world-famous food and wine.

Top destinations in Tuscany

Florence

Walk in the footsteps of Da Vinci and Michelangelo as you explore the world-class museums, palaces and churches of Italy’s Renaissance city.

Pisa

World-renowned for its iconic leaning tower, Pisa’s buzzing medieval squares, impressive museums and tempting seafood restaurants make it one of Tuscany’s most exciting cities.

Tuscany: fast facts

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

Florence - UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

May – September

Low season

November – March

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Tuscany holiday highlights

Battistero

Go wine tasting

One of the most essential things to do in Tuscany is to go wine tasting. Visit the Chianti region between Siena and Florence to sample dry reds made from local Sangiovese grapes. In the medieval hill town of Montepulciano, tour family-run vineyards with sweeping countryside views. For a total immersion in local food and wine, book a night at an ‘agriturismo’ (farmstay).

Hit the art museums

Home to the inspiring cities of Florence and Siena, Tuscany is a haven for art lovers. Spend hours exploring the Uffizi Gallery’s world-famous collection of Renaissance paintings. Then marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic ‘David’ sculpture at Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze. Prefer modern art? Stop by Centro Pecci in Prato and the Centre for Contemporary Culture Strozzina in Florence for cutting-edge works by Italian and international artists.

Explore iconic architecture

The 800-year-old Leaning Tower of Pisa is famous for its 5-degree tilt — yet its Romanesque architecture is even more impressive up close. In Florence, don’t miss the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its ornate red dome built by architect Filippo Brunelleschi. In Lucca, wander along the Renaissance city walls, then admire the grandiose Cathedral of San Martino.

Things to do in Tuscany

Ponte della Maddalena (detto Ponte del Diavolo)

Top attractions

Explore beyond Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower to discover the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) cathedral complex. In Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore rewards early risers with fewer crowds and rooftop views from its famous dome. For more stand-out architecture, don’t miss Siena’s shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, home to the Palio horse race.

Beaches

Some of Tuscany’s most tranquil beaches are in Monti dell'Uccellina, a pristine nature reserve where pine forests lead to dune-flanked shorelines. You’ll find livelier beaches at the seaside resort of Marina di Massa, famed for its golden sands and Art Deco buildings. The island of Elba features rugged black-pebble coves and popular sandy stretches like Cavoli and Biodola.

Nature

Tuscany brims with natural beauty, from waterfalls and thermal springs to rocky caves. The Apuan Alps just beg to be hiked with marble peaks, alpine lakes and panoramic trails. If a scenic drive is more your speed, cruise the cypress-lined roads and green hills of Val d'Orcia. And for total relaxation, sink into the geothermal pools at Cascate del Mulino.

Cuisine

The best Tuscan dishes stem from ‘la cucina povera’, traditional cooking made from simple, cheap ingredients. Try ‘panzanella’ (bread salad with tomatoes and basil) or ‘ribollita’ (soup with cannellini beans, black cabbage and bread). The restaurants in Tuscany range from rustic trattorias to fine dining, and good local wine is always on the menu.

Culture and museums

The museums in Tuscany highlight the region’s rich architecture, archaeology and history. At Santa Maria della Scala in Siena, see Etruscan and Roman artefacts dating back 1,000 years. Or dive into prehistoric archaeology at The National Etruscan Museum in Chiusi. And the CARMI is a must-visit for fans of Michelangelo, with three floors dedicated to the life and works of this Renaissance icon.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Tuscany comes alive in Florence’s Oltrarno district, where historic cafes and intimate bars keep the good times going after dark. Pisa’s student population fuels the lively scene around Piazza delle Vettovaglie, while the coastal town of Viareggio offers beachside clubs and summer festivals made for open-air dancing.

Find the best time to visit Tuscany

Weather in Tuscany through the year

March – May: Temperatures are mild, though you’ll want to pack layers for chillier mornings and evenings. This is the perfect season for hiking and vineyard tours before the summer crowds arrive.

June – August: Expect sunny weather, often hitting highs around 32°C. Coastal breezes offer relief, but stick to early mornings or late afternoons for outdoor activities to avoid the hottest times of day.

September – November: Autumn cools down, with harvest festivals taking centre stage in towns like Marradi and Arcidosso. It’s a great time for wine tours and exploring the countryside without the summer heat.

December – February: Winters are cool and often rainy, especially in the north. It’s the best time to visit Tuscany for fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation.

Events in Tuscany

Carnevale di Viareggio (January to March): Viareggio’s Carnival pulls out all the stops with giant papier-mache floats, masquerade balls and parades along the city’s seafront promenade.

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (April to June or July): Florence’s prestigious arts festival offers a packed schedule of opera, classical concerts and avant-garde theatre. Performances take place in iconic venues around the city.

Calcio Storico (June): A gritty blend of rugby, football and street brawling, this event sees teams from Florence’s four districts battle it out in historic costume in the city’s Piazza Santa Croce.

Palio di Siena (July and August): Siena’s neighbourhoods compete in a thrilling, bareback sprint around Piazza del Campo. Expect huge crowds, medieval pageantry and fiercely loyal fans at this biannual event.

Know before you go

Budget

It’s possible to have a cheap holiday in Tuscany. You can expect to pay under 20 euros (€) for a simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant, while a local beer costs around €5. A short taxi ride will set you back less than €10, so go ahead and have that second glass of wine.

Health and safety

Tuscany poses few major health risks, but it’s wise to take certain precautions. In summer, temperatures can push 40°C, so carry plenty of water, wear sun protection and avoid strenuous activity during the afternoon. Tick bites can transmit Lyme disease in rural areas, so use repellent and check your body after hikes, especially in spring and summer.

Free things to do

Admire the replica of Michelangelo’s David in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria. Or time your visit to Florence with the first Sunday of the month, when state-run museums like the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery open their doors for free. In Pisa, skip the ticket and enjoy classic views of the Leaning Tower from the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli.

Family friendly

For families, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tuscany, from exploring the interactive exhibits at Museo Galileo in Florence to splashing around at the Acqua Village water parks in Cecina and Follonica. For a fun day outdoors, the Pinocchio Park in Collodi brings the classic tale to life with themed trails and playgrounds.

Getting around Tuscany

Pinacoteca Nazionale

Public transport

Buses: Tuscany’s regional buses are a reliable way to access hilltop towns and rural villages that trains don’t cover. Autolinee Toscane runs most local services, while FlixBus connects larger cities like Florence, Pisa and Siena.

Trains: Trenitalia’s high-speed trains offer direct routes between major hubs, including Florence, Pisa and Arezzo. Regional routes are also available for exploring towns like Lucca, Arezzo and Pistoia. For a scenic trip, take the Treno Natura steam train through the Val d'Orcia, which is especially beautiful in spring and autumn.

Boats: Ferries run from Tuscan ports like Piombino and Livorno to islands including Elba, Giglio and Capraia. Services fill up quickly in summer, so it’s worth booking ahead if you’re island hopping.

Domestic flights

Domestic flights from Pisa and Florence airports mainly connect to Sardinia, Sicily and major Italian cities like Rome and Milan. Trains and buses are usually more practical, offering better access to Tuscan cities and towns.

Find domestic flights

Driving and car hire

The Autostrada A1 connects major cities like Florence and Arezzo, but rural roads can be narrow, winding and poorly lit. In historic centres, beware of ZTL areas (limited traffic zones) — entering one without a permit can result in automatic fines.

Check car hire

FAQs about Tuscany holidays

Florence is ideal for first-time visitors with its world-class galleries, Romanesque architecture and bustling piazzas. For a quieter scene, try Pienza in the Val d'Orcia, known for its Renaissance palaces and annual pecorino cheese festival.
A five-day trip to Tuscany allows for a night in Florence, one in Pisa or Lucca and a few days to explore the countryside and coast. For more time in the cities or to enjoy wine tours and hiking, plan to stay for a week or more.
The best time to visit Tuscany for warm weather and fewer crowds is mid-to-late spring. Or go in early autumn for golden foliage — the grape harvest also makes this a great time for vineyard tours. Summer offers balmy weather for enjoying Tuscany’s beaches. And winter is a prime time to visit cultural attractions without the crowds.
Tuscany is generally safe, though pickpocketing can occur in larger cities. Keep belongings secure in crowded areas and steer clear of poorly lit areas at night. When out, avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, as drink spiking can sometimes be a risk in busier spots.
Italian is the official language of Tuscany, but you’ll run across English in most of the main tourist areas. Still, learning a few Italian phrases will go a long way. Greet people with ‘buon giorno’ during the daytime and ‘buona sera’ in the evening. And say ‘grazie’ whenever you want to thank someone.
Tuscany uses the euro (€), with credit cards accepted almost everywhere. Keep some change on hand for smaller trattorias or markets that still prefer cash. Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two for good service is a nice gesture in restaurants and cafes.