Tuscany is the heaven of natural beauty, medieval villages and wine tasting. Stone-built villas come out of the hills and the lush forests like hidden gems, while the olive groves and the cypress trees create a landscape that looks like a painting. Wondering what is there to do in Tuscany?
As it is a large region, there are many things to see in Tuscany to experience its unique atmosphere, taste the finest wine, and explore cities and villages of impeccable beauty. To enjoy the full Tuscany experience, you can stay in a traditional villa, where the past meets the present in a scenery that gives you the opportunity to relax, find your inner peace and connect with nature. You can find numerous villas in various locations in Tuscany, such as Val d’ Orcia, Lucca, Siena, Chianti or Florence, to serve as your base to explore all points of interest in Tuscany.
Read further what to see in Tuscany, Italy and prepare yourself for your unforgettable vacations!
Florence: The impressive gem of Renaissance
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is the birthplace of Renaissance and a city where you will get impressed by its rich history and culture. Just to walk around the paved, narrow streets in the historic center, admiring the colorful, well-preserved buildings that date back straight to Medieval Times and Renaissance, is an experience you will never forget.
Regarding the sites of Florence, you should not miss the magnificent cathedral Duomo with its majestic dome designed by Brunelleschi. If you climb to the top of the church, you will enjoy breathtaking view of the city’s red-tiled rooftops.
Don’t miss visiting the Uffizi Gallery, which has an unparalleled collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists, such as Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. However, as all museums in Florence are very crowded, we recommend you book your ticket online and in advance.
Arno River dominates the whole city and Ponte Vecchio is the best spot to take charming photos of it. The medieval bridge is lined with luxury shops, which sell jewelry, souvenirs and leather accessories. It is a romantic setting to watch with your other half.
Val d’ Orcia: A valley like a postcard
Exploring the countryside is one of the best things to do in Tuscany and of course you should start this journey from the mythical Val d’ Orcia, this amazing valley full of lovely villages, vineyards and traditional properties lined with cypress trees, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There, you can enjoy typical Tuscany activities, such as hiking in the vineyards, horseback riding and biking in Tuscan virgin nature.
There are numerous villages you can visit in Val d’ Orcia to spend your day in a fairytale-like scenery. Montalcino is famous for its PDO wine Brunello di Montalcino and there you can find many wineries to visit and learn the winemaking process as well as taste many wine varieties. Montalcino as well as Montepulciano are impressively beautiful villages, where you can admire the traditional architecture and get lost in pathways lined with stone-built houses and old churches.
Pienza is a wonderful, hilltop settlement, renowned for its harmonious Renaissance architecture and unobstructed view of the Val d’Orcia valley. You can stroll through the narrow streets lined with artisan shops selling pecorino cheese, a local delicacy made from sheep’s milk.
Another charming village is Bagno Vignoni with its thermal baths, where hot springs bubble up from the earth, making the place a great retreat to relax. The most impressive thing is that these springs dominate the scenery in the center of the village, like a unique square, around which you can drink your coffee or eat your dinner.
Siena, Volterra and San Gimignano
In the heart of Tuscany, these three towns are medieval gems with well-preserved architecture, squares of impeccable beauty and boutique shops, where you can buy leather bags or souvenirs. Regarding with what to do in Tuscany, these cities are unmissable.
- Siena is an enchanting Tuscan city with timeless beauty and one of the best experiences in Tuscany. In the heart of the city, Piazza del Campo is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, while the magnificent Siena Cathedral is a stunning example of Italian Gothic architecture. Twice a year, you can admire the Palio di Siena, a thrilling horse race held in this square, reflecting the vibrant culture of this amazing city.
- Volterra is an ancient Etruscan city, which has many noteworthy sites, such as the Roman Theater and the Etruscan Gate. Don’t miss visiting the Alabaster Ecomuseum to learn about the city’s traditional craft as well as the Etruscan Museum to discover artifacts from Volterra’s pre-Roman past. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the jewel of Volterra’s beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
- San Gimignano has the nickname “Town of Fine Towers” thanks to its numerous medieval towers, which you can only see there. You can walk around the cobblestone path in the historic center of San Gimignano, which is full of artisan shops and lovely cafes, where you can relax in a setting coming straight from the past.
Chianti: The homeland of exquisite wines
Another unmissable Tuscany attraction is the region of Chianti, which is world-renowned for its vineyards, medieval villages and fine wines. You can begin your road trip with a scenic drive along the Chiantigiana, a picturesque route through vineyards and olive groves, where many wineries are located.
Greve in Chianti is the most famous village, which is home to the historic Piazza Matteotti, but there are also many other small settlements, such as Badia a Passignano, Castellina in Chianti and Gaiole in Chianti, where you can eat, relax, stroll around and of course, drink a glass of Chianti wine.
Lucca and Pisa in north-western Tuscany
If you are looking for other activities in Tuscany, you can drive and explore the north-western side of it, in close proximity to the port of Livorno.
In Lucca, you can explore the well-preserved historic center, with its narrow cobblestone paths, medieval towers and Renaissance architecture. The main square of Lucca, the iconic Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, is a circular square built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater, where you can relax and enjoy your meal inside a breathtaking scenery.
Pisa is home to architectural wonders of the Piazza dei Miracoli, including the impressive Leaning Tower, the symbol of Pisa’s engineering marvels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Worth seeing is also the interior of the Cathedral, adorned with stunning marble columns and intricate mosaics.
Tuscany is a whole world of beauty and unique experiences. Explore it at its fullest, while enjoying luxury accommodation inside the Tuscan countryside. See the amazing luxury villas in Tuscany, all managed by Kinglike Concierge, the top villa rental company in Italy with exclusive properties and royal-like facilities, and get ready for unforgettable vacations!
Unveiling the magic of Tuscany, this guide highlights the must-see sights that will leave you breathless! To help you plan your itinerary, check out our suggestions on How long to stay in Tuscany based on the places you want to visit. We’ve also compiled recommendations for What to do in Tuscany with kids for a fun-filled family vacation, The best Tuscany wedding villas & how to organize your wedding in Italy for a truly unique ceremony, and Where to Go Tuscany: Insider’s Guide to Must-Visit Destinations! to discover hidden gems off the beaten path, and How to rent a villa in Tuscany: A full step by step guide for a comfortable stay near all the attractions.
