Tuscany & Florence
This region is renowned for its sprawling vineyards, rolling hills, stunning old cities with masterpieces of art, and gourmet food. Some of the top attractions include magnificent Florence, famously known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Siena, famous for the Palio horse race, the Chianti area, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, which are known worldwide for their prestigious wines, and San Gimignano with its tall towers. Visitors can tour wineries and cellars, sample excellent wines, rare cold cuts, pecorino cheese, and olive oil, and shop for delicacies in the many food shops.
Tuscany is not only known for its picturesque countryside and historical cities but also for its stunning coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea. From the mesmerizing Versilia in the north, renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and vibrant beach resorts like Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Pietrasanta, to the enchanting Maremma in southern Tuscany, celebrated for its untamed natural beauty.
Maremma showcases unspoiled stretches of coastline, protected nature reserves, and charming coastal towns such as Castiglione della Pescaia and Porto Santo Stefano. It's an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts and those in search of a serene beach getaway.
Another notable mention is the captivating Elba Island, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. With its crystal-clear waters, rugged terrain, and charming villages, Elba Island offers a truly remarkable experience for visitors.
Helpful Information
The best time to visit Tuscany with temperatures warm but not too hot and chances for rain fairly minimal, is from mid-April to mid-May and from mid-September to mid-October, temperatures in early fall are similar to late spring.
Spring (April - June)
Ideal for sightseeing in Tuscany, a time when wildflowers are in bloom. Note that the region is likely to be very busy around the Easter holidays, a popular time for Italians to travel to Tuscany. When visiting big cities like Siena and Florence, it’s best to arrive at sights early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the longest lines.
Late June - Early July
Best time for viewing sunflowers. The most fields in full bloom, rent a car and plan your trip around late June to early July.
Autumn (September - October)
Best time to visit Tuscany for a wine-focused escape, particularly mid-September through early October. The days will be warm, nights cool, and just about every town seems to have a harvest festival, if not for grapes, it’s olives. In this region, where cooler valleys tend to see early frosts, grape and olive harvests begin as early as late September.
Winter (December - February)
If the main focus of your visit is to experience major city attractions like Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture at Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia, you may want to go in the low season, between December and February, outside of the Christmas holidays. Lines will be shorter, and you’ll be able to take your time enjoying what each has to offer with little interruption.
