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What to see, what to do in Tuscany: the 10 essential activities

2023-03-28T05:30:43.116Z


Its landscapes are among the most beautiful in Italy and even in the world, and its history is so rich that a lifetime would not be enough to contemplate each relic. Nestled in the center of the Italian peninsula, Tuscany is also famous for its picturesque villages and its generous gastronomy. Here is...


The tide of holm oaks and Chianti vines, the gentle hills surrounding Siena and, everywhere, the dazzling testimonies of the Renaissance.

A unique concentration of the beauty of Italy, Tuscany is the destination of choice for all epicureans and an essential region to do on a road trip.

To discover

  • Trips to Italy: tailor-made tours, hotels and stays from our partners

And even taking Florence apart, as the Tuscan capital is a destination on its own, the region is so rich that one lifetime might not be enough.

From medieval villages lost in the middle of cypress hills to the medieval beauty of Siena, our selection.

Read alsoTravel to Tuscany, four good reasons to visit Maremma

Discover the beauty of Siena

The largest city in southern Tuscany, Siena is full of medieval treasures.

kevin_guillois

The largest city in southern Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city with intimate charm.

You can discover the history of this particularly well-preserved gem by strolling through the cobbled streets of the historic center and walking along the ramparts of the Fortezza Medicea.

We walk on Piazza del Campo, the beating heart of the city, and we continue to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Finally, we gain height at the Torre del Mangia and admire the panoramic view of Siena and its countryside.

GUIDED TOUR IN SIENA

Climb the Tower of Pisa

The Tower of Pisa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

swissshippo

Located to the west, on the coast, Pisa is a relatively small and quiet city, with a rich past that can be discovered in its cobbled streets.

We climb up the unmissable Leaning Tower of Pisa dating from the 12th century, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We climb the 251 steps that lead to the top, and we enjoy the view of the whole city.

It is best to book your ticket in advance, as the wait on site can be very long.

ENTRANCE TICKET FOR THE TOWER OF PISA

Explore the charms of Lucca

A small fortified town, Lucca is located 20 km north of Pisa.

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We take the road to discover Lucca, a small fortified town located slightly further north, 20 km from Pisa.

Less known than its neighbor, Lucca is a city full of charm, dotted with squares and churches.

We walk on the preserved ramparts, we visit the San Martino Cathedral, then we stop in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.

We sit down on a terrace and succumb to a local specialty such as

tordelli alla lucchese

, delicious pasta stuffed with meat.

GUIDED TOUR OF LUCCA

Do a wine tasting in Chianti

The Chianti Valley is world renowned for its vineyards and unspoiled landscapes.

stevanzz

We head towards the south of Tuscany to discover the Chianti valley, an exceptional region renowned worldwide for its vineyards and unspoiled landscapes.

We take the Strada Chiantigiana, or the SR222, and we contemplate the hills covered with vineyards and olive trees.

We stop to discover the Château de Fonterutoli, the vineyards of the charming village of Montefioralle then those of Castellina, whose fortress has become an archaeological museum.

Without forgetting to treat yourself to a timeless break for a tasting of the best local wines.

HORSEBACK RIDING IN CHIANTI

Rejuvenate in a hot spring bath

Saturnia's hot springs are at a constant temperature of 37°C.

Olga

After these gourmet pleasures, you can recharge your batteries in the natural thermal baths of the Tuscan territory.

The most famous, the hot springs of Saturnia, called Cascate del Mulino, offer not only a superb setting but also a constant temperature of 37°C.

Further south, the Bagni San Filippo spring is a little gem nestled in the heart of the forest.

Lesser known, the Bagni di Petriolo reserve a small discreet spot perfect for winter with its 43°C all year round.

Take a walk in San Gimignano

The medieval town of San Gimignano sits on the hills of Chianti.

MNStudio

Set on the hills of Chianti, San Gimignano is a small town of certain beauty.

We discover the rich history of this ancient medieval city by strolling through the steep streets of the old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We walk through Piazza della Cisterna, the SanGimignano1300 Museum dedicated to the city, then the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

We do not fail to stop at the famous Towers of San Gimignano, vestiges of medieval times.

PRIVATE TOUR OF SAN GIMIGNANO

Stop in Montepulciano

The town of Montepulciano is renowned for its medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Maciej Czekajewski

We descend until we reach the town of Montepulciano, set on top of a hill, renowned for its medieval and Renaissance style.

Sunbathe on the Piazza Grande, a favorite meeting place for locals and the epicenter of historical monuments like the Palazzo Comunale.

We visit the tower to enjoy a view of the Val d'Orcia and the Val di Chiana, and we do not leave without tasting the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the traditional local red wine.

WINE AND CHEESE TOUR

Immerse yourself in a movie set in Val d'Orcia

The Val d'Orcia immerses you in the Tuscan authenticity with its heritage and its gastronomy.

JFL Photography

We stay in the surroundings to explore the Val d'Orcia, a vast valley which offers a typical picturesque panorama and plunges into the Tuscan authenticity with its heritage and its gastronomy.

We pass in front of the famous cypresses of the small village of San Quirico d'Orcia, towards the Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, a chapel surrounded by two cypresses.

We visit the shy town of San Quirico, then we end in beauty with Pienza, historical jewel of the Italian Renaissance, famous for its pecorino cheese.

Marvel at the village of Pitigliano

Pitigliano is one of the most charming cliff-side towns in Tuscany.

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Located further south, Pitigliano is a small town built into the side of a cliff, considered one of the most charming in the region.

We discover this picturesque perched hamlet by visiting its Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, then its Fontana delle Sette Cannelle fountain, placed next to the pretty Piazza della Repubblica.

We wander in the historic pedestrian centre, we pass in front of the small synagogue of the old Jewish quarter and we end with the Palazzo Orsini, which houses an eponymous museum.

GUIDED EXCURSION WITH WINE TASTING

Take a cruise to Elba Island and discover the Tuscan Archipelago

One of Italy's large islands is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Corsica and the Tuscan coast.

jar

We end this journey with an idyllic and somewhat nostalgic note for admirers of Napoleon, by setting off to discover the island of Elba, located about ten kilometers from the Italian peninsula.

The largest island in the Tuscan archipelago offers heavenly fine sandy beaches bordered by a turquoise sea, like Procchio and Fetovaia.

Not far away, the islands of Giglio, Capraia, Pianosa and Montecristo, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, offer equally privileged getaways, sheltered from mass travellers.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2023-03-28

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