Discover Tuscany

Tuscany, with its rolling hills and sun-drenched vineyards, is a painter's paradise brought to life. Florence, the region's heart, dazzles with its impressive Duomo and Uffizi Gallery, while the serene Val d'Orcia, dotted with cypress trees and vineyards, epitomizes Tuscan beauty. Wander through the cobbled streets of Siena and Volterra, relax in the thermal baths of Saturnia, or explore the wine trails of Chianti. Tuscany’s allure lies in its timeless charm and the intoxicating blend of culture, history, and picturesque landscape.

Top 10 Highlights of Tuscany

The Tower that defied Gravity

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Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa, Tuscany

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, with its distinctive tilt, is one of the world's most famous landmarks. Construction began in 1173, but by the time the third floor was added in 1185, the tower had already started to lean due to the soft, sandy ground. Originally intended as a freestanding bell tower for the Cathedral of Pisa, its completion was delayed by construction pauses and adjustments, finally finishing in 1372. Today, the tower tilts at about four degrees and draws millions of visitors each year who brave its 294 steps.

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Uffizi

Florence, Tuscany

This world class art gallery houses the largest collection of Italian Renaissance art in the world and is a premier destination for art enthusiasts and historians alike. Located in the magnificent Palazzo degli Uffizi in over 100 rooms, masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci astonish millions of visitors every year. The Medici family's legacy is omnipresent, their collection a gift to Florence ensuring the city's eternal connection to the Renaissance.

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Val d'Orcia

Val d'Orcia, a picturesque region in southern Tuscany extends from the hills south of Siena to the slopes of Monte Amiata. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its refined beauty, the valley is famous for its iconic cypress-lined vistas and clay hills. Within its bounds lie historic gems like Pienza, Radicofani, Montalcino, and Montepulciano.

Masterpiece of Renaissance Engineering

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Florence Cathedral

Florence, Tuscany

Santa Maria del Fiore is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture. With its magnificent red-tiled dome designed by Brunelleschi and a facade that delights in shades of pink, white, and green marble, the Duomo commands the city's landscape. Build between 1296 and 1436, it claims the title of the third-largest cathedral in Europe, surpassed only by St. Peter’s in Rome and the Duomo in Milan. Inside, the cathedral shelters artistic treasures from Michelangelo to Donatello, alongside stunning frescoes.

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Palazzo Vecchio

Florence, Tuscany

The Palazzo Vecchio, with its imposing structure and commanding presence, is one of Florence's top sights. This historic building serves as the city's town hall and casts its gaze over the bustling Piazza della Signoria, an iconic square adorned with a replica of Michelangelo's David.

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Galleria dell'Accademia

Florence, Tuscany

The highlight of this art museum is Michelangelo's David, his most challenging project. Carved from a single, imperfect block of marble, this iconic statue captivates with its intricate details and lifelike expressions. The gallery also features his unfinished works, the Prisoners and Saint Matthew, alongside a curated collection of Florentine paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries, including Botticelli and Ghirlandaio. With over 1.46 million visitors (2016), the galleria is Italy's second-most-visited art museum.

Breathtaking. Stunning. Better than the Duomo in Florence.

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Siena Cathedral

Siena, Tuscany

The Cathedral of Siena is undoubtedly one of Italy’s most impressive examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, rivaling, and perhaps even surpassing, the famed Cathedral of Florence in its splendor.

Unforgettable 360° view of San Gimignano

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Torre Grossa

San Gimignano, Tuscany

As you wander through the cobbled streets of San Gimignano, there’s one spot you can’t miss: the Torre Grossa. Rising 54 meters, it’s the tallest tower in the city and has stood as a symbol of power and wealth since the 14th century. The climb—218 steps, no elevator—may be challenging, but the reward is a stunning 360-degree view of Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and the sea of terracotta rooftops below.

Medieval charm in the heart of the city

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Piazza Grande

Arezzo, Tuscany

The Piazza Grande in Arezzo is the heart of this charming city and one of Tuscany’s most picturesque squares. Surrounded by notable Renaissance architecture, including the Palazzo delle Logge designed by Giorgio Vasari, the square is remarkable for its sloping layout and the seamless blend of buildings from different periods.

Iconic Landmark of Florence

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Ponte Vecchio

Florence, Tuscany

Spanning the Arno River in Florence with its medieval stone arches, the Ponte Vecchio is adorned with a vibrant trail of jewellery and souvenir shops. The iconic bridge connects the city's cultural heartbeats:

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Travel Information

Best time to visit Tuscany

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best seasons for a visit in Tuscany. The countryside blossoms with wildflowers and the weather is pleasantly mild. This is an ideal time for a city trip and outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and visiting vineyards.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Tuscany is very warm and bustling with tourists. The peak season is perfect for exploring the region's country side, soaking in the sun at coastal spots and enjoying warm summer evenings with a glass of wine at an agrotourismo.

However, popular attractions can be crowded, and accommodation prices are at their highest. Try to avoid the midday heat in large cities like Florence or spend it in a museum.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is also an excellent time for a vacation in Tuscany. The weather remains pleasant, the summer crowds slowly dissipate, and the wineries are busy with the grape harvest. For wine lovers, this is a great time as many winemakers offer special events and tastings.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Tuscany is the off-season, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Florence is still well-suited for an extended weekend trip. You can visit the museums without crowds and enjoy the festive Christmas atmosphere. However, some attractions have shortened hours - check in advance.

How to get to Tuscany?

Tuscany is excellently connected and easy to reach. If you arrive by plane or train, we recommend renting a car for at least a few days. The picturesque landscape makes Tuscany so special, and you shouldn't miss it if possible. The Val d'Orcia region is particularly famous for this.

By Plane

The main airports in Tuscany are in Pisa (Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport) and in Florence (Amerigo Vespucci Airport (Peretola)). Even though the airport in Pisa is larger, we find Florence a better starting point for your round trip.

Pisa International Airport (PSA) is the largest airport in the region and offers numerous international and domestic flights. However, it can get chaotic during peak season. From Pisa, you can reach other parts of Tuscany by train, bus, or car.
Florence Airport (FLR) is ideal for arrivals from Europe. It is very conveniently located – just a short tram ride from the city center. If you have the choice, we recommend FLR.

Flights from North America, Canada, and Australia usually land in Rome. From there, you can take the high-speed train north.

There are also airports in Siena (SAY) and Grosseto (GRS), but they have fewer flights.

By Train

With the high-speed trains Frecciarossa and Italo, you can reach Florence from Rome and Milan in about 1.5-2 hours. From there, regional trains connect you with other major cities in Tuscany.

By Car

A road trip from Austria, Switzerland, or even France is a wonderful way to get to know this beautiful region. The highways are well-developed and pleasant to drive. The A1 Autostrada connects Florence with Milan and Rome (both about 3 hours), while the A11 leads from Florence to the west coast.

How to get around Tuscany?

By Car

Tuscany's landscapes are so beautiful, it is really best to explore them by car. This way, you are flexible, can make spontaneous photo stops, and visit remote wineries and charming villages.
However, inform yourself in advance about ZTL zones, tolls, and the Italian driving style. We have compiled all the important information for you in the article "How to Travel to and around Italy".

By Train

Tuscany has a good rail network with major stations in Florence, Pisa, Siena, and Arezzo. So if you plan to visit these cities, you don't need a car. From the major hubs, regional trains take you to smaller towns like Lucca and Grosseto. The Cinque Terre region is also accessible from Florence by train to the 'La Spezia' station.