Tuscany is one of Italy’s most diverse regions, offering Renaissance cities, medieval hill towns, vineyards, beautiful countryside, and a stunning coastline. Here are some of its highlights:
Cities
• Florence – The birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views.
• Siena – Famous for its medieval streets, the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, and the spectacular cathedral.
• Pisa – Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli.
• Lucca – A charming walled city where you can walk or cycle along the Renaissance walls.
Hill Towns
• San Gimignano – Known for its medieval towers and excellent gelato.
• Montepulciano – Elegant Renaissance town famous for its wine.
• Pienza – A UNESCO-listed town renowned for pecorino cheese and stunning views.
• Cortona – Ancient hill town made famous by Under the Tuscan Sun.
Countryside & Wine
• Chianti – Rolling vineyards, wineries, olive groves, and picturesque villages like Greve in Chianti.
• Val d’Orcia – One of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, with cypress-lined roads and postcard-perfect scenery.
Coast & Islands
• Maremma – Wild beaches, nature reserves, and excellent seafood.
• Elba – Crystal-clear waters, hiking trails, and the island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled.
Thermal Springs
• Saturnia Hot Springs – Natural cascading hot pools that are free to visit.
• Bagno Vignoni – A unique spa village built around a large thermal pool.
Food to Try
If you have 7–10 days in Tuscany, a great route is:
Florence → Chianti → Siena → Val d’Orcia (Pienza & Montepulciano) → Saturnia → Maremma Coast or Elba → Pisa → Lucca.
Since you’ve also been asking about many other Italian regions, I can also put together a 30-day itinerary covering all 20 regions of Italy, highlighting the very best destinations in each.
Alessandro Colao 