Tips for Visiting the Tuscan Countryside
Tuscany is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. From Florence to Siena and the island of Elba, discover miles of gorgeous coastlines and Medieval villages, experience the famous food and wine of Tuscany, or let loose at one of their street festivals. Whether you’re looking for fresh new ideas or are just starting to plan your next getaway, here’s what you should know about visiting the Tuscan Countryside.
Explore Italy’s most loved countryside
The rolling hills of Tuscany are famous the world over. This region in central Italy is home to countless breathtaking landscapes, historical towns, inspiring art and delicious cuisine. The best way to explore this beautiful part of the country is by rental car, allowing you the freedom to stop wherever you choose. Start your adventure in Florence and head out of town along the A1 highway toward Siena. Take exit number 52 for Barberino di Mugello/Vaglia and follow signs for Barberino di Mugello.
On this stretch of road you will pass through several charming little villages with authentic Italian restaurants and places to stop for coffee or gelato. You’ll soon arrive at the town of Barberino di Mugello, where you can visit the 14th century Villa Demidoff — an impressive country house surrounded by gardens and natural springs. The villa also houses a fascinating museum dedicated to historical musical instruments. Take some time to wander through the quiet streets of this picturesque village before continuing on your journey.
Experience the famous food and wine of Tuscany
There is a reason the food and wine of Tuscany is world famous. If you want to experience the best of it, you have to go beyond Florence to the town of Torgiano, where you'll find wineries and vineyards, olive groves and farms making products with knowledge that has been passed down for generations.
This is where you can meet a family of winemakers who have been making wine for more than 500 years. Their wines are sold in New York City restaurants and are served during Italian state dinners at the White House.
One of their secret recipes? The family uses milk from their cows to make cheese, then feeds the leftover whey to their pigs. The result? The meat from these pigs is unbelievably tender and flavorful.
They also make their own olive oil — another taste sensation that can't be missed — which they use in pasta sauces made with fresh local ingredients like tomatoes and basil.
Explore medieval villages
Orvieto, Italy
Orvieto is a charming village with a cathedral that sits high above the surrounding countryside. It's possible to walk up to the town, but take the funicular if you don't want to exert yourself too much. The Duomo boasts fabulous frescoes by Luca Signorelli and Beato Angelico. The panorama from the top of Torre del Moro is worth the climb.
Pienza, Italy
The birthplace of Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini), Pienza has been called "the city of humanism." Many visitors come for its rich pecorino cheese. The town also has some fine Renaissance palazzi, including Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Borgia.
San Gimignano, Italy
The tower houses of San Gimignano rise above the surrounding landscape like sentinels from medieval times. There are more than 20 towers in all; once there were 72!
Enjoy Tuscany on bike
For cyclists, Tuscany is paradise found. There are hundreds of miles of well-marked cycling routes winding through the charming hilly countryside and connecting vibrant towns, cities and villages.
The beauty of cycling in Tuscany is that it's accessible to all levels, with flat cycle paths along river valleys and ancient Roman roads and more challenging hillside routes. In the summer the area offers a temperate climate, with cool sea breezes at the coast and cooler mountain air inland.
Many visitors to Tuscany choose to explore by bike because you can stop off when you like and see places that only locals know about. While most people think of Florence or Siena as the start point for a cycling holiday, it is also possible to fly into Pisa or Bologna and discover different parts of Tuscany from there.
The Tuscan countryside has much to offer its visitors and it deserves a spot on every traveler’s itinerary. From the bustling cities of Florence and Pisa to the picturesque towns and villages, there is so much beauty to discover. Whether you prefer to walk, bike or drive, relax or explore, there is a special treat for you around every corner of Tuscany.
