Tuscany overview
Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Tuscany is one of the most beautiful and well-known Italian holiday destinations. The cities and towns of Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, Florence and Siena are famed for their Renaissance art and architecture, and the delightful rolling countryside boasts olive groves and vineyards.
Be prepared to encounter what you might mistakenly interpret as arrogance as you travel through Tuscany: you will meet people who believe that they live in Italy's most beautiful region, produce some of the finest wines, and live in Europe's loveliest towns and villages. But perhaps they do have a right to feel superior; gazing out across the magnificent rolling hills, it's easy to see why this region is so popular.
Its rich landscape is complemented by towns overflowing with Renaissance art and architecture. The most important river is the Arno, on which Florence and Pisa are situated, and the Tiber fleetingly passes through. Tuscany is one of Italy's best wine-producing areas, with Chianti and Montepulciano among its famous products.
Tuscany is a land of secluded river valleys and majestic medieval villages boasting bustling restaurants, piazzas and ancient narrow cobble-stoned streets. The people of Tuscany are fiercely proud of their ancestry which they trace back to the Etruscans, but what makes this region pivotal is the Renaissance period, and its masterpieces of paintings, sculptures, and architecture must play an intrinsic part of any holidaymakers visit.
Map
Climate
Although it can be hot during July and August, Tuscany is not given to great extremes of climate as hillsides offering cooler temperatures and cooling breezes are never too far away. Winters are chilly, but rarely cold; spring is delightful and autumn pleasantly mild but slightly damper.
Did you know?
For homeowners in the small Italian town of San Gimignano during the 14th century, a lofty tower was the ultimate status symbol. The first turret was probably constructed for protection against the incessant street fighting between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. But soon, for reasons of prestige, nobles began building towers of their own, each one trying to outdo the others. In a matter of a few years, 79 spires were built, 13 survive to this day to give San Gimignano its nickname, the Manhattan of Tuscany.
Tuscany hotels
Castel Monastero
In a stunning setting in 4 hectares of grounds in the Tuscan countryside, 23km from Siena
Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa
Castello del Nero Hotel and Spa is a luxury modern-day sanctuary; 30km from the historic city of Florence
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Castello di Spaltenna
Castello di Spaltenna is situated 30km from Siena and 60km from Florence in the ancient hamlet of Spaltenna
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Grand Hotel Continental
Located in the heart of Siena and steps away from the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and all major attractions, the elegant Grand Hotel Continental began as a 17th century aristocratic mansion
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Grand Hotel Vittoria
Just a ten minute walk from the heart of Montecatini, the Grand Hotel Vittoria is an early 20th century Liberty-style building perched atop the cliffs
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Grotta Giusti
Set amid stunning parkland in the heart of Tuscany, this early 19th century villa is home to Grotto Giusti, a Natural Spa Resort
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Hotel Le Fontanelle
Hotel Le Fontanelle is a lovingly restored 13th century farmhouse deep in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti countryside
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Relais La Suvera
Approximately 25km from Siena, Relais La Suvera lies in the heart of the Siennese Chianti hills
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Villa Mangiacane
Set in the heart of the famous Chianti winemaking region, Villa Mangiacane sits majestically on a hillside
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Villasanpaolo
Surrounded by a huge park of cypress trees and olive groves and close to the beautiful town of San Gimingnano
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Map
Climate
Although it can be hot during July and August, Tuscany is not given to great extremes of climate as hillsides offering cooler temperatures and cooling breezes are never too far away. Winters are chilly, but rarely cold; spring is delightful and autumn pleasantly mild but slightly damper.
Did you know?
For homeowners in the small Italian town of San Gimignano during the 14th century, a lofty tower was the ultimate status symbol. The first turret was probably constructed for protection against the incessant street fighting between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. But soon, for reasons of prestige, nobles began building towers of their own, each one trying to outdo the others. In a matter of a few years, 79 spires were built, 13 survive to this day to give San Gimignano its nickname, the Manhattan of Tuscany.
Tuscany sightseeing
Florence
Florence, the most active centre of the Renaissance, boasts exquisite works (see page 124) although art adorns almost every corner of the province from the coast to the border with Umbria.
Florence is a true Renaissance city and boasts 70 museums and art galleries, numerous palaces and 24 historic churches. Most sights lie within the centro storico and visitors must ensure they visit the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio, the Boboli Gardens and the Uffizi Gallery with its unrivalled collection of Italian and European art by such masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Caravaggio.
Lucca
77km west of Florence, lies the graceful and provincial capital of Lucca: to get a real sense of the city, take a stroll or a bicycle ride along the top of the elegant 16th century walls that encase this charming city.
Sights not to be missed include the Cattedrale di San Martino with its striking façade, and San Michele in Foro, an unfinished 12th century Romanesque church which adds a touch of magic to this delightfully tranquil and charming provincial capital.
Siena
Siena, although founded by the Etruscans and colonised by the Romans, belongs to the Middle Ages and boasts delightful squares and streets perched on three hills that provide delightful views from many vantage points. In its heyday Siena was a flourishing centre of trade, banking and art.
Pisa
Some 25km southwest of Lucca lies the town of Pisa. Formerly a maritime power, the university town of Pisa owes its fame to the fact that due to its unstable subsoil, its famous Leaning Tower has always titled. But the Tower isn't the only crooked building: in the same square, the Romanesque and Gothic Baptistery (the largest in Italy) also tilts slightly to the north. Also in the same lovely square, The Duomo is a delightful example of Pisan Romanesque architecture.
Countryside
Rolling Tuscan countryside simply lends itself to exploration. Wine buffs will delight in the Chianti vineyards, and there are plenty of delightful villages and towns to be discovered. Don't miss San Gimignano with its stunning skyline and beautifully preserved medieval towers. Monteriggioni, a tiny gem surrounded by 13th century fortified walls, and Voterra with its amazing collection of Estrucan art.
Map
Climate
Although it can be hot during July and August, Tuscany is not given to great extremes of climate as hillsides offering cooler temperatures and cooling breezes are never too far away. Winters are chilly, but rarely cold; spring is delightful and autumn pleasantly mild but slightly damper.
Did you know?
For homeowners in the small Italian town of San Gimignano during the 14th century, a lofty tower was the ultimate status symbol. The first turret was probably constructed for protection against the incessant street fighting between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. But soon, for reasons of prestige, nobles began building towers of their own, each one trying to outdo the others. In a matter of a few years, 79 spires were built, 13 survive to this day to give San Gimignano its nickname, the Manhattan of Tuscany.
Tuscany cuisine
Dining features highly on any tourist's menu in Tuscany with olive oil and wine playing major roles. Generally the gastronomy is traditional and succulent. Relying heavily on fresh produce, meats are simply roasted or grilled, with elaborate sauces saved for pasta dishes. Trattoria and ristorante signs hang over similar looking establishments; generally a trattoria provides a more casual setting, and a ristorante implies more expensive cuisine.
Osterie are simple tavern-like wine shops perhaps serving hunks of cheese, and tavola calda or rosticceria are cafeteria-style eateries. Do beware that most Italian eating establishments sometimes close for holidays, often for a couple of weeks during August.
Map
Climate
Although it can be hot during July and August, Tuscany is not given to great extremes of climate as hillsides offering cooler temperatures and cooling breezes are never too far away. Winters are chilly, but rarely cold; spring is delightful and autumn pleasantly mild but slightly damper.
Did you know?
For homeowners in the small Italian town of San Gimignano during the 14th century, a lofty tower was the ultimate status symbol. The first turret was probably constructed for protection against the incessant street fighting between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. But soon, for reasons of prestige, nobles began building towers of their own, each one trying to outdo the others. In a matter of a few years, 79 spires were built, 13 survive to this day to give San Gimignano its nickname, the Manhattan of Tuscany.
Tuscany offers
Castel Monastero
In a stunning setting in 4 hectares of grounds in the Tuscan countryside, 23km from Siena
2 offers
Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa
Castello del Nero Hotel and Spa is a luxury modern-day sanctuary; 30km from the historic city of Florence
3 offers
-
-
Castello di Spaltenna
Castello di Spaltenna is situated 30km from Siena and 60km from Florence in the ancient hamlet of Spaltenna
2 offers
-
Grand Hotel Vittoria
Just a ten minute walk from the heart of Montecatini, the Grand Hotel Vittoria is an early 20th century Liberty-style building perched atop the cliffs
2 offers
-
-
Grotta Giusti
Set amid stunning parkland in the heart of Tuscany, this early 19th century villa is home to Grotto Giusti, a Natural Spa Resort
3 offers
-
Hotel Le Fontanelle
Hotel Le Fontanelle is a lovingly restored 13th century farmhouse deep in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti countryside
2 offers
-
-
Relais La Suvera
Approximately 25km from Siena, Relais La Suvera lies in the heart of the Siennese Chianti hills
3 offers
-
Villa Mangiacane
Set in the heart of the famous Chianti winemaking region, Villa Mangiacane sits majestically on a hillside
2 offers
-
-
Villasanpaolo
Surrounded by a huge park of cypress trees and olive groves and close to the beautiful town of San Gimingnano
1 offer
-
-
Map
Climate
Although it can be hot during July and August, Tuscany is not given to great extremes of climate as hillsides offering cooler temperatures and cooling breezes are never too far away. Winters are chilly, but rarely cold; spring is delightful and autumn pleasantly mild but slightly damper.
Did you know?
For homeowners in the small Italian town of San Gimignano during the 14th century, a lofty tower was the ultimate status symbol. The first turret was probably constructed for protection against the incessant street fighting between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. But soon, for reasons of prestige, nobles began building towers of their own, each one trying to outdo the others. In a matter of a few years, 79 spires were built, 13 survive to this day to give San Gimignano its nickname, the Manhattan of Tuscany.