Tick the main attractions off your bucket list or any of the things you’ve always wanted to see when you are staying in one of our villas in Tuscany – the great thing about the region is that it is easily travelled and day-trips can be readily planned – but don’t forget to soak up some of the region’s unique characteristics as well.
Here’s what to see and do in Tuscany that is distinctly Tuscan beyond the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Uffizi, Michelangelo’s David, the Cathedrals, and the architectural gems...
Let Your Worries Melt Away At A Hot Spring
Many are unaware that Tuscany is home to a great number of towns with naturally-occurring hot springs. Lots of towns have “terme” in their names, referring to thermal springs and plenty of others without this as part of their names also have mineral-rich waters heated by the earth that have therapeutic, relaxing, and aesthetic properties. On top of the naturally-occurring springs, spas and various other treatment facilities have also cropped up in these towns, offering a full package for those who want to totally unwind on holidays in Tuscany. Saturnia’s iconic cascading hot spring pools are definitely the region’s most-photographed and famous example but there are all sorts of spa towns in the area from grand historic complexes in architectural gems to modern luxury resorts. Plan a spa day during your stay at a villa with pool in Tuscany and you’ll have plenty of options...
Head To The Region’s Cheese Capital
Tuscany is a famous foodie destination par excellence and there are endless delicious things to try but for cheese-lovers, in particular, you’ll need to keep a destination in mind. Pienza, the town built along ideal Renaissance principles is also home to Pecorino di Pienza. Made from the milk of sheep grazed on the famously-beautiful rolling green hills of the Orcia Valley, this local delicacy is sold in various shops throughout town and there are a wide variety of kinds to choose from. Instead of going in blind, we recommend booking a tasting to help you find the best option to suit your palate. Then, once you’ve landed on your favourite, it’s time to head to Chianti to find the perfect pairing...
Wine Pairings In Chianti
In addition to the celebrated food of the region, the wines of Tuscany are also well-loved. There are actually several incredible wine areas within Tuscany but Chianti is the most famous and has a wide array of wineries, bars, wine towns, and more to explore. If you book a vacation rental in Chianti itself you could certainly spend your entire holiday exploring all that it has to offer but if you’re only planning a day-trip, we recommend choosing a singular wine town or winery to visit and really making the most of it! Join a tasting, take a tour of a winery, sign up for a picnic with a view of the vineyards, or simply sit in a wine bar and ask the locals for some recommendations.
Go Hunting For Your Truffles
Another foodie must on the truly decadent side of things in Tuscany is her truffles. These mushrooms are something people go crazy for and that can rack up massive price tags depending on the visual perfection, size, rarity, and more. San Miniato is Tuscany’s truffle capital (though just one of several areas truffle-fans can visit in Tuscany) and hosts one of the world’s biggest truffle fairs each November. If you don’t want to just sample this prized ingredient but want to have a fuller experience, you can join a truffle-hunting expedition! Joining a local expert who knows all about the product, exploring the beautiful woods, and hanging out with some cute truffle dogs before getting to enjoy a delicious dish? Sounds like a perfect day out to us!
Get Up Early To See The Fog
The Orcia Valley and Crete Senesi areas of Tuscany already present the impossibly pretty landscapes of rolling green hills, cypress-lined winding roads, and hilltop towns and farmhouses for which the region is famous. Book your luxury villa in Tuscany or your vacation rental in the Orcia Valley in the autumn or early spring and get up before dawn and you might get lucky enough to see these stunning vistas made yet lovelier still by crowns of fog...