Curator’s statement
Tuscany offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-class food and wine, making it one of Italy’s most captivating regions. While renting a car is the easiest way to explore, it’s certainly not necessary. I recently visited Tuscany solo and managed the entire trip by train. Florence and Siena are excellent bases to explore Tuscany by train and guided tours. Both cities offer a wide range of wine tours, cooking classes, and historical sights. If you are dying to have a Tuscan villa experience but don’t want to rent a car, Hotel Villa Fiesole is just outside of Florence and offers a complimentary shuttle into the city.
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Things to do in Tuscany
Vineyard tours & wine tastings: Tuscany’s vineyards are accessible via guided tours from Florence or Siena, where you can enjoy wine tastings with a driver/guide.
Cooking classes: Take a cooking class to learn to make traditional Tuscan pasta.
Hiking the Via Francigena: Explore sections of this ancient pilgrimage route that winds through Tuscany’s rolling hills, with easy access from towns like Siena and Florence.
Art & history: Visit Florence’s Uffizi Gallery or Siena’s stunning cathedral and medieval frescoes for a deep dive into Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage.
Food tours: Join a local food tour to sample Tuscan delicacies like olive oil, cheeses, and truffles, or experience a traditional Tuscan meal.
Places to eat & drink in Tuscany
La Taverna di San Giuseppe (Siena): Authentic, cozy Tuscan food in central Siena, reservations are a must.
Locanda dell’Oste (Siena): Epic views of medieval Siena with delicious steak and pici pasta
Club Culinario Toscano da Osvaldo (Florence): Known for authentic Tuscan dishes including Fiorentina steak
Mercato Centrale (Florence): Chaotic but fun and delicious! On the second floor you will find every possible Italian specialty, as well as some international dishes and vegan/vegetarian options.
Head to the Oltarno neighborhood on the other side of the Arno for a more relaxed vibe and some fun food tours.
Need to know
If your main interests are wine, food, history, and culture, I highly recommend visiting Tuscany in the quieter shoulder-season months of October, November, and March. Hotel prices are lower and the crowds are almost non-existent. I can arrange private transportation for day trips from Siena and Florence.
Travel Advisor
Sarah Mills
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Tuscany page.