Is Tuscany Worth Visiting: 14 Amazing Reasons to Visit!
With so many incredible places to choose from in Italy, is Tuscany worth visiting? I wondered the same thing.
However, I took a leap of faith and not only planned my vacation there but had my wedding in Tuscany, without ever visiting it first. Some may think that’s crazy to plan a wedding in a country you have never been to before.
But It turned out to be the best decision we ever made, which is why I want to share with you our experiences and help you answer the question, is Tuscany worth visiting?
Want to Tour Tuscany? Here is the best Wine Tasting Experience of the Tuscan Countryside
Is Tuscany Worth Visiting
Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular regions in Italy, and it is definitely worth a visit! Famously known for its stunning landscapes, medieval towns, world-renowned wine, and delicious cuisine, Tuscany offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
It is one of those destinations that you want to visit over and over again.
From the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa to the charming hilltop towns of Montepulciano and San Gimignano. This incredible region has something for everyone.
Tuscany is a magical destination that should not be missed by anyone who loves history, culture, art, food, wine, and natural beauty.
14 Reasons Why You Should Visit
Located in central Italy, Tuscany is one of the biggest regions in the country covering 8,877 square miles (22,992 square km). Over 30 million people visit in a year. Despite its popularity, Tuscany is still worth a visit. I promise you will not regret it.
Here are 14 reasons why Tuscany should be at the top of your travel bucket list!
1. Breathtaking Scenery
If I close my eyes, I can still feel the tranquility and mesmerizing beauty of Tuscany. I can picture the Tuscan countryside with its iconic rolling hills, cypress trees, and winding roads dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and rustic farmhouses.
Tuscany’s natural beauty and landscapes are some of the most beautiful and well-known in Italy and even the world.
One of the most recognizable and quintessential landscapes in Tuscany is the Val d’Orcia or Orcia Valley. It is a beautiful valley in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, known for its undulating hills covered in vineyards, olive groves, cypress trees, and charming medieval towns and villages.
2. Unbelievable Wine
Tuscany is worth the visit for the wine. Drinking wine in the Tuscan countryside is an experience like no other. With lush green hills, picturesque vineyards, and centuries-old wineries, the region is home to some of the best wines in the world.
Tuscany is particularly famous for its red wines, including Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
If you have the time, I highly recommend booking a wine tasting tour in Tuscany. Besides tasting fantastic wine in Tuscany’s gorgeous countryside, a tour provides an opportunity to learn about the unique varieties of grapes and the winemaking process.
During our wine tasting, we really enjoyed hearing about the interesting stories and history behind each winery. Many of the wineries in Tuscany are set in historic estates, dating back centuries, with impressive cellars and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.45 hours | BOOK NOW
If you are looking for a wine tasting tour in Tuscany, then look no further. With over 2,000 raving reviews, you can’t go wrong with this Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside.
“Wonderful trip, it was simply beautiful! I loved each vineyard, the wine, food and the views were incredible. The tour guide was amazing and it was a short bus ride to the country side!” – Brittney L. (read more reviews)
What Makes This Tour Unique:
- Visit 2 top-rated wineries in the famed Chianti Classico region
- Tasting of different wines, olive oil, & local Tuscan specialties (cheese, salami, cured ham, and bruschetta)
- Transport to & from Florence & wineries
- small-group of 25
- Tastings are included
Tip: Lunch is not included in this tour, be sure to eat beforehand.
✅ Check rates & availability for Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside here
3. The Capital of Tuscany – Florence
Florence the capital of Tuscany, is a bustling and vibrant city that attracts millions of visitors each year. It is famously known for its rich history, one-of-a-kind art masterpieces, and stunning architecture.
You could easily spend a week or more exploring Florence’s museums or get lost walking the charming cobblestone streets.
A couple of musts when visiting Florence are climbing the steps of the iconic Duomo, walking the unique Ponte Vecchio bridge, laying eyes on Michelangelo’s original David Statue at Galleria dell’Accademia, and visiting the Uffizi Gallery.
Whether you are interested in the delicious food, unique history, and art, or just want to soak up the atmosphere of one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Florence is a must-visit destination and worth a visit!
4. Delicious Cuisine
Tuscany is known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine, which focuses on local, seasonal ingredients.
I could not get enough of the food in Tuscany, my favorite was Pappardelle Al Ragu Di Cinghiale. A rich and flavorful wild boar ragu served with wide, flat pasta ribbons known as pappardelle. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
One of the most famous dishes from the region is the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick and juicy T-bone steak, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil. A must try when visiting Florence!
Other traditional dishes include Ribollita, a hearty vegetable soup made with stale bread, beans, and vegetables, Pappa al Pomodoro, a cold soup made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, and basil, and Lampredotto, a sandwich made with the fourth stomach of a cow, which is stewed in broth and served in a bun with a spicy green sauce.
Also, Tuscan cuisine features a variety of cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, and finocchiona, as well as an array of cheeses such as Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Olive oil is a staple ingredient in Tuscan cooking, and the region is known for producing some of the best olive oil in Italy.
If you are a foodie or want to learn more about Tuscan cuisine, taking a cooking class in Tuscany is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Italian cuisine and culture.
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars |⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | BOOK NOW
Get out of Florence for the day with this authentic cooking class at a Tuscan Farmhouse and create delicious Italian dishes from scratch including bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramisù. A cooking class is a unique and memorable way to experience the Tuscan countryside!
What Makes This Tour Unique:
- 3,000 5 ⭐️ reviews
- 4-course lunch.
- Visit a historical food market in Florence
- Enjoy a cooking lesson with a local chef at a Tuscan Farmhouse
- Sip on a glass of Chianti while you cook and enjoy your lunch
“Wonderful experience! Luca was an amazing chef and entertainer! The food was delicious and the class and setting could not have been nicer! Highly recommend!!!” – Rebecca P. (read more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability for the Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse here
5. Friendly Locals
Meeting the locals who have generations after generations of family and history rooted in Tuscany is what makes this region so special.
Tuscans are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Whether you are visiting a local winery, staying at a Tuscan farmhouse, or shopping at the local market, they make you feel right at home.
6. Soak in a One of Kind Tuscan Hot Spring
Visiting the Saturnia Hot Springs was one of the best things we did on our Tuscany road trip. It is a little off the beaten path, but we really enjoyed this unique experience.
The cascading pools of powder blue water, surrounded by the beautiful countryside, make Saturnia Hot Springs a must-visit destination in Tuscany.
The huge limestone pools of thermal waters are heated naturally by a nearby volcano and remain at a constant temperature of 37.5° C all year round. And they are free to visit!
The hot springs are located in the hills of southern Tuscany in the small town of Manciano, just outside of Saturnia. Since it is located about 2 hours from Rome and almost 3 hours from Florence, we decided to spend the night at Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort & Spa, a luxury spa and wellness center.
The property at Terme di Saturnia is absolutely breathtaking. They have outdoor natural thermal pools, which I preferred soaking in over the public ones at Cascate del Mulino. It was very relaxing and they even had little noodles to help you float in the pool.
They also offer tons of treatments and massages at their wellness. It is a great place to take a moment to relax and unwind in gorgeous southern Tuscany.
TIP: There is no public transportation to the hot springs. You will either need to rent a car or book a tour.
“This was the highlight of my trip to Italy! Salvatore went above and beyond in every way. He was very helpful with answering my abundance of questions, and very considerate to our needs. Very knowledgeable about not only the hot springs but also Italy as a whole!” -Tripadvisor Reviewer. (read more reviews)
✅ Book the Private Full-day Cascate del Mulino Hot Springs from Rome here
7. Rich Cultural Heritage
Tuscany is steeped in history and culture, from the ancient Etruscans to the birthplace of the Renaissance, which was a cultural movement that began in Italy in the 14th century.
Tuscany has made a huge impact on European arts, literature, science, and philosophy with famous figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo creating masterpieces in the region.
Some of the most iconic monuments in Tuscany that are worth visiting are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Piazza Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio.
8. Great Shopping
Milan is the “Fashion Capital of the World.” However, Florence is also a popular and great location for shopping. It is home to many luxury brands and top names in Italian fashion, including Gucci, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo. You can find them at Via de’ Tornabuoni, the fashion center of the city.
There are also plenty of other more affordable shops in Florence. I did not expect to do any shopping while I was there, but I couldn’t help myself! I ended up buying a couple of dresses, a jacket, and a scarf that were all reasonably priced.
So make sure to save extra space in your luggage for any clothes or souvenirs you want to bring back with you.
Also, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to one of the many markets. Two of the most well-known markets in Florence are the Central Market and the San Lorenzo Market.
The Central Market is an indoor market that is a popular local spot for buying fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, meats, and seafood. There are also small restaurants where you can sit down to grab a bite to eat or sip on some wine.
Outside of the Central Market is the San Lorenzo Market. The San Lorenzo Market is a famous market for its leather goods and souvenirs, including belts, wallets, purses, and jackets.
Tip: If you are interested in buying quality leather, Florence is known around the world for its rich history in the leather industry.
9. The Charming Towns in Tuscany
Tuscany is full of beautiful and enchanting towns that look like they are straight out of a storybook. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the cobblestone streets of the medieval city centers, each town has its own unique character and charm.
When we did our road trip through Tuscany we made stops at Florence, Siena, and Lucca. Lucca is a small town famous for its impressive city walls, which encircle the entire historic center. You can walk or cycle along the walls and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Siena was actually my favorite town we visited in Tuscany because I felt like it was the perfect combination of Florence’s city vibe and Lucca’s small-town charm.
Siena is also well known for the Palio di Siena, a thrilling horse race held in the Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena’s historic center.
The race is a fast-paced, bareback competition where jockeys from ten of the seventeen contrade (neighborhood districts in Siena) ride around the track three times. The race is held twice each year on 2 July and 16 August and it has been a tradition in Siena since 1633
Other popular towns in Tuscany are San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza, Pisa, and Volterra
10. Apertivo
A term you must know before visiting Tuscany is aperitivo, I promise you will thank me later. It is the Italian version of happy hour.
Aperitivo is a beloved tradition in Tuscany and throughout Italy, where friends and family gather to unwind and enjoy light bites and drinks before dinner.
One of the most popular places to enjoy aperitivo in Tuscany is at a local wine bar or enoteca. These cozy spots offer a wide selection of wines and small plates and are a great place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Some of the snacks you may find at aperitivo include olives, cured meats, bruschetta, and other small bites, along with a variety of drinks like wine, prosecco, or Aperol Spritz.
11. Tuscany Castles
Tuscany is home to some of the most stunning castles in Italy, each with its own unique history and architectural style. Many of these ancient castles date back to the 12th century and offer stays in their farmhouses, tours, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, and even cooking classes.
My husband and I got married at a Tuscany castle, Castello del Trebbio. It was the most incredible and memorable experience that we were lucky enough to share with our family and friends. The entire time we were there, it felt like a dream.
I highly recommend visiting or staying at Castello del Trebbio. They offer numerous experiences like cooking classes and wine tastings. However, there are many more castles in Tuscany where you can plan your visit.
Castello di Brolio, the oldest winery in Italy, is located in the heart of the Chianti wine region. It has been owned and operated by the Ricasoli family, a historic family of the Florentine aristocracy, since 1141.
They offer a variety of tours and wine tastings, where you can discover and learn more about the history of the Ricasoli family and tour the gorgeous property.
12. Truffle Hunting
One of the culinary treasures that make Tuscany a gastronomic paradise is its truffles. Truffles are highly prized and sought-after fungi known for their distinct aroma and flavor, and Tuscany is a prime region for truffle hunting and cultivation.
The best way to do some truffle hunting in Tuscany would be by booking a tour with a local expert and a trained truffle dog. They will guide and help you venture into the forests in search of these hidden treasures.
After a successful hunt, you can enjoy a light 2-course lunch, including tagliolini al tartufo, and wash it down with some local chianti wine.
“Amazing experience, it was a wonderful adventure, my sons loved it! highly recommend this tour, it’s a must.” – Pura F. (read more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability Full-Day Small-Group Truffle Hunting in Tuscany with Lunch here
13. Pristine Beaches
If you are looking for a seaside getaway, Tuscany has that too, it is home to some beautiful beaches along its coastline. One of the most renowned coastal destinations in Tuscany is Versilia.
Located in the northwestern part of the region, Versilia is known for its pristine sandy beaches, exclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
We did a day trip to Forte dei Marmi and the town was oozing with luxury. We enjoyed some white wine and a seafood lunch on the beach at Gilda Forte dei Marmi.
Aside from its stunning beach, Forte dei Marmi is known for its elegant town center and high-end shopping. The main street, Via Roma, is lined with designer boutiques, and stylish shops, where you can indulge in some luxury shopping.
14. Hit the Slopes in Tuscany
Skiing in Tuscany? Yup, it surprised me too, but just a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from Florence and you can be hitting the slopes in the picturesque region of Tuscany, Italy. Abetone is the main area for skiing and other winter sports.
How many days should you spend in Tuscany?
If you can, you should try to spend at least 5 days in Tuscany. A five-day itinerary can provide a small taste of the region’s highlights, but if you have extra time. You will not regret spending more time discovering Tuscany.
We spent a little over a week in Tuscany and I felt like we could have used a couple more days to explore additional towns and to be able to travel at a slower pace.
Do you need a car in Tuscany?
The answer to if you need a car in Tuscany is it depends. If you only plan on visiting the main cities like Florence or Pisa, you can get around by public transportation. Especially in Florence, it is actually more of a hassle to have a car than not.
However, if you would like to explore the Tuscan countryside, a car is the best and easiest way to get around. It also allows you the freedom to venture off the beaten path and see Tuscany at your own pace.
How far apart are Florence and Tuscany?
Florence is located in the region of Tuscany in Central Italy. It is approximately a 1 hour to 1.5 drive from other popular towns in Tuscany like Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano.
In Conclusion: Is Tuscany Worth Visiting
So is Tuscany worth visiting? In my opinion, Tuscany is 100 % worth visiting on your trip to Italy! It is a wonderful destination that offers so many unique and fun things to do. I loved our time in Tuscany and I can’t wait to visit again soon.
If you want more planning tips for Italy, you can find all of my guides here.
