Tuscany is a gorgeous region of Italy known for its lush vineyards, picturesque scenery, and as the birthplace of Renaissance art. It isn’t a surprise that with multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites all over the region, tens of millions of tourists visit every year. There isn’t a shortage of sights to see and things to do, so we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things to do while visiting Tuscany.
Go Gallery Hopping in Florence
Art galleries in Florence are home to some of the most famous and well-recognized pieces of art in the world. The Uffizi Gallery is the most prominent art museum in this Italian city because of its outstanding paintings and sculptures, like Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus. Known as one of Italy’s most brilliant artists, Michelangelo’s only surviving painting panel still in its original frame, “Doni Tondo” is housed in the Uffizi Gallery.
The Accademia is another world-renowned gallery in Florence known for its many famous sculptures. It has seven of Michelangelo’s sculptures, including the statue of David. It is impossible not to get lost in these galleries surrounded by some of the world’s most famous pieces of art.
Drink Wine Like a Tuscan
About an hour south of Florence, the Chianti region produces Italy’s most famous wines, Chianti and Chianti Classico. A great red wine for food pairing, they both use the same Sangiovese grapes. The difference between these wines all comes down to where the grapes are grown and how long they are aged. Chianti grapes must be grown in Florence, Siena, Arezzo, Pisa, Pistoia, and Prato; meanwhile, the grapes for Chianti Classico can only be grown in specific townships in Florence and Siena. The grapes in Chianti must age for three months before being bottled, whereas Chianti Classico must age for at least 10 months before bottling. Chianti Classico is distinguished with a black chicken inside a wine-red circle.
Visit the Florence Cathedral
Located in the heart of Florence is the Florence Cathedral, or as the Italian’s say, ‘Duomo di Firenze’. It is the city’s most recognizable attraction with its red-tiled dome and head-turning Gothic architecture. This cathedral was made by some of the most remarkable Renaissance architectures in the world and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A great way to see the stunning views of the city is by climbing the 400 steps to get to the top of the dome. This is not for the claustrophobic, the corridors are narrow, and there are no elevators.
Explore the Medieval Town Volterra
Volterra is a typical Tuscan hill town that gives spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. The formerly walled village dates all the way back to the 8th century BC and has Medieval, Roman, and Etruscan structures. There is even a preserved Etruscan acropolis is at the top of Volterra’s hill. Volterra is home to one of the oldest public museums in Europe, with hundreds of funeral urns from the Archaic periods. This town is pleasant to wander around, with every view outshining the last.
See the Square of Miracles
Named as one of the most grandeur squares in Italy, the Square of Miracles does not disappoint visitors. The square is in the city of Pisa and is home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. But that isn’t the only sight to see while you’re visiting. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta sits in the square, with its Romanesque architecture and marble façade just beside the tower. The Gothic Baptistry is also in the Square of Miracles and topped with an odd-shaped dome. While visiting, be sure to stop by the Monumental Cemetery as a refuge from the crowds that constantly litter the rest of the square.
Catch the Ferry to Elba
Elba is a small, picturesque island located in Tuscany’s archipelago. With its craggy cliffs that give way to pristine azure waters and white sand beaches, it is where local Tuscans go to get away from the rest of Italy. It is a reasonably quiet spot that most tourists are unaware of, but it is just a quick one-hour ferry ride, with 61 ferries leaving daily from four different ports. There are many hiking and biking routes around the island to get some stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is also where the French military general and first emperor of France, Napoléon Bonaparte, was exiled in 1814.
Visit the City Siena
Siena, a well-known hilltop city in Tuscany, is often overshadowed by the likes of Florence or Pisa, making it significantly quieter than the other two cities. Looking down onto the rolling green hills in the Tuscan region of Italy, Siena is a beautiful city with ancient medieval architecture. So well-preserved, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Siena Cathedral or Duomo di Siena is a massive black and white striped cathedral and a defining piece of the city. Inside the cathedral, there are artworks from Michelangelo, Donatello, Pisano, and Duccio – who is considered one of the fathers of Western art.
Treat Yourself to Gelato
Gelato is so popular in Italy that it is home to more than half of all the approximately 60,000 gelaterias in Europe. It won’t be a feat to find a gelateria in the Tuscan region but trying the best of the best is essential. Stop by Marco Ottaviano Gelato Gourmet in Florence. The husband-and-wife-duo make their gelato only from in-season fruits and use less sugar than most, making the natural flavors of the gelato pop.
In Siena, Gelateria Kopakabana is slightly off the beaten path from the main touristy spots and one of the best places to get gelato. With 200 flavors, from the classics to the specially designed ones, Gelateria Kopakabana offers more than just gelato for a low cost.
Pet the Boar
Il Porcellino or ‘the little pig’ is an anatomically realistic bronze wild boar that can be found in Mercato Nuovo square in Florence. This attraction brings thousands of tourists a day to rub its snout for good luck. But that’s not the entire ritual.
Many tourists are unaware that to bring good luck, not only should you pet the snout but also put a coin into the boar’s mouth while making a wish. According to old lore, rubbing the nose of il Porcellino before leaving Florence ensured a safe return.
Vespa Around the Tuscan Region
The Vespa is a true symbol of Italy. They were invented in Pontedera, Tuscany, post-World War II as a low-cost way for struggling Italians to get around. Now a great way to see Tuscany is to hop on and take a ride around the soft sloped roads and rolling green hills in the countryside.
Grab a helmet and zoom by the vineyards, olive and fruit trees, and sunflower fields by renting a scooter and taking the self-guided tour. Or, if going in a group sounds more appealing, there are many Vespa tours from Tuscany Cycle that leave from Florence’s city center.
Square of Miracles – Alexey Turenkov on Unsplash
Elba Coast – Patrick Langwallner on Unsplash
Siena – Kirsten Velghe on Unsplash
Gelateria – Josh Chiodo on Unsplash
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo – Raymond Schiopu on Unsplash
A row of Vespas – Clay Banks on Unsplash