Discovering the beauty of Tuscany

Tuscany is a beautiful region in central Italy that is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious food and wine.

Here are some of our top things to do and experience whilst staying on a villa holiday in Tuscany:

Visit Florence

Florence, or Firenze in Italian, is a beautiful city located in the heart of Tuscany. Florence is known for its stunning architecture, historic museums, and art galleries. Some of the must-see attractions include:

Uffizi Gallery: The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Raphael.

The Duomo: The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, also known as the Duomo, is the most iconic landmark of Florence. It features a dome designed by Brunelleschi, one of the greatest architects of the Renaissance.

Ponte Vecchio: The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge that spans the Arno River.

Accademia Gallery: The Accademia Gallery is home to one of the most famous sculptures in the world, Michelangelo's David. It also features other works by Michelangelo and other Renaissance artists.

Piazza della Signoria: This is the main square of Florence and is home to some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Loggia dei Lanzi.

Take a wine tour

Tuscany is home to some of Italy's most famous wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Take a wine tour to explore the region's vineyards and sample its delicious wines.

Wine tasting in Chianti is a popular activity for visitors to the region. There are many vineyards and wineries in the area that offer wine tasting experiences, allowing visitors to sample some of the region's famous Chianti wines and learn more about the winemaking process.

During a wine tasting, visitors can sample a variety of Chianti wines, often accompanied by small bites of food such as cheese, cured meats, and bread. Wineries may offer different levels of tastings, ranging from basic tastings of a few wines to more in-depth experiences that include a tour of the vineyards, a visit to the cellars, and a guided tasting of several wines.

Visit Pisa:

This city is famous for its leaning tower, but there are also other attractions to see, including the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

The Piazza dei Miracoli is home to four great religious monuments: the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery of St. John, the Campanile (Leaning Tower of Pisa), and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Today it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Visit the Cinque Terre

While technically not in Tuscany, visiting the Cinque Terre is a must-do activity for anyone traveling to Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. The Cinque Terre is a collection of five colorful seaside villages located on the rugged coastline of Liguria, between Genoa and Pisa.

Each of the five villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – has its own unique charm and character. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and colorful houses of the villages, enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and sample local seafood and wine.

Explore the Tuscan Countryside

Tuscany is famous for its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and medieval towns. You can rent a car or join a tour to explore the countryside and visit charming towns like Siena, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano.

The countryside of Tuscany is home to a wealth of beautiful towns and villages, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Some of the most popular towns to visit include Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca, all of which are known for their stunning architecture, art, and culture.

In addition to its beautiful towns, the Tuscany countryside is also famous for its vineyards and wineries. Visitors can take wine tours and tastings, learning about the region's winemaking traditions and sampling some of the world-famous Chianti and Brunello wines.

The Tuscany countryside is a wonderful destination for travellers seeking a peaceful and cultural escape.

Relax in Thermal Springs

Tuscany has several natural hot springs that are perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating. Some of the most popular thermal springs include Terme di Saturnia and Bagni San Filippo.

Terme di Saturnia is a beautiful thermal spa located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. The spa is known for its natural hot springs, which have been flowing for over 3,000 years, and its stunning natural surroundings.

Visitors to Terme di Saturnia can enjoy a variety of spa treatments and facilities, including thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, and massage therapies. The thermal waters are rich in minerals, including sulphur, calcium, and magnesium, and are believed to have therapeutic properties for various health conditions, including arthritis, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

A wonderful way to relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a romantic getaway, the thermal waters and natural surroundings of Terme di Saturnia are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

Explore Siena

Siena is a beautiful medieval city located in the heart of Tuscany. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, visitors to Siena can explore the winding medieval streets of the city, which are filled with beautiful shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city is known for its cuisine, including delicious pasta dishes, grilled meats, and local wines.

One of the main attractions in Siena is the Piazza del Campo, a beautiful square that is considered one of the finest in Europe. The square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, a stunning Gothic building that houses the Civic Museum and the world-famous fresco, "The Allegory of Good and Bad Government" by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. The square is also the site of the Palio di Siena, a famous horse race held twice a year in July and August.

A visit to Siena is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and culture of Tuscany. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, Siena is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Tuscan cuisine

Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create flavorful dishes that are both delicious and healthy. The region's cuisine is heavily influenced by its rural, agricultural roots, with dishes based on the use of local produce, including meats, cheeses, vegetables, and fruits.

One of the most famous dishes in Tuscany is the Florentine steak, a thick, juicy cut of beef that is traditionally grilled over an open flame and served rare. Other popular meat dishes include wild boar, roasted pork, and game birds such as pheasant and quail.

In addition to its delicious savory dishes, Tuscany is also known for its desserts and sweets, including cantucci, a crunchy almond biscotti that is traditionally dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet dessert wine, and the famous panforte, a dense, spiced fruit and nut cake.

Staying in one of our Tuscan villas

When you're not out and about discovering all that Tuscany has to offer then you could be relaxing in of our luxury private villas. Spending quality time together as a family, lounging by the pool, reading a book on the terrace or creating a Tuscan feast in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse kitchen, what could be better!

Have a look at our entire portfolio of villas in Chianti, or for others nearby in the the wider Tuscany region or the Florence area.

If you'd like a little help, please contact us via our on-line form, or call us on +44(0)1522 889450