With plenty of beautiful attractions, there’s no shortage of thrilling activities you can do in Tuscany, Italy. It is studded with some of Italy‘s best-loved cities and attractions. Hence, a week of vacation would most probably be a short time to exhaust everything in any tourist bucket list.
To make the most of your visit, it would be wise to check out the top attractions and choose the ones that catch your fancy the most. Make sure to also check out deals to score a decent accommodation from different options of Tuscan holiday rentals while doing your research. To help you create your itinerary, in this article, we will guide you through the 8 best things to do here.
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1. Take a day trip in Alpi Apuane
Known for its marble quarries, the Alpi Apuane of Northern Tuscany can be described as a botanical wonderland. Lush greeneries, large stunning forests of beech and chestnut, and a wide variety of wildflowers are present and they look more beautiful especially during the spring season. Spend a day here and get to discover hundreds of unique species of birds such as kestrels, golden eagle, buzzards, and sparrowhawks.
2. Visit Monti dell’Uccellina
The charming village of Monti dell’Uccellina is one of Italy’s must-visit places. This region is where you can find the last pristine stretches of coastline. Don’t forget to bring a handy camera to take pictures of amazing beaches, natural gems and more. In this regional park in Tuscany, natural treasures such as coastal plains, marshes, and forest-covered hills are preserved.
3. Taste wines in the Chianti Region
Chianti is bordered between the towns of Florence and Siena, and this is where many wine enthusiasts all around the globe go for wine tastings. Simply put, the Chianti region houses several of Italy’s most celebrated vineyards. This is the place where you can sip, taste, and drink Italy’s finest vintages. Here you can have an immersive experience with some of Italy’s most famous appellations, namely: Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Carmignano.
4. Explore San Gimignano
San Gimignano may not be the most famous landmark in Tuscany’s postcards but its amazing skyline is certainly one of the best in the world. Experience how watching the medieval towers fill your heart in awe, and get a good view of San Gimignano’s beautifully persevered streets. All these are examples of medieval perfection.
5. Walk the city walls in Lucca
One of the easy ways to get to know a city closer is to travel on foot. Walking and hiking are two of the exciting activities in Lucca since there’s no dull place to wander. The best time to do this is during the mid-afternoon. Lucca features a number of Europe’s most handsome Romanesque buildings, and the sights to appreciate do not end there. Lucca is not known as the “city of 100 churches” for nothing! Get your chance to visit some of the historical churches and catch a glimpse of their artistic beauties. Churches are not only regarded as religious buildings. In Lucca, they also serve as marvelous examples of architectural Italian styles.
6. Appreciate art pieces in The Uffizi Gallery
If you’re an art enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with The Uffizi. This place houses Italy’s finest collection of art and the world’s greatest collection of Italian Renaissance paintings. It would be great to encounter the great Western art; it’s an everlasting wonder! Check out collections of absolute masterpieces and spend a half day viewing an invaluable collection of ancient statues and busts from the Medici family. Note that the gallery offers free entrance every first Sunday of each month. Be sure to avail of your free ticket from the ticket office before going; you won’t get to book tickets on the same day as your visit.
7. Make a pilgrimage to La Verna
Have you ever tried making a pilgrimage? If not, this is a good chance to experience it. Whether you will be going with friends or family or having a solo trip, La Verna, Tuscany’s major pilgrimage site, is worth your time. It will be interesting to learn that it’s where St. Francis is venerated. Here, you will get a sense of its artistic cultural, historical and religious interest. At present, La Verna is still a thriving Franciscan monastery commanding wonderful views of the Apennines.
8. Relax in the spa
After all the walking, exploring, and driving, you must feel tired during your trip. Reserving a half day in the spa can soothe your muscles and relax your body. Let go of the stress and experience soaking in some of Tuscany’s swanky spa town. Visit Bagno Vignoni and you can have a spa without paying a single cent! This small atmospheric village in the region features a natural hot spring and a Medici-era pool in place of a central piazza. If you have more time, take a dip in the free outdoor sulphur pools nearby.
Elegant, historic, cultural and hospitable may be the three best words to describe Tuscany. With all that this place has to offer, a holiday with your family can be a vacation of a lifetime. Don’t worry about dull moments because there could be none. Enjoy yourself even without splurging much, meet and greet with the locals, and you might even learn something new!
