Enchanted in Tuscany

We’ve traveled all over the world, but something about Tuscany keeps drawing us back - almost every year. It’s not just one thing. It’s the harmony of food, landscape, culture, and a quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere. Tuscany isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood. A way of life. Whether you're dreaming of long lunches under olive trees, wandering ancient lanes, or watching the sun set over the hills with a glass of wine in hand, this is the place that turns those dreams into memory.

Trip duration: 1 week and you never want to leave
Best travel time: May to mid October
Recommended for: Families, couples and groups that are happy to explore the region by car, history enthusiasts
Direct flights to Pisa or Florence from all major European airports (mostly low cost carriers)

Why We Keep Returning to Tuscany

It starts with the food. Even in the smallest, most remote villages, you’ll often find a family-run restaurant serving dishes rooted in tradition. Recipes passed down through generations, often still prepared by la nonna herself. Whether it’s hand-rolled pasta, slow-cooked ragù, or freshly grilled vegetables drizzled with local olive oil, the food here is deceptively simple and deeply satisfying.

Then there are the landscapes - those iconic rolling hills dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads. Hilltop castellos and farmhouses perch above the valleys like something from a painting. Tuscany offers incredible views at every turn: from lush inland valleys to stretches of golden coast with shallow, sandy beaches nestled between the mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

History is woven into everyday life. You don’t need a museum ticket to immerse yourself in the past - just walk through any town and you'll find yourself surrounded by Renaissance palazzi, medieval towers, and even ancient Etruscan gates. These buildings are not relics; they’re still lived in, used, and preserved with deep care. The mix of grandeur and authenticity creates a unique kind of atmosphere: elegant yet grounded.

Accommodations reflect this balance. Tuscany offers everything from agriturismos and renovated farmhouses to opulent five-star hotels and private villas. You can choose a rustic escape or indulge in a high-end resort with Michelin-starred dining, full-service spas, and curated experiences. Either choice offers an equally authentic and memorable Tuscan experience.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a family seeking child-friendly adventure, or a group wanting comfort and privacy, Tuscany has space for it all. Many towns are walkable and car-free, the food is universally loved (especially by kids), and it’s easy to find both community and solitude.

Activities feel meaningful without being rushed: wine tastings at historic vineyards, wandering narrow cobblestone streets, e-biking across quiet hillsides, or joining a cooking class to carry the flavors of Tuscany home with you. And when the summer heat builds, the coast is only a 1–2 hour drive away.

At the Heart of Tuscan Wine and Culture in Chianti

The Chianti region is an ideal home base. It’s centrally located - within reach of Florence, Siena, and the coast - and offers a rich mix of natural beauty, historic towns, and of course, wine.

Chianti’s name comes from the famous grape cultivated here, and the landscape is thick with vineyards and olive groves that stretch across rolling hills. The region is more densely populated than Val d'Orcia to the south, giving it a vibrant yet laid-back rhythm. Towns like Greve, Radda, and Castellina offer everything from bustling weekly markets to boutique enotecas.

Nearby, two historic towns are well worth visiting:

Volterra, with roots dating back to Etruscan times, still showcases original city walls, the Porta all’Arco gate, a remarkably preserved Roman theatre, and a medieval Palazzo dei Priori. Its artisan alabaster workshops are also a highlight.

San Gimignano, often called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” is famed for its towers—14 of the original 72 remain. Climb Torre Grossa for breathtaking views, wander the well-preserved Piazza della Cisterna, and enjoy a gelato from Gelateria Dondoli, often ranked among the best in the world.

As for where to stay in Chianti:

Borgo Pignano is a hidden eco-estate near Volterra and San Gimignano. It’s ideal for families, creatives, or wellness seekers, offering villas and farmhouses on 750 acres of wildflower meadows, gardens, and forests. Guests can take art classes, ride horses, or cook with estate-grown ingredients in their own kitchen.

Castelfalfi is perfect for golfers, families, and foodies alike. This expansive hilltop resort features a championship golf course, spa, wine tastings, and hands-on culinary classes.

COMO Castello del Nero, a 12th-century castle turned luxury retreat, is tailored for wellness and romance. Expect holistic spa treatments, elegant suites, and Michelin-level dining - nestled in the Chianti countryside.

For food lovers, here are our two favourites: Arnolfo in Colle Val d’Elsa, a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant where the seafood tasting menu rivals the renowned meat dishes, and La Cantinetta, a countryside gem for perfectly grilled Bistecca alla Fiorentina in a relaxed, rustic setting.

Wineries worth visiting include Le Fonti in Panzano (And while you're in Panzano, don’t miss the famous butcher shop by Dario Cecchini—part culinary experience, part local legend.), the architecturally striking Antinori nel Chianti Classico (A modern must-see!), and Viticcio near Greve, which also offers lovely farmhouse apartments with stunning views and a pool.

Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance

Florence is a city that needs no introduction - but it does need timing. Summer days can get crowded and hot, so it’s best to plan your visit for a cooler or cloudy day.

Must-sees include the Uffizi Gallery and the exclusive Vasari Corridor, Galleria dell’Accademia with Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo and Brunelleschi's dome, and the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti, and the often-overlooked Palazzo Vecchio—stunning inside and out, with grand Renaissance rooms and panoramic tower views. Don’t miss San Miniato al Monte for one of the best panoramic views of the city, and Villa Bardini, which often hosts excellent exhibitions in a quiet garden setting.

Seeing it all in a day is impossible—so consider treating yourself to a night or two in this extraordinary city:

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, set in a serene 11-acre garden, with an outdoor pool and refined dining - all still within walking distance of the city’s major sights.

Grand Hotel Minerva, super conveniently located right on Piazza Santa Maria Novella, featuring a rooftop pool with Duomo views and a stylish, modern feel.

St. Regis Florence, offering classic opulence and views of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio from the terrace.

Check out Innocenti Wines, the enoteca on Via del Proconsolo, for fine dining and an exceptional wine experience in a truly special setting.

Relaxation by the Sea

When temperatures rise, Tuscany’s western coast offers a welcome break. Long stretches of sand are lined with private beach clubs, offering shaded cabanas, full-service dining, and a relaxing atmosphere that caters to both families and couples.

Forte dei Marmi is the premier destination for luxury seekers, home to high-end boutiques, elegant beach clubs, and fine dining. Recommended stays include Augustus Hotel & Resort and Hotel Principe, both offering direct beach access and upscale amenities.

Further south, Lido di Camaiore is quieter and more family-oriented. Versilia Lido offers great value with modern comfort. While it doesn't have its own beach club, the hotel will gladly book nearby spots like Bagno Patrizia, known for excellent service, fresh seafood, and Italian beach classics like gelato and Aperol Spritz on demand.

Romance and Grandeur in Val d’Orcia

South of Chianti lies the Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO-listed region that defines the Tuscan aesthetic - golden fields, cypress-lined roads, and hilltop towns that look untouched by time.

Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance town perched dramatically on a hill. Famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the town offers cellar tours and tastings in centuries-old vaults. It also gained fame as the filming location for Twilight: New Moon, standing in for Volterra in the Volturi scenes.

Pienza, envisioned as the "ideal Renaissance city" by Pope Pius II, is a tiny gem with cobbled lanes, panoramic terraces, and some of the best pecorino cheese you’ll ever taste.

Siena, once Florence’s fierce rival, offers a deeper, more lived-in medieval experience. The fan-shaped Piazza del Campo hosts the Palio di Siena, a dramatic horse race held twice each summer. The Duomo is a Gothic masterpiece, and climbing the Torre del Mangia rewards you with sweeping views over terracotta rooftops.

Or if you are looking for a wine-focused itinerary, Montalcino is an essential stop. Taste Brunellos at the medieval fortress Fortezza di Montalcino or visit the Biondi-Santi winery, the birthplace of Brunello.

Two remarkable hotels invite you to linger in this part of Tuscany:

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, a private estate in the Val d'Orcia offering villas, Brunello tastings, a spa, and activities like truffle hunting—ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking privacy and elegance.

Castello di Casole – A Belmond Hotel, a fairytale-like castle hotel with curated experiences, excellent service, and cinematic views of the surrounding countryside.