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 gastronomy, 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 memories.

Trip duration: 1 week and you never want to leave
Best travel time: May to mid-October, although it can get very hot in July and August
Recommended for: Families, couples and groups, history enthusiasts, art lovers
Direct flights to Pisa or Florence from all major European airports

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 Ligurian 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 the picturesque region between Florence and Siena:

COMO Castello del Nero, a 12th-century castle turned luxury retreat, is designed for wellness and romance - perfect for relaxed time as a couple. Inside, classic luxury interiors are seamlessly integrated into the historic structure. Expect holistic spa treatments, elegant suites, and Michelin-level dining, all set amid the rolling hills of Chianti.

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. Moreover, it’s truly a luxury family hotel: the Montessori-inspired Falfy Kids Club, a playground, mini golf, and the Castelfalfi Adventure Park will delight children aged 3 and up.

Borgo Pignano is a hidden, picturesque eco-estate near Volterra and San Gimignano. It’s ideal for creatives, wellness seekers, families or small group vacation, offering different types of accommodation from rooms to maisonette farmhouses to private villas with heated pools on 750 acres of wildflower meadows, gardens, and forests. Guests can take artisanal classes, ride horses, or cook with estate-grown ingredients in their own kitchen.

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

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 was the beating heart of the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante once walked its streets - and their legacy is everywhere. From Roman ruins to Gothic churches to Renaissance palaces, the city is a living archive. And unlike Rome or Milan, Florence is small and personal. You can walk from one end of the historic center to the other in under 30 minutes - but you’ll stop every few steps to admire a piazza, a palazzo, or a shop window.
That a visit is worthwhile is beyond question – but timing is everything. Summer days can get crowded and hot, so it’s best to plan your visit for a cooler or cloudy day, or outside the peak summer months.

Must-sees include the Uffizi Gallery and the exclusive Vasari Corridor, Galleria dell’Accademia with Michelangelo’s David, the Duomo and Brunelleschi's dome, 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.
For fine dining and an exceptional wine experience in a truly special location, check out Innocenti Wines, the enoteca on Via del Proconsolo.

Seeing it all in a day is impossible - so why not treat yourself and your loved one(s) 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, 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, exceptional service and views of the Arno and Ponte Vecchio from the terrace.

Or, if you’re planning a longer stay in Florence but prefer a more tranquil setting on the city’s edge, consider Villa Cora - an opulently restored 19th-century villa overlooking the Boboli Gardens. Renowned for its exceptional service, the hotel offers a spa, a year-round heated outdoor pool set within magnificent gardens, and panoramic views of Florence from its rooftop terrace. A complimentary shuttle conveniently connects you to the city center.

Romance and Grandeur in Siena and Val d’Orcia

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

South of Siena 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. These historic towns not only overlook the picturesque valley but are also attractions in their own right:

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 in Val D’Orcia with cobbled lanes, panoramic terraces, and some of the best pecorino cheese you’ll ever taste.

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 Enoteca Banfi, part of the grand and luxurious Castello Banfi.

Remarkable hotels invite you to linger in this part of Tuscany:

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is the most exclusive address in the Val d'Orcia, offering suites and villas on a private 5,000-acre historic estate. Guests can enjoy Brunello tastings, a spa, helicopter transfers, a private golf club, and activities like truffle hunting. A kids' club and engaging activities await younger guests.

Castello di Casole – A Belmond Hotel is a fairytale-like 10th-century castle in the province of Siena, featuring thoughtfully restored Tuscan-rustic interiors with modern amenities, two fine dining restaurants, a wine cellar turned spa, an infinity pool, and cinematic views of the surrounding countryside. Guests enjoy exceptional service and curated experiences, including guided walks that reveal the natural beauty of the estate and its surroundings.

Italien men in front of Palazzo Salimbeni.JPG

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. Behind the beaches, the Apuan Alps rise dramatically - offering a stunning contrast to the coastline and creating a uniquely scenic backdrop.

Forte dei Marmi is the premier destination for luxury seekers, home to high-end boutiques, elegant beach clubs, and fine dining. Recommended stays include the Augustus Hotel & Resort, thanks to its combination of tradition and luxury a favorite of Italian celebrities, 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.