Tuscany Landmarks

Most famous icons & must-see places
Work with a local expert planner
Play
Play
See Tuscany TripsRequest Custom Trip

Tuscany

If you're looking for the quintessential Italian travel experience, there's no better place to start than Tuscany. The region offers everything, from scenic vineyards to villas dotting hillsides to historical cities. It's the perfect place for a week-long trip, or if you have more time, spread out for two weeks and enjoy a leisurely picnic one day and museum exploration the next.

Along with Venice and Rome, Florence — the capital of Tuscany — forms the third part of a rough triangle that connects Italy’s three most famous cities. Florence should be a must-see on everyone’s list — and many visitors don’t want to leave — but there’s much more to Tuscany than its capital, great as it is.

Watch for Italy tours that make time for other medieval and Renaissance cities such as Siena, Pisa, and Lucca. Explore the backroads and vineyards of Chianti and visit some of the most photogenic hill towns in the world — little villages that cling to the hilltops and seem lost in time.
Don’t let Florence’s traffic and crowds deter you — this amazing city has some of the world’s most outstanding artworks. It enjoys a beautiful location in a valley along the Arno River. It was the heart of the Italian Renaissance, nurturing artistic geniuses such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

Start with Michelangelo’s David, the world’s most famous sculpture, now in the Accademia Gallery; get there early to beat the longest lines. (You can view a replica in the square while waiting.) You’ll also find Michelangelo sculptures at the Bargello Museum and the Medici Chapels, among other sites in the city.

The Uffizi Gallery contains the world’s greatest collection of Renaissance paintings — along with works by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, and Giotto. Don’t miss Botticelli’s masterpieces, Birth of Venus and Primavera, here.

Other stops include the ornate 14th-century Palazzo Vecchio — where the Medicis once ruled and which remains the seat of government. Across the river is the Pitti Palace, which displays Renaissance paintings in a palatial setting.

A number of Florentine churches also contain notable artworks. The Duomo, the city’s cathedral and major landmark, is an unforgettable sight with its red dome and white, green, and pink marble exterior. The immense Gothic structure dominates the city skyline, and you can climb winding stairs to the top of the dome’s interior—not for the faint of heart.

Florence is also a shopping mecca, especially for leather goods. The open-air market stalls near the Duomo and the shops along the Ponte Vecchio (old bridge) over the Arno are fun places to browse.

A Trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower has been leaning since its completion in the 13th century. Built on soft soil next to Pisa’s cathedral—it’s actually the church’s bell tower—the tower’s 5.5-degree tilt made it one of Italy’s most renowned historical landmarks.

But in danger of eventually toppling to the ground and causing the Pisa economy to crash, it was anchored in the 1990s with its lean reduction to 4 degrees—thus (presumably) saving it for the foreseeable future. 

Seven stories high, it contains some 300 climbable steps. The adjacent cathedral and baptistery are worth a look as well. Pisa is just 50 miles west of Florence.
Lucca is much less known than Pisa — it lacks a leaning tower — but many visitors consider it a more exciting destination.  Like most Tuscan cities, it has the requisite medieval winding streets, a cathedral, a thriving flea market where you can find just about anything, and excellent food.

But Lucca’s top attractions are its historic walls, which are wide and flat enough to walk or even bike along for lovely city views. Just 40 miles northwest of Florence, Lucca also makes a possible stopover en route to Pisa.

About an hour by car or bus from Lucca, Barga is one of those impossibly beautiful hill towns you often see in Tuscany — but Barga is more equipped than most to accommodate visitors.

The roads leading up the hillside through town are too narrow to accommodate automobile traffic, so you park your car at the base of the hill and walk up, passing trattorias, bars, and little shops selling enticing edibles along the way. 

A church crowns the top of the hill, typical of Tuscan hill towns, and views sweep over the countryside below.
Siena, located south of Florence, is an ideal base for exploring nearby hill towns and vineyards. All streets lead off of fan-shaped Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s largest and most attractive central plazas, and the site of the Palio, a biennial horse race drawing competitors from the city’s 17 districts. It’s one of the most colorful and exciting pageants in Italy. 

Siena’s heart is primarily medieval, with steep, narrow streets snaking up the hills from the Piazza del Campo.
Tuscany’s wine country is known for its food and wine, of course, but also for its rustic atmosphere and authentic feel, made more so by its centuries-old — and sometimes crumbling — villas and farmhouses.

Its sun-kissed cuisine and wines served on trellised terraces, rolling hills, picturesque villages, and pastoral landscapes dotted with vineyards and olive groves make for an irresistible combination.

Tuscany’s — and Italy’s — most renowned wine is the soft red Chianti. Sangiovese and Montepulciano are other varietals to try. 

Castelo Banfi and Biondi Santi in the Siena region are two of Tuscany’s largest wineries, but that little vineyard down the dusty path miles from nowhere may be the ideal Tuscan setting you’ve pictured in your imagination.

Must-Visit Wine Towns in Tuscany
Hill towns in the Tuscan wine country include Montepulciano, Volterra, Montalcino, and San Gimignano. Between them, they feature sufficient castles, fortresses, walls, medieval streets, and vistas to satisfy anyone’s fantasies of how truly authentic Italy should look and feel.

  • Montepulciano: Renowned for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a robust red wine, this town is a gem, with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. Wine cellars in ancient palaces offer tastings, and the annual Bravio delle Botti festival is a unique cultural experience.
  • Volterra: Volterra is not only famous for its rich history and Etruscan roots but also for its vibrant wine culture. The town’s rolling vineyards produce excellent Sangiovese-based wines. Visitors can explore its ancient city walls, Roman theatre, and the Alabaster Museum while enjoying local wines and traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • Montalcino: Home to the world-famous Brunello di Montalcino, a powerful and prestigious red wine, this town is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and offers numerous wine tours and tastings. Its fortress, medieval streets, and panoramic views of the Val d'Orcia provide a perfect backdrop for a wine-focused visit.
  • San Gimignano: Known as the "Town of Fine Towers," it’s celebrated for its crisp and refreshing white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The town’s skyline of medieval towers, charming squares, and historic buildings makes it a delightful place to explore. Wine tastings in local cellars and restaurants enhance the experience.
  • Greve in Chianti: This town in Chianti serves as the gateway to the Chianti Classico wine region. The town's central square, Piazza Matteotti, has wine shops and eateries offering local wines. The annual Chianti Classico Wine Festival is a major draw, providing an excellent opportunity to sample a wide variety of wines from the region.

Things To Do on Tuscany Tour
Tuscany offers many activities that cater to various interests, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Here are some must-do activities for tourists visiting this beautiful region.

  • Exploring Museums and Art Galleries: Marvel at masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. The Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery are must-visit spots for art enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into Tuscany's rich artistic heritage.
  • Wine Tasting: A trip to Tuscany is unthinkable without a wine-tasting tour to sample some of Tuscany's finest wines. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere of centuries-old wineries and savor local varietals like Chianti, Sangiovese, and Montepulciano. Engage with winemakers and learn about the intricate process of viticulture in this renowned wine region.
  • Visiting Historical Landmarks: There’s no shortage of iconic historical landmarks, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, medieval castles, and ancient fortresses. These sites offer a glimpse into Tuscany's rich history and architectural heritage. Wander through centuries-old streets and admire the grandeur of historic structures.
  • Participating in Cooking Classes: Join a Tuscan cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes using local ingredients. Experience the joy of creating authentic Tuscan cuisine, such as fresh pasta, sauces, and desserts, under the guidance of expert chefs. Take home new culinary skills and recipes to impress your friends and family.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience Tuscany from above with a hot-air balloon ride. Soar over rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient towns and take in the breathtaking scenery from a unique vantage point. This serene and exhilarating adventure offers stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape.
  • Walking or Biking Trails: Explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside by walking or biking along scenic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque landscapes, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages. These trails provide a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
  • Visiting Thermal Baths: Relax in the natural thermal baths of Tuscany, known for their therapeutic properties. Locations like Saturnia offer rejuvenating experiences in stunning natural settings. Soak in warm, mineral-rich waters and unwind amidst the serene surroundings of Tuscany's countryside.

Top Tuscany Tours

Top Tuscany Experiences

Tuscany offers travelers a wide variety of experiences, from exploring historic cities and charming villages to enjoying the region's renowned culinary delights and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're interested in cultural tours, outdoor adventures, or leisurely wine tastings, Tuscany has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Viewing Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery in Florence
  • Marveling at the artistic masterpieces in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery
  • Visiting the Duomo (cathedral), Florence’s most notable landmark
  • Shopping at the flea markets near the Duomo and along Florence’s Arno River
  • Relaxing at a winery for lunch and an afternoon tasting of the local vintages
  • Exploring towns where the houses cling precariously to the tops of hillsides
  • Admiring – and perhaps climbing – the Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Attending the Palio, the famous biennial horse race held in Siena’s central piazza
  • Walking or biking the medieval walls of Lucca
  • Strolling through the charming streets of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Taking a cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse
  • Visiting the thermal baths in Saturnia and relaxing in therapeutic waters
  • Exploring the vineyards of Chianti and sampling some of the best wines in the region
  • Hiking in the Apuan Alps and enjoying breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna
Tuscany Reviews & Ratings
4.8/5  Excellent
305  Reviews
See all Tuscany tour reviews
Excellent
260
Great
38
Average
7
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Tuscany Walking and Wine

An excellent Tuscan holiday, packing a lot in, including Pisa, Siena and Florence, along with some excellent walking and wine, of course. Highlights for us were sta...

I

Iris

Oct 2024

Tuscany Walking and Wine

Gorgeous scenery! Very special area. I absolutely loved the towns on sites on the tour! Entire trip was good. Gionata a fabulous guide and very conscientious. He hel...

T

Trusted Customer

Oct 2024

Tuscany Walking and Wine

Want to explore Tuscany without a rushed itinerary? Want a small group? Want to hike to wineries and hill towns? Stay in interesting hotels that are hundreds of year...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Tuscany Walking and Wine

An excellent holiday if you like walking beautiful countryside good company and food. The hilltop towns are stunning. A great mix of activity and history and a know...

Write a Review

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!