With its rolling fields, historical heritage and a cuisine that’s a delight for all the senses, it’s no wonder taking a trip through Tuscany is one of the most popular Italian choices for holidaymakers. Yet even with its popularity, you can still kick back in one of our luxury villas in Tuscany and feel peace, tranquillity and the joy of seclusion. Chill next to your pool and fire up the barbeque or head into Tuscany’s cultural centres and nourish your mind – this is one destination that really does have a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or are just looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone.
Almost all who step foot onto this earthy Italian province are hell-bent on returning. Hardly surprising, when there is so much here to entice, from the glorious Renaissance art in Florence to the locals’ infectious obsession with food. The landscapes of Tuscany are also tourist-brochure material – all vine-carpeted hills, lush forests and medieval hamlets – while the pace of life is unhurried. Whether you want to get out and explore with your family, indulge in a wine-soaked week away with friends or discover the roots of the Renaissance, Tuscany is the place to do it.
Peak tourist season in Tuscany lasts from July through to mid-September. This is when crowds and temperatures are at their zenith, but that definitely doesn’t make it a no-go zone. While valley-based locales such as Florence may be muggy, the cooler hilltop towns provide heat relief.
One thing to remember when planning your holiday here is that in August, the larger Tuscan cities such as Florence and Pisa experience a mass exodus as the locals head off on holiday. During this month, you’ll find many small restaurants and shops deserted while their owners are off sunning themselves on the coast. Having said that, even if you do choose to visit in August, the main attractions will still be open and you won’t find yourself stuck for somewhere to eat as long as you stay central.
April and May, as well as October and November, are good times to go: the weather is welcomingly temperate and tourist numbers are greatly reduced. Winter, though usually mild, can be plagued with drizzle and occasionally a sprinkling of snow. If you don’t mind donning a coat, the pay-off is that you’ll have Tuscany almost all to yourself.
Families needn’t worry about the reception they’ll receive here; Tuscans are very taken with children. Your beloved bambinos won’t just be warmly welcomed wherever you go, they’ll be positively doted upon.With our lengthy portfolio of family-friendly Tuscan villas, finding a suitable abode for the kids will be – excuse the pun – child’s play. And the secret to happy families once you get here? Don’t get mired in Tuscany’s Renaissance riches. Stunning though they may be, the kids won’t thank you for marching them through an endless succession of look-but-don’t-touch museums and galleries.Why not take a different tack instead? Tear those little eyes away from the screen and introduce them to the veritable open-air adventure playground that is Tuscany.
There are castles to conquer, deserted beaches on which to run free, ancient towns to explore and towers to climb. And, when all else fails, there’s always gelato! Whether you’ve got under-fives or school-age kids, tots or older teens, you’ll never be far from a fun-filled spot that will rekindle their natural curiosity and insatiable appetite for adventure. To save you from searching them out for yourself, we’ve collated a few of the best below.
We’re going to split this part into sections because there’s so many things to do in Tuscany, whether you’re a solo traveller, with your family or you’re a group of friends! First things first, a quick fire guide of things to do in Tuscany:
If you need more ideas, just visit our blog on the best family activities in Tuscany.
Sharing a stylish home-from-home with friends and family will help keep cost down, so you and your travel companions will have lots of cash left to splash, whether you want to flash the plastic in Tuscany’s open-air markets, or stock up on quality outdoor kit for memorable hiking or cycling excursions. And should you be stuck for ideas on how to spend your days in Tuscany, never fear. We’ve got a few stellar suggestions up our sleeve.
There are loads more suggestions over at our blog on the best group activities in Tuscany.
Tuscan food is, like most of the best food, uncomplicated. Bells, whistles and anything highfalutin is rejected in favour of supremely fresh, tasty ingredients and straightforward preparation.Some of the best Tuscan dishes may sound basic – papa al Pomodoro (tomato soup), for instance, or pappardelle alla leper (homemade egg pasta with wild hare sauce) – but the flavours are divine.Tuscany’s go-to ingredients, such as beans, olive oil, Pecorino di Pienza and truffles, are native to the province and don’t have to travel far before they end up on the plate.
Meals are a drawn-out affair and usually comprise several courses. They typically begin with an antipasto course (cured meats), before progressing to primi (often a soup or pasta). Next up is secondi (roasted meat or a fish-focused dish is common), then diners cap things off with a sweet course (typically cantucci e vin santo – almond biscuits dunked in dessert wine). Speaking of wine, that too is in abundance here. Some of the region’s best red wines, like Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano have achieved worldwide fame, but with plenty of other Chianti variations and lesser-known vine producers in the province, you’re bound to stumble across some new favourites too.
Find more tempting recommendations in our blog on the best foodie experiences in Tuscany.
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