Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Trip to Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most famous regions in Italy, known as much for its countryside filled with rolling hills as its wine, art and food. It is home to the cities of well-known Florence and Pisa, as well as the ancient Roman lands of Arezzo and Lucca. There is an endless possibility of things to see and do on a trip to Tuscany so you should be prepared before you start planning the details.

Location & Transportation

Tuscany is a region in central Italy that encompasses nearly 23,000 square kilometres. Its capital, Florence, is located almost 300 km (about 186 miles) from Rome. There are a number of options you can take when traveling to Tuscany. There are international airports within the region in both Florence and Pisa. You can also fly into Milan or Rome and then take the railway line to Arezzo, Prato or Florence. Once in the Tuscany region, however, the area is best navigated by car or bus.

Climate & Landscape

This is an area of contradiction as Tuscany is full of mountains, hills, plains, and even a coastal area that borders the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the big differences in the landscape as you travel through it, there isn't a huge difference in the weather most of the year. Tuscany has a mild climate with the summer months of July and August a bit warmer on the coast and in the valleys. Rain is more common in the fall. In December and January, temperatures remain around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in most areas, with below freezing temperatures in the mountains.

Attractions & Activities

Within the Tuscany region there are many things to do. In Pisa, the Leaning Tower should not be missed. The Tuscan archipelago and Elba Island can be seen from the beaches of Versilia. Spas are plentiful in this area of Italy, with the hot springs of Saturnia, Chianciano and Montecatini said to aid body and mind. Artwork can be found in museums, monuments and villages throughout the Tuscany region done by locals and by legends like Michangelo, who was a native to the area.

Food & Wine

The rich soil of Tuscany is full of grapes, with wineries boasting specialties of the area, like Chianti. Some of the wineries offer tours and a few companies, such as Divine Tours, offer itineraries that take you through some of the wineries that are not always open to the public. Food is just as important as wine in this region. The cuisine of Tuscany includes a variety of fish, beef, pork and, of course, pasta. Panforte, made of nuts and fruits, and cantucci, an almond-flavored biscotti, are two of the desserts the Tuscans are known for.

Accommodations

An assortment of accommodations awaits you in Tuscany. For the relaxed traveler, farmhouses and bed & breakfasts offer you a chance to live with the natives. There are over 1,000 hotels in the Tuscany region in varying price ranges. Homes, villas and apartments are also available for rent, though you should check on minimum stay requirements before you count on these options.