Things to do in Tuscany - The Golden Soul of Italy

When Blake Lively said “I think I will always flutter all over – I would love to live in Tuscany for a few months.”, there were subtle nods from many people across the world; from those who have glimpsed it from afar, to those who have had a fleeting affair with the beauty, architecture and calm countryside of this region in Italy.

From traditions and old time flavours to modern art and contemporary music, among the places to visit in Italy, Tuscany takes the biggest cake. The sparkling land, renowned for its art, rolling hills, vineyards, mountain hamlets and sunflower fields for as far as the eye can see, Tuscany is a traveller's dream. Even before Frances Mayes wrote about Tuscan in her novel “Under the Tuscan Sun”, this central region in Italy has called to many travellers with its dreamlike landscapes, hay bales sitting quietly in the windy countryside, Instagram-able views, the Renaissance architecture that took root in the 14th century to the cosmopolitan regions of Livorno.

Tuscany is where the past and the present coexist in perfect harmony. Therefore, undoubtedly, there are hundreds of things you can do in Tuscany. But since it is almost impossible to cover every gastronomic experience on a single trip, here is a rundown of the top things to see and do in Tuscany.

Things to Do in Tuscany

• Visit the Historic Center of Florence
• Head to Carrara
• Spend Time in Siena
• Drive Down to Colle di Val d’Elsa
• Enjoy Some Downtime at Isola del Giglio
• Grab a Bite in a Vineyard in San Gimignano

Visit the Historic Center of Florence

An ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a symbol of Renaissance and home to centuries-old cathedrals and museums, a visit to Tuscany is incomplete without the Historical Center of Florence. Built on the site of an Etruscan settlement in District 1, the Historical Center of Florence is a hub of activity and more like an open-air museum full of architectural masterpieces.

Among the iconic sights, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Piazza del Duomo with its terracotta tiled dome, bell tower and unique history amazes a lot of travellers. A trip to the cathedral is often the very first thing to do in Florence, Tuscany.

A stroll will take you through the lively district of San Lorenzo, Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, Basilica of Santa Maria Novella and the Galleria dell'Accademia exhibiting some of the famous sculptures by Michelangelo.

Head to Carrara

Carrara is a local commune in Tuscany known for its quarries of Carrara marble or Luna marble, one of the world’s finest marble known for its brilliant shade and structure. The marble is mainly used for art and sculptures and hit its fame during the Renaissance, thanks to Michelangelo and Donatello. The old town, though, famous for mining, processing and trading of this white marble is also known for its majestic scenery of the Apuan Alps. Compared to the rest of the Tuscan region, the small town is relatively unexplored but a great place to visit for art enthusiasts and lovers of architectural marvels.

The town is also listed in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. But if you are wondering what to do in Tuscany, strolling through the maze of narrow streets with colourful homes and corners adorned with flower pots will take you to the beautiful Piazza Alberica, The Duomo, The Accademia delle Belle Arti and The Museum of Marbles hosting a wide collection of archaeological pieces and statues made by artists from around the world.

Spend Time in Siena

Siena is a perfect blend of beauty and medieval charm. From the picturesque Piazza del Campo, the main square to the Torre del Mangia, a 14th-century tower, Facciantone and the sweeping views, there is plenty to explore in Siena. Though the city is big on museums with Guidoriccio, Palazzo Chigi Zondadari, The Pinacoteca Nazionale, Santa Maria della Scala, Pilgrim’s Hall, Palazzo Chigi Zondadar and the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini dominating most itineraries, the small town is also famous for its eateries and bakeries, many of which sell unique concoction of nuts, honey, and candied fruits from recipes dating back to the 13th century.

Among the top things to do in Tuscany, if you time your trip just right, you can witness the thrilling horse race held twice a year in the Piazza del Campo.

Drive Down to Colle di Val d’Elsa

Since you are already in Siena, consider planning a day’s trip to Colle di Val d’Elsa. This small town in the province of Siena is famous for its natural beauty and handmade crafts. The commune has been a centre of Tuscany’s oldest glassworks and is home to master glassmakers or should we say glass alchemists capable of shaping glass into the most beautiful pieces you will ever see. The town is also famous for its soothing outdoor thermal baths and small hiking trails and waterfalls.

Driving down to this small town is among the best things to do when in Tuscany, Italy. The medieval atmosphere of the town with its faded rust-brown colour adds a touch of elegance to the trip.

Enjoy Some Downtime at Isola del Giglio

Isola del Giglio is a quiet, laid-back retreat and the second-largest of the Tuscan Archipelago famous for its aquamarine waters, wild landscapes and chic hangouts. The island is small with a seaside promenade wrapping around the harbour and little stores selling ceramics, beach cover-ups and finger food. There are also plenty of hiking trails that follow old roads and present sweeping views of the seaside.

You can also hear the sounds of seagulls, wake up to the gentle waves slapping against the beaches and boat hulls and locals setting up their work stalls early in the morning.

Grab a Bite in a Vineyard in San Gimignano

Among the things to do in the Tuscany region, wine tasting in San Gimignano is not to be missed. Often dubbed as the Town of Fine Towers is a small hilltop town known for its 14 medieval towers dominating the skyline, a window into the past. Famous for its stunning architecture, small shops and artisanal boutiques lining the narrow cobblestone streets bearing the shadows of the tower houses built by the patrician families who ruled the town. Though originally, 72 towers were built to provide a refuge against attackers during the Middle Ages, many were destroyed when the town fell under Florence's rule in the 14th century.

Beyond the towers, the town is also famous for its wine and vineyards that host an excellent display of Tuscan wines paired with eateries and a vineyard tour. Enjoy an early dinner surrounded by the sweet scent of grape vines all the while nibbling on a plate full of Tuscan local foods and wines along with some extra virgin olive oil.

Want more ideas of things to see and do in Tuscany on your trip to Italy? Follow us on an in-person tour of this dreamy countryside; a memorable trip where you will also get to explore the ancient town of Cortona, Chianti, Elba, cycle through Val d’Orcia and so much more.

Book your Italy tour packages but leave space for sun-kissed mornings among silvery olive groves, sunflower fields, stone houses and vineyards with a floral-scented Vermentino in one hand. And remember, a visit to Tuscany is more than just a vacation, it is a journey into the soul of Italy.