Tuscany Accommodation & Villa Rentals

Getting To and Around Tuscany

Most people heading to Tuscany from outside the country land in Rome. From Rome you can either catch a quick connecting flight to one of the regional Tuscan airports, or travel by train. A fast train connects Rome Central Station with Florence in just over one hour, while other Tuscan cities can be reached using slower trains, taking between two and four hours from Rome.

From Florence, it’s easy to reach most Tuscan cities including Pisa, Siena, and Arezzo by train. An efficient train line covers the whole length of Tuscany’s coast, and all main cities are well connected to each other. Buses and trains also connect most Tuscan cities with Piombino, where you can catch one of the frequent ferries to Elba.

Getting around Tuscany is doable by public transportation, but if you plan on visiting the spectacular countryside, renting a car is your best bet. Particularly if you rent a hilltop villa, you may need to take taxis to and from the nearest town, or rent a car. A trip on the region's recently restored steam locomotives which climb the picturesque Tuscan hills can be a fun way to discover the countryside and small medieval villages.

What to Eat in Tuscany: a Foodie Paradise

Tuscany delights visitors with top-notch olive oil, sheep's cheese, sublime cured meats, and simple dishes prepared with the very best Italian ingredients. Meat lovers will fall in love with the famous fiorentina, a T-bone steak from a cow that can only be found in Tuscany, and cooked rare. Crostini di fegatini, a bruschetta with chicken liver and herbs, is also a must-try.

Tuscany has some of the best cured meats in Italy. Go to any grocery shop and buy finocchiona , a fennel spiced salami, cinta senese, a famous ham from Siena, and Colonnata lard, and prepare a chic aperitif on the portico of your Tuscany accommodation.

In summer, don’t forget to try panzanella and pappa al pomodoro, both made with left-over bread, tasty Tuscan tomatoes, and olive oil. The best known Tuscan fish dish is cacciucco, a soup made with all kinds of Mediterranean fish.

Accompany your meal with some of the best wine in the world, particularly Chianti, and savour some cantucci biscuits with vin santo – dessert wine – after your sumptuous meal.

What to Expect from the Weather in Tuscany

Tuscany has a mild Mediterranean climate, with four marked seasons. However, temperatures can change considerably between mountainous and coastal areas. The plains have mild winters and hot summers, while the coast has more bearable summers due to the sea. Mountain regions such as the Apuan Alps have freezing winters and sunny, pleasant summers. Expect high temperatures to reach 30°C in summer and 10°C in winter.

May, June, September, and October are the best months for a holiday in a villa in the Tuscan hills. There’ll be plenty of sunshine and countryside food festivals to enjoy. June to September are perfect for a beach holiday around Livorno, Grosseto, or on Elba. The Apuan Alps are enjoyable year-round: in summer you can take long walks along the well-marked paths, while in winter you can ski.

Spring and autumn are perfect for visiting Tuscan cities, as temperatures are mild, and most days are sunny. However, if you’d like to see the famous Palio di Siena horse race, you'll need to visit the medieval city at the beginning of July or in mid-August. If you visit Tuscany in summer, consider staying in a traditional stone cottage, whose thick walls will keep you fresh even on the hottest summer night.

Take in Tuscany's Historic Cities

Florence is obviously on the top of every visitor’s list. After all, the city gave birth to Giotto, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and Botticelli. Admire world-famous paintings and sculptures at the Uffizi Museum, then visit the charming old town and stop by Brunelleschi’s Duomo.

Siena is one of travellers’ most loved cities in Tuscany. It is small and walkable, rich in art and history, and surrounded by spectacular countryside. The old fortification walls and the medieval old town are the city’s highlights, together with the Duomo and Campo Square.

Pisa is worth a visit for its impressive Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles. Climb the tower to enjoy spectacular views of the city. Lucca is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy, and is rich in historic churches, towers, and squares.

Tuscany is also home to wonderful smaller towns. Volterra is a fortified city with Etruscan and medieval heritage. The town is also the best destination for buying Tuscan Alabaster handicrafts. Get lost in the winding streets and be sure to stop by the Vallebona Theatre and Priori Palace.

Frequently Asked Questions