Tuscany invites you to slow down – to savor life among rolling hills, hilltop towns, and long, lazy lunches under the sun. In Siena, Montepulciano, or Montalcino, every medieval street leads to a legendary wine cellar and an atmosphere that makes you want to simply wander.
Next door, the neighboring region of Umbria remains quietly captivating, with Assisi and Spello offering a more rustic, tranquil charm.
It’s a dream destination for couples, food and wine lovers, or anyone seeking the calm of the countryside over the rush of city life. Be ready for days filled with flavor – from wine tastings and farm-to-table dining to scenic drives meandering through picture-perfect landscapes.
Getting There
Tuscany has two main airports: Florence Airport (FLR), about 20 minutes from the city center, and Pisa International Airport (PSA), which offers good connections to many European cities.
If you’re flying from Vietnam, you’ll need to land at either Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP), then continue to Tuscany by domestic flight, high-speed train, or rental car.
The Stay
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resorts Collection
Tucked away in a 16th-century convent, Collegio alla Querce offers a serene retreat surrounded by lush Italian gardens. The resort blends historic architecture with contemporary comfort, creating a sanctuary of calm and artistry – perfect for those seeking Florence’s refined, aesthetic spirit in a peaceful setting.
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany
Once a medieval castle built atop ancient Etruscan ruins, Castello di Casole stands as a 10th-century estate surrounded by endless vineyards and olive groves. With its deep historical charm and refined modern elegance, the hotel invites guests to experience the grandeur of Italian nobility amid Tuscany’s timeless countryside and world-famous wines.
The St. Regis Florence
Set along the romantic Arno River, The St. Regis Florence was designed by Renaissance master Filippo Brunelleschi. Each room is a work of art, where intricate details and classic light create an atmosphere of enduring beauty. Imagine grand halls restored to their original splendor, adorned with frescoes and glittering crystal chandeliers – an icon of Florence’s eternal grace.
Best Time to Visit
– Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – October) are considered the best times to visit. The weather is warm and pleasant, the countryside is in bloom or alive with the harvest season, and there are fewer crowds.
– Summer (June – August) brings vibrant festivals and lively energy, but also higher temperatures and prices.
– Winter (November – March) is cooler and quieter – an ideal time to explore cities like Florence or Siena without the crowds.
History & Culture
Tuscany’s history feels like a living museum, where every layer of civilization still echoes through time. It was once home to the Etruscans – a pre-Roman civilization known for its mysterious tombs, refined metalwork, and unique beliefs. Their traces remain in Volterra and Cortona, where ancient walls and archaeological sites tell silent stories of the past.
The Renaissance propelled Florence onto the world stage under the Medici dynasty, a golden age that nurtured the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. That golden era engraved in Tuscany’s soul a deep passion for beauty, harmony, and intellect.
Today, that pride still breathes through daily life – in the passeggiata evening strolls, harvest festivals, and the colorful Palio horse race of Siena. In the countryside, locals still hunt truffles, press olive oil, and craft wines, while churches, bell towers, and old piazzas remain the heart of community life.
To visit Tuscany is not only to admire its scenery, but to touch a culture where history and tradition remain vividly alive.
Things To Do
Piazza del Campo, Siena
Piazza del Campo in Siena is considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe. With its distinctive shell-shaped design, it was once the city’s political and commercial center and remains the vibrant heart of local life today. Visitors can relax at one of the cafés overlooking the square, admire the soaring Torre del Mangia, or imagine the thrilling atmosphere of the Palio – the traditional horse race that embodies Siena’s deep-rooted pride and spirit.
Duomo di Siena
Stepping into the Duomo di Siena, you’ll be awed by its Gothic splendor – striking black-and-white marble stripes and soaring vaulted ceilings. Inside, masterpieces by great artists like Donatello and Michelangelo are carefully preserved. Don’t miss the Piccolomini Library, where the ceilings are covered in vibrant Renaissance frescoes – a place where history and art seem to come alive together.
Torre di Pulcinella, Montepulciano
One of Tuscany’s most charming landmarks, the Torre di Pulcinella is crowned by a statue of Pulcinella – the famous masked figure from Neapolitan theater – ringing a bell to mark the hours for the town. Its quirky presence adds a playful, curious touch, making this tower an unmissable stop as you wander through Montepulciano’s old streets.
The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the world’s greatest art museums, home to a priceless collection of Renaissance masterpieces. Its corridors hold masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio – each painting telling the story of an era that shaped Western art.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
One of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its unique tilt and remarkable Romanesque architecture. Located within the Piazza dei Miracoli, this 12th-century bell tower carries centuries of history and legends. Visitors come not only to admire its unusual beauty but also to climb the 294 steps to the top for sweeping views over the city of Pisa.
Florence Cathedral
Florence Cathedral, or Santa Maria del Fiore, is a Gothic masterpiece crowned by Brunelleschi’s iconic red dome. Its intricate façade of white, green, and pink marble makes it stand out in the heart of the city. Inside, the vast interior and grand frescoes depicting the Last Judgment leave visitors in awe. This is the very heart of Florence – a symbol of pride and the enduring spirit of the Italian Renaissance.
Elba – Napoleon’s Island of Exile
Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, is famed not only for its turquoise waters and quaint villages but also as the place where Emperor Napoleon was exiled in 1814. Today, visitors can tour the villas where he once lived, stroll through peaceful harbors, or unwind on pristine beaches. Elba offers a perfect blend of history and Mediterranean beauty.
Activities & Experiences
Via Francigena Pilgrimage Route
Journey along the ancient Via Francigena – whether on foot or by e-bike and pass through olive groves, vineyards, and time-honored hilltop villages. Each step feels like entering a world apart from modern life, where stillness, beauty, and centuries of preserved culture unfold before you.
Wine Tasting
Descend into the historic cellars beneath Montepulciano, such as Contucci or De’ Ricci, where centuries-old stone vaults still carry the breath of time. Here, the famed Vino Nobile – Tuscany’s signature red wine is aged in massive oak barrels. The experience becomes even richer when paired with cheese and slices of salami, letting each flavor tell the story of the land, its history, and its people.
Local Traditions
Visit a cashmere workshop in Bevagna, try your hand at pottery in Deruta, or join a farm-kitchen class to make fresh pasta with truffles and herbs picked straight from the garden
Festivals & Events
– Settimana dei Musei (Across Tuscany, March): A paradise for culture lovers – all museums across the region open their doors for free, offering special themed exhibitions that only take place during this week.
– Umbria Jazz Festival (Perugia, mid-July): One of Europe’s top jazz festivals, gathering world-famous artists for unforgettable summer nights filled with rhythm and energy in the heart of Umbria.
– Palio di Siena (Siena, July 2 & August 16): The legendary horse race held in Siena’s main square, reviving the medieval spirit with flags, parades, and the fierce pride of each local district. Tickets sell out months in advance, so plan early to secure a spot
– Sagra del Tordo (Montalcino, last weekend of October): A centuries-old festival featuring archery contests, grand feasts, and medieval reenactments that bring the wine town of Montalcino back to its glorious past.
– Cantine Aperte (Tuscany & Umbria, last weekend of May): Italy’s biggest wine festival, where the most renowned wineries welcome guests for wine tastings, cellar tours, and lively open-air concerts.
Savoring in Tuscany
– Siena: Savor “ribollita” (a rustic vegetable and bread soup), “panforte” (a traditional festive cake made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices), and “pici al aglio e pomodoro” (hand-rolled thick pasta served with tomato and garlic sauce).
– Montepulciano: Indulge in “pici al ragù di maiale” (pici pasta with slow-cooked pork ragù), “crostini di fegatini” (toasted bread with chicken liver pâté), and “cantucci con vin santo” (crunchy almond cookies dipped in classic sweet wine).
– Montalcino: Delight in “tagliatelle al cinghiale” (flat pasta with wild boar ragù), “pecorino stagionato” (aged sheep cheese often paired with honey or truffle), and “delizia amalfitana” (a creamy lemon-flavored cake topped with pine nuts).
Tuscany is where timeless beauty blends with a slower pace of life. Among endless vineyards, medieval towns, and flavorful local dishes, you’ll find a journey not just to explore – but to truly live and feel.
Demen Travel curates private journeys that immerse you in the essence of Tuscany – where history, art, and beauty remain alive in every moment.
