Why we love Tuscany
There's the postcard Tuscany, the one of rolling hills lined with cypresses, and then there's everything else: the birthplace of the Renaissance, art cities at every turn, hilltop villages, wine roads, a wild coast and thermal springs out in nature. You can come for the art, the food, the cycling, or simply to slow down. Here's our guide to what to do in Tuscany, depending on your mood, your pace and the season.
The must-sees of Tuscany
Florence, capital of the Renaissance
The Duomo and Brunelleschi's dome, the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo's David: Florence is explored on foot, looking up. You can easily spend two days here without getting bored.
The Lokki tip: book the Uffizi and the Accademia online, and climb to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset for the finest view over the city.
Siena and the Piazza del Campo
Florence's great medieval rival, with its shell-shaped square where the Palio is run, its marble-striped Duomo and its brick lanes.
Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli
The leaning tower, of course, but also the Duomo and the baptistery on their carpet of green grass. A short but essential stop.
San Gimignano and Lucca
San Gimignano, the “medieval Manhattan” and its towers. Lucca, ringed by Renaissance walls you can ride by bike, up on top, above the city.
The Val d'Orcia and Chianti
The quintessential Tuscan landscape, a UNESCO site: Pienza, Montalcino and its Brunello, Montepulciano. And between Florence and Siena, the Chianti hills and their wine road.
What to do in Tuscany depending on your mood
| Mood | Where | Best for | The Lokki tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art and cities | Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca | Culture lovers | Book the big museums in advance |
| Wine and food | Chianti, Montalcino, Montepulciano | Foodies | Combine a cellar and a farm lunch |
| Cycling and hills | Chianti, Val d'Orcia, Lucca walls | Cyclists | An e-bike changes everything on the hills |
| Beaches and sea | Maremma, Versilia, Elba Island | Families, summer | Beach in the morning, village in the afternoon |
| Thermal springs | Saturnia, Bagno Vignoni | Relaxation | The Saturnia falls are free and magical early in the morning |
| Hilltop villages | San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulciano | Photographers | Stay overnight to have them without the crowds |
Tuscany by bike
The Tuscan hills are a legendary playground for cyclists, from the famous Eroica in Chianti to the white gravel roads (strade bianche) of the Val d'Orcia. Gentler: the walls of Lucca, a flat 4 km loop on top of the city, perfect for families.
To rent a bike on the spot: Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca or San Gimignano. On the hills, go for an electric bike.
What to do in Tuscany with the family
- Ride up and down the walls of Lucca by bike.
- Count the towers of San Gimignano and taste some of Italy's best gelato on the square.
- The beach in the Maremma or on Elba Island, with easy coves.
- An agriturismo (farm stay) with animals and a pool, the best Tuscan base camp.
The Lokki tip: stay in an agriturismo in the heart of the hills, kids love it and you get the quiet.
What to do in Tuscany for free
- Wander the historic centres of Florence, Siena and Lucca.
- Bathe in the Mulino waterfalls at Saturnia.
- Admire the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.
- Ride or walk the walls of Lucca.
Where to swim in Tuscany
Tuscany has the sea too: the wild Maremma in the south (Cala Violina, the Argentario), the chicer Versilia in the north (Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio) and above all Elba Island, with its turquoise waters and coves.
Eating and drinking in Tuscany
One of Italy's great tables: the bistecca alla fiorentina, pici pasta, ribollita, Pienza pecorino. In the glass, four monuments: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
A one-week itinerary in Tuscany
| Day | Stop | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Florence | Duomo, Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio |
| 3 | Lucca and Pisa | Walls by bike, leaning tower |
| 4 | San Gimignano and Chianti | Towers, wine road |
| 5 | Siena | Piazza del Campo, Duomo |
| 6 | Val d'Orcia | Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano |
| 7 | Maremma or Elba Island | Beach and thermal springs |
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal: green or golden hills, mild temperatures and perfect light. Summer is hot, especially in the cities, but perfect for the coast. The September grape harvest is a magical time in Chianti.
FAQ: what to do in Tuscany
What to do in Tuscany in one week?
Florence, Lucca and Pisa, San Gimignano and Chianti, Siena, the Val d'Orcia and a day at the sea (see our itinerary above).
What to do in Tuscany with the family?
The walls of Lucca by bike, the towers of San Gimignano, an agriturismo and the beaches of the Maremma or Elba Island.
What's the most beautiful part of Tuscany?
The Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO site, for its cypress hills; Chianti for the wine; the Maremma for nature and the sea.
How many days to visit Tuscany?
A week for the essentials, ten days to take your time over the villages and the coast.
Is Tuscany good for cycling?
Yes, from the flat walls of Lucca to the hills of Chianti and the Val d'Orcia. For the climbs, an electric bike is ideal.
A word from Federica
Tuscany is the region I send everyone who tells me “I want to see Italy” without knowing where to start. My advice: don't stay only in the cities. Take a day, rent a bike, and lose yourself on a strada bianca between two rows of cypresses, with a golden village on the horizon. That's where, between two pedal strokes, Tuscany becomes unforgettable. 🍷
Ready to go?
Tuscany is best enjoyed at cycling pace, between hills and art cities. Compare the shops and book: Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca or San Gimignano.
