Tuscany Travel Guide: Where To Stay, Eat & Visit

Travel has truly widened my horizon as a designer, and I find inspiration for Noria Anis, my clothing brand, from the places I have explored. Tuscany is one of those places, from visions of golden rolling hills dotted with winding paths amidst cypress trees; countless vineyards and picturesque villages, to impressive architecture and Renaissance art.

If you want to experience the Italian dolce far niente, Tuscany is the best place to do that, to sit in sweet nothing and simply be. I've prepared a list of my favorite places in Tuscany, including a few hidden gems.

Stay:

Located in the heart of the small Medieval village of San Donato in Poggio, you will find a B&B full of charm, Le terraze del Chianti.

Enjoy a famous red Chianti wine on the romantic terrace with breathtaking views of the Chianti countryside, or try out dining alfresco at Antica Trattoria La Toppa - a typical Tuscan trattoria opened in 1964, which sits on a cobblestone street full of Italian character.

Visit:

Crete Senesi is a region of Tuscany located just below Siena, known for its' breathtaking rolling hills. The surreality of the soft colors will make you feel as if you've stepped into a Renaissance oil painting. Travel along the Via Chiantigiana (SR222), a scenic route through Chianti country between Florence and Siena; the view offered is truly unique and the most picturesque part, Strada di Leonina, is the one that leads from Siena to the town of Asciano.

Tip: Stop and take a moment to enjoy the sunset over the winding path with cypress trees at Agriturismo Baccoleno, a hotel located near Asciano. Be sure to bring your own picnic, find a peaceful corner, and admire the golden light that clings to the landscape.

Val d'Orcia is the most scenic road in Tuscany, with the typical Tuscan landscape we all know and dream of. Take your time and visit few of the charming little towns in this area, many being lined with fairytale stone houses nestled among vineyards. Enjoy the view from Tuscany’s numerous hilltop towns such as: Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Montechiello, or my favorite small town in Tuscany, Montalcino.

Tip: Go for a picnic in the countryside at Caseificio Cugusi and enjoy a variety of local made cheeses, such as pecorino, or other local meats all accompanied by Montepulciano wines. The scenery of Montepulciano overlooking the Temple of San Biagio is absolutely breathtaking.

In the west region of Tuscany, Valdelsa, you will find the town of San Gimignano and Volterra, two relatively small towns that you can easily visit in one day. Both towns have a medieval feel and it’s lovely to simply stroll the streets, eat a gelato and have a delicious Tuscan dinner.

Tip: You will find the best ice cream in San Gimignano at Gelateria della Piazza, located in the main square. Try the inventive ice creams like saffron with pine nuts or the seasonal house specials.

The capital town of Tuscany, Florence, is the cradle of the Renaissance, and belongs on any Italian vacationers list. Discovering the fascinating history and strolling the world-class museums is a huge draw, along with indulging in the best Italian cuisine.

Make sure to book tickets in advance for Ufizzi Gallery, home to the most impressive collection of Renaissance art, and the Galleria dell'Accademia - the second most visited art gallery in Italy, where you will find Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David.

Tip: Enjoy the sunset in Piazzale Michelangelo and grab a glass of wine and snacks at one of the local shops.

Eat: 

You're sure to find delectable meals in any region of Italy, from small family-owned authentic trattorias to more modern selections. Mister Pizza is one of those modern options, with locations in both Florence and Venice. A perfect go-to for a quick late night meal, Mister Pizza has more of a fast casual setting, but offers gluten-free crust and vegan cheese - something that may be hard to find in Italy for those with dietary restrictions. Take your pizza to go and sit on the stairs of the Piazza Santo Spirito, a great piazza to escape the touristy parts of Florence. Gustaosteria is another phenomenal restaurant in Santa Spirito with a more traditional Italian ristorante feel; the pizza's and to-go panini sandwiches are to die for.

How to get around Tuscany: 

Consider basing yourselves in Florence, Siena or my favorite pick and less crowded, San Donato in Poggio, and renting a car that will allow you to explore Tuscany’s more rural regions.

When to visit:

Tuscany's best travel months April, May, June, September, and October, but I do prefer end of summer when the gold color of the wheat fields emerges overwhelmingly.

Fancy a bit of Tuscan dolce vita in central London? Click HERE to find a taste of Italy in the city!