Things To Do In The Picturesque Italian Countryside of Tuscany
Tuscany… One of the few words the world over that evoke heavenly images of rolling hills and peaceful trees. A place that is on travel bucket lists far and wide. In fact, if you asked people if they were only allowed to travel to one place for the rest of their lives, it’s likely over half of them would mention this amazing place. But what are all the things you can do in Tuscany? How much time should you spend there? And with its popularity, how do you avoid all the tourists?
These are the questions that I am going to try and answer for you today. Plus trying to give you everything you need to know to get there and get around! Because you guys know, I am a sucker for the cold hard facts of logistics. It’s the accountant in me, I can’t help it.
Getting There and Getting Around
Where Is Tuscany?
The Tuscan region of Italy is right smack dab in the middle of the country. Running from where the (almost) as famous Cinque Terre ends, to just north of Rome. Florence is the largest city and main hub, and what I consider to be the gateway to the region. However, other large cities like Pisa and Livorno are also considered part of this region. In other words, the region is massive! To put it into context, if the region were a US state, it would be the size of North Dakota.
Renting A Car
Because the region is so large, and dotted with lots of tiny villages ready to explore, the best way to get around is by renting a car. Or perhaps a Vespa, if you are brave enough? You can take a train to any of the major cities mentioned above and rent a car in most of them. However, there are a couple things to note about renting a car in Italy.
First, is that technically you have to have an international driver’s permit. I got one for $20 at a AAA. All the permit does is translate your current valid license, but it’s a cheap insurance policy. Might as well get one to avoid any headaches if you get pulled over. The second thing to keep in mind is that even though everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, speeds in Italy, they take speeding seriously. We had 2 people come home from Italy to speeding tickets, and Tuscany was the only place we rented a car.
Travel Tip: Speaking of insurance, please don’t travel without travel insurance! It is absolutely essential, especially when driving a vehicle in a foreign country. Often times comprehensive travel insurance is more cost effective than just opting for the car rental agency’s insurance options. I use Travel Insurance Master for all my insurance needs. Check them out!
Things To Do In Tuscany
A Cooking Class
Regardless of where you are visiting in Italy, I think a cooking class is an essential activity. I mean, Italy is world renowned for it’s food. This is especially true for the Tuscan region. Do you know why? Because that creamy “Tuscan chicken” dish at Americanized Italian restaurant chains is bullsh*t. Yep, you heard me right. It is fake news. Tuscan people don’t eat chicken that much, much less put a bunch dairy on it.
Our cooking class was with Imaginaria Events, and we had a great time learning how to make panzanella, 2 different types of handmade pasta, and the real Tuscan chicken. Which was a chicken bathed in tomatoes and elephant ear garlic and knocked the socks off the fake Tuscan chicken. Not to mention, the class was done by real Italian nonnas who have been cooking their whole lives. It felt like we were truly learning family secrets with them. Furthermore, we also got to keep the recipes to try to recreate them at home. Even though it has been a year, and I have yet to do so! LOL. Maybe someday. What can I say, domestic goddess I am not.
Here are some snaps of my family on that super fun day.
Exploring Smaller Villages
Seeing the smaller villages is one of the best things to do in Tuscany. Again, there are some pretty cities in the region. Florence is iconic for when it’s architecture is bathed in “Tuscan light.” But if you want to get away from the tourists, the way to do it is to explore the smaller villages. We stayed in Montefollonico, pronounced Mon-teh-fol-oh-nico. A small medieval village where walking to the edge of town has you looking out at breathtaking Tuscan hills. Seriously, not only was it quiet and felt like an undiscovered location, but every single vista was heartbreakingly beautiful. And, you could see Montepulciano (where they filmed the second Twilight movie) in the distance. Making it easy to explore both places.
Finally, we went to the town of Bagno Vignoni, also with Imaginaria Events. This town truly felt like a hidden gem. Not only was it mostly sans tourists, even in peak summer season, but it has hot mineral baths that you can enjoy. The square in the town is so beautiful it has even been in an episode of the show Succession. I’m sure there are many more small towns to explore. So once you’ve had enough of Florence, and taken a picture holding up the leaning tower of Pisa, get out there and see them!
Wine Tours and Tastings
Of course, no trip to Tuscany is complete without going on some wine tours and tastings. A wine tour and tasting is probably the most iconic of things to do in Tuscany. We visited an awesome biodynamic and organic winery where we got a tour of the winery itself, and had a tasting along with cheese and charcuterie. Mmmmm cheese and charcuterie. The tour was really interesting, as the winery was young and utilizing lots of cutting edge technology in their wine making process. We also tried some olive oil. Which also made me feel like every olive oil I had ever had up until that point was fake olive oil.
You can also visit what is arguably the most famous wine region in Tuscany, the Chianti region. However, as you go around, I would encourage you to stop at any number of wineries dotting the region. The wine making process is a prized activity, so they are all bound to be delicious. Keep in mind though that even though Italians drink a lot of wine, they are rarely ever very drunk. Especially in public. So don’t go making a fool of yourself!
Time in Tuscany
Even though these activities are a perfect way to spend 3 days in this beautiful region, you could definitely stay much longer. Honestly if I had to do it again, I would give it at least a week to explore the region. Or maybe even 10 days. That way you can embrace the slow beauty and take your time deciding on all the things to do in Tuscany. So, try to extend your time in the region to as long as possible during your trip.
At the end of our 2 weeks in Italy, where we went all over, each family member of mine went through their favorite parts. Almost everyone said Tuscany. Part of that was because we coordinated everything through Louree and Imaginaria Events, who hosted us and showed us a wonderful time. And part of that was because the region is so jaw-droppingly beautiful, and we felt like we had it all to ourselves. Something that is not really possible in Rome or the Amalfi Coast.
I’m hopeful you enjoyed this guide and use it to get out there and explore Tuscany. I can’t wait to get back to the region myself and explore much more of it! But until then, arrivederci!
Did you enjoy this blog post? Do you have anything to add? Let me know in the comments!
