A visit to Tuscany will guarantee you some of the most beautiful sights and experiences of any holiday you have ever enjoyed.
Famed for its wonderful wine, fabulous food and astounding art, there are a myriad of blogs that provide all the information you would need to tread the well trodden tourist trail through this region.
If you find yourself with 48 hours to enjoy Tuscany, here are some top tips on what to do in the wine lover’s paradise of the Chianti region.
Day 1
Sunrise: Breakfast in Lucignano
About 40 minutes east of Siena, located in rolling hills amongst vineyards and olive groves, lies the ancient, undiscovered village of Lucignano. It’s a charming, medieval walled city set out in concentric circles with the town square situated at its centre.
It’s in this town square that a weekly food market takes place on a Thursday morning, and there is no better place to pick up a selection of seasonal fruit and freshly baked goods to have a delicious picnic breakfast, al fresco.
Whilst you are here, be sure to visit the Municipal Museum to see the Tree of Love – a tree made of pure gold, decorated with crystals, enamel and coral, which is displayed in a vast, beautiful hall in the museum.
Fun in the sun: Parco Naturale della Maremma
Finding a beach that is not crowded in Tuscany, especially in the height of summer, can be a tall order. Marina di Alberese is the jewel in the crown of the protected area of Parco Maremma, and is an exceptionally popular beach. Once you have secured your place in the one-in-one-out car park, however, you can get your very own secluded stretch of sand, if you’re willing to walk just twenty minutes down the beach. The number of people, and the amount of clothing they wear, decreases the further you venture.
Sunset: Get the beers in
If you are taking a trip to the region there is no doubt you will be spending many an evening enjoying a beautiful glass or five of red wine out on the balcony of a wonderful trattoria.
But if you are looking for a refreshing change one night, you can’t go far wrong with La Birroteca di Greve. This centrally located artisan beer haven offers outdoor seating that overlooks the large piazza and the impressive new town library. The beer offered on the bar’s eight taps is rotated weekly, with Italian craft beers largely taking centre stage. We love the quirky ‘50s music and the incredibly friendly crowd.
Day 2
Sunrise: Florence
No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a trip to the beautiful city of Florence, but if the idea of battling through the crowds in the blazing sunshine leaves you hot under the collar, then start your visit in the city at the crack of dawn and you’ll have taken in the main sights by the stunning first light of Tuscany, and will be ready to leave as the crowds descend.
While you are there, don’t forget to breakfast like a local, picking up your cappuccino and cornetto (a croissant, not an ice cream!), eaten standing up at the counter like a true Florentine. Popular spots with the locals include Robiglio or Bar Galli.
Fun in the Sun: Fun on Two Wheels
Tuscany is home to some great cycling events, such as the vintage L’Eroica, and with good reason. The region boasts some breathtaking scenery, and whilst the routes are amongst some of the physically challenging you’re ever likely to cycle, the memories you will make on those two wheels will more than make up for the burning blisters and aching muscles.
If wine is on your wishlist this holiday, there is no better way to take in a few of the region’s beautiful vineyards than by bike.
Tuscany Bicycle hires bikes out for the day and can even arrange drop off and pick up of your chosen model from your villa, for a small additional fee. The “Ebike Bosch System” bike features a Bosch motor, which will get you up even the steepest inclines, and a robust handlebar bag, in which you can stash a bottle or two of your favourite finds.
Sunset: Let Off Some Steam
Hot, natural springs are plentiful in Tuscany, and after a busy couple of days, the soothing properties of the naturally warm water filled with enriching minerals, will be a welcome tonic. Best of all, it is possible to experience these awesome oases for free.
The Bagni di Petriolo are twenty minutes to the south of Siena, situated near the remnants of a Roman thermal baths, dating from 404AD, built to incorporate the springs. The Romans believed that the warm, soothing waters came from the underworld, Hades.
The springs at Petriolo rush down through a picturesque series of small baths, culminating in a large pool at the bottom, where you’ll find the locals submerged shoulder-deep, easing the stresses of the day.
For an authentic spa experience, you can make like the Italians and collect clay from the riverbanks, dry and pulverise it, then mix it with the thermal waters to make an ultra-healing all over body mask. If you’re feeling brave, you can even leap into the nearby river for the ultimate cold blast to get the circulation charging. What a way to finish the day.
Sun-hat Villas & Resorts, specialists in offering luxury villas in Tuscany. Their discerning customers prefer to discover the less well-known treasures that the region has to offer. Never one to disappoint, we have donned our adventurer’s hats and have compiled our very favourite experiences in this most special of Italian regions.
If our itinerary has got you gazing wistfully at the screen, why not take a look at the luxury villas in Tuscany Sun-hat Villas have available.