Tuscany Travel Guide

Tuscany is so ever popular among tourists and is likely to remain eternally popular. It carries a romantic image of village Italy what with its rustic farms, manicured fields, and cypress-lined driveways. A series of the sun- and wine-soaked villages and towns cling to nearly every hill.  Enjoy traversing the ever-changing terrain that variates from pastoral to mountainous to rocky. Tuscan experience is made of a superb Cucina Contadina, world-class art, and those lyrical landscapes. Just look for some villa rentals in Tuscany and enjoy world-class facilities and amenities.  You can travel everywhere by car and enjoy amazing sights wherever you go.

Tourist attractions to visit

Tuscany is loaded with tourist attractions, and some of the most popular sites include Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca and more. Florence, the art-packed city is a must visit. Do not miss the chance to look at Brunelleschi’s dome or Renaissance paintings or Renaissance paintings. Siena is well known for its pageantry, Palio horse race. The Red-brick hilltop city boasts of a stunning traffic-free main square.Pisa is not just famous for the iconic Leaning Tower but also many other impressive monuments on the gleaming white Field of Miracles.Lucca, the lively and charming city is ringed by intact old walls that are broad enough for biking and strolling. Volterra, bounded by thick walls and hilly scenery offers an unusually interesting sightseeing option for a small town, thanks to its long Etruscan history. Montepulciano Rugged town with dreamy panoramas of the countryside and of the countryside and is a must visit. Another hill town, San Gimignano Epitome offers superb views and is spiked with medieval towers and narrow alleys.Montalcino boasts of a 14th-century castle and is a paradise for all the wine-lovers. It is encircled by famous vineyards and olive groves. Pienza is another popular city that is nestled in a scenic hilly landscape and is noted for its renaissance-planned architecture. Cortona is noted for its historic churches and museums, Renaissance artifacts and art.

The best budget place to dine with kids

Tuscan food is delicious and is it indeed hard to resist those delicacies prepared from fresh local ingredients. There are hearty soups and stews, home-made pasta, fragrant focaccias, and pizzas. However, it sure can be a challenge to find the best budget place to dine with kids. Still, there are spots where one can enjoy delicious Tuscan food and drink at great prices. There are plenty of restaurants and pizzeria behind the Mercato Centrale. Trattoria da Mario is a legendary name that has been serving well-priced Tuscan food for decades. Teatro del Sale offers a tempting buffet and serves wonderful creations like pasta with artichokes with wine and coffee. Oibò draws the local student population as food is cheap and its appetitive buffet is very popular. Trattoia Gigi is the place for the family looking for great meals and affordable prices. Enjoy generous portions of homemade pasta and side dishes. One can always try street food, and there are several good points to start with. Try out the classic panino with salami or mortadella and the variations are endless. Try Nerbone at Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo for authentic flavors. Another classic street food is the delicious fritto misto and Livorno.

Budget bed and breakfast 

What makes bed and breakfast options personal and cozy in Tuscany is the spectacular landscape. This is your chance to experience the modern, rural life in Tuscany while staying at a bed and breakfast. Visiting Tuscany offers one a welcoming feel as if one were visiting old and familiar friends. The self-catering vacation apartments reside within immense villas and residential palaces or restored farmhouses. The signature breakfast selection boasts of honey and cereals, fruits and fresh local products. One can find great value B&Bs in in superb central locations that fall well within their budget. These sites are close to the main tourist attractions and offer value-for-money stay in Tuscany.

Moving around in Tuscany

Tuscany is a fairly small region that can be covered in just a couple of hours. However, as most of Tuscany is made of hills and winding roads, depends on where you are headed, it can be challenging to get from one place to another. The most convenient way to move around in Tuscany is by train. Moreover, it is quite affordable to travel by train as compared to rental cars. There are several bus companies that have their terminals and stops set close to the main train station in major cities such as Santa Maria Novella, Florence and more. If you prefer renting out a car, you can do so with one of the major international rental companies that have offices in major towns.

Where to shop

For shopping, it is best to skip the Guccis and Ferragamos and opt for the flea market in Piazza dei Ciompi. Pisa, Florence, and Siena are known for best leather products. Look for handmade and artisanal: silk clothing and customized shoes and scarves when in Tuscany, that is famous for its quality craftsmanship. One will come across both smaller workshops run by local craftsmen and brand name boutiques in the cities of Florence and Siena. Food markets and weekly village markets are very popular with shoppers. Shopping in Tuscany means looking for hand-crafted products. Some crafts make for great gifts or souvenirs such as leather goods like handbags and wallets, housewares like serving plates, trays, and coasters, wood cutting boards, scarves and paintings.