Leonardo di Vinci once famously said “Tuscany is the ultimate canvas, painted with the hues of history and culture”. And that was in the 15th century! Today, Tuscany is one of the most beloved landscapes for travellers, especially its numerous hilltop towns, many of which really do look like they belong in the background of an Italian masterpiece. In this blog, we’ll explore a few of our favorites, all easily accessible by bus or train. If you wish, there’s also the option of a licensed driver-guide, who could transfer you from Florence to the countryside and back again, with sight-seeing and wine-tasting opportunities along the way.

Once you escape the bustle of Florence, the pace of life slows considerably. Even in the height of the summer tourist season, you’re always going to find some breathing room in one of the smaller towns. There are not just traditional hotels and B&Bs available but also popular agriturismo properties, where you stay on a working farm or vineyard. Or for a luxurious experience, consider a borgo. These are entire hamlets (or small villages) that have been restored and transformed into resorts with rooms, restaurants, pool/spa areas, vineyards and activities. It’s not unusual to be able to stay in a renovated barn, chapel, olive press or wine-makers cottage. It’s a beautiful way to bring life back to forgotten spaces.

Relais and Chateau Borgo Photo

If you wish to visit in the spring, you’ll be rewarded with fewer crowds and wildflowers galore. The days will be comfortable and the nights will be cool and you might catch an occasional shower. The landscape feels fresh and new. In the summer, you can expect warm days and bright sun, perfect for pool time. It’s also a great time to go wine tasting. Autumn is an ideal time to visit Tuscany. It’s harvest time which brings vibrant hues to the trees and vines and seasonal delicacies to the table like foraged mushrooms, wild game ragus and truffles.

For those who prefer to travel only by public transportation, there are several popular towns accessible by rail and/or bus. These include Pisa, Lucca, Siena and Arrezo. Pisa makes a good day trip if you are limited on time and only wish to view the famous leaning tower…though it would be a shame not to at least stay for lunch. Try the local specialty of bordatino alla pisana, a simple dish of white beans and ham with aromatic thyme. If you choose to climb the stairs to the top of the tower (recommended), you’ll have certainly worked up an appetite.

Lucca is another hilltop town accessible by train. The trip is less than an hour and a half from Florence and two hours and a half from Siena. It can easily be combined with Pisa on a day trip or as a quick overnight trip. It was founded by the Etruscans and is full of architectural gems dating from the Roman era and Middle Ages. It makes the perfect place for souvenir shopping, olive oil tasting and sitting down for a lunch of local specialties like half-moon shaped tordelli, polenta or a soup made with spelt. In fact, Lucca is known for its soups as well as its dessert made with pine nuts called buccellato.

Lucca Italy

Siena, called the “City of the She-Wolf” is both the name of the town as well as the surrounding province. It’s quite a large hilltop town with 50,000 residents. Historically and culturally significant, the entire city center is a UNESCO heritage site. Do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the Piazza del Campo, considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Siena is also considered the most precious gem in the crown of Tuscan cuisine. It would be easy to spend your entire holiday here as there are many smaller villages, vineyards and cultural activities within a short distance. There are several direct trains per day from Florence with travel time around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Arrezo makes a great final stop on the way back to Florence, or another nice day trip option if you are short on time. The town can be reached in less than an hour from Florence or two hours from Siena (less by bus). It’s perfect for antique lovers and there is an antique fair held here every month. It’s also home to several fantastic art galleries. Twice a year, in June and September, there is a jousting festival held in the main piazza. An overnight stay is ideal for the chance to see the medieval city glow in the evenings over an unhurried dinner of Tuscan favorites. Don’t skip the cheese course, of which there are many local varieties!

Arrezo

With these options alone, you’ll have no problem filling several days with the treasures of the Tuscan countryside…all reachable by train or bus. However, if you opt for a car or driver, there are many more possibilities like charming San Gimignano or exquisite Montepulciano. Be sure to check out our blog about those hilltop towns best reached by car. This is also the ideal way to experience the world-renowned Tuscan vineyards, take in the Tuscan coast or see the famous Carrara marble quarries.

Even the most seasoned traveller can’t help falling in love with Tuscany. Whether you are swept off your feet by the first sip of wine, brought close to tears with the first bite of a savory dish, feel lost in the history of the last two millennia or are simply left breathless by the landscape…this mesmerizing region appeals to everyone. Ask us how to add a little Tuscan magic to your holiday. We can’t wait to share it with you!