Luxury Tuscany Holidays

Glittering Renaissance cities, medieval hilltop castles, and rolling valley vineyards

Tuscany

Tuscany is a north-western region stretching from the mountainous Liguria border down to the sun-warmed lakes of Umbria and Lazio. Poppy fields, medieval castle towns, pinstriped vineyards and Renaissance cities fulfil the postcard promise. Some of the best hotels retreat to the countryside, where gold-dipped villages burrow between swooping hills.

This is where you’ll find places like Pievescola and Castelnuovo Berardenga. These hamlets feature field-to-table menus, green-shuttered farm shops and country villa hotels. Add to that some of the most scenic roads in Italy, and the postcard gets even prettier.

These bike-friendly country roads lead to every other flavour of Tuscan town, from walled hilltop villages to towering cities like Siena, Florence and Pisa. It’s easy to get caught up in the grandeur of the squares and palaces of these open-air museums.

Wherever you stay, one thing’s for sure – you won’t go hungry. Tuscan food is simple and flavourful, and the cities offer creative takes on traditional fare. Wine connoisseurs should head for central Tuscany, where Chianti and Montepulciano vineyards cover the hills.

Destinations in Tuscany

Pievescola

Pievescola might be small, but its luxury credentials are mighty. Renaissance villas double as designer hotels and the local restaurant features in the Michelin Guide.

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Castelnuovo Berardenga

The Tuscan countryside is your oyster from Castelnuovo Berardenga. This Sienese comune sprinkles historic hamlets over a hilly patchwork of sunflower fields and Chianti vineyards.

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Things to do in TuscanySee Siena's Gothic treasures

Lovely Siena is often an afterthought, bumped far below cities like Florence and Pisa. But while Siena might not beat those Renaissance giants when it comes to the sheer scale of things, it streaks ahead in the medieval architecture stakes. It arranges its Gothic churches and museum-palaces across the hilltops, with the original Roman market square at its centre. Each of the surrounding 17 districts has its own character – and they all compete against each other in the world-famous Palio di Siena horse races every summer. Take the time to get lost in the backstreets, where you’ll find everything from antique bookshops to Michelin-recommended restaurants.

Things to do in TuscanyWind your way around Chianti

Tuscany is practically synonymous with wine. You’ve only got to look around to see why – vineyards crosshatch the whole countryside. Some are sprawling international wineries, while others are little farmhouses supplying small-batch bottles.

The Chianti region fills out central Tuscany, starting near Florence and stretching south to the Sienese comune of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Tastes range from an easy glass to Chianti Classico – an intense cherry red best paired with spiced sausage.

For a lesser-tasted red, hop on a tour of the Montalcino district. These roads south of Siena trail through some of the most scenic valleys in Tuscany.

Flight Information

The best airports for Tuscany are Florence and Pisa. Direct flights from the UK take approximately two hours.

When to go

Tuscany is a mild-weathered place. Temperatures meander between 20°C and 25°C in the warmest months of July and August. July is also usually the driest month of the year. Autumn is light jacket weather (around 17°C in September), while spring is crisper – think 10°C to 15°C.

Tuscany has a calendar full of festivals. Museums and shops shut early on Easter weekend so that locals can join the processions and Passion Plays that pop up throughout the region. Spring also kicks off a long line-up of food events that last till autumn. September is harvest time, so that’s when wine festivals really get into their stride.

Visa Information

British citizens do not currently require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

When you dine out in Italy, you will generally be charged a coperto (cover charge), which is for the bread, tablecloth, cutlery, etc. Tipping in Italy is not customary, but is always appreciated.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Itinerary inspiration

Florence & Tuscany

At a glance

Combine a city break with a week in the countryside
Tour Florence’s art galleries and museums
Stay in the scenic Tuscan countryside
Go wine tasting and explore historic hill towns

10 days from £2320 per person

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Our pick of the top hotels in Tuscany

Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team

Borgo San Felice

Tuscany Hotels

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Castel Monastero

Tuscany Hotels

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Relais La Suvera

Tuscany Hotels

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Tuscan cuisine

The people of Tuscany have spent centuries perfecting the Italian classics – bread, olive oil, tomatoes and wine. The scenery hints at how Tuscans prioritise these staples. The countryside is a network of wine regions, from Chianti to the little-known Montecucco. Get to grips with it all on a wine tour – or just sit down at a trattoria. Restaurants serve local reds and whites as standard, and often come with vineyard-view terraces.

Luxury Tuscany Holidays

Tuscany

Florence & Tuscany

Borgo San Felice

Castel Monastero

Relais La Suvera

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