Tuscany holidays

Why Tuscany

Situated in Italy’s north-west, Tuscany or, as the locals call it – Toscana, is famed for its cultural gems: The region is home to no less than six UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites. Regardless of whether you are experiencing a taste of high culture in the region’s capital Florence, sampling wine in Chianti, marvelling at Siena’s Gothic cathedrals, or basking in the sun along the coast, Tuscany holidays allow you to experience the best of what the Italian’s call la dolce vita.

In stark contrast to the bustling cities of Milan and Rome, holidays in Tuscany offer visitors a laid-back destination in which to indulge in. Tuscany has a wealth of things to offer and has garnered a reputation worldwide for its stunning beauty, great art, sumptuous cuisine, delicious wine and wide swathes of countryside.

When to go

Climate

Tuscany possesses a mild, humid and subtropical climate with no dry season. Summers tend to be hot and muggy and thunderstorms are common, while winters are mild. The mean temperature is 14.6 degrees Celsius (58.3 Fahrenheit). In winter temperatures by day typically reach 10.8 degrees Celsius (51.5 Fahrenheit) dropping to 2.2 degrees Celsius (36 Fahrenheit) overnight.

In spring temperatures climb to 19.1 degrees Celsius (66.3 Fahrenheit) by afternoon with overnight lows of 8 degrees Celsius (46.3 Fahrenheit). During summer the average highs are 29.7 degrees Celsius (85.4 Fahrenheit) and average lows of 16.3 degrees Celsius (61.3 Fahrenheit). Come autumn and temperatures drop to average of 20.9 degrees Celsius (69 Fahrenheit) by day and lows of 9.9 degrees Celsius (49 Fahrenheit).

Where to go/stay

A vast selection of accommodation choices, of various types, from a farmhouse (or Agriturismo in italian) and villas to apartments, bed and breakfasts, vacation homes and hotels are on offer for holidays to Tuscany.

The best Tuscany destinations to stay in are:

• Close to or in Florence or Siena

Tuscany’s capital is Florence and the city is a must on Tuscany holidays. The city saw the birth of the Italian Renaissance and some of the most influential art figures such as Leonardo di Vinci and Michelangelo called it home like the creations of the great artists, the city itself can be described as a work of art.

Siena is also a must and is the main rival to Florence. It is rich in history, culture and art as Tuscany’s Florentine capital. A Gothic city, Siena boasts impressive churches, beautiful palazzos, museums and piazzas.

• The Chianti region which lies between Florence and Siena

Chianti is the wine region. The rolling green hills are picturesque, and this quiet region is populated with small villages, vineyards, olive groves, and countryside villas.

• The area south of Siena; known as the Montepulciano - Pienza - Montalcino belt

• The area west of Chianti; which includes Sovicille - Colle di Val d'Elsa - San Gimignano

Things to do

Known for its stunning scenery the Tuscany region is an absolutely beautiful holiday destination in the region. Explore the numerous provinces in the region, six of which are UNESCO protected, and see many other attractions on holidays in Tuscany too.

One of the highlights of Tuscany is the incredible city of Florence, otherwise known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ and has a rich artistic history and charming architecture. Florence’s must-see attractions include the Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Repubblica, Piazza del Duomo and the art on display at the Galleria degli Uffizi.

Florence’s nightlife scene is action packed. Soak up the refined and relaxed atmosphere in the evening in the city and whiling away time in the chic bars, live music venues and restaurants on Tuscany holidays.

Pisa

Another enchanting Tuscany city, Pisa is one of Italy’s iconic holiday destinations. Of course the city is famed for The Leaning Tower, but there are many other attractions to keep you busy such as the beautiful Pisa Cathedral, take in the Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina and Santo Sepolcro a unique octagonal church.

Beaches

If you fancy some sun surf and sand on holidays to Tuscany, head to the stunning beaches found at Viareggio on the Tyrrhenian coast. The area has been a popular resort since the 1800s and it is easy to see why when you consider the 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of beautiful sand on which to lie on and work on your tan.

Tuscany also has many parks, such as the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, National Park of Tusco-Emilian Apennines and The Maremma Regional Park.