Travel Guide to Tuscany, Italy: Where to Stay, Eat, & Essential Tips

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Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Where to Stay in Siena
3. Where to Eat in Tuscany
4. Essential Local & General Travel Tips for Tuscany
5. Our Favourite Photo from our Time in Tuscany
6. How to Make Traditional Tuscan Pici all’Aglione
7. References
8. The Wrap Up

1. Introduction:

Planning a trip to Tuscany? You’re in for a treat! From charming medieval hilltop towns and winding country roads to beautiful vineyards and unforgettable Italian food, Tuscany is one of those places that makes you want to slow down and savour every moment.

During our time exploring this beautiful region, we based ourselves in Siena, which turned out to be a wonderful starting point for discovering Tuscany’s many different sides as its location is very central, averaging an hour from most of the towns we visited. From wandering the historic streets of San Gimignano and Volterra to enjoying the scenery of the Chianti wine region, there was something special around every corner. And, of course, no trip to Tuscany would be complete without sampling the local food and wine!

In this guide, we’re sharing our recommendations for where to stay in and around Siena, places to eat in our favourite Tuscan towns, and practical tips to help you plan your own visit. Whether you’re looking for a cozy stay in a historic town, a peaceful countryside villa or somewhere a little more luxurious, we’ve included a range of options to help you find the right fit.

This guide is part of our Tuscany travel series, which also includes our favourite towns and wine region, a five-day itinerary based in Siena, and a local recipe to bring a taste of Tuscany into your own kitchen.

So, grab a coffee (or perhaps a glass of Chianti!) and let’s start planning your Tuscan getaway.

2. Where to Stay in Siena:

Siena makes an excellent base for exploring Tuscany, particularly if you have a car and want to visit several towns without packing up and moving hotels every day. You’ll have medieval streets, historic architecture and plenty of restaurants to enjoy in the evenings, while the surrounding countryside offers vineyards, olive groves and those postcard-worthy Tuscan views.

When choosing accommodation, the biggest decision is whether you’d prefer to stay inside Siena’s historic centre or in the countryside just outside town.

Staying in the old town means you can walk to restaurants and sights, enjoy Siena after the day-trippers have left, and experience its atmosphere in the evenings. On the other hand, a countryside stay gives you more space, beautiful views, easy parking and, often, a swimming pool or outdoor terrace. Since you’ll be exploring several towns by car, both options can work well.

Here are six places worth considering, ranging from a more budget-conscious farmhouse stay to a boutique hotel and a countryside villa. You can also checkout more options, we us Expedia, Hotels.com, VRBO or Airbnb. Have some fun exploring, use the filters to help narrow down your search, there are a lot of beautiful places out there, so start early (10 to 12 months if you can), and enjoy the process.

1. Villa del Sole Siena

Hotel

Location: Historic Siena | Price category: Mid-range | Guest rating: 9.8/10

Villa del Sole Siena is a lovely choice for travellers who want to experience the charm of Siena while staying within easy walking distance of its historic attractions. This welcoming property offers breakfast, a terrace with beautiful views, and comfortable rooms, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.

Spend your days wandering Siena’s medieval streets, visiting the magnificent Piazza del Campo, and discovering local restaurants and cafés. After a day of sightseeing, return to the terrace to relax and enjoy the views.

Who it’s best for: Couples and independent travellers who want a highly rated stay close to Siena’s historic sights, restaurants and cafés.

Book your stay: Villa del Sole Siena on Expedia

2. Hotel Chiusarelli

Hotel

Location: Siena | Price category: Budget-friendly to mid-range | Guest Rating: 9.0/10

Hotel Chiusarelli offers a practical option for travellers who want to explore Siena on foot without necessarily choosing a luxury property. Set in a historic building near the old town, it’s well positioned for visiting the city’s main attractions, including Piazza del Campo.

Its location is also worth considering if you’re travelling around Tuscany by car, although you should confirm parking arrangements before booking.

Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious couples and road-trippers looking for a convenient base for exploring Siena.

Book your stay: Hotel Chiusarelli on Expedia

3. Palazzo Ravizza

Hotel

Location: Historic Siena | Price category: Mid-range | Guest rating: 9.4/10

If you appreciate historic character, Palazzo Ravizza is worth considering. This traditional hotel sits within Siena’s historic centre and features individually styled rooms and a peaceful garden overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Its location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, while the garden provides a quieter place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. It’s an appealing combination of historic atmosphere and convenience.

Who it’s best for: Couples and travellers who appreciate historic accommodation, a peaceful garden, and easy access to Siena’s attractions.

Book your stay: Palazzo Ravizza on Expedia

4. Agriturismo San Sano

Farm Stay

Location: Chianti countryside | Price category: Budget-friendly to mid-range | Guest Rating: 9.8/10

For a taste of rural Tuscany, Agriturismo San Sano offers a peaceful setting in the heart of the Chianti countryside. Imagine spending your mornings surrounded by rolling hills before heading out to discover small villages, scenic country roads and local wineries.

The property offers a swimming pool and restaurant, making it an attractive choice for travellers who want to balance sightseeing with time to relax. A car is recommended for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Who it’s best for: Couples and independent travellers who dream of a traditional Tuscan countryside stay, with opportunities to explore Chianti’s villages and wineries.

Book your stay: Agriturismo San Sano on Expedia

5. Borgo di Pietrafitta Relais

Farm Stay

Location: Chianti countryside | Price category: Mid-range | Guest Rating: 9.4/10

Borgo di Pietrafitta Relais is worth considering if you’re looking for a countryside retreat surrounded by the landscapes that make Tuscany so memorable. Its rural setting offers a different experience from staying in a busy town, with opportunities to enjoy the scenery and explore the Chianti wine region.

This type of stay is ideal for travellers who want to slow down, enjoy the countryside, and make time for winery visits and leisurely drives between picturesque villages.

Who it’s best for: Couples and countryside lovers who want a relaxing stay with access to Chianti’s vineyards, villages and scenic drives (Located 30 mins from Siena).

Book your stay: Borgo di Pietrafitta Relais on Expedia

6. The Palazzetto – Granaio

Villa

Location: Siena Countryside | Price category: Mid-Range | Guest Rating: 4.87/5

This is where we stayed, the property consists of a main building with a few smaller accommodations and the office, two villas, one is a 2 bedroom and I believe the other is a 1 bedroom, plus there is a pool and a laundry room. The grounds are very pretty and the views are spectacular!

We stayed in the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, villa, we were 2 couples, so it worked our perfectly. The front patio was my happy place with views over the Tuscan hills and of the old town of Siena, which was less than a 10 mins drive, so we could easily drive up to the old town for dinners or go to the local grocery store to pick up food to make a nice dinner in. We really enjoyed our stay here, the host and the ladies in the office were very nice and helpful.

Who it’s best for: Couples or families with a car. Here you get the best of both worlds, as you’re less than 10 mins from the heart of Siena, but get the quiet countryside atmosphere, and only a few minutes from the main road that takes you all over Tuscan.

Book your stay: The Palazzetto – Granaio on Airbnb.

3. Where to Eat in Tuscany

For us, food is a big part of discovering a new destination. And Tuscany certainly doesn’t disappoint! From handmade pasta and hearty soups to pecorino cheese, locally produced olive oil and wonderful wines, the region’s cooking is all about good ingredients and traditional recipes.

As we explored Tuscany, we found that each town had something a little different to offer. Some are perfect for a leisurely lunch between sightseeing stops, while others are worth saving for a relaxed dinner.

Here are some restaurants and cafés to consider in the towns featured in our 9 Beautiful Tuscan Towns, Plus 1 Incredible Wine Region Not to Miss guide. We’ve left Florence out of this list because we already have a dedicated Florence travel series on our website, which you can checkout here.

 

Restaurant menus, prices and opening hours can change, so check the latest details before visiting. For popular restaurants, particularly in smaller towns, that you really want to try booking ahead is recommended.

1. Siena

Since Siena is our base for exploring Tuscany, it’s worth having a few restaurants in mind for the evenings after a day on the road.

Osteria Permalico — A Casual Tuscan Meal

If you’re looking for somewhere informal in the historic centre, Osteria Permalico is worth considering. This small osteria serves Tuscan dishes and wine, making it a good option for a relaxed meal after exploring Siena’s medieval streets.

La Taverna di San Giuseppe — A Memorable Dinner

For a more atmospheric dining experience, La Taverna di San Giuseppe is set in historic rooms with ancient stonework. It focuses on Tuscan and Italian cooking and has an extensive wine selection. This would be a lovely choice for a special evening in Siena.

Montalbuccio Ristorante Pizzeria – In the hills just outside old town Siena.

This restaurant you would need to drive to, but was well worth it, we ate here twice, as we really enjoyed the atmosphere, views and food, and it was recommended to us through our AirBnB. The serve traditional Sienese dishes, like Pici al Ragù and other local pastas, soups, Florentine steaks, pizza and large calzones. We showed up the first night we ate here and did have to wait a bit as we didn’t have reservations, so we do recommend making reservations if you’d like to try this restaurant.

A little local food tip: Look out for pici, Siena’s thick, hand-rolled pasta. It’s often served with a rich meat sauce, garlic and tomato sauce, or other traditional Tuscan ingredients. If you enjoy pasta, it’s a dish worth trying while you’re here.

 

2. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, but there’s plenty to enjoy here beyond the views. It’s a lovely place to stop for lunch or enjoy a glass of local wine.

Ristorante Dorandò

Located in the historic centre, Dorandò is an option for a sit-down meal while exploring the town. Look for traditional Tuscan dishes and local wines on the menu.

Ristorante da Pode

If you’re happy to drive a short distance outside the town, Da Pode is a family-run restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cooking, including handmade pasta and grilled dishes. It has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction for good-quality cooking at a good value. The countryside setting makes it a nice option if you prefer to dine away from the busiest streets.

Don’t forget the wine: San Gimignano is known for Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a local white wine. If you enjoy wine, it’s a great opportunity to try something distinctive to the area.

3. Pisa

Pisa is an excellent place to stop for lunch while exploring the city and visiting the famous Leaning Tower. You’ll find plenty of restaurants around the main sights, but walking a little farther can lead to a more relaxed meal.

Osteria dei Cavalieri

This restaurant is known for Tuscan cooking in a casual setting. It’s worth considering if you’d like a proper sit-down lunch rather than grabbing something quickly between sights.

Trattoria Sant’Omobono

For a more informal meal, this traditional trattoria in Pisa’s historic centre is another option to look into.

Our tip: If you’re following a busy itinerary, allow enough time for lunch. Italian restaurants often have set lunch hours, and some kitchens close between lunch and dinner. It’s much nicer to sit down and enjoy a meal than discover that the kitchen has closed just as you’re ready to eat!

4. Volterra

Volterra is a wonderful town for wandering, with its Etruscan history, medieval streets and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. After exploring, it’s worth stopping somewhere that gives you a taste of traditional Tuscan cooking.

Enoteca del Duca

Located near the town’s historic centre, Enoteca Del Duca serves classic Tuscan cuisine with a regional focus. The restaurant has an atmospheric interior with old stone walls and an outdoor dining area. It’s a good option to consider for lunch or dinner while exploring Volterra.

A local food tip: Keep an eye out for dishes featuring truffles, wild boar ragù and other ingredients associated with Tuscan country cooking. Menus change with the seasons, so it’s worth asking what’s particularly good when you visit.

5. Chianti Wine Region

Chianti is about more than wine tasting. The region’s rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and small villages make it a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy a long lunch.

Rather than rushing through the area, consider pairing your winery visit with a meal at a vineyard restaurant or a traditional osteria in one of the villages.

Osteria Le Panzanelle

This traditional Tuscan osteria is a good option to research if you’re exploring the Chianti countryside. It offers a chance to enjoy local cooking in a village setting rather than dining in a busy city centre. Located in Radda in Chianti.

Osteria di Passignano

If you’re looking for a more special meal, Osteria di Passignano is a fine-dining option associated with the Antinori wine estate. It may suit travellers who want to combine a memorable meal with the region’s wine culture.

Our tip: If you’re planning a winery tour and tasting, book it ahead of time and think about lunch arrangements before you go. Some estates have restaurants, while others focus on tastings and tours. And if you’re driving, arrange a designated driver or choose a guided experience that includes transportation.

6. Montalcino

Montalcino is a must for wine lovers. It’s best known for Brunello di Montalcino, a celebrated red wine produced in the surrounding area. Even if you’re not a serious wine enthusiast, the town itself is lovely to explore, with historic streets and wide countryside views.

Osticcio

Osticcio combines a wine bar and restaurant, making it an appealing choice if you’d like to try local wines alongside a meal. Its wine selection includes Brunello, and the setting offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside.

Taverna dei Barbi

Another option is Taverna dei Barbi, associated with the Fattoria dei Barbi wine estate. It focuses on traditional Tuscan cooking and is worth considering if you’re interested in pairing local food with wines from the area.

Our tip: If you’d like to visit a winery, check whether it requires advance reservations. Many wine estates don’t offer walk-in tastings, and some have limited opening hours. You don’t want to arrive after a long drive only to discover that you needed to book!

7. Bagno Vignoni

Bagno Vignoni is one of Tuscany’s most unusual little villages, known for its large thermal-water pool in the centre of the main square. It’s a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere, especially if you’re visiting several towns in one day.

Osteria del Leone

Located in the village, Osteria del Leone offers a more refined take on Tuscan cooking. It’s a lovely option if you’d like to turn your visit into a leisurely lunch or dinner rather than just a quick stop for photographs.

Our tip: Bagno Vignoni is small, so you don’t need to plan a long sightseeing list. Enjoy a wander around the village, take in the views and leave time to sit down for a meal or coffee.

8. Pienza

Pienza is known for its Renaissance architecture, beautiful Val d’Orcia views and, of course, pecorino cheese. This is one of those towns where I’d encourage you to take your time and enjoy the local flavours.

Sette di Vino

Sette di Vino is a small, informal osteria known for simple local dishes and Tuscan ingredients. It’s a good option if you’d like to try pecorino cheese, traditional soups and other regional favourites in a relaxed setting. The outdoor area is so beautiful, it almost looks like a movie set, if you don’t eat here, we’d recommend at least walking by for a look.

Trattoria Latte di Luna

For a more traditional sit-down meal, consider Latte di Luna, a family-run trattoria known for Tuscan cooking. It’s particularly associated with roast suckling pig and handmade pasta.

Trattoria La Chiocciola

They serve traditional Tuscan meals, like Pici pasta wild boar meat sauce, pecorino cheese and local wines, we had lunch here on their outdoor patio and really enjoyed it. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Our tip: Don’t leave Pienza without trying some local pecorino. You’ll see different varieties in the shops, and it’s a lovely way to bring a little taste of Tuscany home with you.

9. Montepulciano

Montepulciano is another beautiful hilltop town with historic streets, wine cellars and sweeping countryside views. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal after exploring the town’s steep lanes and historic centre.

Osteria Acquacheta

Osteria Acquacheta is a well-known choice for traditional Tuscan food, particularly its bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick-cut Florentine-style steak cooked over a fire. It’s a lively, informal place, and a good choice if you enjoy hearty food.

Because it’s popular, it’s worth checking the current opening days and booking well ahead if you’d like to eat here.

Le Logge del Vignola

If you’d prefer a different style of meal, Le Logge del Vignola serves Tuscan cuisine in the historic centre. It’s worth considering for a relaxed lunch or dinner while exploring the town.

Yama Tuscan Cuisine

Located on one of the main streets, we ate here and really loved it, the owners served us and brought us a charcuterie board meal with all of the local specialties and great wines, they were so nice and friendly, and the interiors were beautiful with its old brick archways and ceiling.

Our tip: Montepulciano is famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, so this is another excellent place to sample the local wine. If you visit one of the historic cellars, check whether tastings are available and whether reservations are needed.

What About Florence?

Florence deserves a guide of its own! We already have a dedicated Florence series on our website, covering things to do, itineraries and more.

Explore our Florence Travel Series here.

4. Essential Local & General Travel Tips for Tuscany:

A little planning can make a big difference when exploring Tuscany, especially if you’re using Siena as your base and hoping to visit several towns in just a few days. Here are some of the things we’d keep in mind when planning a trip of our own.

1. Rent a Car to Explore the Countryside

If you want to visit San Gimignano, Volterra, the Chianti wine region, Florence, and the hilltop towns of the Val d’Orcia, having a rental car gives you much more flexibility. This is the company we used, here.

Public transportation connects some of Tuscany’s larger towns, but reaching smaller villages and countryside attractions can be more complicated. Bus services may be limited, particularly on weekends, and getting between several towns in one day can take longer than expected.

A car makes it easier to stop for photographs, explore villages along the way and enjoy the countryside at your own pace. Plus, driving in Tuscany really isn’t too complicated or stressful, making it a very convenient option (I would even drive here)!

A few driving tips:

• Book your rental car ahead of time, particularly during busy travel periods.
• Choose a vehicle that feels comfortable on narrow country roads.
• Download offline maps in case you lose mobile reception.
• Allow extra time for winding roads and finding parking.
• If you’re planning a wine tasting, arrange a designated driver or book a tour with transportation.

2. Understand Italy’s ZTL Zones

One of the most important things to know before driving in Tuscany is the meaning of Zona a Traffico Limitato, or ZTL.

These are restricted-traffic zones commonly found in historic town centres. Access is generally limited to authorised vehicles only, and entering without permission can result in a fine.

Don’t drive into a historic centre simply because your GPS directs you there. Instead, look for designated public parking outside the old town walls and continue on foot. Before we leave for the day, we look for a parking lot outside of the old town walls and put that into our GPS, which makes it so much easier, then you are scrambling looking for parking once you get there.

This applies to Siena and many of the smaller towns you’ll be visiting. If your accommodation is inside a ZTL, contact the property beforehand to confirm its arrival instructions and whether it can arrange authorised access.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Tuscany’s beautiful historic towns are made for wandering, but their cobblestone streets, uneven paving and steep hills can be hard on your feet.

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, particularly if you’re planning to explore Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra and Montepulciano in one trip.

It’s also worth carrying a light jacket or extra layer. Even when the sun is shining, temperatures can change throughout the day, particularly in the countryside.

4. Start Early and Leave Time to Wander

We will always suggest this. Some of Tuscany’s most popular towns can become busy, particularly during the main travel season.

We love starting early, finding somewhere for breakfast and exploring before the crowds arrive. It gives you a chance to appreciate the streets, photograph the architecture and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

San Gimignano is a good example. Arriving early allows you to experience its medieval streets before the busiest part of the day.

But don’t fill every moment with sightseeing. Leave time to stop for a coffee, browse a little shop or follow an interesting street simply because it catches your eye. Those unplanned moments can become some of your favourite travel memories.

For more information on the importance of starting early, checkout our articles:

“Three Significant Reasons to Get up Early While Travelling.”

“How to see More, Avoid Crowds, & Capture Better Photos.”

5. Plan Your Meals Around Italian Dining Hours

Lunch and dinner times can be different from what you’re accustomed to at home.

Many traditional restaurants serve lunch from around midday until mid-afternoon, then close before reopening for dinner in the evening. Smaller establishments may also close on particular weekdays or during quieter seasons.

If you’re visiting a small town between sightseeing stops, check restaurant hours before you arrive. This is especially important when you’re following a busy itinerary and have limited time in each destination.

For lunch, aim to sit down around noon or 12:30 pm rather than leaving it until late afternoon.

And remember that not every restaurant needs to be a special occasion. Sometimes a simple plate of handmade pasta, a local cheese board or a sandwich from a small shop is exactly what you need between sightseeing stops.

6. Try the Local Specialities

One of the best ways to experience Tuscany is through its food. Each area has its own ingredients, dishes and traditions, so take the opportunity to try something local wherever you go.

Here are a few specialities to look out for:

• Siena: Pici pasta, ribollita and traditional Tuscan sweets.
• San Gimignano: Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine and dishes featuring local saffron.
• Pisa: Tuscan soups, pasta and traditional regional dishes.
• Volterra: Wild boar ragù, truffles and hearty Tuscan cooking.
• Chianti: Chianti Classico wine, local olive oil and seasonal countryside cuisine.
• Montalcino: Brunello di Montalcino wine.
• Bagno Vignoni: Traditional Tuscan dishes enjoyed in a peaceful village setting.
• Pienza: Pecorino cheese, made from sheep’s milk.
• Montepulciano: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine and traditional Tuscan meat dishes.

Don’t worry about trying everything. Pick a few dishes that appeal to you and enjoy discovering what each place does best.

7. Book Wine Tastings in Advance

The Chianti wine region is one of the highlights of a Tuscan trip, but it’s worth planning your winery visits ahead of time.

Some estates offer guided tours and tastings by appointment only, while others have restaurants or wine shops with different opening hours.

Before setting off, check what’s available, how long the experience lasts and whether you need to book. If you’re hoping to visit a winery and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the same day, allow enough time for both.

And don’t feel that you need to visit several wineries in one day. One well-chosen experience can be much more enjoyable than rushing between appointments.

8. Check Opening Days and Seasonal Hours

Tuscany’s historic towns can be explored throughout the year, but individual attractions, restaurants and wineries may have different seasonal schedules.

Before travelling, check the latest information for any museum, church, tower, restaurant or winery you particularly want to visit.

If there’s something you don’t want to miss, make that the priority and plan the rest of your day around it.

9. Carry Some Cash, but Don’t Rely on It Exclusively

Cards are widely accepted in Tuscany, but it’s still useful to carry a little cash for smaller purchases, markets or places that have minimum card-payment requirements.

Having a few euros available can make it easier to buy a coffee, pick up a local treat, use a bathroom in some places or make a small purchase while exploring.

10. Don’t Try to See Everything in One Day

Tuscany may look compact on a map, but the roads between towns can be winding, and there’s often more to discover than you initially expect.

Our five-day itinerary includes several towns in a single day, but we’ve deliberately left some room to explore along the way.

If you find a town you love, don’t feel you have to rush off just to stick to a schedule. It’s better to enjoy a few places properly than spend the entire day watching the clock.

 

11. Sunrise and Sunset Times.

Check daily sunrise and sunset times before your trip to help you plan your days, especially for great lighting for photography, beach walks and in the summer, and better temperatures. Check it out here!

12. Using Points

Whether it’s Airmiles, Aeroplan, hotel chains, or credit card points, collect them religiously and use them for travel!! We have stayed in some amazing places using points, some we normally wouldn’t have even looked at because of the price, we’ve used points for flights and rental cars too. They are so satisfying to use, but you have to get to know what is a good value and what isn’t. For example, if you’re using Airmiles for flights, the points cover the flight cost and you pay the taxes, so generally the taxes cost us in the range of $200/$300, which is reasonable, but if we fly to Europe from Canada, the taxes were over $700, (we were told this was because their airport taxes were higher) we were shocked, it didn’t make sense to use the points for that, so you have to get to know how to best work you’re points, but once you do, you’ll be hooked!

 

13. Phone service

When travelling in Europe we use Hippocket Wifi, but they also service Canada and the United States. So, for people travelling to Canada from another country, this could be a good option for you. They are based in France, but you can simply order it online and they ship it directly to you 3-5 days before you leave for your trip. It comes with a small carrying case, charger, (including a car charger if needed) and an addressed, stamped return mailing envelope, so you simply drop it off in the mailbox at the airport/ferry terminal/train station before heading home. The great thing about this is that if you are traveling with other people, you can all use it and share in the cost or if you’re a family you can all use it. You can have up to 8-10 users at the same time. If you have multiple users, I recommend getting the unlimited options, as the 1GB/day option may not be enough. The unlimited works out to be approximately 7.00 to 9.00 euros per day, including all shipping, (because they are based in France, they charge you in euros). It’s a great option, check it out here!

14. Speaking the Language:

For some people speaking different languages comes easy and for some, it does not, I’m the latter. Although it’s not easy, we always make an effort to learn at least the pleasantries when we’re travelling. It’s one of our many favourite things to do!  When in Japan, a lot of people spoke English and most signage was in English, as well, but there were some more remote areas or smaller cafés that did not, so knowing a few phrases was helpful. We carried a language pocketbook with us, and we had google translate on our phones! We also like the free language app, Duolingo for some fun!

5. Our Favourite Photo from our Time in Tuscany:

Tuscany is filled with incredibly picturesque sights, from vineyards and rolling hills to amazing architecture and quaint countryside, basically our heads were on a swivel trying to take it all in. Although we had many favourite scenery photos, we have a special love of doors and windows, so we picked this photo of an old doorway in the hilltop town of Volterra. This isn’t the only photo of a doorway we took while travelling around Tuscany, it isn’t even the only doorway photo we took in Volterra, but we choose this one because it is steeping in history and intrigue. The way the wooden doors and the stone walls look worn, like they have seen a lot over the years, the dusty colour of the terracotta pot and the greenery from the leaves, the details of the metal work above the doors and door knocker, the slop of the sidewalk in front, it just all works together so well. The only edit we did was to darken it just a smidge, to bring out its rich colours. Where possible when taking photos of doorways or windows we take it in portrait and we like to include something that is surrounding the doorway, like a plant, flowers, shutters, a mailbox, address number, anything that will enhance it and make it more interesting.

6. How to Make Traditional Tuscan Pici all’Aglione:

 

Bring a little taste of Tuscany into your kitchen with Tuscan Pici all’Aglione! This traditional dish comes from the Val di Chiana area of southern Tuscany, where pici — thick, hand-rolled pasta — has been a local favourite for generations. It’s served with aglione, a large, mild garlic native to the region, and a simple tomato sauce that lets the flavours shine. Rooted in the region’s rural cooking traditions, this is Italian comfort food at its best! We tried our hand at making this classic Tuscan dish at home, which was fun and a little challenging, but it’s a delicious way to bring a little of our travels back to the table. This Tuscan Recipe comes out next Tuesday, November 10^th, so stay tuned. How to Make Traditional Tuscan Pici all’Aglione.

 

7. References:

For our Tuscan Travel Series, we created our top towns & wine region, itinerary, and tips and recommendations from our own experiences we had while visiting this stunning & romantic part of the country. As well, we read helpful travel books like, Eyewitness Travel Italy, Eyewitness Top 10 Florence & Tuscany, Rick Steves Italy, Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany and Rick Steves Hill Towns of Central Italy, which helped shape our adventure. In addition, we like to explore the official tourism websites, (visittuscany.com/en) attraction sites, public transportation resources (like buses, ferries, and trains), and a few local food blogs to see what local foods piques our interest. Google Maps for driving and walking distances, travel apps like OMIO for train travel and tour apps for any activities, like Get Your Guide, Viator or Expedia. We hope you find these tips and recommendations helpful when planning your own adventure to this incredible region.

8. The Wrap Up:

Tuscany is one of those destinations that you’ll never forget. From the medieval streets of Siena and San Gimignano to the vineyards of Chianti, the rolling landscapes of the Val d’Orcia, and the stunning renaissance art of Florence, every corner offers something a little different.

For us, using Siena as a base was a wonderful way to experience the region. We could spend our days exploring historic towns, enjoying the countryside and discovering local food, then return to Siena in the evening to relax and enjoy its atmosphere.

Whether you choose a boutique hotel in the old town, a cozy farmhouse in the countryside or a historic estate surrounded by vineyards, there’s no shortage of memorable places to stay. Add in the delicious food, wonderful wines and the simple pleasure of wandering through a beautiful Italian town, and it’s easy to understand why Tuscany captures so many hearts.

We hope this guide helps you plan your own Tuscan adventure, discover a few new places to eat and find the perfect base for exploring the region.

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Plan Better. Travel Deeper. Capture More.

 

Thank you,

Beth

Beth de Verteuil

Wild Meadow Studio

Travel Guides & Photography

Plan. Travel. Capture.

www.wildmeadowstudio.com