Tuscany
Breaking Down A Dream Destination in Italy
How to Get to Tuscany from the United States
Reaching Tuscany from the United States is relatively straightforward. However, as of the end of 2024, there are ZERO direct flights from an American airport to Florence proper. Accordingly, travelers from the States should anticipate having at least one layover.
Most travelers fly into Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) or Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA). Both airports connect to major European hubs like London, Paris, and Frankfurt, making it easy to book connecting flights.
For fans of finding direct flights whenever feasible, this was a bummer for us at Pangeo, but you can use it to your advantage! We found economy tickets via Scandinavian Airlines (SAS Airlines) for roughly 650 dollars per passenger–a price almost unheard of in recent years.
What’s the catch, you ask? We had a 24-layover in Copenhagen, Denmark, which we welcomed as an excuse to explore a new city en route home. Cost savings and a new country to visit? That’s a win-win for us!
Alternatively, you can fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) or Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) and take a high-speed train to Tuscany. From Florence or Pisa, regional trains and buses can connect you to other Tuscan destinations.
Different Places to Visit
Tuscany is a treasure trove of picturesque cities and towns, each offering a bevy of sights, delicious cuisine, and for those that seek it, some of the best wine in the world.
Here are some options to consider.
Florence: The heart of the Renaissance, Florence dazzles with art, history, and architecture. Must-visits include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. It’s rare for a traveler to skip Florence as a destination. The city will draw more crowds than the small towns, but you will truly feel the history in your bones while you’re there. With some light research, you can find excellent meals at family-owned trattorias like Trattoria Il Bargello or make a pilgrimage to Ristorante Buca Mario for bistecca alla Fiorentina, Florentine steak.
Siena: Famous for its medieval streets and the Palio horse race, Siena’s Piazza del Campo is a masterpiece of urban planning. Siena provides a bustling atmosphere much like Florence, with less dense crowds, but crowds nonetheless. You will find tons of options here, but if it’s a more peaceful ambience you crave, you may want to read on.
Lucca: This charming walled city boasts cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and beautifully preserved architecture. Lucca can be easily reached via a 90-minute train from Florence. If visiting or staying in Pisa, you can reach Lucca in less than 30 minutes.
Pisa: Home to the iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa also features impressive Romanesque buildings and vibrant street life. Pisa is often visited as part of a day trip, but we welcome travelers to consider an overnight stay to see Pisa with less crowds. It could also be a very convenient locale for a night’s stay before heading further north or west to destinations like Cinque Terre or Piemonte.
San Gimignano: Known as the “Town of Fine Towers,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living postcard with its skyline of medieval towers.
Arezzo: A lesser-known gem, Arezzo offers stunning frescoes, antique markets, and a relaxed vibe.
The Wine Regions of Tuscany and Where to Stay
Tuscany is synonymous with world-class wines, and exploring its wine regions is a huge draw for must for many visitors.
Here are some travel notes, broken down by four premiere wine styles.
Chianti: This iconic region flanks Florence to the south and Siena to the north. It is prominently famous for its Chianti Classico wines, which are but one of the styles that winemakers in Tuscany proudly produce.
If you are indifferent about wine regions, and want to stay within Florence or Siena, you can easily plan day trips to wineries in the Chianti region. Otherwise, consider staying at agriturismos like Castello di Ama or boutique hotels in towns such as Radda or Greve.
Brunello di Montalcino & Rosso di Montalcino: South of Siena, winemakers from Montalcino–and the surrounding area–produce some of Italy’s finest wines. Wine lovers far and wide come to Tuscany specifically for Brunello, which is wine made from Sangiovese grapes and rests in barrels for 5 years. Any less and it couldn’t be called Brunello! Note that “inexpensive” bottles of Brunello start around 40 euro per bottle.
This is further afield from Florence and Siena. If you want to stay in or near Montalcino, we strongly suggest agriturismo (read: staying in a farm villa instead of a hotel or inn) in the surrounding areas. To make the most of the trip, we even more strongly suggest renting a car. Buses and trains will make transportation limited and, frankly, unreliable.If you prefer hotels, you can harness the visual charm of Montalcino and tune in to the morning church bells while drinking a cup of espresso.
When the Pangeo staff visited this area, we traveled as a group of 8, and were able to access beautiful agriturismo options at a diluted cost. If visiting wineries, be sure to book your visit in advance. Not all wineries will accept walk-ins, and some may consider walking in and requesting a tour as an imposition. Staying near Montalcino also puts you within easy driving distance of beautiful locales like Pienza and Montepulciano. For more about Montepulciano, read below.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: This charming hilltop town offers exceptional wines and scenic beauty. Although it doesn’t boast the same acclaim as Montalicno, Montepulciano offers comparable peace, beauty, and complex wines. For wine drinkers on a budget, consider wineries that offer Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. For visitors who want the best of the best, book a winery visit for estates that produce quality Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. We enjoyed our visit at Icario Winery, and we were sure to bring some bottles home to share. For a quality meal–and equally quality glass (ahem, bottle) of wine, we highly recommend Cantina Gattavecchi. Postured perfectly at the very edge of Montepulicano’s walls, the views might’ve been the only aspect that transcended the food, drink, and service.
Accommodations like Villa Cicolina provide a blend of luxury and history, but remember, you can easily manage a visit to Montepulciano while staying closer to Montalcino or Pienza. Or, vice versa.
Bolgheri: On the Tuscan coast, Bolgheri is renowned for its Super Tuscan wines. Stay in boutique hotels near Castagneto Carducci for easy vineyard access. Super Tuscans offer bolder tastes than Tuscany’s Sangiovese-based Brunello, Chianti, and Montepulciano varieties. While most travelers skip Bolgheri for more familiar destinations, Bolgheri might entice the traveler who wants to avoid the crowds.
Getting Around Tuscany: Do I Need to Rent a Car?
Um, yes.
We don’t recommend rationalizing away a rental. It may seem like an easy way to save a couple hundred dollars, but your vacation will be shortchanged.
While Tuscany’s major cities are accessible by train, driving allows you to wander off the beaten path and discover hidden gems at your own pace. Roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for narrow, winding routes in rural areas. Alternatively, organized tours and private drivers can provide hassle-free transport for day trips.
And, of course, if you’re drinking, be safe and plan accordingly!
Tuscany by the Sea:
Visiting Elba Island
For a coastal escape, head to Elba Island, part of the Tuscan Archipelago and a beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Accessible by ferry from Piombino, Elba boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and historic charm. Napoleon’s exile residence, Villa dei Mulini, is a must-see for history buffs.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike Monte Capanne for panoramic views, while food lovers can savor fresh seafood and local wines in seaside villages like Portoferraio and Capoliveri.
Best of all, there are endless beaches where you’ll get lost in the views and sapphire blue waters. If you need some beach time in your vacation consider these options:
Spiaggia di Sansone - After a half-mile walk down hills, you’ll be greeted with perfect views of steep white cliffs, white pebbles, and perfect waters. Right next to Spiaggia della Sorgente, which is easier to reach.
Spiaggia di Fetovaia - Positioned at the south of the island, this beach offers soft sand underfoot and two tree-lined cliffs flanking each side of the Mediterranean. Great for families.
Spiaggia di Biodola - Also great for families and an easy walk to redeem a wonderful beach day.
Spiaggia di Procchio - Offering the most expansive shoreline, this beach also is nestled next to a local grocery store, pizza and gelato shops, and several restaurants. Procchio is great for an evening sunset and dinner.
How Much Should I Budget for a Tuscan Vacation?
A Tuscan vacation can be tailored to suit various budgets. For a mid-range experience:
Accommodation: $150–250 per night for a boutique hotel or agriturismo.
Meals: Expect to spend $50–80 per day for dining out, including local trattorias and fine dining.
Transport: Car rental costs around $50–70 per day, plus fuel and parking.
Activities: Entrance fees for museums and attractions range from $10–20. Wine tours and tastings can cost $30–80 per person.
For a week-long trip, budgeting $2,500–3,500 per person, excluding airfare, ensures a comfortable experience with room for indulgence.
Of course, you can skew your budget in either direction. However, given the value of tourism to Italy’s economy and its roots in the wine industry, Tuscany is not meant to be a budget destination like some of its European counterparts.
What Languages Do They Speak in Tuscany?
Italian is the primary language spoken in Tuscany, but English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Learning a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your experience and earn smiles from the locals.
In rural areas, knowledge of Italian is more useful, as English proficiency may be limited. If you do not know any Italian and are visiting small towns outside of what we listed above, you should be prepared to use Google Translate or a similar tool for translation.
The Final Verdict on Tuscany
With its timeless landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled culinary and wine experiences, Tuscany captivates every type of traveler. Whether you’re wandering through Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, sipping wine in the Chianti hills, or relaxing on the shores of Elba Island, Tuscany promises a journey that ages in the wine cellar of your memory bank long after you leave.
We view a trip to Tuscany not as an afterthought, but a destination that is best experienced when revered as a bucket list item. If this reality does not resonate with you, then allow us to stitch together an Italian adventure that is more your speed.
