Welcome to Tuscany!

From the snow capped peaks of the Apennine mountains, to fantastic bathing beaches, therapeutic spa towns, national parks, art treasures and some of the best food and drink in Italy, Tuscany is the ideal place to spend your holiday.

The Art of Florence and Pisa
The Ponte Vecchio and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, two of the most iconic symbols of Italy, do not need an introduction and should definitely feature on any visitor’s sightseeing list. Florence and Pisa have so many art and architectural treasures, it can be hard to know where to start. Suggestions include the priceless legacy of sculptures, paintings and historical artefacts held respectively in the Uffizi Gallery and the Certosa della Calci National Museum; the piazzas that surround the Duomos and the complex narrow streets that characterise the historic centres.

The Siena Horse Race (Il Palio di Siena)
The Siena horse race is the one of most famous events in Italy. It is held twice a year (2 July and 15 August) in the Piazza del Campo, where 10 competitors in medieval costume mount their horses to race around the crowd-filled square. Before the race, there is a procession to represent the glorious past of Siena and traditional flag waving displays.

The Tuscan Archipelago
A landscape of sand, rock, sea and mountains, the Tuscan Archipelago is a protected national park. The best known island in the group is the Island of Elba, from where it is possible to take a boat trip around the archipelago to see Gorgonia, Capraia, Giglio and Giannutri. Hikers may want to pay a visit to Monte Capane (1019m) whilst those looking for a more relaxing time should head for the beaches. This is also a great area for diving.

Le grotte del vento
These caves are found in the confines of the mountainous Alpi Apuane Natural Park, and are amongst the most spectacular in Europe. Take one of the guided tours to see the extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites, alabaster, multi-coloured lava, and water crystals.

Chianti
This part of Tuscany is where you can enjoy the fruits of nature. The natural wonders of the rural landscape combine perfectly with harvesting and production methods, culminating in the production of excellent local wines. Varieties include Chianti Classic, Superiore, Rufina and the dessert wine Vin Santo.

Abetone
Abetone is a ski resort in the Pistoia Apennines which attracts winter sports enthusiasts. Over 50km of routes run down the mountains, and the resort boasts 22 ski lifts. After the end of the cold season, this area becomes a magnet for walkers who come to enjoy the mountains and the summer shade under the trees.

Versilia
The Versilia Riviera is the perfect destination for a beach holiday, and a celebrity haunt for VIPs during the summer. Some of the best known resorts along the coast are Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi and Marina di Pietrasanta. There are wide promenades for evening walks filled with street performers and market stalls, and for those looking for some night life, you can find plenty of trendy night clubs in this area.

Thermal Spas
Spa resorts in Tuscany include Montecatini, Chianciano and Monsummano, famed for their thermal waters. The reputed health benefits from this naturally purified water include the alleviation of kidney, liver, stomach and skin disorders. Visitors can take advantage of wellness treatments including hydrotherapy and mud baths.

The Pinocchio Park at Collodi
Opened in 1956, this is a magical place for families with small children. Visitors follow a course dotted with sculptures, mosaics and buildings that tell the story of Pinocchio. There are also story tellers, puppet shows and a carousel.

A Tuscan Lunch
A holiday in Tuscany is an ideal occasion to appreciate local cooking, especially over a long lunch. Begin with ‘fettunta’, a slice of toasted bread brushed with garlic and oil, or a local antipasto with salami, cheese and olives. For the next course try ‘rebollita’ (a vegetable and bread soup), local seafood including boiled octopus, or a meat dish like the very rare Fiorentine Steak . Game dishes are also popular, especially boar and deer. For dessert, choose from panforte (wafers filled with walnuts, almonds and candied peel), cantucci (almond biscuits for dipping into Vin Santo dessert wine), brigidini (flavoured with aniseed), Montecatini Waffles (filled with almonds), or Cenci (fried dough). Of course, do not forget to accompany your lunch with an assortment of local wines.