{"id":74575,"date":"2026-06-03T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/tuscany-vacation\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T04:30:58","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T02:30:58","slug":"tuscany-vacation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/","title":{"rendered":"Tuscany, Italy: 30 Most Beautiful Places, 7-Day Itinerary &#038; Map for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- lk-tldr -->\n<div class=\"lk-tldr\" style=\"background:#f7f5f0;border-left:4px solid #c39f76;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:14px 18px;margin:0 0 26px;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;\"><strong style=\"display:block;font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;color:#a9885a;margin-bottom:5px;\">TL;DR<\/strong>Tuscany, Italy tempts you with 30 of its most beautiful places, from <strong>Florence<\/strong>, <strong>Siena<\/strong> and <strong>Pisa<\/strong> with its Square of Miracles, through the tufa towns of <strong>Pitigliano<\/strong> and <strong>Sovana<\/strong>, all the way to the beaches on the island of <strong>Elba<\/strong> and the natural hot springs in <strong>Saturnia<\/strong> and Bagni San Filippo. The best time to visit is April, May, September and October, with temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees, while the full 7-day itinerary looping Florence\u2013Lucca\u2013Pisa\u2013San Gimignano\u2013Volterra\u2013Siena\u2013Chianti\u2013Val d&#x27;Orcia needs at least five to seven days. As a base, we recommend Siena or the Val d&#x27;Orcia area, and accommodation in an agriturismo runs about \u20ac60 to \u20ac125 a night. Don&#x27;t drive into historic centres like Florence, Siena or Monteriggioni because of the camera-monitored ZTL zones, where a violation means a fine mailed straight to your home.<\/div>\n<!-- \/lk-tldr -->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I pedalled up those endless hills on our long-distance cycling trip across Europe, I think I was sweating from places I didn&#x27;t even know I had. Tuscany, Italy really put us through our paces on the bikes, but every single metre of climbing was worth it. When the view of the <strong>rolling landscape dotted with cypress trees<\/strong> opens up in front of you, you instantly forget about your aching legs and just stare in disbelief at all that beauty. It&#x27;s exactly the kind of postcard-perfect splendour you know from pictures, except in real life it&#x27;s even a notch better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuscany is quite simply paradise on earth, and we absolutely love coming back. Whether you long to wander the narrow lanes of <strong>medieval little towns<\/strong>, want to taste the finest Italian wine right at the vineyards, or just soak in <strong>hot natural springs<\/strong>, you&#x27;ll find your thing here. On top of that, Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I are vegetarians, and the local traditional cuisine is an absolute dream come true for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, I&#x27;ve put together everything you need to know before your trip. We&#x27;ll look at <strong>when the best time to go is<\/strong>, how to avoid hefty parking fines, and most importantly I&#x27;ll show you <strong>30 of the most beautiful places<\/strong> you definitely shouldn&#x27;t miss. I&#x27;ve also added our favourite <strong>seven-day road trip itinerary<\/strong> to make your planning as easy as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde32d5a&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde32d5a\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/saturnia-lazne-1.jpg\" alt=\"Saturnia - hot springs in Tuscany\" class=\"wp-image-58635\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Saturnia &amp;#8211; hot springs in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#When_to_go_to_Tuscany\" >When to go to Tuscany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Where_to_stay_in_Tuscany\" >Where to stay in Tuscany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#30_things_to_see_and_do_in_Tuscany\" >30 things to see and do in Tuscany<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#1_Florence_%E2%80%93_the_Renaissance_heart_of_the_region\" >1. Florence \u2013 the Renaissance heart of the region<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#2_Pisa_and_its_Square_of_Miracles\" >2. Pisa and its Square of Miracles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#3_Medieval_Siena_and_its_shell-shaped_square\" >3. Medieval Siena and its shell-shaped square<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#4_San_Gimignano_%E2%80%93_the_town_of_medieval_skyscrapers\" >4. San Gimignano \u2013 the town of medieval skyscrapers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#5_Lucca_and_its_perfect_walls\" >5. Lucca and its perfect walls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#6_Etruscan_Volterra_and_the_alabaster_tradition\" >6. Etruscan Volterra and the alabaster tradition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#7_The_Cascate_del_Mulino_natural_springs_in_Saturnia\" >7. The Cascate del Mulino natural springs in Saturnia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#8_Val_dOrcia_%E2%80%93_the_most_photogenic_landscape\" >8. Val d&#x27;Orcia \u2013 the most photogenic landscape<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#9_Pienza_and_its_famous_pecorino_sheeps_cheese\" >9. Pienza and its famous pecorino sheep&#x27;s cheese<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#10_Montepulciano_and_Nobile_wine\" >10. Montepulciano and Nobile wine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#11_Montalcino_and_the_fortress_above_the_vineyards\" >11. Montalcino and the fortress above the vineyards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#12_The_Chianti_Classico_wine_region\" >12. The Chianti Classico wine region<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#13_The_tiny_fortress_of_Monteriggioni\" >13. The tiny fortress of Monteriggioni<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#14_Arezzo_and_the_frescoes_by_Piero_della_Francesca\" >14. Arezzo and the frescoes by Piero della Francesca<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#15_Cortona_under_the_Tuscan_sun\" >15. Cortona under the Tuscan sun<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#16_The_forest_springs_of_Bagni_San_Filippo\" >16. The forest springs of Bagni San Filippo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#17_Bagno_Vignoni_and_its_thermal_square\" >17. Bagno Vignoni and its thermal square<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#18_Pitigliano_or_the_Little_Jerusalem\" >18. Pitigliano, or the Little Jerusalem<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#19_Sovana_and_the_Etruscan_tombs\" >19. Sovana and the Etruscan tombs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#20_Sorano_the_Tuscan_Matera\" >20. Sorano, the Tuscan Matera<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#21_The_port_city_of_Livorno\" >21. The port city of Livorno<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#22_Viareggio_and_the_beaches_of_Versilia\" >22. Viareggio and the beaches of Versilia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#23_Castiglione_della_Pescaia\" >23. Castiglione della Pescaia<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#24_The_sandy_cove_of_Cala_Violina\" >24. The sandy cove of Cala Violina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#25_The_island_of_Elba_and_the_traces_of_Napoleon\" >25. The island of Elba and the traces of Napoleon<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#26_Bolgheri_and_the_cypress_avenue\" >26. Bolgheri and the cypress avenue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#27_Grosseto_and_the_Tuscan_countryside\" >27. Grosseto and the Tuscan countryside<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#28_Pistoia_%E2%80%93_the_town_of_flowers\" >28. Pistoia \u2013 the town of flowers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#29_Anghiari_and_its_lost_fresco\" >29. Anghiari and its lost fresco<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#30_The_granite_island_of_Giglio\" >30. The granite island of Giglio<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#A_7-day_driving_itinerary_around_Tuscany\" >A 7-day driving itinerary around Tuscany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Where_to_go_next_from_Tuscany\" >Where to go next from Tuscany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#How_many_days_do_you_need_to_visit_Tuscany\" >How many days do you need to visit Tuscany?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#When_is_the_best_time_to_travel\" >When is the best time to travel?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Is_a_holiday_in_Tuscany_expensive\" >Is a holiday in Tuscany expensive?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Do_I_need_a_car_for_traveling\" >Do I need a car for traveling?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#How_do_I_avoid_parking_fines\" >How do I avoid parking fines?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#What_vegetarian_specialties_must_I_try\" >What vegetarian specialties must I try?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Where_can_I_find_thermal_springs_for_free\" >Where can I find thermal springs for free?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-vacation\/#Can_you_camp_in_Tuscany\" >Can you camp in Tuscany?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  <strong>Best time to visit:<\/strong> By far the best is <strong>April, May and September<\/strong>, when it&#x27;s pleasantly warm and you avoid the worst crowds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Driving and fines:<\/strong> You&#x27;re not allowed to drive into historic centres, which are guarded by the so-called <strong>camera-monitored ZTL zones<\/strong>, and fines fly straight to your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Accommodation:<\/strong> It&#x27;s ideal to find a strategic base, and I recommend <strong>Siena or the Val d&#x27;Orcia area<\/strong>, from which you can make brilliant day trips in every direction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Natural hot springs:<\/strong> Tuscany is full of <strong>free springs right out in nature<\/strong>, the most famous being the cascades in Saturnia, where you need to go early in the morning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Local food:<\/strong> Be sure to try the <strong>thick ribollita soup<\/strong> or the traditional pici pasta, and with your wine have some pecorino sheep&#x27;s cheese.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Wine regions:<\/strong> The most famous are <strong>Chianti Classico and the area around Montalcino<\/strong>, but in season you have to book tastings well in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>  <strong>Beaches and sea:<\/strong> If you want clean water without the crowds on paid sunbeds, head south to the <strong>Maremma area or the island of Elba<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p><!-- LK_CLIMATE start --><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-climate\"><style>.lk-climate{max-width:100%;margin:2rem 0;font-family:inherit}.lk-climate .lk-cl-h{margin:0 0 .4em;font-size:1.15rem;font-weight:700}.lk-climate .lk-cl-lead{margin:0 0 .8em;color:#444;font-size:.95rem;line-height:1.5}.lk-climate .lk-cl-scroll{overflow-x:auto}.lk-climate table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.94rem}.lk-climate th,.lk-climate td{padding:7px 10px;text-align:center;border-bottom:1px solid #eadfce}.lk-climate th{background:#c39f76;color:#fff;font-weight:600}.lk-climate td:first-child,.lk-climate th:first-child{text-align:left}.lk-climate tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#faf6ef}.lk-climate .lk-cl-src{margin:.5em 0 0;font-size:.8rem;color:#8a7a63}<\/style><p class=\"lk-cl-h\">Tuscany: weather and sea temperature by month<\/p><p class=\"lk-cl-lead\">\ud83c\udf21\ufe0f Warmest: August (30 \u00b0C by day) \u00b7 \ud83c\udf0a Warmest sea: August (28 \u00b0C) \u00b7 \u2614 Least rain: July<\/p><div class=\"lk-cl-scroll\"><table><thead><tr><th>Month<\/th><th>Day<\/th><th>Night<\/th><th>Sea<\/th><th>Rainy days<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>January<\/td><td>12 \u00b0C<\/td><td>5 \u00b0C<\/td><td>15 \u00b0C<\/td><td>12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>February<\/td><td>14 \u00b0C<\/td><td>6 \u00b0C<\/td><td>14 \u00b0C<\/td><td>7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>March<\/td><td>15 \u00b0C<\/td><td>7 \u00b0C<\/td><td>14 \u00b0C<\/td><td>8<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>April<\/td><td>17 \u00b0C<\/td><td>9 \u00b0C<\/td><td>16 \u00b0C<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>May<\/td><td>21 \u00b0C<\/td><td>14 \u00b0C<\/td><td>19 \u00b0C<\/td><td>12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>June<\/td><td>26 \u00b0C<\/td><td>18 \u00b0C<\/td><td>23 \u00b0C<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>July<\/td><td>29 \u00b0C<\/td><td>21 \u00b0C<\/td><td>27 \u00b0C<\/td><td>3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>August<\/td><td>30 \u00b0C<\/td><td>22 \u00b0C<\/td><td>28 \u00b0C<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>September<\/td><td>26 \u00b0C<\/td><td>18 \u00b0C<\/td><td>24 \u00b0C<\/td><td>10<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>October<\/td><td>21 \u00b0C<\/td><td>15 \u00b0C<\/td><td>22 \u00b0C<\/td><td>12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>November<\/td><td>16 \u00b0C<\/td><td>10 \u00b0C<\/td><td>19 \u00b0C<\/td><td>15<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>December<\/td><td>13 \u00b0C<\/td><td>7 \u00b0C<\/td><td>16 \u00b0C<\/td><td>16<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p class=\"lk-cl-src\">Source: climate normal 2019\u20132024 (Open-Meteo, measured data)<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- LK_CLIMATE end --><\/p>\n\n\n<!-- lk-navbar -->\n<div class=\"lk-navbar\" style=\"margin:0 0 28px;\"><div style=\"font-size:12px;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.06em;color:#a9885a;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:9px;\">Quick links<\/div><div style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:9px;\"><a href=\"#Kde_se_ubytovat_v_Toskansku\" style=\"background:#c39f76;color:#fff;border:1px solid #c39f76;padding:9px 15px;border-radius:22px;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;display:inline-block;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udccd Where to stay<\/a><a href=\"#30_tipu_co_videt_a_delat_v_Toskansku\" style=\"background:#c39f76;color:#fff;border:1px solid #c39f76;padding:9px 15px;border-radius:22px;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;display:inline-block;line-height:1;\">\u2b50 What to see<\/a><a href=\"#Kdy_vyrazit_do_Toskanska\" style=\"background:#fff;color:#6b5a44;border:1px solid #e2d6c1;padding:9px 15px;border-radius:22px;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;display:inline-block;line-height:1;\">\u2600\ufe0f When to go<\/a><a href=\"#Kam_dal_z_Toskanska\" style=\"background:#fff;color:#6b5a44;border:1px solid #e2d6c1;padding:9px 15px;border-radius:22px;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;display:inline-block;line-height:1;\">\ud83e\udded Nearby<\/a><a href=\"#Casto_kladene_otazky\" style=\"background:#fff;color:#6b5a44;border:1px solid #e2d6c1;padding:9px 15px;border-radius:22px;font-size:14px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;display:inline-block;line-height:1;\">\u2753 FAQ<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/lk-navbar -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_go_to_Tuscany\"><\/span>When to go to Tuscany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuscany is a stunning destination in any season, but the ideal time to visit depends a lot on what exactly you want to experience. From our experience, the absolute <strong>best time is spring and autumn<\/strong>. If you can, go in April, May, or then in September and October. In these months the <strong>temperatures hover around a pleasant 20 to 25 degrees<\/strong>, which is absolutely ideal for exploring towns and for cycling. On top of that, the spring landscape is incredibly lush green and full of blooming poppies, while autumn plays out in golden colours and is the <strong>time of the grape and olive harvest<\/strong>. We break down the temperatures month by month, as well as the sea temperature, in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-weather-by-month\/\">Weather in Tuscany<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Personally, I&#x27;d rather avoid summer, even though I understand that families with kids often have no other option. From mid-June to the end of August, Tuscany turns into a furnace, with <strong>temperatures regularly climbing past 35 degrees<\/strong>. Walking through the baking stone lanes of Florence in that kind of sticky heat is more of a punishment than a treat. On top of that, this is when the Italians themselves are on holiday, so <strong>there are huge crowds everywhere<\/strong>. Watch out especially for the period around 15 August, when the Ferragosto holiday is celebrated and a lot of smaller businesses or restaurants may be completely closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don&#x27;t mind slightly cooler weather, <strong>winter in Tuscany has something going for it too<\/strong>. From December to February, daytime temperatures sit around 8 to 11 degrees, which is plenty for walks in a jumper and jacket. The advantage is that you&#x27;ll have even the <strong>most famous places like San Gimignano or Pisa<\/strong> almost to yourself. You do have to bear in mind, though, that winter tends to be the rainiest season, so you won&#x27;t get by without an umbrella and good shoes. It&#x27;s an absolutely magical time for <strong>bathing in the hot natural springs<\/strong>, when steam rises from the warm water into the frosty morning air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When planning how long to travel, definitely <strong>count on at least five to seven days<\/strong>. Tuscany is enormous, and the distances between the individual villages on winding back roads take up more time than they look on a map. If you want to see Florence, Siena, taste wine in Chianti and drive through the Val d&#x27;Orcia valley, a week is the absolute minimum so that you&#x27;re <strong>not constantly just rushing around in the car<\/strong>. For those who only have a long weekend, I recommend picking just one smaller area, for example the surroundings of Siena, and saving the rest for next time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_in_Tuscany\"><\/span>Where to stay in Tuscany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right base is absolutely crucial for a holiday in Tuscany. Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I always try to <strong>find accommodation somewhere in the middle of the region<\/strong>, so we don&#x27;t have to spend hours driving around every day. In this respect, the <strong>surroundings of Siena or the Val d&#x27;Orcia area<\/strong> are absolutely ideal. From here you&#x27;re close to the most beautiful hilltop towns, the vineyards and the thermal springs. I&#x27;d only recommend staying right in the centre of Florence to those who don&#x27;t have a car and plan to travel purely by train, because <strong>parking and traffic in the streets of Florence<\/strong> are a driver&#x27;s nightmare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to experience the real, authentic Tuscany, definitely look for a so-called <strong>agriturismo<\/strong>. These are traditional stone farms and rural estates that local families have converted into charming guesthouses. They often come with a pool overlooking the countryside, and the owners will offer you their <strong>own olive oil, homemade cheeses and wine<\/strong> at breakfast. It&#x27;s an experience that no big, impersonal hotel can give you. Prices per night in a nice agriturismo for two run roughly <strong>from \u20ac60 to \u20ac125<\/strong> (1,500 to 3,000 CZK), depending of course on the season and the facilities. We prefer to look for and book accommodation the classic way on Booking, where the choice of these farms is the largest. We&#x27;ve written up twenty specific farms with prices in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/agriturismo-tuscany-italy\/\">Agriturismo in Tuscany<\/a>, and if you&#x27;re travelling in a bigger group or with family, check out our selection of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-villas-private-pool\/\">villas with a pool in Tuscany<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you want to pick a specific place, we have a few tips. If you&#x27;re after pure luxury and don&#x27;t mind paying a bit extra, take a look at the <strong>Hotel Certosa di Maggiano<\/strong> a short drive from Siena. It&#x27;s a beautiful historic complex in a former Carthusian monastery dating back to 1316, with a wonderful pool and a sprawling garden where you&#x27;ll feel like you&#x27;re in a fairytale. For a slightly more affordable but still very elegant experience, there&#x27;s the <strong>villa Ca&#x27; Bianca Tuscany Relais<\/strong> a few kilometres from Siena on the edge of Chianti, which offers everything you&#x27;d expect from the Tuscan countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town of Lucca in the north of the region also has a brilliant strategic location. From here you&#x27;re a short drive from Pisa, the sea and the mountains. Here the <strong>cosy Casamariu accommodation<\/strong> is very popular, and it won&#x27;t ruin your wallet while still providing great comfort. Whichever area you choose, in the summer months <strong>book your accommodation several months in advance<\/strong>. The best and affordable farms with a pool tend to be sold out for July and August as early as the start of spring. Travelling with kids? We break down what actually works in Tuscany and what doesn&#x27;t in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-italy-with-kids\/\">Tuscany with kids<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n.lk-stays-header::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='60' height='60' viewBox='0 0 60 60' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cg fill='none' fill-rule='evenodd'%3E%3Cg fill='%23ffffff' fill-opacity='0.05'%3E%3Cpath d='M36 34v-4h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2h-4zm0-30V0h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2V6h4V4h-4zM6 34v-4H4v4H0v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2H6zM6 4V0H4v4H0v2h4v4h2V6h4V4H6z'\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") repeat;\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n.lk-stays-icon {\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n  width: 68px;\n  height: 68px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff 0%, #f9f6f0 100%);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-size: 26px;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.lk-stays-eyebrow {\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); 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}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to stay in Tuscany<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">4 accommodations \u2014 wellness hotels, hotels and other accommodation options<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=toskanskodovolena&#038;address=Tosk%C3%A1nsko&#038;hotelname=Hotel+Certosa+di+Maggiano&#038;search=Hotel+Certosa+di+Maggiano&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\u2b50 Luxury<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Hotel Certosa di Maggiano<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Luxury hotel in a former Carthusian monastery from 1316 near Siena with a pool and extensive garden.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=toskanskodovolena&#038;address=Tosk%C3%A1nsko&#038;hotelname=Ca%27+Bianca+Tuscany+Relais&#038;search=Ca%27+Bianca+Tuscany+Relais&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Ca&#8217; Bianca Tuscany Relais<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Elegant villa a few kilometers from Siena on the edge of Chianti, offering everything you&#8217;d expect from the Tuscan countryside.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=toskanskodovolena&#038;address=Tosk%C3%A1nsko&#038;hotelname=Casamariu&#038;search=Casamariu&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe1 Guesthouse<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Casamariu<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Cozy accommodation in Lucca with great comfort at affordable prices. Good strategic location near Pisa and the sea.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=en&#038;campaign=toskanskodovolena&#038;address=tosk\u00e1nsko\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83d\udd0d Search<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">View all accommodations in Tuscany<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Explore all available accommodation options in Tuscany and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Compare prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30_things_to_see_and_do_in_Tuscany\"><\/span>30 things to see and do in Tuscany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuscany is so packed with monuments and natural beauty that you could spend a year here and there&#x27;d still be something to discover. I&#x27;ve picked out <strong>30 of our favourite places<\/strong> for you that I think are worth a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Florence_%E2%80%93_the_Renaissance_heart_of_the_region\"><\/span>1. Florence \u2013 the Renaissance heart of the region<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde34204&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde34204\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Florencie-toskansko.jpg\" alt=\"Lucka visiting Florence in Tuscany.\" class=\"wp-image-58636\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Florence is the most visited place in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florence is a city where art seems to breathe from every corner. An absolute basic is a visit to the <strong>famous Uffizi Gallery<\/strong>, where you&#x27;ll see Botticelli&#x27;s Birth of Venus with your own eyes. But definitely buy the tickets, which cost around \u20ac25, online well in advance, otherwise you&#x27;ll spend half a day waiting in an endless queue. If you long to see the original of Michelangelo&#x27;s David, you have to head to the nearby <strong>Galleria dell&#x27;Accademia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The landmark of the whole city is the enormous <strong>Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore<\/strong> with its brick dome by the architect Brunelleschi. Entry to the cathedral itself is free, but if you want to climb the 463 steps all the way up to the dome, you have to buy a combined ticket and book a specific time slot. The view of Florence&#x27;s red roofs from the top is absolutely breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#x27;t forget to stroll across the <strong>historic Ponte Vecchio bridge<\/strong>, which is literally dotted with small goldsmith&#x27;s shops. Just a short walk from it you&#x27;ll find Piazza della Signoria, the main square with the Palazzo Vecchio town hall, which functions as a kind of open-air sculpture gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Don&#x27;t under any circumstances try to drive into the centre of Florence. The whole centre is a <strong>strict ZTL zone with cameras<\/strong>. The best thing is to leave your car at the big Villa Costanza park-and-ride right by the exit from the A1 motorway and take the tram into the centre comfortably in a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Pisa_and_its_Square_of_Miracles\"><\/span>2. Pisa and its Square of Miracles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde34c02&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde34c02\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pisa-sikma-vez.jpg\" alt=\"The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Tuscany.\" class=\"wp-image-58637\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you say Pisa, everyone immediately pictures the famous <strong>Leaning Tower<\/strong>, where crowds of tourists try to get the funniest photo of themselves propping it up. Construction began back in 1173, and the tower started leaning during the build itself because of the soft subsoil. If you want to climb the nearly 300 steps to the top, set aside \u20ac20 and definitely buy your ticket in advance for a specific time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It would be a huge shame, though, to come to Pisa, snap the tower and drive straight off. The whole <strong>Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles<\/strong>, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is absolutely stunning. Right next to the tower stands the beautiful marble Cathedral of the Assumption, entry to which is free when you buy a ticket for the tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Definitely make time for the <strong>enormous circular Baptistery<\/strong>, which is the largest in all of Italy and has absolutely incredible acoustics. Just next to it is the monumental Camposanto cemetery with beautiful frescoes, where there&#x27;s wonderful peace away from the crowds packed onto the lawn around the tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Most people leave the Square of Miracles straight away, but try walking into the <strong>historic centre of Pisa<\/strong> towards the river Arno. You&#x27;ll find beautiful little squares and lanes where you can sit down for excellent gelato without the tourist mark-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Medieval_Siena_and_its_shell-shaped_square\"><\/span>3. Medieval Siena and its shell-shaped square<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde353fd&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde353fd\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/saturnia-nejkrasnejsi-misto-toskansko.jpg\" alt=\"Saturnia hot springs\" class=\"wp-image-58639\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you set off early in the morning, you can get a similar photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For me personally, Siena is probably the most beautiful larger city in all of Tuscany. It&#x27;s a huge rival to Florence and has kept a much more authentic medieval character. The heart of the whole city is the famous <strong>Piazza del Campo<\/strong>, which has a unique shell shape and slopes down towards the town hall. It&#x27;s right here that the famous and gruelling Palio horse race takes place twice a year. We covered both towns in detail in a separate article, <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/siena-italy-medieval-tuscany\/\">Siena and San Gimignano<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rising above the square is the slender <strong>Torre del Mangia<\/strong>, over a hundred metres tall. The climb up more than four hundred narrow steps is quite a workout, but the view of Siena&#x27;s brick roofs for around \u20ac10 is definitely worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#x27;t let the <strong>monumental Siena Cathedral<\/strong>, or the Cathedral of the Assumption, escape your attention either. Both outside and inside it&#x27;s made of striped black-and-white marble, and it&#x27;s a stunning sight. It&#x27;s worth buying the combined OPA SI Pass for around \u20ac15, which also opens the doors to the fascinating Piccolomini Library and the crypts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Just like in Florence, the historic centre of Siena is <strong>reserved for pedestrians only<\/strong>. Leave your car in one of the big underground garages by the walls; the Santa Caterina car park, for example, works brilliantly, and escalators take you almost all the way up into the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_San_Gimignano_%E2%80%93_the_town_of_medieval_skyscrapers\"><\/span>4. San Gimignano \u2013 the town of medieval skyscrapers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde35d59&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde35d59\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/siena-toskansko-1.jpg\" alt=\"The famous shell-shaped square in Siena.\" class=\"wp-image-58640\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Siena and its shell-shaped square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you approach San Gimignano, you&#x27;ll spot its unmistakable silhouette from afar. In the Middle Ages, wealthy families here competed to build the tallest tower as a symbol of power. Today it&#x27;s sometimes jokingly called the <strong>medieval Manhattan<\/strong>, because fourteen of the roughly seventy original towers have survived beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tallest of them is <strong>Torre Grossa<\/strong>, which you can also climb. Admission costs around \u20ac10, but it&#x27;s better to buy the San Gimignano Pass for \u20ac15 straight away, which lets you visit all the main town museums. Don&#x27;t forget to look inside the Romanesque Collegiata with its beautiful frescoes either. You&#x27;ll find specific tips on what to fit in around town in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/siena-italy-medieval-tuscany\/\">Siena and San Gimignano: 8 tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This little town is a huge draw, so during the day it can be genuinely shoulder-to-shoulder. Piazza della Cisterna with its historic well is surrounded by caf\u00e9s and little shops, where <strong>hundreds of tourists from coach tours<\/strong> squeeze in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you want to experience the real magic of San Gimignano, <strong>come here early in the morning or stay overnight<\/strong>. Once the buses leave around five in the afternoon, the lanes empty out, the lamps come on, and you&#x27;ll feel like a time traveller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Lucca_and_its_perfect_walls\"><\/span>5. Lucca and its perfect walls<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3680c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3680c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/San\u2013Gimignano.jpg\" alt=\"The Tuscan town of San Gimignano\" class=\"wp-image-58641\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San Gimignano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lucca lies a little off the main tourist onslaught, and yet it&#x27;s an absolute jewel of northern Tuscany. Its greatest pride is its <strong>perfectly preserved Renaissance walls<\/strong>, which still hold the town in a tight ring today. The walls are so wide that a tree-lined promenade runs along the top, and walking all the way around them is a roughly four-kilometre stroll. You&#x27;ll find a detailed guide in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/lucca-italy-things-to-do\/\">Lucca: 22 tips on what to see and why to cycle the walls<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The very best thing is to <strong>rent a bike right by the walls<\/strong> and cycle around the whole town from up top. In the centre itself, you&#x27;ll be captivated by the oval Piazza dell&#x27;Anfiteatro, whose houses precisely trace the shape of the original Roman amphitheatre that once stood here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town&#x27;s most striking landmark is the <strong>brick Torre Guinigi<\/strong>. You&#x27;ll recognise it easily, because several large oak trees grow right on its roof. If you climb the 230 steps, admission will cost you just under \u20ac6 and you&#x27;ll get a beautiful view over the surroundings from the shade of the trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Lucca is one of the few Tuscan towns that <strong>lies on completely flat ground<\/strong>. It&#x27;s therefore an ideal destination if you&#x27;ve had enough of forever climbing steep hills. On top of that, you can get here brilliantly and cheaply by train directly from Florence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Etruscan_Volterra_and_the_alabaster_tradition\"><\/span>6. Etruscan Volterra and the alabaster tradition<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde37143&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde37143\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Lucca.jpg\" alt=\"The Etruscan town of Lucca in Tuscany\" class=\"wp-image-58642\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The town of Lucca in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ancient Volterra rises high on a hill, a town whose history reaches deep into the days of the ancient Etruscans. The town is <strong>protected by massive double walls<\/strong> and has kept a slightly rougher, more mysterious character than the surrounding Renaissance towns to this day. From the centre there are gorgeous views into the deep valleys around. You&#x27;ll find more tips in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/volterra-tuscany-italy\/\">Volterra: 18 tips on what to see in the Etruscan town of alabaster<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Volterra is famous the world over for <strong>working precious alabaster<\/strong>. In the narrow lanes you&#x27;ll come across plenty of small craft workshops where you can watch the masters at work. It&#x27;s a fascinating sight, and alabaster products are the best souvenir you can bring home from here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Definitely don&#x27;t skip a visit to the <strong>Guarnacci Etruscan Museum<\/strong>, which is among the most important of its kind in Italy. If you plan to visit several rooms and sights, such as the old Palazzo dei Priori town hall or the Roman theatre, it&#x27;s worth buying the Volterra Card for around \u20ac15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: For parking in Volterra, the <strong>La Dogana underground car park<\/strong> worked best for us. It&#x27;s paid, sure, but at least your car won&#x27;t be baking in the sun all day, and it&#x27;s just a few steps to the Porta San Francesco gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_The_Cascate_del_Mulino_natural_springs_in_Saturnia\"><\/span>7. The Cascate del Mulino natural springs in Saturnia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde37c2b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde37c2b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Volterra.jpg\" alt=\"The historic town of Volterra in Tuscany.\" class=\"wp-image-58643\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The historic town of Volterra in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This place is one of my biggest highlights from all of Tuscany. The Cascate del Mulino are <strong>natural thermal springs<\/strong> that well up from the ground and form cascades of small travertine pools right next to an old mill. The water is a lovely 37.5 degrees all year round, so you can bathe here even in the middle of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best thing about it is that these springs are <strong>completely free and open 24 hours a day<\/strong>. Don&#x27;t expect any changing rooms, showers or luxury facilities here, though \u2014 it&#x27;s simply nature. You only pay for parking at the nearby designated car park, which works out at \u20ac2.50 an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have to warn you, though, that the water is strongly sulphurous, so <strong>expect the typical rotten-egg smell<\/strong>, which you won&#x27;t easily wash out of your swimsuit. What&#x27;s more, the bottom of the pools is quite slippery and sometimes has sharp little stones, so water shoes definitely come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Never, but really <strong>never bring silver jewellery into the water<\/strong>, because it would instantly turn black in the sulphurous water. And if you want to avoid the crowds that gather here during the day, you have to get up early and ideally be here before eight in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Val_dOrcia_%E2%80%93_the_most_photogenic_landscape\"><\/span>8. Val d&#x27;Orcia \u2013 the most photogenic landscape<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3824b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3824b\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Montepulciano.jpg\" alt=\"Montepulciano in Tuscany\" class=\"wp-image-58644\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Montepulciano in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you close your eyes and picture Tuscany, you probably see exactly the Val d&#x27;Orcia valley. This whole area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 and is an absolute paradise for photographers. Here you&#x27;ll find those <strong>perfectly rolling green hills, endless golden fields<\/strong> and lone stone farmhouses on the horizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The absolute symbol of the area is the <strong>tall, slender cypress trees<\/strong>. They often line the driveways to farms or just stand in little clusters on a hill. One of the most beautiful spots is the small Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta chapel, which stands alone in the fields lined by exactly these trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to soak up this beauty is to <strong>link the local villages along the SP 146 road<\/strong>, which runs between Pienza and Montepulciano. It&#x27;s a scenic route full of bends, where you&#x27;ll want to stop every five minutes to take yet another photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: A beautiful cypress avenue, known as Viale dei Gladiatori, is <strong>near Pienza by the Terrapille agriturismo<\/strong>. It&#x27;s right here that the closing dream scenes from the famous film Gladiator were shot. Most of these avenues lie on private land, so you can only photograph them from a distance from the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Pienza_and_its_famous_pecorino_sheeps_cheese\"><\/span>9. Pienza and its famous pecorino sheep&#x27;s cheese<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde38912&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde38912\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Arezzo.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58645\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Arezzo is famous mainly for the frescoes by Piero della Francesca<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pienza is a small town right in the heart of the Val d&#x27;Orcia, often nicknamed the ideal Renaissance town. In the fifteenth century, Pope Pius II, who was born here, had a large part of it rebuilt. Luckily, Pienza lies <strong>more or less on flat ground<\/strong>, so there are no drastic climbs waiting for you here like in other towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town&#x27;s main draw, though, is the food \u2014 specifically the <strong>famous pecorino di Pienza sheep&#x27;s cheese<\/strong>. Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I are crazy about cheese, and here you&#x27;ll come across it absolutely everywhere. In the narrow lanes there&#x27;s one cheese shop next to another, and you&#x27;ll smell that distinctive aroma of maturing cheese at every step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here you can taste <strong>pecorino at many stages of maturity<\/strong>, from the soft and fresh kind to hard cheeses matured in ash or walnut leaves. Local pear jam or honey goes wonderfully with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Before you leave Pienza, go and take a look at the Palazzo Piccolomini. Right behind it there&#x27;s a beautiful <strong>hanging garden and viewing terrace<\/strong>, from which you have the whole Val d&#x27;Orcia area laid out at your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Montepulciano_and_Nobile_wine\"><\/span>10. Montepulciano and Nobile wine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde38fc7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde38fc7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Livorno.jpg\" alt=\"The seaside town of Livorno in Tuscany\" class=\"wp-image-58646\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The harbour in the Italian town of Livorno<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Montepulciano rises on a high ridge and looks incredibly majestic. It&#x27;s a town full of elegant Renaissance palaces and steep lanes that converge on the main Piazza Grande. It&#x27;s from this square and the surrounding walls that there are <strong>gorgeous views over the Val di Chiana valley<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town is famous the world over for its red wine, <strong>Vino Nobile di Montepulciano<\/strong>. If you like wine, you&#x27;re in the right place. It&#x27;s not just an ordinary tasting, though \u2014 many of the local wineries have their historic cellars carved right into the rock deep beneath the houses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A visit to such an <strong>underground labyrinth full of enormous oak barrels<\/strong> is an experience in itself. They often let you peek into the cellars for free, and if you buy a bottle as a keepsake, they&#x27;ll offer you a small tasting too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: On the last Sunday of August every year, Montepulciano hosts the <strong>traditional Brav\u00eco delle Botti race<\/strong>. Competitors from the various neighbourhoods push heavy wooden barrels steeply uphill in front of them, and in the evening the whole town then celebrates outdoors at long tables with traditional food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Montalcino_and_the_fortress_above_the_vineyards\"><\/span>11. Montalcino and the fortress above the vineyards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3959f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3959f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Grosseto.jpg\" alt=\"The wine town of Grosseto.\" class=\"wp-image-58647\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The wine town of Grosseto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking of wine, we mustn&#x27;t forget nearby Montalcino. This small hilltop town is home to one of the most expensive and <strong>most prized Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino<\/strong>. This powerful red wine matures here for several years, and tastings in the local enotecas tend to be a slightly more serious affair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you&#x27;re not a wine drinker, Montalcino is worth a stop. The town&#x27;s landmark is the <strong>mighty medieval Fortezza<\/strong> from the fourteenth century. For a small fee, you can walk right along its walls, from where there&#x27;s a splendid view of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town itself is very peaceful, full of narrow steep lanes and small squares. It&#x27;s a great place to have <strong>traditional pici pasta<\/strong> for lunch and just watch the slow pace of the Italian countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you&#x27;re planning a guided tasting right at one of the surrounding vineyards, remember that Italy&#x27;s drink-driving limit is 0.5 per mille, but on the narrow little roads it&#x27;s better not to risk it. Instead, <strong>arrange a tasting within walking distance<\/strong> of your accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_The_Chianti_Classico_wine_region\"><\/span>12. The Chianti Classico wine region<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde39bba&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde39bba\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pistoia.jpg\" alt=\"Pistoia\" class=\"wp-image-58648\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pistoia in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between Florence and Siena stretches probably the most famous Italian wine region \u2014 Chianti. You&#x27;ll recognise it by the fact that the landscape rolls more here, there are more forests, and endless rows of vineyards stretch out all around. The finest wine is <strong>Chianti Classico, which bears a black rooster on its emblem<\/strong>, the so-called Gallo Nero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to enjoy Chianti is to <strong>drive along the scenic Chiantigiana road (SR222)<\/strong>. The route takes you through the prettiest wine villages such as Greve, Radda or Castellina in Chianti. Each of them has its own little centre where you can taste the local products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides wine, they also produce <strong>top-quality extra virgin olive oil<\/strong> here on a large scale. We bring home a year&#x27;s supply of oil from Italy \u2014 the fresh autumn one, called olio nuovo, has an almost slightly peppery taste, and with fresh bread it&#x27;s an absolute delicacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The large, famous wineries in Chianti operate in season <strong>almost exclusively on advance reservation<\/strong>. If you want a full tasting combined with a cellar tour, book your spot even three weeks ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_The_tiny_fortress_of_Monteriggioni\"><\/span>13. The tiny fortress of Monteriggioni<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3a266&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3a266\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sorano.jpg\" alt=\"Sorano\" class=\"wp-image-58649\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A former Etruscan town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monteriggioni is so tiny that you&#x27;ll walk through the whole of it in twenty minutes, but I guarantee you won&#x27;t forget it. It&#x27;s actually a <strong>tiny medieval fortress with perfectly circular walls<\/strong>, from which fourteen defensive towers rise up. From a distance it looks like a huge stone crown set on top of a hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This little town even found its place in literature, since <strong>Dante Alighieri himself mentioned it<\/strong> in his famous Divine Comedy. Inside the walls you&#x27;ll find just one small square, a little church, a few stone houses and shops selling ceramics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a few euros you can walk <strong>right along the walls on wooden walkways<\/strong>. From here you have a beautiful view not only of the fortress&#x27;s inner courtyard, but also of the surrounding green landscape towards Siena. We&#x27;ve put together another twenty-two such borghi, including those with the official certification of the most beautiful villages in Italy, in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/most-beautiful-towns-tuscany-italy\/\">The most beautiful little towns in Tuscany<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Even though Monteriggioni is tiny, it has its own strict ZTL zone. Don&#x27;t try to drive inside \u2014 the <strong>large Via Cassia Nord park-and-ride<\/strong> is right below the hill by the walls, and you can always find a spot there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Arezzo_and_the_frescoes_by_Piero_della_Francesca\"><\/span>14. Arezzo and the frescoes by Piero della Francesca<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3a7b9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3a7b9\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Val-d\u00b4Orcia.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58650\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Tuscan countryside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Arezzo lies a little off the main Tuscan triangle of Florence\u2013Siena\u2013Pisa, and maybe that&#x27;s why there are somewhat fewer foreign tourists here. And yet it&#x27;s a wealthy town with a beautiful sloping Piazza Grande, which you might <strong>remember from the film Life Is Beautiful<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town made its name in the production of gold jewellery, but for art lovers the main draw is the <strong>Basilica of San Francesco<\/strong>. Inside you&#x27;ll find the Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle by the famous painter Piero della Francesca, which is one of the most important Renaissance works of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you come here on the first weekend of the month, you&#x27;ll experience a huge <strong>traditional antiques market<\/strong>. The whole centre fills up with hundreds of stalls of historic furniture, old books and ceramics, and the town takes on an incredibly lively atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: From Arezzo you&#x27;re just a short drive from the border with the Umbria region. It&#x27;s a <strong>great and quieter base<\/strong> if you want to explore the eastern part of Tuscany and enjoy an authentic setting without being crammed in with the crowds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Cortona_under_the_Tuscan_sun\"><\/span>15. Cortona under the Tuscan sun<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3adbb&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3adbb\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Florencie-duomo.jpg\" alt=\"Florence Duomo\" class=\"wp-image-58652\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Florence Duomo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cortona is a gorgeous little town perched high on a hill, from which there&#x27;s a fantastic view over the valley and all the way to Lake Trasimeno. It became known to many travellers mainly thanks to the <strong>famous book and film Under the Tuscan Sun<\/strong>. Be prepared for the lanes here to be genuinely extremely steep, and you&#x27;ll be walking up a proper hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cortona&#x27;s history is closely tied to the ancient Etruscans. Even the foundations of the massive walls that surround the town <strong>date back to the fifth century BC<\/strong>. It&#x27;s definitely worth visiting the local Museum of the Etruscan Academy, where you can see plenty of fascinating excavations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides the history, the laid-back atmosphere will get to you too. On Piazza della Repubblica you can sit down on the town hall steps, have some excellent gelato and just <strong>soak up that real Italian ease<\/strong>, which not even the steep hills can spoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: For parking in Cortona, the same applies as everywhere else \u2014 the centre is off-limits. The best thing is to leave your car <strong>at the large car park by the market below the hill<\/strong> and take a series of escalators up, saving yourself a lot of effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"16_The_forest_springs_of_Bagni_San_Filippo\"><\/span>16. The forest springs of Bagni San Filippo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3b36f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3b36f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/siena.jpg\" alt=\"Siena\" class=\"wp-image-58653\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View of Siena<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don&#x27;t like the idea of crowds at the cascades in Saturnia, try the slightly wilder Bagni San Filippo. These natural thermal springs are <strong>right in the middle of a forest<\/strong> near a little village in the Val d&#x27;Orcia. The water wells up here at almost fifty degrees, so it will reliably warm you up even on cooler days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main landmark of this place is an enormous, brilliantly white limestone formation <strong>nicknamed Balena Bianca, the White Whale<\/strong>. Hot sulphurous water flows down over it into shallow pools where you can bathe for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to the springs is via a <strong>short walking trail through the forest<\/strong>, so I recommend taking comfortable shoes. Just like in Saturnia, you won&#x27;t find any facilities here, so you have to bring your towel, water and everything you need from the car. If you want thermal springs with comfort, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-wellness-hotels-thermal-spas\/\">tips on thermal spas and wellness hotels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: The ground around the spring is often muddy from the sediment, which the locals like to smear on their faces as a face mask, by the way. So bring an <strong>older dark towel and water shoes<\/strong> so you don&#x27;t ruin your nice things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"17_Bagno_Vignoni_and_its_thermal_square\"><\/span>17. Bagno Vignoni and its thermal square<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3b9a6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3b9a6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/saturnia-lazne-2.jpg\" alt=\"Saturnia hot springs\" class=\"wp-image-58654\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#x27;s stay with the springs a moment longer. Bagno Vignoni is a tiny village with a world first. Instead of a classic main paved square, they have an <strong>enormous rectangular pool full of hot thermal water<\/strong> here. It&#x27;s a historic monument, so unfortunately you can&#x27;t bathe in it, but in winter steam rises from it and it looks absolutely magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pilgrims on their way to Rome used to bathe here regularly, but today a different spot is reserved for free bathing. You have to walk a short way below the village <strong>into the so-called Parco dei Mulini<\/strong>. Here you can see the remains of the old thermal mills and come across a stream with warm water too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#x27;d like to enjoy real relaxation with all the comfort, you can pay for <strong>entry to one of the luxury hotel spas<\/strong> right in the village, where perfectly maintained outdoor pools await you. We&#x27;ve picked out the <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-wellness-hotels-thermal-spas\/\">best wellness hotels and thermal spas in Tuscany<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Make a trip here towards evening. Around the historic pool there are plenty of little caf\u00e9s and wine bars where you can have a <strong>glass of wine with a view of the rising steam<\/strong> and enjoy an incredibly romantic atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"18_Pitigliano_or_the_Little_Jerusalem\"><\/span>18. Pitigliano, or the Little Jerusalem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3c042&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3c042\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/San\u2013Gimignano-3.jpg\" alt=\"San Gimignano\" class=\"wp-image-58655\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San Gimignano in Italy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The south of Tuscany hides the so-called tufa towns, and Pitigliano is absolutely the most beautiful of them. The town is built on a huge spur of volcanic tufa, and the houses blend seamlessly into the sheer rock beneath them. <strong>The best view of the whole drama<\/strong> opens up already from the approach road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pitigliano is often nicknamed the Little Jerusalem. In the sixteenth century, a sizeable Jewish community settled here, having found a safe refuge. The <strong>historic Jewish ghetto<\/strong> has survived to this day, where for a few euros you can view the synagogue, the ritual baths and the old kosher butcher&#x27;s shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreigners don&#x27;t come here much, so a much <strong>quieter and more authentic atmosphere<\/strong> reigns here than in the north of the region. You can just wander the winding lanes and marvel at how people managed to live for centuries on such a steep cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you want a magazine-worthy photo of Pitigliano, stop <strong>at the lay-by on the SR74 road coming from Manciano<\/strong>. From here you have the whole town, with its typical bell tower and viaduct, laid out at your feet in all its glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"19_Sovana_and_the_Etruscan_tombs\"><\/span>19. Sovana and the Etruscan tombs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3c6a4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3c6a4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Pisa-sikma-vez-2.jpg\" alt=\"The Leaning Tower of Pisa\" class=\"wp-image-58656\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Leaning Tower of Pisa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just a short drive from Pitigliano you&#x27;ll find another tufa town, peaceful Sovana. It has just one main street, but it&#x27;s lined with beautiful medieval buildings and ends at a majestic church. It&#x27;s a place where <strong>time stopped hundreds of years ago<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most interesting part, though, lies in the woods around the village. Sovana is surrounded by an <strong>ancient Etruscan necropolis<\/strong>, where stunning monumental tombs are carved into the rock. The most famous of them is the Tomba Ildebranda, which looks like a smaller Greek temple sunk into the rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What&#x27;s more, this whole area is threaded with the so-called <strong>Vie Cave, deep paths carved into the rock<\/strong> created by the Etruscans themselves. Walking through these shady canyons, up to twenty metres deep, is quite a mysterious experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: A walk along the Vie Cave is <strong>an ideal activity for a hot summer afternoon<\/strong>. The walls of soft tufa hold a pleasant coolness \u2014 just don&#x27;t forget to take good shoes, because the bottom of the paths tends to be uneven and very slippery after rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"20_Sorano_the_Tuscan_Matera\"><\/span>20. Sorano, the Tuscan Matera<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3cd66&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3cd66\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Lucca-2.jpg\" alt=\"The Tuscan town of Lucca\" class=\"wp-image-58657\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lucca in Tuscany<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trio of tufa towns is completed by Sorano, which thanks to its cascading layout is often nicknamed the Tuscan Matera. The houses here are <strong>stacked one on top of another at the edge of a steep gorge<\/strong>, and many of them have cellars carved right into the soft volcanic rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rising majestically above the town is the <strong>enormous defensive fortress Fortezza Orsini<\/strong>. It&#x27;s one of the most impressive military complexes in Tuscany, and thanks to its strong walls no one ever managed to conquer it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Sorano you won&#x27;t find any crowds of tourists with cameras. It&#x27;s a place where in the morning you&#x27;ll meet only locals going for coffee, and you can lose yourself undisturbed in the <strong>tangle of dark medieval lanes<\/strong>, which often end in unexpected views of the green valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: You can comfortably visit all three tufa towns \u2014 Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano \u2014 <strong>in a single day<\/strong>. They&#x27;re only a few kilometres apart, and each of them has a completely different but equally magical atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"21_The_port_city_of_Livorno\"><\/span>21. The port city of Livorno<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3d3b9&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3d3b9\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/mapa-toskanska.png\" alt=\"Map of Tuscany to download\" class=\"wp-image-58712\" title=\"\"><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Map of Tuscany to download<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Livorno isn&#x27;t the classic neat little Renaissance town \u2014 it&#x27;s a <strong>rougher, lively port city<\/strong> that&#x27;s definitely worth discovering. Instead of the typical Tuscan hills, you&#x27;ll find wide streets, canals reminiscent of Venice, and an enormous busy port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most beautiful thing here is an evening stroll along the <strong>elegant Terrazza Mascagni promenade<\/strong>. It&#x27;s a huge terrace with iconic chequerboard paving that lines the waterfront and offers absolutely unbeatable views of the sunset over the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From a foodie point of view, as vegetarians we find our thing here thanks to a local speciality. Definitely try the <strong>so-called torta di ceci, also called cecina<\/strong>, which is a thin baked flatbread made of chickpea flour, water and olive oil. The locals like to have it stuffed straight into a bread roll as quick street food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: A short way south of Livorno the coast rises into sandstone cliffs <strong>known as Calafuria<\/strong>. It&#x27;s a beautiful spot with wild Mediterranean vegetation where the locals like to escape the bustle of the city, and where you can snorkel brilliantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"22_Viareggio_and_the_beaches_of_Versilia\"><\/span>22. Viareggio and the beaches of Versilia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3da1e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3da1e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"898\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia.jpg\" alt=\"Beach and promenade in Viareggio on the Versilia coast\" class=\"wp-image-199152\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia-700x524.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-0-plaz-a-promenada-ve-viareggiu-na-pobrezi-versilia-696x521.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Arne M\u00fcseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you long for a classic beach holiday with all the trimmings, head to the north of Tuscany to the area called Versilia. Viareggio is its main hub, and you&#x27;ll recognise it by its <strong>wide sandy beaches and elegant colonnade<\/strong> full of Art Nouveau buildings and luxury boutiques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The beaches here are long, with fine sand and a very gentle entry into the sea, which is <strong>ideal for families with younger children<\/strong>. Most of the coast is, however, divided into the so-called stabilimenti, which are paid zones with neatly arranged sunbeds and umbrellas, for which you&#x27;ll pay quite a bit extra in season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Viareggio is also famous nationwide for its <strong>spectacular February carnival<\/strong>. Traditionally, huge and often very satirical papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 floats are built here, which then parade along the seafront promenade accompanied by music and dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you don&#x27;t want to pay for expensive sunbeds, look for <strong>signs reading spiaggia libera<\/strong>, which means a free public beach. They tend to be a bit busier and don&#x27;t have their own showers, but the sea is exactly the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"23_Castiglione_della_Pescaia\"><\/span>23. Castiglione della Pescaia<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3df3c&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3df3c\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-1-stredoveke-mestecko-castiglione-della-pescaia-nad-pristavem-.jpg\" alt=\"The medieval town of Castiglione della Pescaia above the harbour in Maremma\" class=\"wp-image-199153\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-1-stredoveke-mestecko-castiglione-della-pescaia-nad-pristavem-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-1-stredoveke-mestecko-castiglione-della-pescaia-nad-pristavem--300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-1-stredoveke-mestecko-castiglione-della-pescaia-nad-pristavem--700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-1-stredoveke-mestecko-castiglione-della-pescaia-nad-pristavem--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-1-stredoveke-mestecko-castiglione-della-pescaia-nad-pristavem--696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Johannes Gilger, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the northern coast is more refined and manicured, the south of Tuscany in the Maremma area is noticeably wilder and more authentic. Castiglione della Pescaia is a <strong>charming fishing village on a hill<\/strong>, over which an old medieval castle keeps watch with a beautiful view of the harbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here you&#x27;ll enjoy gorgeous clean water and long sandy beaches that regularly rank <strong>at the top of Italian water-cleanliness charts<\/strong>. Compared to Viareggio, the atmosphere here is much more relaxed and more connected to the surrounding unspoilt nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The historic centre on the hill is <strong>full of winding lanes with stone houses<\/strong>, where you&#x27;ll find excellent little restaurants. In summer it&#x27;s a very popular destination even among Italians themselves, so it tends to be pleasantly lively here in the evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Local Italian sources often recommend not missing a walk to the <strong>ruins of the old San Guglielmo monastery<\/strong>, which are hidden in the surrounding woods and offer a bit of shade and history a short way from the baking beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"24_The_sandy_cove_of_Cala_Violina\"><\/span>24. The sandy cove of Cala Violina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3e494&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3e494\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"673\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-2-pisecna-plaz-cala-violina-obklopena-borovicovym-lesem.jpg\" alt=\"The sandy beach of Cala Violina surrounded by a pine forest\" class=\"wp-image-199155\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-2-pisecna-plaz-cala-violina-obklopena-borovicovym-lesem.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-2-pisecna-plaz-cala-violina-obklopena-borovicovym-lesem-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-2-pisecna-plaz-cala-violina-obklopena-borovicovym-lesem-700x393.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-2-pisecna-plaz-cala-violina-obklopena-borovicovym-lesem-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-2-pisecna-plaz-cala-violina-obklopena-borovicovym-lesem-696x390.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Jacopo Marcovaldi, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cala Violina is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Tuscany. It lies protected in the Bandite di Scarlino nature reserve, and <strong>there&#x27;s no direct car access to it<\/strong>. To reach this beauty, you have to walk about a kilometre and a half from the car park through fragrant pine forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes this beach special is its fine white sand containing grains of quartz. It&#x27;s said that when you walk on it, <strong>the sand gently squeaks or sings beneath your feet<\/strong>, which is also where the name Violina, meaning violin, comes from. The sea here is wonderfully clean and crystal clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since it&#x27;s a nature reserve, <strong>you won&#x27;t find any stalls, toilets or sunbed rentals here<\/strong>. You have to carry everything you need on your back, especially enough drinking water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Because the beach is so popular and the nature is fragile, the authorities <strong>limit the number of visitors in the peak summer season<\/strong>. You have to reserve entry online in advance and pay a small fee, so definitely keep an eye on this so you don&#x27;t walk through the forest for nothing. You&#x27;ll find more tips on the coast in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/beaches-tuscany-italy\/\">The most beautiful beaches in Tuscany<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"25_The_island_of_Elba_and_the_traces_of_Napoleon\"><\/span>25. The island of Elba and the traces of Napoleon<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3e976&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3e976\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-3-zaliv-u-portoferraia-na-ostrove-elba.jpg\" alt=\"A bay near Portoferraio on the island of Elba\" class=\"wp-image-199156\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-3-zaliv-u-portoferraia-na-ostrove-elba.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-3-zaliv-u-portoferraia-na-ostrove-elba-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-3-zaliv-u-portoferraia-na-ostrove-elba-700x464.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-3-zaliv-u-portoferraia-na-ostrove-elba-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-3-zaliv-u-portoferraia-na-ostrove-elba-696x461.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: SDKmac, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have more than just a week for Tuscany, definitely make a trip to the island of Elba. It&#x27;s the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, and from the port in Piombino you can <strong>get there by ferry in about an hour<\/strong>. You can take your car with you, but in the peak summer season book your ticket well in advance. We&#x27;ve written up everything essential in a separate article, <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/island-elba-italy\/\">The island of Elba: what to see, beaches and the ferry<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Elba went down in history mainly as the <strong>place of Emperor Napoleon&#x27;s exile<\/strong> in 1814 and 1815. The main town of Portoferraio is full of memories of his stay; you can visit his official residence, the Palazzina dei Mulini, or his summer residence Villa San Martino, which lies just outside town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main reason everyone comes here, though, is the stunning coastline. Elba offers <strong>over 150 beaches of all kinds<\/strong>, from the fine sand of the Cavoli coves to the brilliantly white pebbles and turquoise water at the iconic Sansone beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you want to find a beach without crowds on Elba, <strong>avoid the main sandy resorts<\/strong> and look for the smaller rocky coves, the so-called calette. The way down to them is often steeper, but the reward will be peace and quiet and the best snorkelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"26_Bolgheri_and_the_cypress_avenue\"><\/span>26. Bolgheri and the cypress avenue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3ee70&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3ee70\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-4-slavna-cyprisova-alej-vedouci-do-bolgheri.jpg\" alt=\"The famous cypress avenue leading to Bolgheri\" class=\"wp-image-199158\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-4-slavna-cyprisova-alej-vedouci-do-bolgheri.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-4-slavna-cyprisova-alej-vedouci-do-bolgheri-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-4-slavna-cyprisova-alej-vedouci-do-bolgheri-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-4-slavna-cyprisova-alej-vedouci-do-bolgheri-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-4-slavna-cyprisova-alej-vedouci-do-bolgheri-696x464.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Repuli, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The little town of Bolgheri lies near the coast, and leading to it is probably <strong>the most famous road in all of Italy \u2014 the Viale dei Cipressi<\/strong>. It&#x27;s a five-kilometre straight road lined on both sides by two rows of old, mighty cypresses. The sight is so iconic that the avenue has been declared a national monument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town itself is tiny; you enter it through a gate beneath an old castle, and immediately a wonderful atmosphere hits you. Unlike the packed centres of Florence or Siena, there&#x27;s <strong>noticeably more peace and quiet<\/strong> here, and you can wander undisturbed through lanes full of flowers and small shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bolgheri and its surroundings are, above all, a name to reckon with in the world of wine. It&#x27;s from these vineyards near the sea that the <strong>famous wines known as Super Tuscans<\/strong> come. Winemakers here began successfully growing French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, thereby somewhat rewriting the rules of Italian winemaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Tasting prices at the famous wineries around Bolgheri tend to be <strong>somewhat higher than in ordinary Chianti<\/strong>, so set aside around fifty euros on average. If you just want to taste, right in the centre of Bolgheri there are plenty of cosy enotecas that&#x27;ll pour you great wine by the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"27_Grosseto_and_the_Tuscan_countryside\"><\/span>27. Grosseto and the Tuscan countryside<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3f391&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3f391\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-5-ulice-v-historickem-centru-mesta-grosseto.jpg\" alt=\"A street in the historic centre of Grosseto\" class=\"wp-image-199159\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-5-ulice-v-historickem-centru-mesta-grosseto.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-5-ulice-v-historickem-centru-mesta-grosseto-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-5-ulice-v-historickem-centru-mesta-grosseto-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-5-ulice-v-historickem-centru-mesta-grosseto-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-5-ulice-v-historickem-centru-mesta-grosseto-696x392.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Alienautic, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grosseto serves as the main hub of the southern part of Tuscany, the Maremma area. The town has a <strong>beautiful historic centre encircled by brick walls<\/strong> in the shape of a hexagon, which the famous Medici family had built in the sixteenth century. The walls are brilliantly preserved, and you can take a pleasant walk along them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside the centre, the main Piazza Dante with its beautiful Cathedral of San Lorenzo is worth seeing. Grosseto is overall a <strong>very laid-back and unassuming town<\/strong>, where you won&#x27;t run into hordes of tourists with guides, so you can experience ordinary Italian life and shop in local stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surrounding countryside is flatter and <strong>famous for producing excellent olive oil and wine<\/strong>. Around the town you&#x27;ll find plenty of farms and agriturismos offering peaceful accommodation far from the hustle of the big resorts, but with good access to the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you&#x27;re looking for dinner around Grosseto, <strong>forget the expensive restaurants and look for the summer sagre<\/strong>. These are traditional village food festivals where the locals serve you fresh pasta for a few euros and pour homemade wine straight into plastic cups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"28_Pistoia_%E2%80%93_the_town_of_flowers\"><\/span>28. Pistoia \u2013 the town of flowers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3f866&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3f866\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-6-piazza-del-duomo-v-pistoii-s-katedralou-a-zvonici.jpg\" alt=\"Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia with the cathedral and bell tower\" class=\"wp-image-199161\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-6-piazza-del-duomo-v-pistoii-s-katedralou-a-zvonici.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-6-piazza-del-duomo-v-pistoii-s-katedralou-a-zvonici-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-6-piazza-del-duomo-v-pistoii-s-katedralou-a-zvonici-700x394.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-6-piazza-del-duomo-v-pistoii-s-katedralou-a-zvonici-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-6-piazza-del-duomo-v-pistoii-s-katedralou-a-zvonici-696x392.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pistoia lies north of Florence and often stays unfairly overlooked. And yet it&#x27;s a town with a <strong>beautiful historic Piazza del Duomo<\/strong>, where you&#x27;ll find a cathedral with an impressive bell tower, old palaces and a baptistery that can boldly rival the one in Florence with its decoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The town became famous throughout Italy as a <strong>centre for growing flowers and ornamental trees<\/strong>. If you&#x27;re arriving here, you&#x27;ll spot the huge expanses of greenhouses and nurseries from afar. Large flower markets are then held regularly in the centre, which beautifully scent and enliven the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also worth a visit is the <strong>Basilica of Our Lady of Humility<\/strong>, with the third-largest dome in Italy, signed by the architect Giorgio Vasari. And if you&#x27;re travelling with kids, definitely don&#x27;t miss the large local zoo, which has red pandas among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Pistoia is a <strong>great starting point for trips into the mountains<\/strong>. The area called Montagna Pistoiese is full of forests, hiking trails and, in winter, even functions as a smaller ski resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"29_Anghiari_and_its_lost_fresco\"><\/span>29. Anghiari and its lost fresco<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde3fcff&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde3fcff\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"460\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-7-panorama-stredovekeho-mestecka-anghiari-na-kopci.jpg\" alt=\"Panorama of the medieval hilltop town of Anghiari\" class=\"wp-image-199162\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-7-panorama-stredovekeho-mestecka-anghiari-na-kopci.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-7-panorama-stredovekeho-mestecka-anghiari-na-kopci-300x115.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-7-panorama-stredovekeho-mestecka-anghiari-na-kopci-700x268.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-7-panorama-stredovekeho-mestecka-anghiari-na-kopci-768x294.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-7-panorama-stredovekeho-mestecka-anghiari-na-kopci-696x267.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Luca Aless, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anghiari is an absolutely gorgeous, little-known village lying in the east of Tuscany near the border with Umbria. It&#x27;s included on the official list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and you&#x27;ll find the <strong>real, genuine medieval atmosphere<\/strong> here, with narrow lanes that climb steeply uphill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The little town went down in history with the <strong>famous Battle of Anghiari in 1440<\/strong>, where the Florentines fought against Milan. This battle was to be captured by Leonardo da Vinci on a giant fresco in Florence, which he never finished, though, and which mysteriously disappeared. In Anghiari, a captivating local museum is dedicated to this event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides the history, it&#x27;s a joy just to wander here. The most beautiful lane is <strong>Via della Torre<\/strong>, which takes the form of a long, gently ascending staircase leading all the way up to the old bell tower. From here you get a beautiful view over the valley of the river Tiber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: Anghiari is home to the <strong>historic Busatti manufactory<\/strong>, which for generations has been weaving incredibly high-quality linen and cotton fabrics using traditional methods. You can peek right into their workshop and take home a truly genuine handcrafted souvenir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"30_The_granite_island_of_Giglio\"><\/span>30. The granite island of Giglio<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6aa1cdde402de&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6aa1cdde402de\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"797\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-8-vesnice-giglio-castello-na-vrcholu-kopce-na-ostrove-giglio.jpg\" alt=\"The village of Giglio Castello on top of a hill on the island of Giglio\" class=\"wp-image-199164\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-8-vesnice-giglio-castello-na-vrcholu-kopce-na-ostrove-giglio.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-8-vesnice-giglio-castello-na-vrcholu-kopce-na-ostrove-giglio-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-8-vesnice-giglio-castello-na-vrcholu-kopce-na-ostrove-giglio-700x465.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-8-vesnice-giglio-castello-na-vrcholu-kopce-na-ostrove-giglio-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/58555-8-vesnice-giglio-castello-na-vrcholu-kopce-na-ostrove-giglio-696x462.jpg 696w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Simonetta Viterbi, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our last tip is the island of Giglio, which lies about sixteen kilometres off the coast of the Maremma area. It&#x27;s a beautiful, <strong>mostly granite island with wild nature<\/strong>, part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. The ferry trip here takes about an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The island has just three small settlements. Giglio Porto is the colourful harbour where you arrive, Giglio Castello is an ancient village with a fortress hidden high in the hills, and <strong>Giglio Campese is a wide sandy beach on the western coast<\/strong>, ideal for swimming and watching sunsets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the island is covered in <strong>fragrant Mediterranean vegetation and old vineyards<\/strong> that slope down to the sea in terraces. They&#x27;re used to make the local strong white wine Ansonica, which you can have with lunch at one of the local restaurants overlooking the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Tip: If you&#x27;re spending your holiday on the southern coast of Tuscany, Giglio is an <strong>absolutely perfect destination for a day trip<\/strong>. Leave your car at the Porto Santo Stefano harbour on the mainland; you can get around the island comfortably on the local buses, so you&#x27;ll save on the expensive car ferry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_7-day_driving_itinerary_around_Tuscany\"><\/span>A 7-day driving itinerary around Tuscany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuscany is made for a road trip, but it&#x27;s enormous and you won&#x27;t fit everything in within a week. We designed this logical loop so that you see the most famous towns, taste great wine and enjoy the prettiest landscape, but without wearing yourself out. You&#x27;ll find a detailed version, including ZTL zones, parking and tips on bases, in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tuscany-italy-by-car\/\">Tuscany by car<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 1: Florence without a car<\/strong> If you fly into Florence or drive here, leave your car on the outskirts at the Villa Costanza park-and-ride and take the tram into the centre (watch out for the ZTL zones!). Devote the whole day to exploring the city&#x27;s Renaissance beauty on foot. Definitely don&#x27;t miss the <strong>Duomo with Brunelleschi&#x27;s dome<\/strong> and stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio full of small goldsmith&#x27;s shops. Buy your tickets to the Uffizi or Accademia galleries <strong>online several days in advance<\/strong>, otherwise you&#x27;ll spend half a day waiting in the queue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 2: Lucca and Pisa<\/strong> On the second day, pick up your car and head west. Devote the morning to the town of Lucca, where you should <strong>rent bikes and cycle along the wide Renaissance walls<\/strong>. After an excellent lunch, drive over to nearby Pisa and explore <strong>the whole Square of Miracles<\/strong>, not just the famous Leaning Tower, but the enormous baptistery and the adjacent cemetery too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 3: San Gimignano and Volterra<\/strong> Get up a little early in the morning and head to San Gimignano before the first coaches full of tourists arrive. Walk the <strong>winding lanes among the fourteen medieval towers<\/strong> and enjoy your morning coffee in peace. In the afternoon, drive over to ancient Etruscan Volterra, where you can lose yourself in the little workshops and admire the <strong>local masters working alabaster<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 4: Siena<\/strong> Devote this day solely to Siena, which in our view is perhaps <strong>even more beautiful than Florence itself<\/strong>. Park comfortably in the underground garages by the walls and head to the famous <strong>shell-shaped Piazza del Campo<\/strong>. In the afternoon, definitely explore the fascinating black-and-white Duomo, and if you have the energy, climb the narrow steps up the Torre del Mangia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 5: The Chianti wine region<\/strong> Slow down the pace and set off on a scenic drive along the <strong>SR222 road, known as the Chiantigiana<\/strong>. The route takes you through picturesque wine villages like Greve or Castellina in Chianti. Reserve a <strong>tasting of local wine with the black rooster seal<\/strong> in advance, and don&#x27;t forget to try the local fresh extra virgin olive oil, which is absolutely excellent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 6: The Val d&#x27;Orcia valley and the springs<\/strong> Head into the most postcard-perfect Tuscan landscape, full of golden hills and cypress avenues. Stop in Pienza for a <strong>tasting of the delicious pecorino sheep&#x27;s cheese<\/strong>, and in the afternoon explore the wine cellars carved into the rock beneath the town of Montepulciano. Towards evening, go and warm up in the <strong>natural thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo<\/strong>, which are hidden right in the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Day 7: The sea or the journey back<\/strong> You can spend the last day relaxing on the beach. If you long for nature, drive to the <strong>sandy cove of Cala Violina<\/strong> in the Maremma area, just don&#x27;t forget to reserve entry in advance. If you&#x27;re already heading home, make a last stop in Arezzo, buy some souvenirs and have one <strong>final Italian gelato on the beautiful sloping square<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_go_next_from_Tuscany\"><\/span>Where to go next from Tuscany<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have more time for travelling around Italy, it would be a huge shame to stay in just one region. Tuscany has an absolutely ideal location for further exploring of the peninsula. Luk\u00e1\u0161 and I fell so much in love with the Italian landscape and culture that we&#x27;ve written several more detailed guides about it. If you want to deepen your Tuscan experiences even further, definitely check out our article devoted purely to the region&#x27;s capital, where you&#x27;ll find detailed tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/florence-italy\/\">Florence<\/a>. We&#x27;ve also written in detail about the Square of Miracles in our article on the city of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/pisa-italy\/\">Pisa<\/a>, and we&#x27;ve prepared a separate guide for climbing the <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/pisa-italy-leaning-tower\/\">Leaning Tower of Pisa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you set off from Tuscany towards the northwest along the coast, you&#x27;ll reach the neighbouring region of Liguria. It&#x27;s right there that the famous five colourful villages clinging to steep cliffs are located. It&#x27;s an absolutely <strong>photogenic paradise with a romantic atmosphere<\/strong>, about which we&#x27;ve written a complete guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/cinque-terre-italy\/\">Cinque Terre<\/a>. It does get genuinely crowded there in summer, but a walk along the narrow trails among the vineyards high above the sea is an experience you simply can&#x27;t miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If, on the other hand, you&#x27;re tempted to head from Tuscany towards the south into the so-called green heart of Italy, you mustn&#x27;t miss the Umbria region. Just across the region&#x27;s border, a <strong>fascinating historic town<\/strong> rises on an enormous volcanic rock, hiding one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the whole country. You&#x27;ll find all our tips on this place in our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/orvieto-italy\/\">Orvieto<\/a>. And if you&#x27;d like to continue even further south in search of ancient monuments and great food, we&#x27;ve written a comprehensive article with tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/rome-italy\/\">what to see in Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Italy is quite simply an enormous and incredibly diverse country. The northern mountains, the romantic lakes and the wild south offer completely different experiences. If you&#x27;re still not entirely clear on exactly where you&#x27;d like to go next time, we&#x27;ve prepared a <strong>big roundup full of inspiration<\/strong> for you. You&#x27;ll find it in our article <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/italy-vacation\/\">Where to go on holiday in Italy<\/a>. And we haven&#x27;t forgotten the lovers of romance and canals either, for whom we have a practical guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/complete-guide-to-the-benatques\/\">Venice<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"toskansko\" lang=\"en\" --><!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_many_days_do_you_need_to_visit_Tuscany\"><\/span>How many days do you need to visit Tuscany?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>For the absolute essentials like Florence and a quick drive through the countryside, a long weekend will suffice. However, if you want to truly enjoy the region, <strong>5 to 7 days is ideal<\/strong>. This gives you enough time to explore smaller hilltop towns at a leisurely pace, visit vineyards, and bathe in natural thermal springs without constantly rushing.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_the_best_time_to_travel\"><\/span>When is the best time to travel?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The absolute best time to visit is during the months of <strong>April, May, September, and October<\/strong>. This way you avoid the unpleasant summer heat, which often exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, and you won&#8217;t encounter such huge crowds of tourists. Spring offers beautifully blooming green landscapes, while autumn is ideal for wine harvest and olive picking enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_a_holiday_in_Tuscany_expensive\"><\/span>Is a holiday in Tuscany expensive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Tuscany is one of the slightly more expensive Italian regions, especially around Florence and Siena. However, if you <strong>choose accommodation in the countryside at an agriturismo<\/strong> and eat at smaller family-run trattorias away from the main squares, you can keep costs at a reasonable level. You&#8217;ll also save a lot of money by visiting freely accessible thermal baths instead of luxury hotel spas.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_car_for_traveling\"><\/span>Do I need a car for traveling?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends on your plan. If you only want to see the main cities like Florence, Pisa, or Lucca, <strong>you&#8217;ll do just fine with the excellent Italian rail network<\/strong>. But if you dream of wandering through the Val d&#8217;Orcia valley, want to visit isolated vineyards, or the tufa towns in the south, you won&#8217;t get there without a rental car.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_avoid_parking_fines\"><\/span>How do I avoid parking fines?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The biggest trap for foreigners are the <strong>so-called ZTL zones in historic city centers<\/strong>. Entry into them is monitored by cameras and without permission you&#8217;ll receive an automatic fine that will arrive at your home. Before entering any town, always look for signs with a blue letter P and leave your car safely parked outside the historic walls.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_vegetarian_specialties_must_I_try\"><\/span>What vegetarian specialties must I try?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Tuscan cuisine is a vegetarian&#8217;s dream. You absolutely <strong>must try the thick ribollita soup<\/strong> full of beans and vegetables, or the summer tomato salad panzanella made with stale bread. We fell most in love with the handmade thick pici spaghetti with garlic sauce and the excellent local pecorino di Pienza sheep&#8217;s cheese with pear jam.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_can_I_find_thermal_springs_for_free\"><\/span>Where can I find thermal springs for free?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Tuscany is full of natural spas that you don&#8217;t have to pay a single euro for. The <strong>most famous are the Cascate del Mulino cascades<\/strong> near the town of Saturnia, where you can bathe in travertine pools. A wilder alternative in the middle of the forest is the Bagni San Filippo springs. Just be aware that you won&#8217;t find any changing rooms or toilets there.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780491063007\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_camp_in_Tuscany\"><\/span>Can you camp in Tuscany?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, camping is very popular here and you&#8217;ll find <strong>plenty of beautiful and well-equipped campsites<\/strong>. Great options are along the coast in the Maremma area, where you can sleep just steps from the beach under the shade of tall pine trees. Beautiful campsites are also scattered inland, for example right near Florence you&#8217;ll find a campsite with a swimming pool.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover 30 of the most beautiful places in Tuscany, Italy with us, dodge the crowds and parking fines, and plan the perfect road trip full of wine and hot springs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":74576,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Tuscany, Italy: 30 Best Places & 7-Day Itinerary","rank_math_description":"Explore 30 of the most beautiful places in Tuscany, Italy, with a 7-day itinerary, map and tips on wine, hot springs and avoiding the crowds. Start planning now!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"tuscany italy","rank_math_seo_score":"94"},"categories":[326,348,320,1395],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-europe","category-italy","category-travel","category-tuscany"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/saturnia-lazne-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=74575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/74575\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/74576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=74575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=74575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}