Hotels in Tuscany

Tuscany is always a top choice for tourists in Italy. It has a fascinating history, romantic backdrops, and scenic views. The region offers everything a tourist could ask for. Even though the region exudes romance, the towns also offer great activities for families.

How to Get There

To get into the region internationally, flying is the best option. There are two international airports to get into Tuscany. One is the Galileo Galilei International Airport and the other is the Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Both airports handle flights to major European cities and offer train or bus rides to get to any town proper.

Getting Around

Tuscany’s easiest way of travel is by bus. It is the most convenient way to get around local and rural areas. It is also the cheapest option and would usually be the top choice for tourists. Trains are a popular choice especially for long-distance travel from one city to another. Cars and taxis are available everywhere. Cycling is also a part of transportation in the region.

Top Things to Do

Tuscany’s vast beauty is always great for visitors. There is always something for every interest and it is almost always breathtaking. When visiting Tuscany or even Italy, it is a must to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and do the infamous hand post. Even though this is a tough spot for people who don’t like big crowds, the beauty of the tower and great Instagram content opportunity seems like a great plus point when deciding. Since lines can be long, book ahead of time so you get to skip all the lines.

Another fun thing to do in Tuscany is the colorful and very competitive Palio di Siena. It is a horse race that dates back to ancient times. It is hosted in Piazza del Campo, the most famous square in Siena in July and August. It is quite entertaining albeit the traditional vibe.

For wine lovers, wine harvesting is the best activity to sign up on. Tuscany is big with vineyards and local communities gather every September to harvest all the grapes and produce new wine. The best part of the activity: the taste test!

For a more cultured part of the trip, go to the Uffizi Gallery. It hosts artworks of famous artists including Botticelli, Donatello, and Michaelangelo. This museum is definitely on top of most lists for museum visits in Tuscany as it holds important art from the Renaissance period as well as some of the most famous artists in the world.

For the romantics, seeing the orange and white buildings peppered all across a beautiful view with the mountains and hills as a backdrop is as real as it can get. The view from the Florence skyline is quite breathtaking and photogenic. It looks like it was taken out of the many movies you’ve seen about Italy, and yet it is true.

What to Eat

Eating Tuscan cuisine in Tuscany is always a default. Italy is one of the world’s most gastronomic places and therefore has high standards with food. Ristorante La Lancia d’Oro, fortunately, passed with flying colors. The food is a mix of modern and refined dishes with traditional Tuscan cuisine and the result is nothing short of amazing. The place is designed by artist and architect Giorgio Vasari and is the perfect place to eat and be amazed by art.

A must visit in Tuscany is Ristorante Dario e Anna. The restaurant serves classic Tuscan food made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. The fun part about this restaurant that opened way back in 1964 is its ever-changing menu that keeps patrons happy.

Since you can never have too much Tuscan cuisine, you can always visit Trattoria II Saraceno. The artsy restaurant serves local food with plenty of Italian flairs. It is located in an old craftsman’s workshop and has an extensive wine list to suit every budget and every discerning taste bud.

If it’s simple, homey, and warm you are looking for, go to Antica Osteria L’Agania. Every dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Their menu of traditional Tuscan food is made from home-cooked recipes made for over four generations of straightforward scrumptious food. Armed with an impressive list of wine titles, you can never have a bad night here.

For the more adventurous, a reimagined flavor of Tuscan food might just be for you. The endless list of restaurants serving traditional Tuscan cuisine is good, but for best, go to Bistrot 31. The restaurant’s contemporary take on traditional food makes it a standout from the establishments dating back to ancient times. With a great vibe and a great list of wines, the Bistrot 31 is a great option for anyone.

Where to Stay

Tuscany offers a wide variety of accommodation for all kinds of budget. But when deciding where to stay in Tuscany, it is always a good idea to go by the town. If you want to experience a blast from the past, the best place to stay is in Cortona. With its stone-clad town and white and orange-topped houses and a medieval tower, it is almost a dream come true to stay in one of the hotels in Cortona.

For a view of the 15 towers, stay in San Gimignano. The town has kept its medieval charm even after all these years and has stunning accommodations to add to a remarkable stay. Lined with cobblestones and fresh Tuscan air, San Gimignano is a great option for families who would like a more laid back and picturesque place.

Lucca looks a bit more contemporary but every bit as charming as the other towns in Tuscany. Enjoy a nice walk in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the nearby streams of shops and restaurants for visitors. There are also hotels nearby Lucca cathedral that also offers a great view of the rest of the town.

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