Planning a trip to Tuscany? OMG I'm so excited for you guys! Here you will find some destinations we have traveled to, with impressions, tips and tricks to enjoy your trip in Tuscany.
I am so in love with Italy. Most of the cities I visited are in this country, so I hope you will also be left with this beautiful impression.
Why I like Italy
- wine
- olive oil
- Seafood
- Mediterranean climate
- "dolce far niente"
- Tuscany
- the people from the terraces
- Easter
- Florence
- talking with the hand
- the morning noise in the cafes
Day 1
Florence – the city where time is telescopic
It is one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy. The reasons are obvious from the first steps in the city. Renaissance architecture, fine art and an unwavering devotion to food have made Florence an international sensation. People travel from all over the globe for a chance to experience Florentine culture, no matter what it might cost.
I say this because compared to other cities I visited in Italy, this one definitely made a difference.
Florence can be quite expensive these days, not to mention very crowded. But we were lucky enough to avoid that crowd. The time I was there was mid-September. It seems that students and children go back to school and there are fewer tourists on this occasion. However, the town seemed very clean and quite quiet.
Florence is the city I would return to at least 10 times. I am convinced that I would never tire of the Florentine air and the architecture here. It's the city where even if you got the route wrong, it would still be a good choice. Every street has its charm. Everywhere you find stalls with local ice cream, pastries, charcuterie and wine shops. The river Arno that crosses the city cools you down on hot summer nights. I say this because even though it was the middle of September, the summer temperatures were still felt. At night they were between 20-23 degrees.
Where are we staying in Florence?
A big part of the Florence experience is due to the accommodation we had. I found a super Florentine Airbnb, not even 10 minutes from Ponte Vecchio (the most famous bridge in Florence). It was a great stay. I had an apartment on the ground floor. Most likely spread over an area of more than 200 square meters, with two interior terraces where you could quietly drink your morning coffee or evening wine. I'll leave the location here because it's worth going to, plus it's close to any point you want to visit. For more pictures of the accommodation in Campuccio 42 and to be able to book it, I leave the link here.
where we eat
Another good reason to love Florence is the delicious food. I want to remind you that if you go to Florence, you absolutely must try the restaurants specific to the area. One of the restaurants we opted for is Mangia Foco. Here you can find the famous Florentine steak. Yes, exactly that steak! We loved it so much that we went the next night to get our fill. Ahh... I forgot to mention that a steak weighs between 1 kg and 1.2 kg and the price is around €60-€70. But it is so delicious that you feel it melt in your mouth. I recommend sharing with at least two people. Or… you can eat it alone, as a friend of ours did.
What we visit in Florence
Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore
For a view of 365 degrees over Florence, you can go to the top Brunelleschi's Dome. Are 463 steps and generally lasts between 45 minutes and an hour. The stairs were originally designed for workers and there is no elevator. And if it seems like too many steps, you can try Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence who has 84.70 meters high and 398 steps. A very important thing is for those who are claustrophobic of closed spaces to avoid this climb. Mid-climb, the steps narrow and the climb becomes more and more difficult, especially if it is crowded.
Uffizi Gallery
Another objective for which I recommend getting your tickets as early as possible (with a guide is best) is Uffizi Gallery. The most famous gallery in the Tuscany region. It is located near Piazza della Signori.
This gallery is known for its collection of paintings from the Renaissance period. Here you will find the works of the most famous painters of the world, such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli. One important thing is that Uffizi is one of the most visited art museums in the world.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence's most iconic bridges and is a must-see for anyone visiting Florence. Built in the 14th century, this stone arch bridge is unique due to the shops and workshops located on both sides of the bridge. You must not miss it!
Florence more romantic than Paris
Walking around every evening and getting lost in the streets, I realized that I could declare it the most romantic city I've been to. And yes, I've also been to Paris, but I think Florence is more intimate for me than Paris. Even if you are alone, it is worth going to this city full of art. Florence is for everyone. It's quieter, it's full of young people. It is visited by tourists, but at the same time you don't feel surrounded by them on every street. The city is quite airy. One of the reasons why you don't feel the crowds of tourists is that you can find them all in just 3-5 famous spots of the city. Thus, everyone is scattered everywhere, after all, every street, place and terrace is special in Florence.
Interesting fact
Ice cream was invented by Bernardo Buontalenti in the renaissance period.
A must in Florence – The culinary experience
When you think of Italy, the first thought goes to pizza, pasta and Aperol. How about telling them you could one day experience and learn the art of pasta making?
I will recommend the best ones in the heart of Tuscany. Only 20 min away from Florence, there is a gorgeous house on a hill surrounded by olive trees, where two eager chefs are waiting to teach you the art of pasta making in the most traditional and authentic ways.
I invite you to read the article Activities Tuscany, Italy - Discover the art of pasta making to learn how to sign up.
Do you want to know more about Florence? We have a travel guide dedicated exclusively to exploring the city of Florence, here.
Day 2
Siena – the heart of Tuscany
Our dream was to stay in Tuscany at an authentic villa and relax by the pool. Guess what? We got more than we wanted. I've always thought people exaggerate about Tuscany. But whoever said that Tuscany has a special charm, believe him. Starting with Florence, to the villages lost among the hills with vineyards, Tuscany enchants you.
How do we get there? in Siena
Our road to Siena started from Florence. The first tip I can give you is to rent a car at the airport. So we saw that the prices were much better compared to the city. I took the T2 tram from the central station to the airport. In total, it took me 30 minutes to get to the airport.
Where are we staying in Siena?
First, let me tell you about the location where I stayed. It is by far the most authentic and beautiful accommodation I have been to. I found it by luck on booking.com. It was just like in the movies. I had rented a car in Florence, a Fiat of course. And on a hill, on the outskirts of Siena, 10 minutes from the center by car, we arrived on a country road. The moment the gates opened, my heart leapt out of my chest with happiness. I went down and took a deep breath and said "This is Tuscany".
After a tour of the garden, pool and rooms, we opened a bottle of wine and admired the vineyard hills in the quiet of the evening. Link to accommodation.
In the evening we went to taste the local cuisine in Siena. And some days, we get into our tiny and very cramped Fiat and explore the villages near Siena.
What we visit in Tuscany
Punto Panoramico Crete Senesi Agriturismo Baccoleno
The road itself through the hills is what I recommend you do if you get there. You can see the sunsets from the vineyards and olive groves. Punto Panoramico Crete Senesi Agriturismo Baccoleno it is one of the locations you should not miss. If you want to feel like in the movie Gladiator, you have to go there. You will find exactly those fields of wheat and the famous roadside trees. There may be other routes Chiantigiana Road or Val D'orcia.
Montalcino
Another superb village for wine tasting is Montalcino. Here, and I'm not kidding, there is an "Enoteca" wine shop every 10-15 m away. It is a very quiet town surrounded by vineyards and permeated with the smell of grapes.
Of course, we couldn't help ourselves, so we committed an illegality. Lost through the hills with grapes, I stopped the car and "stole" 2 bunches of grapes. Any stolen fruit is tastier than bought. I hope the owner didn't notice the two bunches missing.
Vinoteci in Montalcino
If you want to have a relaxing holiday, spend warm evenings by the pool, admire the hillside orchards and taste the best local wines. I highly recommend Toscana.
Interesting fact
The town of Montalcino has only one honorary citizen. This is a wine tasting cigar critic. It is about the American James Suckling.
Day 3
Terme di Saturnia
Just two hours away from Siena is one of the most beautiful thermal water reserves. It's about Terme di Saturnia.
I originally found this location through internet recommendations. Then, some friends from the cooking class in Florence recommended that we definitely go there if we have the chance.
Said and done. I got in the car in the morning and started to Terme di Saturnia.
The drive there was typical Tuscan, as if disconnected from reality. The olive groves and grapes, the villages hanging on the top of the hill, the roads with the well-known bushes – Italian cypress trees – all these accompanied us for only 2 hours. The bushes had tall and elegant spiers of dark green. They are an integral part of Italy, as much as the terracotta-roofed houses that dot the hilly countryside of Tuscany (and many other parts of Italy).
Arriving at our destination, we parked and went straight to the natural waterfall. Entry is free. Everyone was lounging in the oases formed by the sulphurous water (it made me think of Ice Age meerkats sitting in warm baths).
Free and safe experience
It was a picture exactly like on Google Photos. Turquoise water, clean and the world very relaxed. You could leave your things on the edge of the beach without worrying about running out of them. I had my phone, GoPro, car keys, wallet, change of clothes with me and I returned with them.
Once I got into the water I realized how hot it can be. I had the feeling that I was in my bathtub at home. I want to mention that the annual constant temperature is 37.5 degrees. mI was expecting to hit sand, but at the bottom of the water there were only some very round and fluffy pebbles. That's why I recommend for the most sensitive to take flip flops or water slippers with you. An interesting thing is that the yield of the source is about 800 liters per second, which guarantees an optimal water replacement.
Where does the "strange" smell come from?
If you reach these Terms don't worry about the fact that you will smell a strange smell. No one was "a little naughty" around you. It is the natural smell of water. The chemical composition being sulphur, carbon, sulphate, bicarbonate-alkaline, earth, with the presence of gaseous hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. Minerals dissolved in water amount to 2.79 grams per liter. And here I want to give you a tip. If you're wearing silver jewelry in particular, you might want to ditch it as you enter the water. Otherwise you will end up like me. All the jewelry I had with me got blackened. So, be careful!
Interesting fact
Terme di Saturnia it dates back to 3000 years ago. But in 1454 the permit was granted for the Saturnia baths. In 1865 the Ciacci family created the facilities for the spa area.
Legend has it that the name Saturnia it comes from a battle between the two deities. So Jupiter he thought of throwing some lightning bolts that formed these oases of sulphurous water. And look like that thanks to him Jupiter we can sit and take a dip in the warm water.
An alternative for the elderly
But the story does not end here. Did I tell you that every time I have to have an adventure? The funny part is, I accidentally bought tickets to the Terme di Saturnia resort. The first thought was "Let's go there too, it's definitely nicer".
The place in general looks very good, but the average age is 70-90 years. Funny isn't it? You realize it couldn't get any better than the natural waterfall. We laughed I think for 10-15 min then we went and splashed in the beautifully arranged pools. Surrounded by people the age of grandparents. Somehow I felt a pressure, that we had to behave nicer and speak more slowly, etc. It seems to me that it is a perfect place for rehabilitation in old age: quiet place, with many procedures, silence, the food at the restaurant based on many vegetables and fruits, you relax on the sunbed, you enter the water from time to time, etc.
If you are in the area, I highly recommend you to go to Terme di Saturnia. It doesn't cost anything and it's healthy.
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