Where to stay in Florence and the province of Florence

Tuscany has preserved its masterpieces and great architecture over the centuries. Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is famous for its architectural townscape and Renaissance art. The most important collection of paintings in the world is housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, where the Medici art collection, among others, is on display. The paintings, statues, engravings, frescoes and the extensive collection of self-portraits in the Uffizi Gallery are a mirror of art history. Also an absolute must for art lovers is the Palazzo Pitti Gallery with works by Titian and Raphael. The museum of historical costumes and the museum of historical carriages provide insights into the lifestyle of the old Florentines. A walk through the beautiful Italian gardens Giardino di Boboli is also worthwhile. In our Florence travel guide we have more tips and a list of the best boutique hotels in Florence and luxury hotels in Florence and the surrounding area.

Besides art, Tuscany also offers exceptional natural landscapes, such as the Argentario National Park and the island of Elba, or the beautiful Chianti countryside with its rolling hills and authentic places to visit. All the squares and alleys will make you feel like you are living a dream: the Ponte Vecchio in Florence with its 15th century shops, the Piazza del Campo in Siena, the Campo dei Miracoli in Pisa with its famous Leaning Tower. Not to forget San Gimignano with its thirteen towers.

Apart from the most famous cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa, there are many small villages and towns off the beaten track that make Tuscany an authentic travel experience. You will find yourself in the midst of true beauty.

Where to stay in the provinces of Pistoia and Lucca

North of Florence are the small regions of Massa-Carrara, Prato, Lucca and Pistoia. The latter offers wonderful holiday flats. In the region around the city of Lucca, you will find charming boutique hotels in Pietrasanta, Camaiore, San Lorenzo a Vaccoli and villas in the countryside. In the historic city of Lucca, there is the opportunity to stay in a historic palazzo.

Where to stay in Pisa and the province of Pisa

One of these hidden treasures is the medieval town of Volterra. The historic old town enchants with narrow streets, squares steeped in history and its rich heritage from the times of the Etruscans and Romans, which can be admired in many excavation sites. The city is situated on a 550-metre high hill from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

If you want to visit one of Italy's most famous landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you should also plan some time for the beautiful old town. In the historic centre of the city, for example, there is an enchanting Bed & Breakfast in a restored noble palace, only a few minutes away from the famous "Torre Pendente" and the ideal starting point for all kinds of activities.

Outside the city in the province of Pisa, we have selected special accommodations that could not fit better into the Tuscan landscape. Whether dreamlike villa or holiday flats.

Where to stay in Livorno and Grosseto

South of the city of Pisa, the Livorno region stretches along the west coast. Here you can enjoy the typical Tuscan landscape in a country inn and still be at the beach in 15 minutes.

The Grosseto region is also located on the west coast and promises beach holidays à la dolce vita in addition to picturesque Tuscan landscapes. The area around Scarlino offers beautiful beaches, great bed & breakfasts and even glamping in a nature resort. Those who want to stay in a very authentic accommodation in Tuscany will find what they are looking for in Roccatederighi. We also have luxury and wellness hotels in our Grosseto collection, like beautiful boutique hotels, not least on the Isola del Giglio.

Where to stay in the Chianti region

The Chianti region, between Florence and Siena, is renowned for its excellent wine. We recommend that wine lovers stay in a wine hotel from our hand-picked selection of the best boutique hotels in Chianti. There are gorgeous properties surrounded by vineyards where you can experience Italian hospitality and warmth, including family-friendly hotels with self-catering apartments. Or if you are looking for a romantic hotel or a luxury hotel, experience a very special stay in a noble Italian castle.

Where to stay in the province of Arezzo

Arezzo is set in beautiful countryside and there are many charming villages and towns to discover in the surrounding area. You can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the area in a historic country inn in Moncioni, as well as in a luxury hotel in Cortana. Small boutique hotels in Arezzo with a special charm can also be found in Foiano della Chiana, for example.

Where to stay in Siena and the province of Siena

Another popular destination in Tuscany is the medieval city of Siena with its breathtaking cathedral and beautiful piazza. In keeping with the cityscape, you will find holiday flats and small boutique hotels in Siena as well as luxury hotels in baroque elegance.

Another insider tip in Tuscany is the castle complex of Monteriggioni. The impressive medieval fortress sits enthroned on a hill surrounded by vineyards. In July, there is a great medieval festival there that brings back the splendour of that time. Near Monteriggioni there is a wellness and SPA hotel. Relaxation should not be neglected in Tuscany.

The area south of Siena, the Val d'Orcia, is known for its breathtaking scenery, including the famous "Crete Senesi" - Tuscany as you know it from postcards: cypress avenues winding through hilly landscapes, picturesque farms and medieval villages surrounded by vineyards, fertile fields and olive groves. In the middle of it all is the small medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its many towers and picturesque landscape. The love of nature is ingrained in the Tuscan people. Thus, sustainable eco-hotels dedicated to agrotourism can also be found in Tuscany.

Picturesque postcard motifs await around every corner in the Tuscan provinces. Those who explore Tuscany by train or car will get their money's worth in terms of scenery. In addition to the best-known cities, there are a number of small towns and villages that are less frequented by mass tourism but are in no way inferior to them. In the Orchia Valley, for example, lies the historic town of Pienza. Built as the so-called "ideal city of the Renaissance", today it is one of the most important sights of Tuscany and is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Surrounded by the charming, hilly landscape of the Orcia Valley, the Renaissance city invites you to stroll through its historic centre and discover its countless beautiful buildings, romantic squares and interesting museums. Less tourism means you can relax and enjoy Pienza's many excellent restaurants and cosy cafés and, because of its perfect location in the centre of the Val d'Orcia, use it as a starting point for many other activities.

The city of Arezzo, which forms a golden triangle with Florence and Siena, is also a very interesting city but not yet as touristy as other places in Tuscany. The city is known for its handicrafts and especially jewellery making. It also has probably the best antique market in Italy. On the first Sunday of every month, there are stalls with all kinds of exciting antiques scattered around the streets of the town.

Historically, Tuscany also has a lot to offer off the beaten tourist track. For example, the medieval town of Pitigliano, which was built on a rock and is worth a visit for the magnificent view alone. The town is famous for the Etruscan Caves, ancient hollow ways called Vie Cave, which connect an Etruscan necropolis with several settlements in the area. As with the town of Sovana, which in addition to the picturesque old town also has impressive sites from the Etruscan period and an archaeological park.

Those who prefer to relax will be pleased to know that there are several natural hot springs in Tuscany. The thermal town of Saturnia, where there is the turquoise waterfall Cascate del Mulino, probably has the most famous hot spring. Those who like it quieter should go to Petriolo. The spring there is beautifully located in the forest, directly on the small river Farma. After bathing in the warm sulphur water (maximum 20 minutes), you can cool off directly in the river. And if you like it even quieter, you might be lucky in the picturesque village of Bagno Vignoni. There, too, there is a natural hot spring that was already used by the Romans.

Tuscany offers a paradise for hikers with its hilly landscape of avenues, fields and lush forests. The Diaccia Botrona nature reserve, a vast wetland on Tuscany's west coast, has some wonderful walking trails. The flamingo colony that can be seen there is particularly impressive. The entire Maremma Nature Park area offers spectacular scenery and several ways to explore it. Besides hiking, a bicycle tour through the wild forests is highly recommended. Canoeing and fishing are also offered.

Of course, Tuscany is also ideal for relaxing on the beach. The 400 km long coastline in the west offers some fantastic beaches, such as in the holiday resort of Viareggio. The island of Elba has some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and, with its breathtaking mountains and forests, forms a natural paradise that would be worth another holiday.

Tuscany: the land of medieval castles, sweet rolling hills, villas and vineyards, not to mention the epicentre of the Renaissance. It is the region that gave birth to the renaissance of the arts in a way never seen before. The Tuscan cities, in particular Florence, Siena and Pisa, were the force of this creative revolution, which can still be perceived today. Here the Italian language originated, it was here that poets and writers of the calibre of Dante Alighieri were born, who continues to influence the vision that in the western world we have of hell and paradise. A visit to Tuscany is a great way to experience and discover this unique culture of Italy. Because as Goethe once wrote: "Tuscany is not in Italy, but Italy in Tuscany".

Tuscany is unrivalled as the cradle of art of all time, with more World Heritage Sites than anywhere else in the world. Truly an extraordinary feat for such a small region.

You can find examples of every era and style: from the Etruscan civilization (Fiesole, Chiusi, Volterra, Populonia) to Roman monuments and ruins; from Romanesque architecture to impressive Gothic cathedrals and, of course, the exceptional artistic explosion of the Renaissance. Without forgetting to mention the food and wine culture of this region, among the best in the world. Centuries-old traditions, rituals and sagas are attractions that make it even more famous.

Tuscany is famous for its art collections and architecture, especially from the Renaissance period. The city of Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and is home to some of the world's most famous works of art, such as the statues of Michelangelo and the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.

Music is also a far-reaching tradition in Tuscany, dating back to the Middle Ages and still bearing fruit today in the form of established music schools.

Florence Cathedral, the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte and the Leaning Tower of Pisa bear witness to Tuscany's long religious tradition. The building of magnificent churches and cathedrals was once a sign of faith and is still something that fills Italians with pride.

Festivals and celebrations are as much a part of Tuscan culture as pasta is of Italy. There are many celebrations throughout the year, often involving food, music and traditions. Popular events include the Palio di Siena (a horse race in Siena), the Calcio Storico (a historic football match in Florence) and the Festa della Rificolona (a lantern festival in Florence).

The only drawback to all of this is the mass tourism it brings with it and the commercialism that accompanies it.

We are however proud to be able to still offer you some hidden gems in the authentic Tuscany countryside where you can enjoy sophisticated food and delicious wine: hidden throughout Tuscany are a few beautiful small towns where the character still remains true to itself, notably Volterra and Massa Marittima and a lot of charming places in the Chianti.

Our selection of boutique hotels in Tuscany and agritourism’s and country inns in Tuscany, romantic hotels in Chianti and beautiful villas with stunning views highlights this beauty and helps make any stay here even more special.

Tuscan cuisine is characterised not only by its tastiness but also by its healthy balance. Olive oil, pasta, first-class fish and meat give it its typical Mediterranean flavour. Gently prepared, the simple ingredients retain their freshness and vitamins. It is rich in flavours and traditional dishes. Popular specialities are ribollita (a soup made of vegetables and bread), bistecca alla Fiorentina (a T-bone steak) and schiacciata (a flat bread with olive oil and salt).

Tuscany as a wine region is of course a big part of its culture. The most famous are Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, plus the supertuscan from the small coastal town of Bolgheri.