Holidays in Tuscany
Read our guide to self catering Tuscany holidays
It is no surprise that holidays in Tuscany are at the top of many travellers wish lists. With the seemingly endless options for culture, nature and beaches to enjoy the warm Italian sun, you will find a visit to Tuscany is like experiencing the whole of Italy in one region.
Tuscany holiday rentals offer some truly unique and ethnic hideaways in the depth of the rural landscapes, while tastefully renovated apartments can be found in the historic cities such as Florence and Arezzo. The Tuscan countryside offers a whole host of different activities to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Captivating architecture and culture, inspiring history and plentiful photo opportunities, Tuscany provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday.
Easily the most popular city with visitors is the wonder of Renaissance design, Florence. The ancient and majestic streets and buildings of the city are where you can meet a famous attraction around every corner. It was at the hub of political and cultural development in Europe during the 13th and 14th centuries and has seen its fair share of outstanding artists pass through over the years.
A walk around the centre is the perfect way to be enchanted by its unique atmosphere and the fantastic bridges crossing the river Arno also must be covered, particular the Ponte Vecchio. You will find most of the sights are in easy walking distance of each other and the city can be crossed in as little as half an hour. Howerver, there are plenty of bike rentals if you would prefer not to walk.
There are a vast number of museums and galleries well worth visiting in Florence including the Galleria degli Uffizi where you will find some of the classic works by famous renaissance artists and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo which is a real treasure trove of historic artefacts from the region.
As night falls in Florence, the restaurants and bars start to come alive. Tuscany prides itself on its many vineyards and the local wines are the prefect accompaniment to the best Italian cuisine that can be found in the city, and while Florence holiday rentals can be quite expensive in comparison to the less tourist-orientated towns of the region, you can find some absolute gems that will allow you to soak in the elegant atmosphere and nightlife of the city.
Self catering accommodation in some of surrounding towns can be just as charming as Florence itself, particularly as many of these locations have seen influences from the Etruscan, Roman, and medieval periods and are full of hidden historic wonders. The city of Lucca is an ideal example, with its circular town centre that is surrounded by beautifully maintained 16th century walls. A lot of the city has remained untouched by the tourism of the region and it can double as an ideal base for wine connoisseurs due to it's proximity from some of the famous vineyard of Tuscany.
One of the most stunning secluded towns of Tuscany is Pitigliano, which is situated on a hill that is cut with winding streams and rugged faces. The view of the town from the countryside below makes the buildings appear like they have been carved into the side of the slopes. There are also plenty of caves and tombs dating back to the Etruscan period that are dotted around this historic location.
Another attraction that can be found around the towns of Tuscany is the wide selection of thermal baths and health spas, such as in San Giuliano and the Grotta Giusti, which is situated in a 19th century villa in the middle of the countryside. These locations bring thousands of visitors each year.
Travelling through Tuscany from town to town is a great way to experience the countryside, but it’s the parks and rural activities that cannot be missed. To experience one of the most luscious natural areas of the region, the National Park of Casentinesi Forest (Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi), the greenest in Italy, is where you can be thrown into the depths of its thick woodland. There are also many activities, walking trails and sports event aimed for kids.
Situated on the coast is Arcipelago National Park, where the rolling countryside meets the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Among the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago is Elba where Napoleon was sent in exile which is reached by a short ferry ride you can find some fantastic golden beaches nestled between the jagged cliff faces.
Elba requires more than just a day trip if you are going to explore all it has to offer and it is regarded as a must-visit destination all of its own.
With all that travelling and fresh air, you are going to be working up an appetite, and there is no better place than Tuscany to find you yourself looking for a good meal. The gastronomy of Florence has to be sampled, but if you want real traditional and local cuisine, the smaller towns of the countryside are awash with authentic eateries. For more information read our guide on things to do in Tuscany.
