With its stunning landscapes, rich artictic legacy and fascinating culture, it’s so easy to fall in love with this incredible place. To help you plan your itinerary, here are the top 10 things to do in Tuscany to immerse yourself in local food and culture.
PLACES TO STAY
Villa Di Geggiano
This peaceful hotel has spectacular gardens, great views of Siena, and Andrea, the owner, will give you the best tour of this house which dates back to the 14th century. Liv Tyler and Bernardo Bertolucci also lived here for three months while filming Stealing Beauty. This place will certainly stay in your heart for many years to come. From €190 per room.
Conti Di San Bonifacio
If you want an authentic Tuscan experience, then Conti Di San Bonifacio is the place to visit. The hotel has been designed and built by local craftsmen and, with just seven rooms to choose from, this boutique hotel is a Tuscan haven. Plus, the on-site winery and vineyards mean you don’t even have to leave the grounds for a winery tour and wine tasting. From €270 per room.
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Nestled in the middle of the Tuscan countryside, the Relais Borgo Santo Pietro is a 13th century villa where nature and luxury combine to create the most unique and welcoming environment. Tranquility, relaxation and rejuvenation are what you’ll find in this beautiful Tuscan paradise. From €395 per room.
PLACES TO VISIT
Castello di Fonterutoli
The views of Chianti from Fonterutoli are breathtaking. You can enjoy a five-minute stroll to the winery for a private visit of some of Tuscany’s best wines. We were fortunate enough to meet with Giovanni Mazzei who breathes the beauty and passion of this beautiful property. A wine tasting here is a must for any visitor to this magnificent region.
Tua Rita, Ornellaia & Siro Pacenti
Hidden amongst quaint Tuscan villages, Tua Rita is one of Tuscany’s most famous vineyards. The history of the wines, the family who produces it and the Redigaffi, which was awarded 100 points by Robert Parker make the visit worthwhile. Ornellaia is one of Tuscany’s most exclusive wineries and visits here are available through our bespoke service. Siro Pacenti is hidden in Montalcino and is one of the smallest wineries we have visited. The winemaker here is young, passionate and dynamic.
PLACES TO EAT
La Giostra
From the moment you enter the small corridor at La Giostra you are overwhelmed by tens of photos of famous presidents, actors and other celebrities who come to eat here. You will get a glass of Prosecco on the house as soon as you sit down and the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable about the food and the wine you won’t need the menu. Angel hair pasta with truffles (if in season) is your best call. Everything is just so delicious.
Dario Cecchini
Dario Cecchini, the butcher of Panzano, is one of the most famous butchers in Italy. Dario’s small butchers is tucked away in a small town in the beautiful Chianti countryside and he has two gourmet restaurants nearby. Foodies travel from around the world to visit Dario and his restaurants and Italians drive from all over the country just to buy his meat.
photo: Dario Cecchini
THINGS TO DO
- Become A Winemaker For The Day – so you know a thing or two about wine; it’s time to turn that knowledge something more practical by becoming a winemaker for the day. It’s not enough to just drink wine when you can try your hand at making it. Tuscan winemakers have perfected their wines over the centuries, so learn from some of the best. You’ll get to produce your own bottle of fine wine, which will be sent home for you complete with a customised label, so impress your friends and family back home with your expert winemaking skills. From €240 per person.
- Florence Market Tour — what’s a visit to Tuscany without a treat for the taste buds? This epic adventure is one for the foodies out there who want to discover more about the Florence food scene. Explore Florence’s most vibrant market, sample many local foods like fresh olives from the Amalfi Coast and savor the best of Italy’s cuisine the way locals do. From €45 per person.
- Monte Argentario’s unspoiled beaches with the turquoise sea and amazing landscapes are arguably Tuscany’s best. It’s an exclusive area free from the hordes of tourists you would expect in such a beautiful place.
Top photo credit: Tuscany. Photo courtesy of JeniFoto via Shutterstock.
Contributed by Winerist.
Jessica Festa is the editor of the travel sites Jessie on a Journey (http://jessieonajourney.com) and Epicure & Culture (http://epicureandculture.com). Along with blogging at We Blog The World, her byline has appeared in publications like Huffington Post, Gadling, Fodor’s, Travel + Escape, Matador, Viator, The Culture-Ist and many others. After getting her BA/MA in Communication from the State University of New York at Albany, she realized she wasn’t really to stop backpacking and made travel her full time job. Some of her most memorable experiences include studying abroad in Sydney, teaching English in Thailand, doing orphanage work in Ghana, hiking her way through South America and traveling solo through Europe. She has a passion for backpacking, adventure, hiking, wine and getting off the beaten path.
