Tuscany

Tuscany holidays

Ahh Tuscany… the beauty of this region never gets old. This is a place where rolling vineyards wrap terracotta towns, Renaissance splendour is splashed across its effortlessly elegant cities and the coast shows off Italian style and then some. Spend your days exploring the countryside and you can expect vineyard tastings, farmhouse lunches and green valley views to be part and parcel. Florence is the star of the show when it comes to the cities but be sure to swing by Lucca if you want a taste of local life. On the Riviera, it’s all Liberty-style hotels and golden sands, and the upmarket eateries are the perfect place to tuck into Tuscany’s bumper menu of simply divine food and wine.

Forte Dei Marmi

A swanky resort that’s a hit with well-heeled locals, get ready for exclusive beach clubs, designer boutiques and wining with the jet set.

Montecatini Terme

Grand stone buildings, bubbling fountains, a tree-topped skyline – Montecatini Terme ticks all the boxes of a Tuscan town.

San Gimignano

A cluster of striking medieval towers give this ancient, walled town a film-set feel.

Siena Area

This pretty city is a resplendent display of classic Italian architecture and flair. With character in spades and a long list of things to see, do and eat, it’s a top pick for a getaway.

Viareggio

This grand seaside resort showcases a line-up of Liberty-style architecture and seafood restaurants on the promenade, flanked by glorious golden sand.

Artimino

For a feel of true Tuscan tranquillity, it doesn’t get much better than the teeny tiny hamlet of Artimino. Dating back to the 17th century, this petite place is a history lover’s dream!

Grand Hotel Royal

Viareggio, Tuscany

Our rating

Based on 1601 reviews

Landmark hotel
Two complimentary deckchairs and a parasol on the beach included
Outdoor pool set in beautiful gardens
In historical centre
Grand style

Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale

Montecatini Terme, Tuscany

Our rating

Based on 1299 reviews

Perfect for exploring the local area
Resort centre
Stylish rooms
Family run hotel
Customer favourite

Villasanpaolo Spa Resort

San Gimignano, Tuscany

Our rating

Based on 1827 reviews

Great countryside views
Outdoor and Indoor swimming pools
Relaxing spa
Great base for exploring Tuscan region
Peaceful surroundings

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Language

Italian

Currency

Euro

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

€3.50

3 course meal

€20

Flight times

3-4.5hrs

Must-see cities

Love history? You’ve struck gold here in Tuscany. No matter where you base yourself, you’re within easy reach of four treasure-stuffed cities – Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena. Swathed in romantic Renaissance architecture, Florence is undoubtedly the star. Lucca’s charms start with its magical cobbled streets and buzzy piazzas, while red-roofed Siena’s Gothic centre will leave you spellbound. And Pisa’s got so much more than just its tilted tower.

Eat your heart out

In terms of wining and dining, Tuscany sets Italy’s bar pretty high. Juicy T-bone steaks, bowls of hearty ribollita soup and truffle-infused pasta are just some of the best bits you can expect from Tuscan trattorias. And the wine? Well, the area’s something of a mecca, making it the ultimate place to tour and taste. Brunello, Chianti, Morellino – they’re all made in the vineyards here.

Captivating coast

Rolling green hills and medieval villages may be the scenes splashed on most Tuscan postcards, but this part of Italy’s got a twinkling coast to its name too. Venture to Viareggio, the region’s chief seaside spot, where striped parasols embellish sandy shores and grand hotels pepper a palm-lined promenade. Forte Dei Marmi’s another swanky stunner, where exclusive beach clubs and chic cocktail bars take centre stage.

Beaches

Tuscany’s got 400km of coastline to play with, so settle on a soft sandy spot and drink in the seafront scenery. Have a paddle as the waves shelve against the shore, or simply kick back and chill out. Many of the area’s beaches have promenades and dinky towns to explore, too.

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Spiaggia Di Marina Di Donoratico

Tuscany

The beach at Donoratico has fine, white sand with clear, blue water ideal for swimming. Stretches of the beach are equipped with changing facilities, sun loungers and parasols you can use for a fee and some...

Bagno Angelo Beach

Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany

This popular beach is clean and well maintained, equipped with tents, umbrellas and private changing rooms. The staff can help you with whatever type of seating, shade and privacy you are after. The food at...

Sights

Architectural treats and treasures are in abundance around the countryside. History buffs can get stuck into ancient palaces, traditional town halls, and even some well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wind and weave around cobbled streets and old towns, and you’ll soon get a snapshot of the past.

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Historic Centre of San Gimignano

Tuscany

Tuscany’s graced with an abundance of old centres, each with an historic story to tell, and bags of character. UNESCO-listed San Gimignano is a warren of vibrant gelaterias, rustic stonework and souvenir shops,...

Teatro Romano di Volterra

Tuscany

When it comes to well-preserved Roman theatres, you can’t get better than Volterra’s stunning stone site. Back in the 1st century BC, the structure was commissioned, and it was designed to squeeze in around...

Activities

From waterparks to woodlands, you’ll have plenty to see and do. Whizz off by car to uncover the best bits. There’s a quintet of remarkable waterfront towns to traverse, and a handful of mega museums too. Make a start with ticking off those boxes in Volterra or Cecina.

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Eating and drinking

Turn umming and ahhing into oohing and mmming. You’ll be spoilt for choice with every menu you look at, so you won’t struggle to find your perfect pizza or pasta! Get set for tempting, tantalising mouthfuls of fresh fish and seafood, risotto, rich soups, and fruity gelato.

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Seafront promenade

Viareggio, Tuscany

The seafront promenade is three kilometres long and lined with stylish shops, cafés and restaurants. The south end has Art Nouveau-style architecture with grand hotels and cinemas from the twenties and...

Cooking classes

Viareggio, Tuscany

Add true Tuscan flavour to your trip to Viareggio with a cooking class in professional kitchen at a top seafood restaurant. In a small group choose and make typical Tuscan foods which appeal to you, such as...

Shopping

Whether it’s malls or markets you’re after, you’ll be well catered-for here. So, you can shop for those this-season must-haves in your high-street favourites, or even opt for a little touch of luxury in the boutiques. But quaint streets regularly host colourful stalls, so make sure you rock up on the right day.

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Designer boutiques

Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany

Being a magnet for stylish holidaymakers, Forte dei Marmi is well served with chic designer boutiques. Prada, Gucci, Armani, Miu Miu and Fendi are just some of the fashion houses with stores here. If you’re...

Antique market

Forte Dei Marmi, Tuscany

If you like art and antiques, this market is sure to delight. Sellers from all over Italy gather at Piazza Dante every second weekend of the month to sell everything from furniture to books, jewellery, art and...

Nightlife

The general pace is very laid-back. So, keep it low-key with a glass of wine in a rustic pub. You’ll find a couple of cute seaside places in Marina di Cecina. But the bars get a bit busier in the more cosmopolitan parts. Aperol Spritzes go down so well in chic Siena.

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A night out in Marina di Cecina

Tuscany

Relaxed bars around the seafront aren’t hard to come by. Some are better known as cafés, while others are proper beach bars with a focus on chilled drinks by the shore. They’re great joints for simply hanging...

Bar Il Palio

Siena Area, Tuscany

All the bars on Piazzo del Campo have fantastic views of the square but Bar Il Palio is the one locals favour. The medieval square is the place to be, particularly at sunset. Soak up the ambiance while you...