A top list of Tuscany most beautiful hilltop villages and little towns.
Tuscany is really a vast region, so let’s discover which are Tuscany most beautiful hilltop villages! There is such a huge number of beautiful and exceptional places to visit that one never stops to get surprised by new fabulous and unexpected corners.
That’s true even for people living here, like me 🙂
Discover Tuscany most beautiful hilltop villages
So, you may consider the following list as a guideline on the most scenic and fascinating medieval Tuscan villages, that shouldn’t be missed from any itinerary in Tuscany! These small hill towns are all characterized by spectacular scenery, unforgettable vistas, great history and interesting museums, beautiful buildings and great events.
Of course, this is just a personal listing of the smaller medieval towns in Tuscany, and there’s no particular order, as all the following Tuscan villages are equally extraordinary and impressive 🙂 And here are some of the most beautiful villages in Italy as well!
Best Tuscan Towns and Villages
And here is the top list of the best villages in Tuscany with a brief description, while you’ll find a full post entirely dedicated to each of these fantastic destinations clicking their links:
1. San Gimignano
San Gimignano: Located in the province of Siena, San Gimignano is probably the most famous and well known Tuscan village and surely the best preserved medieval town of all Italy. The 15 scenic towers (so many as 72 in the Middle Ages!) of its beautiful skyline are unique and unmistakable.
In addition to its charming towers, the village is also famous for its crowds, lovely views, and the wonderful Collegiata, an ancient church with beautiful and notable frescoes. This town has mostly remained as it was and this really contributes to its suggestive and suspended atmosphere.
2. Volterra
Volterra: Perched on a steep rocky promontory and standing completely isolated, this lesser known, yet beautiful Tuscan town, offers one of the best and vastest view, and is to be recommended for anyone visiting Tuscany. Piazza dei Priori is wonderful, while the Balze of Volterra are unique: natural canyons that make the cityscape of the village unique and imposing at the same time. Volterra is famous for its alabaster production, with shops selling lovely artefacts, and the Museo Guarnacci is one the most important Etruscan museums displaying amazing finds.
3. Cortona
Cortona: In the province of Arezzo stands this ancient and charismatic hill-town, holding a dominant position and offering striking and extensive views all over the Valdichiana up to Mount Amiata and the Trasimeno Lake. In recent years, tourists have incredibly increased after the filming of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”, from the novel of the American Frances Mayes. Imposing fortified walls encompass the entire city and the Fortezza del Girifalco. If you love visiting museums, that’s the place to be: you can see several valued paintings at the Diocesan Museum, like the Annunciation by Beato Angelico, and at the Museum of the Etruscan Academy (MAEC).
4. Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni: This small medieval hamlet near Siena, is unique and owns a great charm: a fortified citadel with perfectly preserved walls and bastions with 14 towers enclosing a tiny ancient village, consisting of few houses, a restaurant and some touristic shops. The museum within the castle hosts an interesting collection of medieval and Renaissance arms and armors.
5. Pienza
Pienza: A real jewel! The Ideal city of Pienza is wonderfully set in the Val d’Orcia region, south of Siena. Designed as a utopian city of the Renaissance during the 15th century by the humanist Pope Pius II. Few places in Tuscany have such an extraordinary charm: the beatiful Piazza Pio II with the lovely well, Palazzo Piccolomini and its panoramic and suspended garden, outstanding views from the walls, good restaurants, and inviting shops with delicious local produce, lke the tasty and famous pecorino cheese of Pienza!
6. Montalcino
Montalcino: Renowned worldwide for its fine and prestigious production of wine, especialy the Brunello, Montalcino is a typical hill top town enclosed by massive walls and watched by an imposing and pefectly preserved castle and fortress. The views are extraordinary: olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills all around. Close to Pienza and Montepulciano, this scenic village is also near the wonderful and important abbeys of Sant Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
7. Montepulciano
Montepulciano: East of Pienza lies one of the most beautiful medieval Tuscan towns, characterized by elegant Renaissance palaces and ancient churches, like the beautiful church of San Francesco. Also Montepulciano is well known for the fine production of its Vino Nobile wine. From the top of the beautiful Palazzo del Comune in Piazza Grande, you’ll get an enchanting and vast panorama all over the valley. In Montepulciano you’ll also find an important thermal establishment, whose therapeutic and healing proprieties were known since Renaissance times.
8. Pitigliano
Pitigliano: Pitigliano is located in the most southern part of Tuscany, in the province of Grosseto and north of Rome, rising over a spectacular and scenic cliff-top of tuff, with medieval buildings standing as if suspended in the air above the valley.
From the wonderful Piazza della Repubblica, characterized by two wonderful fountains, a balcony offers a unique and unforgettable panorama over the river and the enchanting Tuscan countryside. With Sovana and Sorano, the so-called cittĂ del tufo, Pitigliano represents one of the lesser known, yet incredibly attractive corners of Tuscany, that should deserve much more attention.
Finally, I have to say that Tuscany is so incredibly full of many other wonderful places, spread all across the region, that you could go on filling in the list forever 🙂
To see more beautiful Tuscan villages, follow The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany – Part II
And what about you? Any other Tuscan village you’d add to the list? 🙂
Planning your next dream holiday to Tuscany and Italy? contact me for a customized service, for free! Ask Here!Â
Hi Simon, you are right! The village of Montefioralle in the beautiful Chianti area is very nice! I’ll dedicate a full post to it 🙂
Hi Simon, have you seen my post about Montefioralle?
Check it out: http://goo.gl/Z8hYPH 🙂
What a wonderful compilation of some amazing looking places.
Thank you very much for this.
Greetings Elena!
Thank you for the information you share with us! I would like to make a question and I hope you can help me. I wanna go to the Tuscany from Bern. What city do you suggest me to stay?Florence? Pisa? which is better to take tours to the countryside (I wont drive either) I will be 2 or 3 days and I need to find a place I can afford (not fancy hotels) and at the same time it is safe ( I will go alone probably) so, where do you suggest me to stay? I’d love to enjoy the green hills and sunflowers and just fall in love with the beautiful countryside you have in la belle Toscana 🙂 . I will be waiting for your answer, thank you for your time!
Pamela
Ciao Pamela!
thanks for getting in touch 🙂 I’m glad to help you for your Tuscan stay.
I definitely suggest you stay in the beautiful city of Florence. Florence is simply amazing, offering a lot to see and do, and it is the better choice to take tours to the countryside! The verdant hills surrounding Florence are enchanting as is the near Chianti wine area, renowned for its scenic landscape. Moreover, considering you are staying for 3 days and you won’t drive, Florence is the best base to explore Tuscany, as the town is very well served by public transportation, both train and bus stations are located centrally. Taking advantage of public transport from Florence’s center you can reach fantastic destinations also without the need of a car.
Here is a full article where I speak about making Florence your home base, you’ll find useful tips on how to move in town and info on train and buses. Here, instead, is a full list of the best day trips you can make from Florence, with practical info on how to reach each sight with the use of either train or bus.
For your accommodation in Florence, I recommend the cosy Hotel Hermitage, in the hearth of the historic center, two steps from the Gallery of Uffizi and the Duomo; it enjoys lovely views over the city.
Do contact me again for any other suggestion!
Ciao from la bella Toscana 🙂
Elena
Hello,
We are traveling with a group of (approximately 14 to 16 adults ) friends in April 2016 to Italy. Our desire is to fly into Florence and spend 3 or so days there first. Additionally we would like to spend a day or so in the Cinque Terre area, rent a villa for 1 week in the countryside (maybe near Sienne area) and then head to the Almalfi coast for a few days before flying home from Naples. Do you have a suggestion of a nice village area to rent a villa for a week in the Tuscan countryside. We would like a villa that is near a town that we could walk to or short drive to enjoy a dinner and some shopping. Any suggestions of a neat town, or village you would recommend.
Thanks for any suggestions you could offer,
Cathy
Hello Cathy,
thanks for contacting me. Your itinerary covers some of the most beautiful sights of Italy! Florence, the Cinque Terre, Siena and its splendid countryside, and the Amalfi Coast are protagonist of my last article dedicated to the best destinations to visit on a tour of Italy, have a look.
In the scenic countryside south of Siena, I can recommend the following beautiful villas with pool, both very near Pienza, one of the most beautiful hill towns in Tuscany, with never ending vistas, great food, wine, and delicious local products:
Villa Mia
Villa Romantica
Do contact me again for any other suggestions needed,
Ciao from Florence,
Elena
Ciao, I am travelling to Tuscany on my way back from Sorrento and will be staying in Montepulciano and then somewhere close to San Gimignano before I drive back to Milan. I am interested in countryside and want to visit San Gimignano as some of the hills. Can you suggest which areas I must visit for their natural beauty rather than ancient buildings?
Thanks
Hi!
Sounds like a great trip to Italy 🙂 Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast are beautiful!
As you’re interested in the countryside and the scenic areas of Tuscany, here is what I suggest. Montepulciano and its surrounding hills are simply beautiful! This area is known by the name of Valdichiana and is all to explore for its natural beauty. While in Montepulciano, pay a visit to the wondeful Cortona, surrounded by a stunning contryside that extends on to the fabulous Trasimeno Lake. You can get some ideas on what to visit reading this post.
Driving west of Montepulciano you’ll find yourself in the Natural Park of Val d’Orcia, where is the most spectacular countryside in all of Tuscany! Natural beauty is everywhere! Its countless gentle hills are enchanting, and there area many scenic villages to visit, like Pienza and Montalcino.
The countryside surrounding San Gimignano is also renowned for its natural beauty, with lots of vineyards and olive groves. While here you can explore the area and make great day trips! Take a look at the links and for any other suggestion get back tome,
Have a great day!
Hi Elena, my husband and I are going to Italy in May. We’re going to stay a few days in Milan and after that we’re planning to spend 5 days travelling around Tuscany. My husband wants to rent a car, maybe in Florence and then drive around the countryside. Is it a good idea, or riding train or bus is a better way to travel around? I really appreciate if you could help me. Thanks.
Hello LĂ©ia!
thanks for getting in touch!
You will love Italy and Tuscany in particular:-)
Renting a car is the best way to travel around. Many destinations in Tuscany, because of their location up the hills, are not well served by public transport. Only in case you’re staying all the 5 days in Florence’s center, then I would suggest to move around using public transportation and take your day trips from there, take a look here.
But since you’re speaking about spending 5 days traveling around Tuscany, rent a car and choose your home base between either Chianti or Val d’Orcia. Both areas are renowned for their spectacular landscape and hidyllic countryside, in addition to their production of some of the finest Italian wines. Chianti has a more central location in Tuscany and serves as a great starting point to tour Tuscany. Val d’Orcia still enjoys a strategic location, but especially to visit the southern part of the region.
Take a look at the links to have an idea of the great day tours you can make from both areas and choose on the bases of what inspires you the most 🙂
Feel free to contact me again for any further suggestion,
Enjoy planning your holiday!
Ciao from Florence
Hello Elena,
I’m traveling with a group of 10 Brazilian couples in 3 vans. We are picking up the vans in Genoa and going to drop them in Venice going back to our country. I’m the guide of the group. Last year I visited Pisa, Florence and Verona. Please, give me your advice to have these couple to visit some beautiful places during these 5 days. I wonder if I can visit places in Tuscany. What do you recommend to do? I mean places where I will not find difficult of parking the vans.
Hi Elena,
I will be traveling with my boyfriend this May to Italy from the States and we will be arriving in Milan and staying 4 nights in Stresa. From Stresa we have reservations at a beautiful hotel in Chianti, Hotel Villa Campomaggio. My main concern is getting from Stresa to Chianti. I know driving and taking a train are the best ways to get around but what if we have quite a bit of luggage? I’m planning on taking two large suitcases and 2 small bags along with my boyfriend’s bags. So, we will have quite a big of luggage with us.
Any suggestions?
Much Appreciated,
Erika
Hi Erika,
thanks for your message.
If you’re not willing to move by train + car to reach Chianti from Stresa because of all your luggage, then you might rent your car directly in Stresa and do the journey to Chianti all by car.
For any further suggestion I’m here,
Enjoy your Italian holiday!
Thank you so much Elena!!
-Erika
hello dear elena
i am Andreas from Greece and in end of april i travel to firenze and tuscany with my friends. i booked a house near tavarnelle. i hope is a central location. i want to ask you some things. first what we can visit near there? if we want to have a glass of wine or drink at night where we can go better?
also i would like to ask you to suggest me some local tavernas with traditional food with normal prices.
If u need some question about greece i will help you too 🙂
thanks 🙂 and buona pasqua
Andreas
Dear Andreas,
Thanks for contacting me, I’m happy to give some advice for your Tuscan stay 🙂
Tavernelle, still part of the Chianti wine area, is nice and enjoys a central location, good as a base to go exploring Tuscany and its many attractions. From there you can visit major art towns like Florence and Siena, and lots of smaller enchanting villages in the countryside, like Certaldo, San Gimignano, Volterra and all the ones in the heart of Chianti, east of Tavarnelle. Here is a complete list of all the destinations you could visit from your base.
As for some local tavernas with traditional food I recommend Osteria di Passignano, that also produces great wines, and Ristorante al Macereto. Note that Tavarnelle is a very good place for eating good local food and enjoy wine and drinks also in its town’s center.
Do contact me again for any further advice,
Enjoy your vacation 🙂
elena
Hi Elena,
1.My wife and I want to travel to Tuscany and Umbria in early June . Our flight gets into Pisa at 4.30 pm. I will rent a car and head south . I would like to stay in or near a small picturesque town and get there around 6.30 , so that we can check in, relax , have a drink and go somewhere nice for dinner. Any suggestions ?
2. One thing I want to do, is to have dinner one evening ( I have 4 nights ) outdoors, in a village setting, overlooking some nice scenery. I don’t want to be sitting in a small enclosed piazza. Do you have any recommendations for this ?
thanks
Joe
Hi Joe,
I would choose the location for the 4 nights either in Chianti, or south of Siena, in the area known as Val d’Orcia. Both are the most beautiful for stunning landscape, picturesque towns, and fantastic food. You may read this post and see the differences between these two scenic wine regions. A wonderful place to stay in Chianti, near the nice town of Greve in Chianti, is Villa Bordoni, the perfect place to relax and have a great dinner! In Val d’Orcia, you may stay in or near Pienza, Relais la Saracina could be a great option, or if you like to enjoy some thermal baths also, head to the near small village of Bagno Vignoni, where La Locanda del Loggiato might be a possibility.
For your dinner outdoor definitely go to Montepulciano, east of Pienza, in a restaurant or osteria with panoramic terrace, like Osteria del Borgo or Godimento di Vino.
In Chianti you may opt for Ristorante Oltre il Giardino in Greve in Chianti.
I’m here for other tips,
Enjoy your holiday,
elena
Hi Elena!
I will be traveling in June all around Italy. I wanted to see if you could help me pick the right place to make my stops.
So at one point I’ll be diving a rental car from Padua to Rome, and I wanted to visit Tuscany in the middle while I make my way down, I have 4 days entirely, and I wanted to take the best route so get to see all those wonderful places.
Out of all the villages you point out, how many of them con a get to see in 4 days? And witch would you recommend I don’t miss?
Where do you recommend I make my stops?
Thank you
Astrid
Hi Astrid,
Welcome here!
First, let’s see the list of the beautiful villages I recommend; among them the ones you shouldn’t miss are San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Pienza, Montepulciano and possibly Pitigliano, though this last one is a bit further away considering your route from Tuscany to Rome.
The map in this recent post about the most scenic drives in Tuscany can help you give an idea on your possible road itinerary through the region up to Rome. While this interesting road trip from Rome to Tuscany and back can give further ideas of special places to visit.
Now the itinerary and the stops I suggest on your way to the eternal city of Rome:
From Padua reach Florence, to which I would deserve some of your time if you’ve never visited it. Then continue driving south through the wonderful and scenic Chianti wine area making your way through the beautiful Via Chiantigiana; Chianti can be your first stop for the overnight after visiting Florence. Leave Chianti to visit the stunning San Gimignano, then head in direction of Monteriggioni and finally in the direction of Siena, spend the night here. Siena is enchanting, a treasure!
Leave Siena and make your way through the Crete Senesi up to Pienza and the Val d’Orcia area, I would spend here 2 nights, 1 full day can be spent visiting the incredble sights and hill towns of the area, also famous for its fine wines. Montalcino, Montepulciano, and Bagno Vignoni are all to be visited. In case you still have some time also pay a visit to Cortona, but only if you will have time! On leaving the Val d’Orcia head south and visit Pitigliano, Civita di Bagnoregio and Orvieto before continuing for Rome.
As you can see there’s a lot to visit, I suggest you try to not be in a hurry so to visit all but enjoy what you see! So also take your time 🙂
I remain at your disposal,
Elena
I would love to live in Italy for a month and live like a local. Can you recommend either a villa or house that I can live in perhaps around Florence. I will be traveling with two adult daughters. I want to see the Almafi Coast, Cinque Terre and travel to nearby areas. Please recommend how I should proceed.
Dear Norma,
thanks for contacting me!
A month in Italy? Fantastic 🙂
For the rental of a villa or house around Florence the best thing would be to contact a reliable agency like this one.
As far as the most beautiful nearby areas to visit, I suggest you take a look at these interesting day trips from Florence as well as to these additional side trips.
Amalfi Coast and the Cinque Terre are so beautiful! I’m especially in love with the Amalfi Coast; its unique scenery, its lemon trees and its fantastic food! I would spend a few nights in each location.
I remain at your disposal for any further help you may need,
Have a nice day,
elena
Hi Elena,
My husband and i are getting away for 2 days without our 8 month old baby for much needed romance and R&R. We both love wine and are big foodies and love all things rustic chic.
We’re driving from Rome and have to drive back to Florence for a wedding after our 2 nights alone.
if we only had two nights to stay somewhere (could even split into 1 night each in 2 places), where in Tuscany would you suggest? Any particular properties you’re in love with?
Its all so beautiful, its difficult to choose, so we’d love some recommendations.
Many thanks
Ana
Dear Ana,
Tuscany is the ideal place for a romantic escape 🙂
There are really a lot of beautiful rustic chic properties in Tuscany; here are the ones I like the most:
– Hotelito Lupaia is an amazing place to stay near the wonderful hill town of Montepulciano, the place has lovely views and is irresistible, just take a look:-)
– Relais la Saracina near Pienza is still very chic and charming
Both properties are located south of Siena in the scenic territory called Val d’Orcia region, one of the most beautiful in Tuscany.
If you move north in the famous Chianti area you may want to take a look at the charming Villa Bordoni and at the beautiful Castello di Spaltenna.
I remain at your disposal,
Have a nice day,
elena
Ana, me again!
A further one you may have a look is the incredible Castle of Velona near Montalcino, still south of Siena 🙂
Hi,
We are visiting next year from Scotland, driving a classic mini Cooper. We were planning on staying in a single point in tuscany as a base for 4 days, perhaps somewhere in between montepulciano and San Gimignano to go through many of hte villages you’ve listed. We are very much into visiting vineyards, and would like to actually stay in the countryside at a vineyard / boutique type hotel. Do you have any ideas what would be a good base point? We will plan to drive up to 100 miles a day. Thanks!
Hi Penelope,
thanks for getting in touch!
I think a very good base is the beautiful countryside surrounding Siena. The area is perfect as a base to start making great day trips.
Some of the best options I recommend are:
– Relais Villa Armena
– Aia Mattonata Relais
– Castello di Casole
Take a look and let me know if you wish any more suggestions,
Enjoy planning your Tuscan stay!
elena
Hello thank you for the information you are sharing in this page! we have used it to organize our trip in tuscany with my family. I would like to complete your information with theses two other article we found very useful : http://tuscany-travel.blogspot.com.es/2014/01/the-ten-most-beautiful-villages-of.html , http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/jun/27/readers-tips-tuscany
I hope they will help other readers
Ciao from Brazil!
Marcos
Dear Ana,
We are travelling to Toscana after 10 of July.
I don`t have time to organize exactly maybe you could give me some ideas.
So we will rent a car in Bologna. Next day we would like to visit San Marino and from there Tuscany Region.
We`ve been to Florence 3 times, and Pisa too. Now we want to see some beautiful little villages, wineyards, olivegroves. Would like to actually stay in the countryside at a vineyard .
I have a list of this little cities, villages but I can not decide. We have 6 days.
San Gimignano, Pienza,Montepulciano, Cortona, Montalcino, Pitigliano, Siena (bigger city), Lucca (bigger city), Gubbio, Monteriggioni, Assisi, Sovana, Sorano, Arezzo, Spello, Spoleto, Lari, Cinque Terre (this is very far away?).
Val D`orcia…
Or if you know a good wine tasting place?
What do you reccomend we should have to see?
Many Thanks,
Katie
Dear Katie,
Don’t worry for the name 🙂
Tuscany and Umbria abound in beautiful little villages scenically perched on top of panoramic hills.
The best thing is to plan your itinerary from north to south so you won’t loose too much time in traveling from one place to another. I fear 6 days is not enough to visit all those villages.
As you will depart from San Marino, I would suggest you visit Umbria and its villages first; Gubbio, Spello, Assisi, and Spoleto. Spoleto is the one located more south, so I would then cut west and pass through Todi to reach the beautiful Orvieto. At that point continue west to reach the wonderful and striking villages of Sorano, Sovana, and Pitigliano. Then from Pitigliano go north to reach the Val d’Orcia region, where you will explore the area by visiting the striking villages of Pienza, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.
Then I would do Siena, Arezzo, and Cortona. Honestly this is a very challenging itinerary with lots of hill towns to visit, I don’t know if I would also add Lucca and the Cinque Terre (about 3 hours from Siena). You could choose 2 or 3 locations to stop on your tour. Among them I would consider Montalcino, the place of vineyards par excellence. This is the homeland of the famous Brunello di Montalcino. The Ciacci Piccolomini winery is a great place where to taste wine. Another stop may be in Umbria, and one in the area of Pitigliano or the Cortona and Arezzo area.
Let me know about your plans and I would be glad to suggest some good properties along the way.
Have a nice day,
elena
Dear Elena, sorry I missed your name 🙂
Dear Elena!
Up to now I made 2 plans of route.
But I don`t know which will be impressive. We love the charming small towns.
Please help me which one you think better!
Day 1: Bologna-San Marino
Day2: Gubbio-Spello or Todi or Orvieto?
Day3: Civita di Bagnoregio- //Pitigliano-Sovana I think this towns are so far// – Montepulciano
Day4: Pienza-Montalcino + Winery (Ciacci Piccolomini)
Day5: Siena-San Gimignano
Day6: Montefioralle-Bologna
Day7: Bologna
————————————————————-
Day1: Bologna-San Marino
Day2: Gubbio-Cortona
Day3: Montepulciano-Montalcino+ Ciacci Piccolomini
Day4: Monteriggioni-Siena
Day5: San Gimignano-cheese tasting place?
Day6: Montefioralle-Bologna
Day7: Bologna
Thank you very much,
Katie
Dear Katie,
here I am.
I think the most doable plan is the second one, and it’s still full of impressive towns. I would add a brief stop in Pienza on Day 3, that is beautiful and the best place to be for cheese tasting, being famous for the production of the tasty pecorino cheese.
On Day 6 while in Chianti, also the chance to admire the area a bit.
Both for cheese and wine tasting in San Gimignano I recommend Fattoria San Donato.
Have a nice day,
elena
Thany you Elena!
Now I book the accomodations.
Have a nice day,
Katie
Elena,
I’m an engineer residing in west Orange County Florida USA. I have about 120 acres of hilly land in South Carolina over looking beautiful lake, very much similar to lake como Italy. I have been to Tuscany and most of touristic towns in Italy but love to visit more. I’m inspired by the hilly villages in Italy, and would like design my village like that. If you could email me some pictures of green hilly village ideas, I would appreciate it.
All the best
Good morning from Florence Amr,
There are lots of fascinating hilly villages in Italy and especially in Tuscany.
You might take a look at the following lists of villages with pictures I make on the blog:
– More beautiful villages in Tuscany
– Villages in Tuscany that are off the beaten part
– More off the beaten track Tuscan villages
– Most beautiful Italian villages
Have a look and feel free to contact me again,
Have a nice day,
elena
Hi Elena!
I have A couple questions. Wonder if you can help.
1. Some friends and I will be visiting Tuscany for 10 days in February in 2016. We fly into Milan and our hotel right now is in Montacatini (going to see if that can be changed). Here are the places that we want to go to….
Lugano
Lake como
Pisa
San Gimignano
Cinque Terre
Monaco
Nice
with also Venice, Florence and Milan.
How would be the best way to fit all this in? Can a couple places be hit in the same day?
We plan on staying at other places along the way, so we don’t have to keep driving back to our hotel.
2. What should we expect for weather at that time of the year?
Thanks in advance for your input!
JoAnne
Hi Joanne,
Happy to help!
In February days are shorter and generally quite rainy though, depending on the weather, there can be sunny days. I’ve written a full post about the weather in Tuscany, take a look.
For Tuscany, I would choose San Gimignano as your base to see San Gimignano itself, Pisa, and Florence. In the Cinque Terre I would spend 1 or 2 nights before directing towards France.
Use Lake Como as your base to visit Lugano and Milan. Devore to Venice at least 2 nights.
Feel free to ask any other question,
Ciao from Florence,
elena
Hi Elena,
do you have a recommendations for a village that would be great to stay in for a week with a 2 year old and have good internet access to be able to work ?
Thank you !
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for getting in touch!
I think Greve in Chianti is a nice village with good internet access and ok for the baby. We are in the famous and scenic Chianti area, that makes a great base to move around Tuscany. Take a look and let me know if you wish me to suggest a different type of Tuscan village,
Have a nice evening,
elena
Hi Elena,
I love your site and all of your suggestions. I will be spending a week in San Lorenzo and a week in Cortona, September 16 – October 1. Are there any festivals or special events that I “don’t want to miss”? Aslo, what is the best area to photograph the landscape. Thank you for your time.
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
thanks a lot for contacting me, I’m very happy you love my site 🙂
When you say San Lorenzo, you mean Borgo the village Borgo San Lorenzo, or San Lorenzo in Florence?
A week in Cortona would be great to visit a lot of fantastic sights both in Tuscany and in Umbria, take a look at my suggested day trips from Cortona.
As for events in Tuscany during the time you’re staying check here for all info. The most important events will take place in Lucca for the Settembre Lucchese.
I remain at your disposal,
Have a great time in Tuscany!
elena
Elena,
Good evening,
How are you? I have very much enjoyed reading all your travel information posted from your personal experience. My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy on October 7th. We arrive in Venice and stay there for 3 days. I would think thank would be more than enough time to see Venice. Then we are off to explore Tuscany. Do you suggest us renting a car in Venice or taking a train down to Florence and renting the car there to begin our road trip? Also I really want to know what villages should we stay in that offer the experience of truly great authentic Italian food( very important ) , local flavor , scenic areas , villages to walk around in and also suggestions of hotels or cottages to stay that offer complete relaxation. Are there towns that are known for food , wine , views and what I would describe as a day spa ? Thank you for taking the time and hope to hear back from you.
Hi Hunter,
I’m fine thanks! and you?
Thanks for your message. You’re right, 3 days in Venice are ok. I suggest taking a train from Venice down to Florence, that’s the best way; and then rent your car when living Florence to start your road trip.
As for villages that offer great authentic Italian food, they are to be found in Chianti and in Val d’Orcia, both also renowned for their great wines. In Chianti meat in particular is very good.
Montepulciano, Montalcino, and Pienza, all beautiful panoramic villages in Val d’Orcia also have great food. I particularly love the food in Pienza, with all those dished made with pecorino cheese, for which the village is famous. And since you mention also a day spa, near Pienza is the themal village of Bagno Vignoni, where you can really relax!
Take a look and for further suggestions, just let me known,
elena
Dear Elena.
First of all I would like to thank you for the oasis of informations that you provide us, so easy and free, and after to ask about my mystify.
We will visit Toskana for second time (first was 3 days in Fiesole) but this time with our 4children and i am looking for Decent and Economical village where i will use as a center of my exploration around Toskana.
Thank you in advance for your good answer.
Best Regards
Gerasimos
Greece Athens
Hi,
We are 2 married couples all celebrating our 50th birthdays this year and next year and we would like to visit Tuscany to celebrate. We love good food and good wine and enjoy walking around beautiful, romantic hilltop villages and towns. Ideally we would like to stay in a small hotel in the town/area so we do not have to travel far. We will be flying in from the UK so a short transfer would be ideal, no more than 2 hours if possible. Late September early October would be the perfect time for our trip and we would stay for 3/4 nights. I hope you can help.
Best wishes,
Deborah
You may wish to include Sorano and Savana, these are two beautiful Medieval towns