Plan your trip
There is potential for stress in even the best situations, but we each have the means to reduce it. In the case of travelling to Tuscany, we’ve prepared this section of the guide to make the process run as worry-free as possible.
We also have a wealth of advice for navigating the towns and roads within the region. Although public transport in the cities is good, the easiest way to explore the countryside and villages is by car.
The pages below will be your comprehensive information resource on how to keep the stress of travelling to a bare minimum. Whether you’re looking for car hire, taxi services, pet safety or insurance packages, we’ve collated everything you need to know in one convenient place.
Plan your trip
Renting a car in Tuscany
To make the most of Tuscany, we highly recommend hiring a car, in fact for most Tuscany villa rentals it’s essential. Public transport is rarely accessible from villas, so having your own car ensures you can reach them easily and enjoy complete freedom during your stay.
A car will let you explore the region’s beautiful hilltop towns, travel along tiny scenic roads with breathtaking views, and experience Tuscany at your own pace. There are plenty of rental options at all major airports, and below we’ve shared our top tips to help you find the right car for your trip.
Find your perfect villa
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Five free things to do in Tuscany
They say the best things in life are free and Tuscany certainly has plenty of enriching experiences to offer that won’t cost you a penny. These outdoor activities and jaw-dropping sights will nourish both body and mind.
Wallow in a hot spring
There are plenty of natural hot springs to enjoy around Tuscany, many of which are free to use. Take a dip in these thermal baths in the wilderness to be at one with nature. Among the best are in the south of the region, including the Cascate di Mulino waterfalls at Saturnia, and the hot springs at Bagni San Filippo.
Swim in the sea – or lie on the beach
Tuscany isn’t all about rolling hills and lush countryside, this region is also blessed with a coast of craggy coves and pine-fringed beaches, especially in the Maremma. Spend a day on the sands and take a dip in the sea at the old seaside town of Castiglione della Pescaia, not far from Grosseto, or the Marina di Alberese, a peaceful beach in a nature reserve a little further south.
Visit a museum
Plenty of state-run museums in Tuscany offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. Plan your trip accordingly and you can tick off some of Tuscany’s most impressive attractions, such as Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, without having to open your purse.
Get an overview of Florence
It’s not on the usual list of attractions, but one of the best things to do in Florence – and for free – is to climb the steps to the Piazzale Michelangelo for sublime views across the city.
Discover Roman Siena
Go in search of Roman treasure in Siena. The city dates from the first century AD and has plenty of Roman ruins around the city to warrant whiling away a few pleasurable hours delving into the past. Keep an eye open for the dappled red bricks that were made using small crimson stones mixed with cement in Roman times.
Why Rent a Villa in Tuscany
A villa holiday in Tuscany offers the perfect balance of comfort, freedom and authentic Italian living. It’s so much more than accommodation; a villa becomes your home away from home in the heart of one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. It’s a place where you can relax at your own pace and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to discover more, renting a villa allows you to experience Tuscany in a way that hotels cannot match.
What’s on in Tuscany in Spring?
Spring in Tuscany, which lasts from late March to the end of May, is a lovely time of year to visit Tuscany. Life resurges in the iconic Tuscan hills as they begin to turn green, and it is a time of celebration, which means it's festival time in the towns and villages, as locals welcome the season of renewal.
While guests are unlikely to be able to enjoy their pools until mid-June, this is the perfect season to slow down, relax, visit local towns, and soak up Tuscan culture, exploring the region's food and wine. If this sounds like the perfect start to your year, then why not book a villa and recharge in Tuscany?
Three must-visit Tuscan food festivals
Tuscany is food heaven. Crostini, fennel salami, bistecca alla Fiorentina, fish stew and chestnut cake – these are just some of the tempting local delights that await you. Then there are the wines: luscious Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino and the sweet Vin Santo, which is best served with biscotti. Go straight to the source of Tuscany’s edible treasures by visiting a festival, known locally as a sagre
Here are three of the best:
1. Bravio delle Botte Montepulciano
If you’re near the town of Montepulciano on the last Sunday of August, be sure to catch the Bravio delle Botti Eight teams of two runners (spingitori), each representing a different district, compete in this annual race by rolling an 80kg wine barrel through the town centre – a gruelling uphill journey for most of the 1.8km route. As the streets narrow, the barrels become more cumbersome, resulting in frequent collisions. First to reach the Piazza Grande wins the painted cloth bearing the image of the town’s patron saint. Everyone is rewarded with a feast of local food.
San Miniato Truffle Fair
The fragrant local white truffle is celebrated on the last three weekends of November in the medieval market town of San Miniato, between Pisa and Florence. The prized funghi is available to sample and buy in different forms, including oils and paste, and there’s extra virgin olive oil, honey, pecorino, chocolate, focaccia, pickles, cakes and other products on sale, too. Meanwhile, the town’s restaurants serve up special dishes, such as a simple pasta cooked with truffle oil and fresh mushrooms.
Fest’ all’Olio, Vitolini
The latest olive oil and wine goes under the spotlight at the Fest’ all’Olio in Vitolini in November. The celebrations begin with a special themed dinner drawing on this produce from the local olive groves and vineyards. On the following day, stalls set out around the town, offering tastings, restaurants put on special menus and there are tours of the olive groves and vineyards, too.
What’s on in Tuscany this Autumn?
Late summer and autumn is the time to indulge in Tuscany’s fantastic home-grown food and drink, with plenty of festivals, or sagre, to experience.
If it’s autumn, it’s time to celebrate the region’s wine.
One of the biggest is Chianti Classico Expo, a major celebration of the region’s most famous wines in Greve. Taste your way around 60 producers from the nine towns of the Chianti Classico region, which will be presenting their wines alongside olive oil and other delicious local produce. Check out, too, the national Calici di Stelle wine event when glasses are raised as night falls, with tasting events beneath the stars in towns including Siena, Gaiole, Castiglione D’Orcia and Montepulciano.
For beer-lovers, there’s the Villaggio della Birrabeer festival held south-east of Siena in Buonconvento. This international festival of artisanal breweries started in 2006 as a celebration of friendship between Italian and Belgian brewers. It now welcomes brewers from across the world for tastings, food, live music and arts.
Montepulciano’s Bravio delle Botti was originally a horse race but in 1974 wine barrels were substituted for the steeds. Eight contrade, or districts, challenge each other to win a precious piece of painted cloth by rolling wine barrels up hill. They make a day of it: lunch follows, with a medieval procession in the afternoon.
One of the region’s most important events takes place in autumn, L’Eroica a cycling event that has launched an international movement over the past 20 years. Thousands of cyclists set off on vintage bikes from Gaiole along the white gravel roads of the Tuscan countryside. Routes range from 46km to 209km and a 3,700m altitude difference with plenty of stop-offs to sample local food and, of course, wine.
Truffles for sale in San Miniato's truffle festival
So, what about those delicious sagres? Carmignano celebrates figs at its Benvenuto Fico Secco festival and Bacchereto, a hamlet of Carmignano, puts chestnuts in the spotlight. For truffles, head to the hamlets of San Miniato in the province of Pisa. Corazzano holds its White Truffle Fair on, with more truffles in Ponte a Egola on, while there are mushrooms as well as truffles on show at La Serra and Balconevisi.
The Palio in Siena is a historic horse race tradition.
And, if you missed Siena’s famous horse race, Il Palio, in July, there’s a second chance to catch it in August. And don’t forget Domenica al Museo, when all the state-run museums open free of charge on the first Sunday of the month, starts in October and runs until March.
Insurance
While To Tuscany fulfils its responsibilities to guests under applicable law, guests are responsible for ensuring they have suitable travel insurance for their needs. To Tuscany cannot be held liable for any loss, damage, or expense that may arise if guests choose not to take out adequate insurance.
Tuscany, second (third or fourth) time around
First-timers to Tuscany often focus on the frescoes, not the fields of sunflowers. Take Florence. The city of Botticelli and Brunelleschi, home to half of Italy’s Unesco art treasures, can seem daunting. August can mean gridlock by the goldsmiths on the Ponte Vecchio, and seething crowds around Michelangelo’s massive, heavy-veined David. As well as Florence, first-timers flock to Siena and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, stopping only for San Gimignano (“medieval Manhattan”) and wine-tasting in the Chiantishire vineyards. After an indigestible feast of art history and riservas, Tuscany gets ticked off for ever.
Or you could be stirred to slip away and take it slowly? Tuscany for second- (third- or fourth-) timers means not missing out on sleepy hill towns that might steal your heart. There’s time for hearing Puccini in piazzas, cycling the ramparts, and siestas by sunflower fields. Going off-piste works for sophisticates or seven-year-olds, with Vin Santo or ice cream an antidote to artistic overload. And you can expect fewer teenage tantrums in empty minor museums studded with masterpieces.
If you like Florence, you’ll love unsung Pistoia, a miniature, less touristy version, complete with twin town hall – a tiny Palazzo Vecchio. With its shadowy streets and medieval mood, Pistoia feels bubble-wrapped against modernity. The main square offers a dizzying sense of medieval might. Admire the jauntily striped Romanesque cathedral, the sky-high bell tower and the wedding-cake baptistery. Climb the crenellated bell tower for a bird’s-eye view of the square, one of the loveliest in Tuscany. Mostly pedestrianised, Pistoia also revels in its contemporary side, from bold museums to street art, suggesting a vibrant cultural scene. Even so, as dusk falls, the streets see Franciscan friars striding along in their brown habits and rope belts, just as they did in the Middle Ages.
Discover Lucca on two wheels.
If overwhelmed by Pisa, and the posers around the Leaning Tower, try perfectly preserved Lucca, which was built on a human scale. Ringed by Renaissance walls, crowd-pleasing Lucca invites strolling and shopping, church-goggling and café crawls. The massive ramparts seem made for jogging, flirting, gossiping and cycling. What’s more, Lucca’s skyline is superior to Pisa’s, with ravishing vistas from the top of the Romanesque-Gothic Torre Guinigi tower-house. This city of bizarre churches climaxes in the crazily patterned San Michele in Foro, a Romanesque concoction on the Roman Forum site. Wander Via Fillungo, one of Tuscany’s prettiest shopping streets, and retreat to genteel Pasticceria Taddeucci for pastries and coffee. To jaded urbanities, Lucca represents life as it should be led.
Alabaster Stone Shop in Volterra.
For elemental Etruscan Tuscany, try Volterra instead of jam-packed San Gimignano. Perched on a majestic ridge overlooking soft hills and deep gullies, Volterra commands its remote setting, entered via the best-preserved Etruscan gateway in Italy. The road climbs to Piazza dei Priori, the most theatrical square, dominated by the town hall, a model for Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. A ramble through this multi-layered medieval town reveals Roman and Etruscan walls, along with ancient epigraphs encrusted in Renaissance mansions. The compelling Etruscan Museum runs the gamut of Etruscan demonology and Greek mythology, featuring sea monsters, Greek gods and beaked griffins. Enigmatic sculptures blur the line between mortality and immortality. Before giving up the ghost, call into Volterra’s alabaster workshops to learn about alabaster-carving, yet another Etruscan legacy.
In the streets of Montepulciano.
Further south, if Siena strikes you as claustrophobic, choose Montepulciano, a dignified Renaissance outpost. Standing sentinel is San Biagio, a honey-toned Renaissance temple topped by a perfect dome, with a purity of line echoing the Pantheon in Rome. The town hall is a miniature version of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, with a tower surveying Siena province, from Val d’Orcia to Monte Amiata and Siena itself. Overlooking the set-piece square, the winery Contucci Cantine offers a taste of noble life, a loftiness at one with the town itself. The Contucci dynasty has been making Vino Nobile di Montepulciano in their ancestral mansion since Renaissance times. This being Tuscany, the family often leads the guided tasting and cellar tour. This smooth red wine with a hint of violets was ennobled in 1549 when Pope Paul III’s sommelier proclaimed it “a most perfect wine, a wine for lords”. Call into equally smooth Caffè Poliziano and take in the pastoral views, preferably with a glass of Vino Nobile in hand.
Reenactment of the famous Battle of Montalcino, which took place in 1553 during the Siege of Montalcino.
If Pienza feels too popular, visit spirited Montalcino, Montepulciano’s hilltop neighbour. From afar, Montalcino resembles a medieval Sienese painting, especially at sunset. While Pienza was perfectly planned, Montalcino developed around its fortress, so has a sense of freedom and spiritedness that Pienza lacks. With few must-see sights, Montalcino is more about the mellow mood and drinking in the views from the home of prized Brunello di Montalcino wine. The citadel sums up Montalcino, from the medieval battlements and wide vistas to its beguiling wine-tasting centre.
It’s a travesty to equate Tuscany with Chiantishire, a parody of an English country-house party transposed to Italy. Still, if you’re tired of the slightly soporific Chianti and feeling restless for transcendent scenery, try the Val d’Orcia. Montalcino opens up this Unesco-listed patchwork of craggy castles, hilltop hamlets, remote abbeys and moody natural spas. From the ribbons of vineyards to the serried exclamation marks of cypresses, the area is less populated, less manicured and less commercialised than Chianti. It’s here that Tuscans best master the art of country living, of deep harmony with the land. Expect to be shaken and stirred, whether by the giant sunflowers or by a balloon ride over the valley.
Cortona, with its stunning views.
Finally, if you are underwhelmed by unprepossessing Arezzo, visit Cortona, the perfect hill-top town. Enticing Cortona is a place for pottering in search of the Etruscans, while being beset by Puccini-playing buskers and tempting cafes. In the Etruscan Museum, gaze at a dolphin- and gorgon-encrusted Etruscan chandelier, proof that this was the most important Etruscan city in northern Tuscany. Hike up to the Medici fortress for views of terraced olive groves and vineyards stretching towards Lake Trasimeno. This dreamy spot was once an Etruscan acropolis but you might prefer to dream in the citadel’s wine bar, or to feast on Val di Chiana T-bone steak, washed down with Chianti Classico, of course. Forget Florentine frescoes: Tuscany for second-timers means succumbing to chance encounters.
What’s on in Tuscany this Summer?
The arrival of the warmer weather calls Tuscans outside as they make the most of the region’s natural surroundings, enjoying activities such as folkloric festivals by day and concerts beneath the stars by night. So take a lead from the locals with our pick of the best events in June and July.
Italy is the home of the Slow movement, so why not ease yourself into Tuscany’s fifthSlow Travel Fest, a selection of outdoor experiences including talks, hikes, culture, food and music events held along the Via Francigena over three weekends in June and September. The first, ‘Folks and Family’, takes place in Villafranca in Lunigiana and features a programme of excursions on foot, by bicycle and on horseback, as well as river hiking, storytelling, concerts, performances and workshops.
See Pisa light up during Luminara. Photo: Pisa Photography/Shutterstock
See the city of Pisa in a different light on the evening of 16 June when Luminara di San Ranieri illuminates the River Arno with 70,000 candles suspended along its banks and set afloat on the water. A magical celebration that dates from the 17th century, Luminara hails the feast of the city’s patron saint, St Ranieri, the following day. Join the crowds of Pisani to enjoy the city by flickering candlelight and watch a spectacular fireworks display launched from the old town.
Meanwhile, intense rivalries resurface every summer as Il Palio takes over the city of Siena. Not one but two spectacular horse races take place in the medieval Piazza del Campo. It’s an exhilarating time to be in Siena – in the days leading up to the race, the streets are dressed with the colourful banners of the city’s 17 contrade, or districts. On race day, the event kicks off with the blessing of the horses, followed by a parade of more than 600 participants through the buzzing streets. Then, in a fast and furious race that’s over in just three minutes, the jockeys and horses give their all to cross the finishing line first. Read ourinterview with photographer Greg Funnell about his experience of shooting the event.
See Tosca at the composer’s lakeside home. Photo: Giorgio Andreuccetti
Opera buffs can join thousands of fellow fans from around the globe at Torre del Lago for the annual Puccini Festival, held in the huge al-fresco auditorium at the late composer’s villa. The 65th edition, a comprehensive programme of Puccini’s works, including performances of Turandot, La Bohème, Madame Butterfly, Aida, Manon Lescaut, Tosca and Le Villi. Whilst there, make time to visit the museum and stroll through the grounds dotted with contemporary sculptures by the likes of Pietro Cascella, Jean-Michel Folon and Kan Yasuda. Brush up on the maestro’s operas with our bluffer’s guide here by Puccini expert Adrian Mourby.
Enter the ‘fourth dimension’ at Mercantia. Photo: Massimo Tordini
About an hour’s drive from Florence, the small hill town of Certaldo offers the intriguing opportunity to enter the ‘fourth dimension’… The international street-theatre festival Mercantia, will stimulate the senses, with performances taking place in atmospheric parts of the town, including secret gardens and quiet courtyards. Take the scenic route up by parking at the bottom of the hill and riding the funicular railway.
Cortona becomes a photo gallery in summer. Photo: Massimo Tordini
Each year, the Etruscan hilltown of Cortona hosts Cortona on the Move, a programme of contemporary photography events and exhibitions mounted around the lively town.
Six great days out in Tuscany for children
It’s easy to keep the whole family happy on a holiday to Tuscany; just balance a bit of ‘me’ time with some ‘them’ time.With its family-first culture, Tuscany is a wonderful place for children. From water parks to museums, these attractions are sure to be a big hit not only with the little kids in your group but the big kids too!
Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
Children will love the interactive exhibitions in theLeonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence. More than 40 machines have been built to scale using the plans of the great Italian Renaissance polymath, including his famous flying machines. Plus, there are reproductions of his masterpieces on display, too, including ‘The Last Supper’ and the ‘Mona Lisa’.
Pinocchio Park
The puppet who would be a boy is the star of Pinocchio Park near Lucca. Follow the trail through the park, dotted with tableaux of different episodes from Carlo Collodi’s 1883 fairytale The Adventures of Pinocchio. There’s a museum, gardens and a butterfly house, too.
Pistoia Zoo
From lions to giant cockroaches, there are more than 400 creatures to see close up at Pistoia Zoo where conservation and education are the watchwords. The zoo takes part in programmes to protect animals in the wild, as well as preserving endangered species within its gates, and children can find out more about the residents through special family-friendly activities.
Acqua Village
Cecina and Follonica are the places to head for with water babies. These Hawaiian-themed water parks, on the Etruscan and Maremma coasts, are packed with giant slides and play pools where young and old can make a splash. There’s also circus school, football and volleyball, and elastic carpets to bounce about on.
Museo d’Arte per Bambini
The Tuscans are so determined to get kids to embrace art that they’ve even created a museum dedicated to children aged three to 11 years of age. Museo d’Arte per Bambini in the prestigious museum complex Santa Maria Della Scala, features a collection from down the centuries that will inspire young minds, from paintings to sculpture and photography to video.
Parco Aventura Saltalbero
Does your family have a head for heights? Then take a walk in the treetops at Parco Aventura Saltalbero near Rapolano Terme in the Ombrone Valley. Wobble your way through the branches via rope bridges, ladders and swinging logs, with a variety of routes available for all ages.
To Tuscany has a fantastic range of family-friendly villas. Explore our collection of family-friendly villas for the best places to stay whilst you’re in Tuscany.
Family-friendly villas
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you. Click here to get in touch.
What to look for in a family villa in Tuscany
Over the past 20 years, we have been kindly trusted with thousands of family holidays in Tuscany. During this time we have picked up plenty of insider tips to make your next villa holiday an unforgettable one. Here are our top tips when it comes to choosing the perfect villa for your family:
Book enough bedrooms…
While many of our villas offer flexible living, some including sofa beds to maximise space, try to avoid skimping on the amount of bedrooms. The kids will have a more peaceful night in a room on which you can shut the door – and you won’t have to tiptoe around the villa after you’ve put them to bed.
… and bathrooms
As well as enough beds, extra bathrooms help keep everyone happy. You might not need a private bathroom for each individual bedroom, but book a villa with at least two to cut down on the amount of waiting – and potential arguments.
What kind of pool do you fancy?
We pride ourselves on the fact that the vast majority of our villas have access to a swimming pool. But which to choose for a family holiday, private or shared? There’s no doubt a private pool is a real treat – and if you opt for one, you might like to make sure it’s fenced or close to the house to keep children safe. But a shared pool offers the chance to mingle with other families, an easy way to help the kids make holiday friends.
Is there space inside and out?
Choose a villa with a few communal spaces, both inside and out. This will enable everyone to find a quiet corner should they want some private time and to ensure you’ve somewhere to gather under cover if you’re unlucky enough to experience a rainy day.
Keep connected
You might dream of taking a break from digital life, but for many families Wi-Fi is the key to a happy holiday, especially if you’re travelling with teenagers. Wi-Fi allows your kids to use their devices for entertainment, to stay in touch with friends, and to share photos and activities from the trip. It also means you can stay up-to-date with news, social media and, if you must, your emails.
Stop the boredom
Lots of our villas have activities on site, from tennis courts to snooker and ping pong. In many you’ll find books, DVDs and board games, too. Check out the fine details of your preferred villa’s page to see what is available.
Get out and about
Seclusion is nice, but so is history, culture, and nightlife. Unless you are a very self-contained family, it’s a good idea to choose a villa that is close to a town or village with shopping and restaurants – if eating out is important, choosing a villa within walking distance of good eateries is a bonus.
Explore our range of excellent family-friendly villas to find the perfect one for your holiday.
Family-friendly villas
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you. Click here to get in touch.
The Best Villas in Vineyards in Tuscany
Imagine waking to sweeping views of rolling vineyards, where the first thing you see is sunlit rows of vines stretching to the horizon. Staying in a villa on a working vineyard offers more than just a holiday; it’s an immersion into Tuscany’s wine culture, with tastings on your doorstep.
From the renowned Chianti hills, home to the world-famous Chianti Classico, to other prestigious wine-producing areas, our villas on vineyards place you at the heart of Tuscany’s winemaking tradition. Whether you want a touch of luxury or a converted farmhouse on wine estates, guests can enjoy tastings and trails through the vines that have inspired centuries of wine production.
To Tuscany offers the best villas in vineyards for wine lovers and those seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany.
Dietary advice in Italy
Travelling abroad or even dining out in your home town is never easy if you have food allergies or if you have opted for a vegetarian diet. Here To Tuscany provides some tips that you may find helpful during your holiday in Tuscany and while travelling in Italy.
Read moreEight hidden gems to visit in Tuscany
Finding new and lesser-known places in Tuscany can mean your trip is truly unforgettable. The charm and unassuming appeal of the local villages in the region offer a wonderfully authentic experience. These hidden gems may not often be included in the guidebooks but they are well worth seeking out.
1.Monticchiello
The walled village of Monticchiello is the counterpoint to over-popular Pienza, viewed from its medieval ramparts. Strung out along the crest of a hill, this fortified hamlet is proud of its peasant origins, which are showcased in “poor-man’s theatre” every summer. Starring the villagers themselves, this “peasants’ play” (Teatro Povero) presents rural life, embracing social protest and marginalisation. To show your support, you’ll probably want to stay for the peasant cooking, ranging from chickpea or bean soups to tripe and rabbit dishes.
Osteria La Porta, on Via del Piano, would tempt princes or peasants with its tasty pici, stubby pasta served with sheep’s milk cheese.
2 Radicofani
Set on the edges of prettified Val d’Orcia and rugged Monte Amiata, Radicofani remains an arresting borderlands stronghold, trapped in a medieval limbo. The writer Charles Dickens called this rocky spur of a setting “as barren, as stony, and as wild as Cornwall”. Now a ravishing backwater, Radicofani first flourished as a Sienese bulwark against Florentine power and as a stop on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route to Rome. Crowned by a castle, perched on a craggy basalt rock, known as La Fortezza, this Medici fortress now houses the Museo del Cassero, with an Etruscan and medieval collection.
3 Civitella in Val di Chiana
Often dismissed as a lunch spot between the Chianti and ArezzoCivitella in Val di Chiana is worth more time than it takes to devour a Tuscan T-bone steak. Like Arezzo, the provincial capital, this rural backwater has not sold its soul to tourism. Apart from being a bastion of Slow Food, with chickpea soup and roast rabbit on the menu, Civitella is small-town Tuscany. Unfurled along a ridge, this fortified outpost surveys cypresses and olive groves. Beyond the medieval gateway lie vaulted alleyways and a Romanesque church,forming a timeless scene surmounted by a ruined castle.
4 LucignanoLucignano, west of the more celebrated Cortona, offers another taste of the Val di Chiana, famous for its Florentine steaks. This oval-shaped hill town, tucked into medieval walls, enjoys a commanding view of the Val di Chiana. It’s a pleasing game of concentric circles converging on the central square, where temporal and spiritual powers meet in the Gothic town hall and its shadow power, the church of San Michele. Feast on T-Bone steak inIl Goccino, on Via Matteotti, and, for contrast, consider a spot of designer shopping in the Valdichiana Outlet Village in neighbouring Foiano della Chiana.
5 Bolgheri
Wine-growing Bolgheri is synonymous with the all-conquering super-Tuscan wines that make this stretch of the Etruscan Coast so special. Forget incongruous images of beady-eyed Etruscans lounging under beach umbrellas, much as they do on funerary urns. At Cecina, south of Castiglioncello, leave the Costa degli Etruschi for medieval Bolgheri. Charming though tiny Bolgheri is, it’s really a stepping stone to the Etruscan Riviera wine trail, complete with low-slung farmhouses and Tuscany’s most acclaimed wines. Sassicaia, Ornellaia and Solaia spell the future of Tuscan wine-making, with Ornellaia the most intriguing estate, run by the illustrious Frescobaldi dynasty, who’ve been in wine for 700 years.
6 Volpaia
Volpaia is a revitalised village just off the Chiantigiana, or Chianti Way. It’s both a cinematic hamlet and the hub of a sustainable community. On the surface, this outpost looks the part, with fierce towers, tortuous alleys, deconsecrated churches and secret courtyards. Yet Castello di Volpaia is a castle and winery repurposed for modern living, without sacrificing the soul of the village or its surface sheen of antiquity. Given its vineyards and farmlands, Volpaia is virtually self-sufficient, with estate workers housed within the walls. The local lifeblood is wine and olive oil, with low-key tourism flowing in its wake, like a vintage Chianti.
7 Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni
Often dubbed “the gateway to the Middle Ages”, walled Monteriggioni is the quintessential medieval town, bristling with fortifications. Ringed by towers, this theatrical Sienese hilltop settlement was built as a bulwark against Florentine foes. Today, it’s a place for dolce far niente, the sweet art of doing nothing at all. Monteriggioni in Arme, the evocative Museum of Arms, conjures up chivalric times. Walking these battlements gives a true sense of what it must have been like to be a medieval knight. It’s not surprising that the town inspired the popular Assassin’s Creed film and video game franchise.
8 San Giovanni d’Asso
Set in rolling countryside north of Montalcino, San Giovanni d’Asso is a glorified hamlet that thinks itself a city-state, Tuscan-style. San Giovanni retains its medieval street plan and proud urban spirit, pride at odds with its current status as truffle-fest-with-castle-attached. Medieval insecurity accounts for the cluster of castles built in this sleepy corner of Siena province. Despite two Romanesque churches, San Giovanni is mostly about the medieval mood of its terracotta-tinged castle, home to the Museo del Tartufo, the White Truffle Museum. Snaffle up the autumn truffle fair or ride the occasional Nature Train, a journey through the surrounding landscape.
Your health and safety
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
Find your perfect villa
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you.
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Your health and your safety are our paramount concerns. Together with the To Tuscany villa owners, we have put together some tips to help you stay safe and healthy during your stay.
Swimming Pool Safety and Hygiene Tips
The swimming pools at our Tuscany villas do not have lifeguards, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the design and the layout of the pool area prior to use. Take into account any depth changes or unusual features. Accidents at the swimming pool can happen when children are exploring soon after arrival. Make sure you know where your children are at all times.
● Observe the swimming pool rules displayed on any notices around the pool area.
● Swimming pools at your villa will not be suitable for diving unless otherwise stated.
● Observe pool opening hours and do not use the pool after dark.
● Do not swim immediately after eating a meal.
● Do not swim after drinking alcohol.
● Do not use the pool if you are suffering from an upset stomach or are feeling unwell.
● Take a shower before entering the pool.
● Ensure children use the toilet before using the pool.
● Young children and babies should wear appropriate swimwear (i.e. pool nappies).
● Before using the pool, ensure you know how to get help in the event of an emergency.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and Carbon monoxide detectors are not common in Tuscany. We suggest purchasing one to bring with you when you travel, just in case your villa doesn’t have one. View or purchase your own portable carbon monoxide detector from Amazon here(Affiliate link).
Review the Safety Features
After you have met your villa’s owner, you are invited to review the safety features at your villa so you know where to find the emergency equipment and safety information relevant to you. If you are unsure how to locate the first aid kit or the fire extinguisher are, ask the villa owner. They will want to make sure you are clear on all safety precautions.
Italian Universal Health Care
Italy benefits from a universal health care Nation Health Service (NHS) system known as the Italian NHS. It's healthcare system is regarded, by World Health Organization's (WHO) ranking, as the 2nd best in the world behind France and according to the WHO Italians have the world's 6th highest life expectancy!
Health Advice European Citizens
Italy is a member of the European Union (EU) as such all EU citizens are entitled to receive medical care from Italian NHS. The Italian NHS staff might ask you for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which is issued by EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and the UK. An EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure you have both before you travel.
Health Advice for Non EU Citizens
If you are not resident in the EU, you are recommended to get private travel insurance. Check the latest Health Advice on Tuscany at your own government's website which should provide regularly updated information on how to stay healthy while traveling abroad, including advice on preventative measures and recommended vaccinations.
Emergency contacts
In case of any emergency, here are important contact details for your reference:
Call 112
The 112 operators will forward the call to the appropriate operational centre based on the type of emergency including:
Police
Firefighters
Medical assistance
The call is free from a landline or mobile phone, even when the phone doesn’t have a SIM card, is locked, or has no phone credit.
Pharmacy (Non urgent Medical Attention
If you require non-urgent medical attention or assistance with medication, pharmacies can provide support. Our on-site team can assist you in locating the nearest pharmacy and provide guidance on accessing the necessary care.
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. If you find yourself in an emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our on-site team, who will be ready to aid and support.
(Affiliate link, we may earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you).
Things to do in Tuscany for any itinerary
With so much on offer in Tuscany, it can be difficult to know where to start. We have compiled the top things to add to your itinerary during your Tuscan holiday whether you are looking for something to do with your children, places to try the very best local wines or galleries of some of the world’s most famous art collections.Tuscany’s art
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see if you’re making a day trip to Florence during your stay because it’s home to one of the world’s best collections of Renaissance art. Michelangelo’s ‘Holy Family’, Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’, and Canaletto’s ‘View of the Grand Canal’ are just a few of the treasures to tick off your list.
Leonardiano Museum
TheLeonardiano Museum, in the master’s birthplace, Vinci, west of Florence, is no dusty parochial detailing of Leonardo da Vinci’s life. Instead, at its heart is a fascinating collection of models of the mechanisms he imagined, including a flying machine, and there’s a high-definition digital reproduction of his famous mural, ‘The Last Supper’.
The Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art in Prato is welcoming
visitors again. Photo: Michela Osteri/Creative Commons
Centro Pecci
The visual arts, cinema, music, architecture, design, fashion, literature, the performing arts – no branch of contemporary art is unscrutinised at Centro Pecci in Prato. The gallery – itself a saucer-shaped spectacle, designed by Italo Gamberini and extended by Maurice Nio – has hosted distinguished exhibitions including ‘Nudes’ by the late Chinese photographer and poet Ren Hang.
Tuscany for children
Pinocchio Park
Children can immerse themselves in one of the world’s favourite fairytales atPinocchio Parknear Pistoia. Carlo Collodi’s story about the puppet with ambitions to become a real boy is gently told in a garden set with bronze and steel sculptures of characters and settings from the book, plus there’s a small museum. A zipwire adventure in the trees adds a few thrills.
Acqua Villages
The fun is more raucous at Acqua Villages at Cecina and Follonica, two South Seas-style fantasy sites cast adrift in the Tuscan landscape. Whizz around snaking flumes and shoot down perilously steep slides for the ultimate splashdown in the cool pools below. Plus there are safe spaces for tiny tots to enjoy some watery fun, too.
Parco Avventura Il Gigante
Another place to get the family’s adrenaline pumping is Parco Avventura Il Gigante near Florence. Young or old, your head for heights will be put to the test on the ziplines and Tibetan bridges that weave through the canopy of an oak forest.
Tuscany’s Gardens
'The Planets’ is another striking installation in Daniel Spoerri’s Garden. Photo: Susanne Neumann
Daniel Spoerri’s Garden
Art meets nature in several locations across Tuscany, including at Daniel Spoerri’s Garden. It’s named after the Swiss artist who has carefully positioned his collection of 113 installations by 55 artists here in a wild mountainous spot near Seggiano. Look out for the two works by the renowned Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely, famed for his kinetic art.
Tarot Garden
The eye-popping Tarot Garden near Garavicchio is the legacy of the late French-American sculptor, painter and filmmaker Niki de Saint Phalle. Here, she constructed more than 20 monumental figures about the symbols of the Tarot, assisted by her second husband, the sculptor Jean Tinguely (see above). If you’ve been to Parc Guell in Barcelona, you’ll immediately recognise the influence of the Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi in the giant mosaic-clad sculptures.
The Pratolino Medici Park is home to some monumental statues, including the 10.7-metre-high ‘Colosso del Appennino’. Photo: Mikolaj Wierzbicki
Pratolino Medici Park
More monumental works of art can be seen at thePratolino Medici Park near Vaglia, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Famed for its Renaissance grottos, fountains and statues, you can’t miss the park’s 10.7-metre-high Appennine Colossus, gazing into the waters of a small lake. These massive marvels were adornments for a villa that once stood here, designed by Buontalenti for the powerful Medici family in the late 16th century.
Tuscany’s Wines
The Antinori winery in Chianti Classico is an organic sculpture that blends into the surrounding landscape. Photo: Ivan Franco Bottoni/Unsplash
One of Tuscany’s greatest attractions, of course, is its delicious wines. Many of the local vineyards are opening for tastings once more, not only of the red and white wines they produce, but also Vinsanto, Grappa and extra virgin olive oil. Among their number is Casanuova di Ama, near Gaiole, a family-run farm in the prime vineyards of Chianti Classico. AtCastello Nipozzano near Pelago, a medieval castle provides the backdrop to the winery in Chianti Rufina territory, with cellars and a house to tour, as well as tastings. Col d’Orcia, an organic producer overlooking the Orcia river near Montalcino, is in Brunello country and offers tours of the farm that provide an insight into its biodynamic approach. Meanwhile, cutting-edge architecture meets venerable winemaking atAntinori nel Chianti Classico, south of Florence. The Antinori family has been making wine in Tuscany since the Middle Ages, but the sculptural winery by architect Marco Casamonti, with its glass tasting room suspended above the cellar, is thoroughly 21st century.
Are you inspired to visit Tuscany and explore a region rich in culture, beauty and history? Explore our completecollection of villasto start planning your Tuscan holiday today.
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Your Heating and Air Conditioning
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
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No need for confusion. We’ve compiled everything you need to know about your heating and air conditioning into one concise guide. There are three ways in which usage is charged:
1. Included
This means that all heating and air conditioning charges are included in the weekly rental price. There are no extra fees to pay for these services. Sometimes fuel, electricity and/or air conditioning are included in the price if the usage of said facilities is under a certain allowance. After exceeding said allowance, usage will be charged according to consumption.
2. Fixed Fee
Otherwise known as Forfait, this means that there is a fee which does not vary depending on usage.
3. By consumption
This means that the fees will be calculated according to how much the service is used. This is determined by meter readings and charged at a rate specified by the villa’s owners or caretakers. Please note that the prices are not always known to To Tuscany staff.
How to stay cool:
• Close external doors, windows and shutters on the South side or where the sun comes in. This will prevent warm air and direct sunlight from entering the house.
• Open doors and windows in the night and early morning to let the cool air in.
• Switch the ceiling fans to anti-clockwise to draw the hot air upwards.
• Make sure your sheets are changed during your stay. This will help keep them fresh and cool. [Please note that a change in bed linen may incur an extra charge.]
Useful Italian Phrases
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
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Italians are very proud of their country and welcome tourists willingly to try their wonderful food and wine, to experience their culture and to speak a bit of their language… They just love it. The fathers of modern Italian were Dante, Manzoni and television. Each did his part in creating a national language putting together an infinity of regional and local dialects.
Thank you..............................Grazie
Do you speak English?...........Parla inglese?
You are welcome....................Prego
I don’t understand..................Non capisco
Excuse me?...........................Mi scusi
I am English...........................Io sono inglese
Excuse me (may i pass).........Permesso
Yes / No / Please...................Si / No / per favore
Yesterday..............................Ieri
Today....................................Oggi
How are you?........................Come sta?
Fine, thank you......................Bene grazie
Tomorrow..............................Domani
Good morning.......................Buon giorno
Morning.................................Mattina
Good evening........................Buona sera
Noon.....................................Mezzogiorno
Good night............................Buona notte
Afternoon..............................Pomeriggio
Good bye..............................Arrivederci
Evening.................................Sera
Hello.....................................Ciao
When?..................................Quando?
What time is it?.....................Che ora è?
How much does it cost?.........Quanto costa?
Where is it?...........................Dove è?
Could you assist me?..............Potrebbe aiutarmi?
I don’t know...........................Non lo so
All right..................................Va bene
It doesn’t matter.....................Non importa
I am lost ................................Mi sono perso
Nothing...................................Niente
I am tired ..............................Sono stanco
I am hungry............................Ho fame
I am sleepy.............................Ho sonno
I am thirsty.............................Ho sete
I am ill....................................Mi sento male
I am sorry...............................Mi dispiace
Breakfast................................Colazione
Leave me alone.......................Lasciami in pace
Lunch.....................................Pranzo
Dinner....................................Cena
Big.........................................Grande
Small......................................Piccolo
Why.......................................Perché
where.....................................Dove
I would like............................Vorrei
I want....................................Voglio
please....................................Per favore
right.......................................Destra
left.........................................Sinistra
hotel......................................Albergo
bank......................................Banca
market...................................Mercato
shop......................................Negozio
beach....................................Spiaggia
hospital.................................Ospedale
chemist.................................Farmacia
station..................................Stazione
train.....................................Treno
platform...............................Binario
ticket...................................Biglietto
one way (ticket)………..........Andata
return ticket..........................Andata e ritorno
bus.......................................Autobus
bus stop................................Fermata
one way (street)....................Senso unico
hot........................................Caldo
cold......................................Freddo
too much..............................Troppo
well......................................Bene
good luck.............................Buona fortuna
parla lentamente....................Speak slowly
What is your name?..............Come si chiama?
PUBLIC NOTICES
Open................................Aperto
No smoking......................Vietato fumare
Closed..............................Chiuso
Lift....................................Ascensore
Entrance...........................Entrata / Ingresso
Vacant..............................Libero
Exit...................................Uscita
Occupied..........................Occupato
Entrance (trains /buses)...Salita
Stairs................................Scale
Exit (trains / buses)...........Uscita
Forbidden.........................Vietato
Push.................................Spingere
Do not touch....................Non toccare
Pull..................................Tirare
Toilet...............................W.C / Bagno
Ladies..............................Donne / Signore
Gents...............................Uomini / Signori
Not drinkable water.........Acqua non portabile
PRONOUNCIATION
CH is pronounced K
CI is pronounced CH
C + Vowel is pronounced CHI / CHE
CA is pronounced as in English
NUMBERS
Uno - one
Due - two
Tre - three
Quattro - four
Cinque - five
Sei - six
Sette - seven
Otto - eight
Nove - nine
Dieci - ten
venti - twenty
trenta - thirty
quaranta - forty
cinquanta - fifty
sessanta - sixty
settanta - seventy
ottanta - eighty
novanta - ninety
cento - hundred
milione - million
What to see and do in Tuscany
Tuscany’s art
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see if you’re making a day trip to Florence during your stay because it’s home to one of the world’s best collections of Renaissance art. Michelangelo’s ‘Holy Family’, Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’, and Canaletto’s ‘View of the Grand Canal’ are just a few of the treasures to tick off your list.
Leonardiano Museum
The Leonardiano Museum, in the master’s birthplace, Vinci, west of Florence, is no dusty parochial detailing of Leonardo da Vinci’s life. Instead, at its heart is a fascinating collection of models of the mechanisms he imagined, including a flying machine, and there’s a high-definition digital reproduction of his famous mural, ‘The Last Supper’.
The Luigi Pecci Center for Contemporary Art in Prato is welcoming visitors again. Photo: Michela Osteri/Creative Commons
Centro Pecci
The visual arts, cinema, music, architecture, design, fashion, literature, the performing arts – no branch of contemporary art is unscrutinised at Centro Pecci in Prato. The gallery – itself a saucer-shaped spectacle, designed by Italo Gamberini and extended by Maurice Nio.
Tuscany for children
Children will love the park showcasing the world-famous fairytale character Pinocchio. Photo: Jack Sullivan/Alamy
Pinocchio Park
Children can immerse themselves in one of the world’s favourite fairytales at Pinocchio Park near Pistoia. Carlo Collodi’s story about the puppet with ambitions to become a real boy is gently told in a garden set with bronze and steel sculptures of characters and settings from the book, plus there’s a small museum. A zipwire adventure in the trees adds a few thrills.
Acqua Villages
The fun is more raucous at Acqua Villages at Cecina and Follonica, two South Seas-style fantasy sites cast adrift in the Tuscan landscape. Whizz around snaking flumes and shoot down perilously steep slides for the ultimate splashdown in the cool pools below. Plus there are safe spaces for tiny tots to enjoy some watery fun, too.
Treetop family fun at Parco Avventura Il Gigante.
Parco Avventura Il Gigante
Another place to get the family’s adrenaline pumping is Parco Avventura Il Gigante near Florence. Young or old, your head for heights will be put to the test on the ziplines and Tibetan bridges that weave through the canopy of an oak forest.
Tuscany’s Gardens
‘The Planets’ is another striking installation in Daniel Spoerri’s Garden. Photo: Susanne Neumann
Daniel Spoerri’s Garden
Art meets nature in several locations across Tuscany, including at Daniel Spoerri’s Garden. It’s named after the Swiss artist who has carefully positioned his collection of 113 installations by 55 artists here in a wild mountainous spot near Seggiano. Look out for the two works by the renowned Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely, famed for his kinetic art.
Tarot Garden
The eye-popping Tarot Garden near Garavicchio is the legacy of the late French-American sculptor, painter and filmmaker Niki de Saint Phalle. Here, she constructed more than 20 monumental figures about the symbols of the Tarot, assisted by her second husband, the sculptor Jean Tinguely (see above). If you’ve been to Parc Guell in Barcelona, you’ll immediately recognise the influence of the Catalan artist Antoni Gaudi in the giant mosaic-clad sculptures.
The Pratolino Medici Park is home to some monumental statues, including the 10.7-metre-high ‘Colosso del Appennino’. Photo: Luca Lorenzelli/Shutterstock
Pratolino Medici Park
More monumental works of art can be seen at the Pratolino Medici Park near Vaglia, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Famed for its Renaissance grottos, fountains and statues, you can’t miss the park’s 10.7-metre-high Appennine Colossus, gazing into the waters of a small lake. These massive marvels were adornments for a villa that once stood here, designed by Buontalenti for the powerful Medici family in the late 16th century.
Tuscany
Tuscany’s Wines
The Antinori winery in Chianti Classico is an organic sculpture that blends into the surrounding landscape. Photo: Ivan Franco Bottoni/Unsplash
One of Tuscany’s greatest attractions, of course, is its delicious wines. Many of the local vineyards are opening for tastings, not only of the red and white wines they produce, but also Vinsanto, Grappa and extra virgin olive oil. Among their number is Casanuova di Ama, near Gaiole, a family-run farm in the prime vineyards of Chianti Classico. At Castello Nipozzano near Pelago, a medieval castle provides the backdrop to the winery in Chianti Rufina territory, with cellars and a house to tour, as well as tastings.
Col d’Orcia, an organic producer overlooking the Orcia river near Montalcino, is in Brunello country and offers tours of the farm that provide an insight into its biodynamic approach. Meanwhile, cutting-edge architecture meets venerable winemaking at Antinori nel Chianti Classico, south of Florence. The Antinori family has been making wine in Tuscany since the Middle Ages, but the sculptural winery by architect Marco Casamonti, with its glass tasting room suspended above the cellar, is thoroughly 21st century.
Taking your Dog on holiday
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
Find your perfect villa
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you. Click here to get in touch.
Public transport Tuscany
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
Find your perfect villa
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The best family villas in Tuscany
Discover our exceptional selection of family villas in Tuscany, perfect for an unforgettable holiday altogether. With modern conveniences and authentic Tuscan charm, our family villas provide the ideal setting for creating lasting memories. Whether you are looking for the perfect place to stay with the kids or eager to bring every generation together for a celebration, we have the perfect villa for you. Our villas offer plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy, featuring spacious gardens for children, private terraces for alfresco dining, and large pools for everyone to relax in the sun.
Not only does Tuscany make an ideal base for your family holiday, but across the region, you will find plenty to see and do for all the family. From adventure parks to water parks, museums to nature spots, cooking classes to beach days on the coast, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Explore all the best things to see and do in our family activities guide, and start planning your Tuscan family holiday today. Or discover the best local towns and villages across Tuscany and find the perfect day trips away from the villa.
The Best Dog-Friendly Villas in Tuscany
We know how important it is to travel with the whole family, and that includes your dog. Dogs are more than pets. They’re loyal companions who make every moment more meaningful. And what could be better than exploring the rolling hills, vineyards, and villages of Tuscany with your four-legged friend by your side?
Tuscany offers a great dog-friendly experience, making it an ideal destination for guests who wish to visit Tuscany with their pets. Dogs are welcome in most restaurants and bars, and many wineries are happy to receive them. In fact, at several estates, you can even enjoy a wine tasting with your dog by your side. Just be sure to check in advance when booking, as policies can vary. There are also plenty of dog-friendly beaches that are every bit as beautiful as the regular ones.
At To Tuscany, we’re proud to offer a wide selection of dog-friendly villas. More than half of our properties welcome dogs, with options to suit every budget. Whether you’re looking for a cozy villa in a hamlet with a shared pool or a luxurious retreat with a private pool, there is something for everyone.
All our dog-friendly villas allow one dog up to 30 kilograms by default. If you are traveling with more than one dog, we are happy to contact our local teams to see if additional dogs can be accepted.
Ready to discover Tuscany with your dog?
Here are some of our favorite villas for an unforgettable holiday with your four-legged companion.
Driving in Tuscany
Driving in Tuscany offers an unparalleled way to explore the region's picturesque landscapes and charming towns at your own pace. Whether taking your own vehicle or hiring a car, driving provides the best access to everything Tuscany has to offer - from beautiful hilltop towns offering traditional restaurants to unique, local attractions.
Having a car means you can come and go as you please, so when you are ready to venture away from your villa's pool, you can visit some of the beautiful historic towns and villages completely at your leisure. Experience the freedom of the open road, where every turn reveals breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to discover Tuscany's rich cultural heritage.
Why not travel to Tuscany and see why we love it so much! Find your perfect Tuscan villa today and browse our collection.Find your perfect villa
Contact our Villa Specialists, who can help you find the ultimate Tuscan villa tailored to you.
Local Customs Tuscany
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas. Find your perfect villa
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you.
Click here to get in touch.
Keep Your Villa Secure
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas. Find your perfect villa
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you.
Click here to get in touch.
We advise that you keep your villa as secure as you would your own home. Vigilance doesn’t have to get in the way of a great time, so we’ve compiled some easy ideas for keeping your villa safe.
Precautions
● Ensure all windows, shutters and doors are locked. This applies at night, when you’re out during the day, and even when you’re at the pool.
● If your villa has an alarm, make use of it. You can usually set alarms for when you are not at the villa, and during sleeping hours.
● We recommend that you do not bring expensive items of jewellery with you when you travel. However, any valuable items you do bring should be kept out of sight in order to discourage opportunists. Otherwise, they should be kept in the villa’s safe.
● If you are not satisfied with the current security arrangements at your villa, please contact us as soon as possible.
Contents insurance
Please check that you have sufficient contents insurance cover for any valuables and cash you may have with you. It is advisable that you have access to duplicate copies of your personal documents, including your passport and driving license. This will be extremely useful if the original documents are lost or stolen.
Contact us
In the unlikely event of a robbery at your villa, please contact us immediately and we will do our best to help you with the necessary procedures. This security guide is to enable you to safeguard yourself and your property in the event of unlikely misfortune. In other words, its purpose is not to worry you, but to help you enjoy your holiday without fear.
Be safe, don’t be scared - and most importantly, enjoy yourself in Tuscany!
Power Adapters
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas. Find your perfect villa
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you.
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Drinking water
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
Find your perfect villa
Or contact our villa specialist team, who are available to assist you.
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Our Guests’ Favourite Villas
For more than 25 years, we have had the joy of welcoming guests to Tuscany, sharing our insider tips, favourite restaurants, and hand-picking villas that best fit your requirements. Our first-hand knowledge of Chianti, the Val d'OrciaLuccaSiena and the wider Tuscan countryside has allowed us to shape a portfolio perfect for any holiday, offering comfort, authenticity and long-lasting memories in one of the most beautiful Italian regions.
But don't just take our word for it. Our guests know that finding the right villa transforms a holiday, giving them the freedom to soak up the best of Tuscany, from panoramic terrace views, day trips to medieval towns such as SienaLuccaCastellina and Arezzo, and enjoying Tuscany's food and wine at a relaxed pace. With this in mind, we have brought together the villas that have inspired loyalty year after year.
Sustainable Tourism
Valuing a sustainable approach to travel has always been second nature to To Tuscany, and in our eyes, it is a collaborative effort. It is vital that we work together with guests and providers towards a sustainable future in which we can travel responsibly.
We are passionate, proactive, and we work closely with local authorities. We pride ourselves on our local knowledge and expertise to help you, our valued guests, better understand Tuscany, its natural beauty, and the ways in which we can minimise our impact on nature.
It is a partnership between us, our guests, and our providers, all working together towards a common goal. For this reason, we are always open to new suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Recycling
This article was crafted by To Tuscany to ensure our guests enjoy the best possible experience during their time in Tuscany. Explore our extensive selection of villas.
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Each country has their own method of recycling and in Italy it works a little differently to others.
Recycling is an effective method of reducing landfill and the level of toxic materials being deposited in the ground and our seas. If materials can be recycled, reused and transformed into new products – it all helps in the long run.
To best prepare you for your trip, here are a few key points to remember:
In Tuscany, they do not usually have door to door recycling bin collection. Each residential area has a central location with communal recycling bins.
• Yellow bin – cardboard and paper
• Brown bin – organic waste / food waste
• Green (cylindrical) – ‘multimateriale’ - glass, plastic and cans
• Grey / Green bin – household waste
The latest innovation in Tuscany which has been recently announced is the concept of using a card to access the recycling bins. The bins will be electronically operated and access will only be granted to those in possession of a card (each household is provided with one). The owner of your villa will ensure you are equipped with a card.
This is a very exciting project and an inventive approach to recycling that we are looking forward to following as it develops!
Accessible Villas in Tuscany
If you are looking for a villa suitable for less mobile guests or a wheelchair accessible villa in Tuscany, our team is here to help. While we do not offer a fixed collection of accessible villas, we take a personalised approach to finding a property that meets your specific requirements.
Accessibility can vary significantly between villas. Many of our villas have features which make it easier for our guests to enjoy their holiday. Because our villa specialists personally visit the majority of the villas we represent, we can provide clear and detailed information about internal layouts, doorway widths, bathroom design and outdoor access. This allows you to book with confidence, knowing the villa is suitable for your needs.
Private Pool Villas in Tuscany
Choosing to rent a private pool villa in Tuscany is the perfect way to spend your holidays in Tuscany. With warm sunny days and far-reaching countryside views, a private swimming pool offers freedom, privacy and a slower pace to life that many of our guest's value when planning a stay in Tuscany.
We know this can be particularly popular with families, couples, and groups of friends who want space to relax and soak up time together in the sun whilst enjoying privacy. From early morning swims to lazy days on the sun lounger, or family fun with the kids, a Tuscan villa with a private pool provides a setting for holiday bliss.View Private Pool Villas

