When thinking about the ultimate ways to spend the summer in Europe, your mind may immediately drift towards the Italian countryside. An area like Tuscany, in central Italy, is so impossibly beautiful that it attracts a constant stream of visitors, artists and dreamers, with the promise of a taste of ‘la dolce vita‘.
Pleasant weather, charming views, endless vineyards that produce delicious wines. For anyone who enjoys sightseeing you have art-filled cities like Florence and Pisa, amazing architecture and Medieval hilltop towns. Plus the scenic Tuscan coast that is a great place to enjoy life at the beach.
We have got you covered if you are finalising plans for an upcoming European holiday. Travelling to Tuscany has never been a better idea, as there are many fun things to do in the area. Not only can you travel in style, but you can have an adventurous and luxurious vacation in this amazing region.
4 Great Activites to Enjoy on your Vacation in Tuscany
1. Take a Break at the Beach
When your private jet charter lands in Italy, checking into your resort and unwinding on the beach should be your first step. Vacations are about exploration and relaxation, but the latter should always be the priority when you get to a luxury destination.
Spend the first day unwinding to the fullest – enjoy a few drinks, taste some of the local specialties (why not trying some of the fish dishes like spaghetti allo scoglio?), and spend hours lounging at the beach enjoying the incredible atmosphere. You can then begin exploring the area when you feel more relaxed and in vacation mode.
Even though Tuscany is better known for its wineries and charming towns, the beach culture is also top-notch. From the renowned Versilia resorts to the pristine beaches of the Maremma, this region offers incredible experiences for sea lovers. The beautiful Elba Island is a great place to sit calmly by the water, dip in the blue water of the Mediterranean sea, take boat tours or engage in water sports.
2. Explore the Leaning Tower of Pisa
A trip to Tuscany has to include at least one day exploring the area’s cultural landmarks. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those sites that you must see for yourself. Take a few fun photos, marvel at how it tilts to one side, and if you feel energetic you can book a ticket to climb right to the top, for great views over the piazza.
Pisa Cathedral and the huge Baptistry are the other architectural marvels in the world-famous Square of Miracles where you can spend a few hours sightseeing. This is one of Italy’s most loved squares, a real wonder and a Unesco Heritage site. The complex date back to Medieval time, but it’s as awe inspiring today as it was centuries ago.
Art passionate? => If you love art, plan a visit to Florence, the city of the Renaissance and major city in Tuscany, where you find awesome galleries like the Uffizi and Accademia and the unforgettable Duomo.
=> See the Best of Tuscany: 3 Days Itinerary
3. Ride a Vespa Through the Countryside
The iconic image of someone riding a Vespa through the Italian countryside can feel like a cliche – but it is one of those cliches everyone should experience at least once. If you are spending a few days in Tuscany, renting a Vespa is a good way to explore the various little towns and countryside freely.
You can easily get from one spot to another, while you can scope out the hills to find the best spots for viewing this magical area. You will look back on and cherish the photos you have taken for a long time.
Rather than relying on tour buses or public transport, having a simple way to get around will liberate you during this trip. Tuscany is a good place in Italy to travel by Vespa. You can choose the least travelled back streets, take your time and enjoy the fabulous views.
4. Eat and Drink Your Way Around Tuscany
A trip to Tuscany in Italy is incomplete without sampling the delicious food and wine in this region. Italian food is delightful wherever you are, but Tuscany has a reputation as one of the hearts of Italian cuisine and wine culture — and for a good reason!
Even a dish as simple as fettunta can be a life-changing experience in Tuscany. The toasted Tuscan bread rubbed with garlic, and local olive oil may seem like a casual snack, but it can become a delicacy when the ingredients are high quality.
The savoury and sweet dishes of Tuscan cuisine will leave you wishing you lived here throughout the year. From meaty dishes such the renowned Florentine steak and the affettati (cured meat) to vegetarian choices like ribollita or panzanella, and traditional cakes and biscuits, you will find something to make your palate happy. Not to mention the region’s incredible red wine – Chianti, Nobile di Montepulciano just to mention a couple – which is exported worldwide. You will never tire of trying different wineries and restaurants in this area.
Discover some Delicious Tuscan Dishes you have to try!
In Brief
Spending a few days or weeks in a place as majestic as Tuscany is a dream for most people. Escaping from your daily routine and unwinding in such a charming area is the perfect way to recharge your batteries after a long year.
Any of the above activities are sure to make your vacation an even more enjoyable experience. Take the time to explore the vineyards, Tuscany’s top attractions, its lively towns, amazing museums, and browse through local markets and shops to get an authentic feel for how locals live in this part of the world.
