Planning a trip to Tuscany in 2025? Looking to keep things chill? Here’s a few tips and suggestions to make the most of your vacation.
How to Travel Better to Tuscany – Find Your Inspiration This Year
Detox from noise and technology – Enjoy the Tuscan countryside
Calmcations – holidays purely focused on creating a sense of tranquillity – continue to be popular for 2025. Noise is in particular focus, says a report by the BBC.
If like many people, you’re in the market for a calmer vacation this year, Tuscany is the destination that ticks all the boxes. The Tuscan countryside is synonymous with peace and quiet and a slow rhythm of life. You can opt to stay in a secluded agriturismo surrounded by natural vistas, where the keywords are wellbeing and enjoying la bella vita (the good life!). So switch off your devices and dedicate some time to stargazing instead 🙂
Where in Tuscany are we talking about? Classic scenic iconic countryside in Chianti or Val d’Orcia are among the favourites. But why not try lesser known areas like Casentino, Garfagnana or explore charming Southern Tuscany where they are no big cities in sight. Just lots of green, more green and small villages, that feel miles away from modernity.
Best ways to enjoy the Tuscan countryside
Wine & Food Great Experiences in Florence and Tuscany
Local food and wine are among Tuscany’s strengths, and continue to resist time and trend changes. Luckily Italy, and Tuscany in particular, keep taking food very seriously. Food producers and restaurant owners pride themselves on keeping traditional tastes alive, with real passion and the highest attention to detail and quality. That’s why dedicating some time to explore the food and wine scene in Tuscany is a must!
Here you can enjoy traditional pasta dishes, like ravioli or pici, or top quality meat from the prized Chianina cattle. Try mouthwatering affettati (cold cuts), and taste the many different varieties of pecorino cheese. There is a great choice of Tuscan vegetarian dishes, too. And don’t forget that some of the most prized Italian wines come from Tuscany!
How can you experience this?
EATWITH is a great way to dine with locals, who open their homes and offer their culinary magical touch to travellers. A great way to experience real cuisine.
To explore the region’s flavours you can join the original Food Tour in Florence, to look out for the famous wine windows, or visit a family-run cellar in Montalcino , or explore the culinary delights of Chianti on this popular Chianti Safari Food & Wine Tour.
Are you short of time? See the top sights of Tuscany on this day trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano from Florence. Led by an expert guide, explore Siena’s historic centre, and enjoy a traditional, 3-course lunch with wine pairing. Afterward, enjoy free time to take a stroll around the medieval streets of San Gimignano, and see the city of Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower.
Base yourself in a less touristy town near Florence
If you’re planning to visit Florence, you could base yourself outside the city, in smaller, less touristy towns. Here’s a few ideas: Figline Valdarno or Empoli (30 minute train ride to Florence) or San Casciano Val di Pesa (around 30 minutes by bus) are small towns that are lovely to stroll around in, and lively too. All have a good choice of restaurants, so you can easily spend the day in Florence, and head back to base for a quiet, relaxing evening. You’ll have a more authentic experience and spend a bit less for accommodation.
Check our Special Itinerarie based on your interests!
Travel by train around Tuscany
Embrace the green zero-emission spirit and travel around Tuscany by train. Forget traffic, motorways and parking. You’ll need more time to do this- local trains aren’t the fastest – but you can travel to the main towns and cities in Tuscany via railway. Bigger cities in Tuscany are all well connected with the train network, and Florence is at the centre of it, directly connected with Pisa, Pistoia, Lucca, Livorno and Arezzo. Another line runs along the coast between Genoa-Pisa-Livorno and Grosseto.
Some example itineraries: Pisa to Florence direct train 1 hour – Pisa to Lucca direct train 40 minutes – Florence to Siena 1 hour and 30 minutes – Firenze to Arezzo 1 hour – Livorno to Grosseto 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Keep the traditions of a place alive
We believe that visiting a place can truly be enriching when you learn a bit about the local culture and traditions. Getting involved also means helping local business to thrive. As long as local small businesses keep thriving, Tuscany can resist globalisation and keep hold of the things that make it different and special.
As an idea, you could join a Cooking Class or take an Tour with local artisans in Florence which will allow you to really get under the skin of the city.
You can go shopping for local delicacies, or pick up small crafts from local markets (see the top food markets in Florence) and artisanal shops. All of which helps Tuscany keep its valuable traditions alive!
* See Where to Buy Leather in Florence
* Top Food Markets in Tuscany
Take the path less trotted
When choosing your destinations in Tuscany, consider the time you’re travelling, and how popular your destination is. If you’re travelling at the height of season, consider swapping a few of your destinations for some that offer similar things, but are less packed.
For example, if you want to avoid bus tours and crowds, swap San Gimignano for other lovely (but lesser known) Medieval towns like Massa Marittima or Pitigliano in southern Tuscany. You’ll enjoy a much more authentic and relaxing experience.
Discover 8 Picturesque Villages in Tuscany that are off the beaten path
Tourist hotspots – like Florence and Pisa – come under increased pressure during peak season (in Tuscany between May and August), so try a quieter time of year. Visiting Tuscany in Winter has the benefit to find fewer crowds and enjoy more the very popular destinations.
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Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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