Best things to do in Tuscany in 2019? From encounters with Leonardo da Vinci to unforgettable natural parks, here we give you a taste of what’s hot in Tuscany in 2019. This year get ready to go off the beaten track in search of the more undiscovered corners of the region.
And remember… there’s always another small hilltop town to discover, or another glass of Chianti wine to sample!
Top things to do in Tuscany in 2019
Explore Natural Parks of Tuscany
Green is the coolest colour this year. And Tuscany has plenty of it, in every shade and hue. For lovers of countryside and unspoiled landscapes it’s just the thing, with the region’s natural parks showing a rich diversity of flora and fauna and some of the country’s most renowned views.
And the views don’t get much more idyllic than those of Val d’Orcia. Praised by poets, artists, and listed as a UNESCO heritage site, this broad expanse of rolling hills and open skies will steal your heart at every turn of the road.
A perfect way to enjoy the Val d’Orcia is to see it on two wheels. Take a Bike Tour through the rolling hills and Medieval towns like Pienza and San Quirico.
Discover some amazing landscapes in Tuscany that will steal your heart!
But Tuscany has many other natural park and reserves besides, that take in everything from mountains to coastal areas.
You can head north to the Apuan Alps Regional Park, where plenty of hiking opportunities await you, just a few kilometres away from the Versilia coast. Or you could seek out some peace and tranquility in the mystical forests of the Foreste Casentinesi National Park in Eastern Tuscany. If a fragrant sea breeze is what’s you’re after, try exploring the verdant macchia mediterranea of the Uccellina Nature Park in the Maremma.
See all the best places for hiking in Tuscany.
Discover the magic of a Tuscan spa
Tuscany has a beautiful landscpae, but its territory is rich underneath in liquid treasures too. You can find thermal waters and spa resorts throughout the region, featuring well-equipped establishments surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Tuscany’s many exquisite and relaxing spas range from the luxurious to small and cosy. A stay in one of these can be an unforgettable experience. Popular spa towns include Chianciano Terme, Bagno Vignoni, Rapolano and Casciana Terme.
The free natural spa of Saturnia is getting more and more popular, so go out of season if you can. What could be better than a hot sulphurous bath on a chilly winter afternoon?
Bagni San Filippo is free as well. Imagine hot water rushing down into the rock pools, a sulphuric smell and the feeling of having your aches and stresses washed away. Don’t expect any facilities though, as these are natural spas that are free to enter. It’s just you and nature.
Meet Leonardo da Vinci
2019 is the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci‘s death, and all around Europe people will be celebrating this extraordinary genius. Leonardo was born right here in Tuscany, in a small and pretty town called Vinci that’s perched on a hill surrounded by olive groves.
There are many traces of the master in his hometown, and in Florence, where he learned his craft. Visit the museums dedicated to him, or visit an expo at the Museo del Tessuto in Prato from 16 December – 26 May 2019. Called “L’ingegno, il tessuto” , this is a 3D multi-media reconstruction of machines and tools he invented to produce textiles.
Where to see Leonardo da Vinci’s works in Florence and Tuscany: a complete itinerary, including the new Leonardo Room at the Uffizi Gallery.
Get off the beaten track
Embrace the explorer’s spirit and leave the masses behind. With ‘overtourism’ on the rise, one needs to search for the less explored corners of the world. And, amazing as it sounds, Tuscany still has a few. Choose to visit Massa Marittima or Suvereto instead of San Gimignano. Opt for Arezzo instead of Pisa, or Colonnata instead of Viareggio, the popular coastal resort.
If you’re brave enough to leave the big names to the masses, and decide to explore areas like the Casentino and the Lunigiana, you’ll be rewarded with glorious landscapes, a welcoming, homely feel and some pretty amazing food. What are you waiting for? Who would have said that one could be the only tourist in sight in a small town in Tuscany?
Discover 8 Picturesque villages in Tuscany you’ll fall in love with!
Best Places to visit in Tuscany this year.
In search of the perfect tipple
Wine is a big part of life in Tuscany. As the saying goes… “Un bicchiere di vino al giorno toglie il medico di torno” “A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away”. Tuscany is the top region in Italy for wine tourism, and here wine tasting has all the flavour of the landscape where is produced.
The Chianti region is the king of Tuscan winemaking, with the famous Gallo Nero labels and the Sangiovese grape variety, that was proudly praised since the time of the Romans. You can try some Chianti riserva at the modern eco-friendly Antinori cellar or in a scenic ancient monastery at Coltibuono or try the ultra picturesque locations of Volpaia and Badia a Passignano.
Check out our scenic Chianti Road Trip, to discover the best of this region.
If you’re not planning to drive, you can join a day Trip that takes you round two exclusive Wineries, where you can see the cellars and taste the local Chianti wine.
Other famous wines from Tuscany include the exclusive, rule-breaking reds of Bolgheri, the big Montalcino brunellos, or the noble wines of Montepulciano.
If you’re a wine fundi, one of the best things to do in Tuscany in 2019 is certainly to visit one of these areas, pick a few favourites and try some food pairing while you’re at it. Alla salute!
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