If you’re looking for a window on the Italian soul, head to Tuscany. Words cannot do this magical destination true justice, but we’ll try; this is Italy with the stereotypes: gently rolling hills dipped in morning mist and sculptured cypress alleys. Golden wheat fields, silver olive groves and pea-green vineyards marching in terraced rows on hillsides. It is a destination that never gets boring – Tuscany nourishes the body and soul. Indifference isn’t simply unlikely, it’s impossible.

Last updated: December 10, 2022

Tuscany Top Destination

But then, this region in central Italy has more to offer than idyllic landscapes. Far more, in fact. Soul-soaring medieval hilltop villages merit a days exploration, whereas Tuscany’s twin urban gems – Florence and Siena – demand a lifetime. Ever since the Etruscans dropped by to party and stayed, Tuscany has seduced everyone. Florence’s historic churches and monuments were a key stop for British aristocrats on the Grand Tour in the 19th century – and remain so. Florence’s Duomo isn’t just the most spectacular structure in Florence – it’s up there with Rome’s Colosseum and Pisa’s Leaning Tower as one of Italy’s most recognizable icons. So too is the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s magnificent, perfectly paved central piazza. The city’s geographical and historical heart has been staked out since the 12th century. And then there’s the art. And oh, what art! Few galleries invoke such an overwhelming sense of awe and wonderment as the world-class Uffizi, at home in a 16th century Medici Palazzo in Florence. Vast, labyrinthine, architecturally magnificent and rich in history, the building alone stuns. You may have also heard a few good things about Tuscan food and wine? For once, the gossips were right. The ancient wine regions of Chianti and Montalcino is the Tuscany of postcards, where cypress alleys give way to oceans of vineyards, set against an awe-inspiring backdrop of rolling hills and secluded Renaissance villas built for Florentine and Sienese nobility. Sangiovese is grown to absolute, stunning perfection in this part of the world. For Tuscans, eating and drinking is a fine art to rival their masterpiece surroundings. With its lyrical landscapes, world-class art and culinary contadina (farmer’s kitchen), the Tuscan experience is in perfect harmony with the land.

Gastronomy & Wine

“To cook like your mother is good, but to cook like your grandmother is better,” says the Tuscan proverb. And indeed, Tuscany’s world-renowned food culture places great emphasis on age-old recipes that are passed from generation to generation. Yet dining in Tuscany covers the whole gamut, from street food to chic farm tables and posh-frock gastronomic temples. Nevertheless, even budding young chefs remain faithful to the region’s humble roots, using fresh produce and eschewing fussy executions. Today, the icon of Tuscan cuisine remains Florence’s bistecca alla fiorentina, a char-grilled T-bone steak rubbed with olive oil, seared on the chargrill, seasoned, and served al sangue (blue and bloody). Traditionally it is butchered from creamy Chianina cows, one of the oldest breeds of cattle, originating from the wide green Val de Chiana in eastern Tuscany. Spicy green olives, extra-virgin olive oil, full-bodied red wines, smoky porcini mushrooms and bags of beans are the cohabiting culinary trademarks across the Tuscan board, but a deeper exploration yields even more gastronomic wonders.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla Fiorentina

White Tuscan Truffles
White Tuscan Truffles

In Castelnuovo di Garfagnana in Northwestern Tuscany, fresh mushrooms and chestnuts set the tone; sweet castagnaccio (chestnut cake) is to locals in Garfagnana what buccellato (a sugared bread loaf studded with sultanas and aniseed) is to those in Lucca. Meanwhile, the port of Livorno is the place to feast on superb seafood, while Bolgheri’s superlative wines beg to be matched with cinghiale (wild boar). Cheese aficionados should make a beeline for Pienza, where some of Italy’s finest pecorino is crafted, while the Val di Chiana is where sheep cheese is wrapped in fern fronds to become ravaggiolo. And then there are the truffles. No single food product is lusted over as much as Tuscan white truffles, all heady perfume, and exquisite texture. It is found in the dew-kissed autumn forests around San Miniato and eaten with gusto during truffle season (mid-October to December). In Italy, few regions, if any, can compete with Tuscany – traveling across this hauntingly beautiful landscape is a memorable banquet of gastronomic and viticultural experiences.

The best olive oil in Italy comes from Tuscany, mainly from the beautiful town Lucca, also famous for lingerie and shoes. Olive oils are flavored with Bay leaves, Chilli (Peperoncini), and Fennel typically and doused on virtually everything. “Bruschetta” is a typical Antipasti, crusty bread topped with olive oil, roast garlic, and roast tomatoes, topped with fresh basil. Crostini, slivers of bread covered in chicken liver, are also popular.

tuscany - bruschetta
Delicious bruschetta

tuscany - pappardelle-a-la-lepre
Pappardelle a la Lepre

The most typical pasta dish served as a “Primo” in Tuscany must be the Pappardelle a la Lepre (pappardelle pasta cooked with hare). Sauces usually are meat-based and can include “Coniglio” (rabbit) or “Anatra” (duck) along with spinach and mushrooms (fungi) accompanying them. Wild boar sausage is another typical product of the area (“Prosciutto di Cinghiale”). “Ribollita” is a classic Tuscan soup- thick, rustic, made with beans and cabbage, and perfect with a bottle of young Chianti Classico.

Our favorite restaurants in wine country

  • B Boccon Divino

    Moderadamente caro

    We love this friendly, family-run venue for lunches in the Brunello wine country. The panoramic views of the Crete Senesi are picture perfect and the food and wine is everything you dream of when visiting the Tuscan wine country- simple, fresh and mouthwatering. Specialties, depending on the season, include Tagliolini with truffles from nearby Mt. Amiata, Carabaccia (a delicious thick onion soup), and La Bistecca Alla Fiorentina- all served with very special local Brunello di Montalcino of course.

  • R Ristorante Daria

    Moderadamente caro

    Monticchiello is the fairy tale hamlet where this foodie gem is located. Ridiculously quaint and sweet, you nearly feel like you are on a movie set. This fantastic restaurant is run by Daria, a local culinary legend known for her professional and warm hospitality and wine knowledge. This is Vino di Montepulciano wine country and the wine list here is great, also full of delicious Brunellos and Chiantis. The cuisine is traditional with recipes from the Val d’ Orcia and greater Tuscany, and the decor is chic and airy.

  • C Cibrèo

    Moderadamente caro

    Cibrèo is our favorite restaurant in Florence, run by the famous, effervescent chef Fabio Picchi. He has quite the culinary empire in this beautiful town, but Cibrèo is our fave for a special dinner. The cuisine is 100% seasonal, using the freshest and best local Tuscan ingredients, and the menu changes frequently. The atmosphere is demure and elegant but not stuffy and service is friendly. What makes this eatery unique is there is no pasta! Recipes are based on traditional Tuscan cooking before the introduction of pasta. This one is always a winner.

  • R Ristorante Tar-Tufo

    Moderadamente caro

    This superb gourmet restaurant is THE place to dine at in Siena. Chef Pino Di Cicco’s cuisine is Tuscan with a creative twist and dishes are presented stylishly with beautiful glassware and pretty plating. Truffles are the specialty as the name suggests and they are shaved over glorious, simple and exquisite dishes of polenta, tagliolini, and risotto. Recommended dishes in season include quail glazed with vin santo; lamb chops in an almond and black sesame crust; and pici pasta with thyme, chestnut breadcrumbs, and a venison ragu. The decor inside is romantic with brick walls and archways, and the panoramic views over Siena are stunning.

  • B Borgo San Jacopo

    Moderadamente caro

    This supremely romantic, Michelin starred fine dining location in Florence has just about the best views imaginable right over the Arno river and the Ponte Vecchio. Owned by fashion empire Ferragamo (the Lungarno group who also run luxury hotels and apartments), this restaurant is also a wine lover’s dream come true. There are over 900 wines on the list! Some of their gorgeous specialties include hand-cut fassona beef tartare with mustard, red radish, and black truffle; risotto with sea urchins, anchovies and fennel frisella; and pecorino ravioli with balsamic caviar, asparagus, and zabaione. Service is top class.

  • E Enoteca San Guido

    Moderadamente caro

    How would you like to drink Sassicaia in situ, right at the vineyard?! In the heart of Super Tuscan wine country near Bolgheri, this restaurant offers simple but elegant dishes like Gnudi with Chianina ragu, Campari sorbet, fettuccine with wild boar ragu, perfectly cooked Florentine steak… The setting is casual chic and cozy, with al fresco dining overlooking the garden. The main attraction here is, of course, the wine pairings of estate bottlings like the iconic Sassicaia, and less expensive Le Difese and Guidalberto.

Cellar Tours Selection of Top Tuscan Vineyards & Wineries

  • A Altesino

    Altesino is one of the most rightfully prestigious Brunello producer in Montalcino and one of our favorite winery profiles, feature on our VIP wine tours

  • A Avignonesi

    Avignonesi's Vin Santo di Montepulciano & Occhio di Pernice are hard-to-find, expensive and highly sought-after wines that are the best of their class.

  • C Casanova di Neri

    Although a relative newcomer (it was founded in 1971), trendsetting Casanova di Neri Winery has become one of the most-respected wineries of Montalcino.

  • B Badia a Coltibuono

    Badia a Coltibuono with its Romanesque monastery, on-site restaurant & immaculately lush botanical garden – is a highlight of any Chianti wine tour.

  • B Badia a Passignano

    The blend of history, culture & gastronomy you’ll find at Badia a Passignano demonstrates perfectly why Tuscany is a top destination for food & wine lovers.

  • C Capannelle

    The story of the Capannelle Winery predates the book and movie sensation “Under the Tuscan Sun”, but it’s no less compelling.

  • C Casato Prime Donne

    All the cliches of a bucolic paradise come to a head at Casato Prime Donne, a gem of a winery nestled in the hills of the idyllic Brunello di Montalcino.

  • C Castello Terriccio

    The estate traces its roots back to the Etruscan era, when its strategic seaside location proved to be an ideal place from which to keep watch for pirates.

  • I Il Palazzone

    There are many contestants for the title of Brunello di Montalcino's prettiest estate, but in our opinion, Il Palazzone is ten leaps ahead of the rest.

  • O Ornellaia

    Founded in 1981 by Marchese Lodovico Antinori, brother of the powerful & esteemed Piero Antinori, Ornellaia is one of the most respected in the region

  • P Petra

    Petra winery sits on the edge of the Tirreno Sea, they're constantly caressed by the breezes blowing in off the Follonica Gulf.

  • P Poggio Antico

    Poggio Antico, one of the highest-altitude estates in Tuscany, dates to the early 19th century, although no wine was made here until the 1970s

  • S Salcheto

    The Salcheto vineyards sit at the cool and breezy average altitude of 450 meters, the highest altitude of any vineyard in the area.

  • S San Fabiano Calcinaia

    Tucked among the rolling hillsides of Chianti, the award winning San Fabiano Calcinaia wine estate is one of Tuscany's most beautiful.

  • T Tenuta Valdipiatta

    An intimate estate boasting only 30 hectares of vines, this is a stellar Montepulciano winery and is one of the most prestigious in Tuscany.

Tuscany Wine Region

Wine has been a part of the Tuscan civilization for over 3,000 years. From the time the ancient Etruscans settled in the gently rolling hills of Tuscany, viticulture and wine production have been an essential element of everyday life and indeed was even considered to be mystical. Like the ancient Greeks, the vine and the olive tree were fundamental to the Etruscan diet and considered sacred plants with lifesaving properties. In this day and age, when doctors are continually uncovering more proof of the health benefits of wine and Olive Oil, the great irony is that the Etruscan’s realized this a few thousand years ago!

 

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Tuscany Wine Regions Map
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Sub Wine Regions of Tuscany

  • Brunello di Montalcino Wine Region

    Brunello di Montalcino is home to some of the most prestigious and sought-after robust red wines in the world.

  • Chianti Classico Wine Region

    Perhaps one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, Chianti Classico Wine Region is an area that has miles of hill topped medieval villages.

  • Maremma Wine Region

    Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Tignanello; these mythical wines are known as 'Super Tuscans' and they come from the beautiful coastal Maremma region.

  • Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Wine Region

    Montepulciano has long been famed as the birthplace of wines enjoyed in centuries past by noblemen, hence the name 'vino nobile'.

Luxury Private Wine Tours in Tuscany

Tuscan Towns and places

Florence

Florence is one of the most picture-perfect towns globally, and engaging for wine lovers to know, has been making wine commercially since 200BC! Birthplace of Dante and Michelangelo and cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is almost overwhelming for art and architecture lovers. Like many Tuscan towns, Florence has Etruscan and Roman roots. From early on in the city’s foundation, trade and commerce thrived as Florence was well located on the road to Pisa (a major port), on the way to Rome, and also on a navigable river (the Arno). Outside Florence, in the hamlet of Fiesole, there are beautiful Roman ruins, including an amphitheater, and there is a museum of Etruscan art.

  • Castellina in Chianti

    Little matches the glorious indulgence of a leisurely stroll through Castellina. Not only is the surrounding scenery intoxicating, but the town itself is a historical masterpiece

  • Cortona

    Fans of the film Under the Tuscan Sun will find Cortona instantly recognizable. Large parts of that great movie – based on a book by Frances Mayes - were shot in the majestic landscape that surrounds the town

  • Gaiole in Chianti

    Another of Chianti's idyllic gems, Gaiole sits comfortably in this postcard-perfect part of Tuscany famous for its wine, gastronomy, numerous picturesque villages and olive oil.

  • Greve in Chianti

    At first glance, Greve is the poor relation to Tuscany's surfeit of gorgeous towns and villages. The architecture is admittedly unspectacular when compared to its neighbors

  • Lucca

    The tentacles of Lucca’s history reach far, far back. Research has shown that this area was inhabited as many as 50,000 years ago.

  • Montalcino

    One of the loveliest little wine villages in Italy, Montalcino is a fabulous place to visit during your tour of Tuscany’s vineyards.

  • Panzano in Chianti

    The small town of Panzano in Chianti has known some good, and not so good times. Thrust into the limelight during the constant wars between Siena and Florence

  • Pienza

    Stitched from vine-covered rolling hills, medieval abbeys, and gorgeous wine villages, the Val d'Orcia is one of Tuscany's most beautiful road trips.

  • Pisa

    Globally famous for its iconic tower, there is far more to this cultural capital than the endlessly photographed Leaning Tower of Pisa.

  • Radda in Chianti

    What is it about Radda that continues to charm even the most seasoned of travelers?

  • San Gimignano

    San Gimignano is located deep in the heart of Tuscany, is famous for its medieval watchtowers and has acquired the nickname medieval Manhattan

  • San Miniato

    San Miniato is one of Tuscany's loveliest medieval hill towns and is well loved by gourmets for its white truffles.

  • Siena

    Siena is one of Italy’s most captivating cities, with its concentration of medieval and gothic architecture and charming small town appeal.

  • Volpaia in Chianti

    World-class wines, olive oils, and vinegar have long been produced in this medieval hamlet, situated north of Radda in Chianti.

  • Volterra

    Situated southwest of Florence and set amidst idyllic scenery, Volterra is a very special town. Since Etruscan times the people of Volterra have been famous for producing unique and wonderful carvings from the plentiful alabaster that flows from nearby quarries

Local Events & Festivals

Geography

High Mountains, gentle hills, pristine shores; Tuscany’s natural environments deliver irresistible activities. Indeed, the range of scenery and topography in Tuscany is astounding – cypresses and vineyard-lined rolling hills are just the beginning. The region is Italy’s most famous, situated in central Italy and bordering several other regions, including Liguria, Umbria, Marche, and Emilia-Romagna. Roughly triangular in shape, coastal Tuscany is one of the less-visited gems; the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian Sea provide an endless bounty of fresh seafood and have beaches to die for. The island of Elba, where Napoleon was exiled to, is the Tuscan paradise no one imagines. Meanwhile, hiking enthusiasts will love the fact that Tuscany is surrounded and crossed by major mountain chains – this is hill country, make no mistake. In the northwest of the region, you’ll discover the Apuane Alps, which is a paradise for walkers. It’s a cliché but also a hard fact; Tuscany has all the bases covered.

Weather

Climatically, Tuscany enjoys hot summers and mild winters; the climate is fairly mild in the coastal areas, while the interior is harsher and wetter, with severe fluctuations in temperature between winter and summer.

Average High/Low temperatures for Tuscany in Celisus/Fahrenheit

Jan
11 (59)
3 (37)
Feb
13 (55)
3 (37)
Mar
16 (61)
6 (43)
Apr
19 (66)
8 (46)
May
23 (74)
12 (54)
Jun
27 (81)
15 (59)
Jul
30 (86)
18 (64)
Aug
30 (86)
17 (63)
Sep
27 (81)
15 (59)
Oct
22 (72)
11 (52)
Nov
16 (61)
7 (45)
Dec
12 (54)
4 (39)

When to go

Overall, Tuscany is at its best in spring and autumn – lapping up all that sea and mountain air, heady with the scents of wild sage and pine, is an integral part of the Tuscan outdoor experience. May or June are ideal; expect typically warm, dry days, wildflowers and forest fruits in abundance. September and October, when the wine and olive harvests start, also have a particularly mellow appeal. We would avoid July and August, which can be overcrowded and stiflingly hot, and the Easter period, which sees too many people jostling for too little space.

Getting there

  • By plane

    There are two main airports in Tuscany, in Pisa and in Florence with many connecting flights arriving from Rome, Milan and Europe. There is an excellent train shuttle called “Pisa Mover” that takes you from Pisa airport to Pisa Centrale train station, useful for connecting with other cities in Tuscany

  • By car

    Car travel is very useful between the smaller villages and hamlets of Tuscany, but in the main “art cities” be aware that there is extensive pedestrianization in the historic centers (“ZTL”, Limited Traffic Zone) so you will need to park in public parking areas in Florence and Siena.

  • By train

    The train connections in Tuscany are very good and for those traveling without a car, this is the best way to move between the main cities. Florence Santa Maria Novella train station (Firenze SMN) has fast train connections with big Italian cities outside of Tuscany as well, like Milan, Rome, Venice, and Naples. There are also train stations in Pisa, Lucca, and Siena.

Hotels recommended by Cellar Tours

  • L

    L'Andana

    4 estrellas

    One of our fave wine resorts in Italy (!) this is THE place to stay in Maremma, home of the Super Tuscans like Sassicaia and Ornellaia. This gorgeous Medici villa (built for the Grand Duke of Tuscany Leopold II of Lorraine), set amid olive groves, vineyards and sunflowers is pure heaven. Onsite you have a wonderful ESPA spa, outdoor pool, a Michelin starred restaurant (La Trattoria Enrico Bartolini), and a more informal eatery.Delicious and unforgettable place.

  • 5* Relais Santa Croce

    Relais Santa Croce

    4 estrellas

    Our “go to” in Florence, Relais Santa Croce has it all- location, history and luxury. This 18th century noble palazzo features beautiful hard wood floors, stuccoed ceilings, vintage chandeliers, original frescos and stylish luxury furniture. The onsite Guelfi & Ghibellini Restaurant offers creatively executed Tuscan cuisine in a beautiful dining room. Perfect city hotel.

  • 5* Castel Monastero

    Castel Monastero

    4 estrellas

    Quite simply, a wine country dream! Situated near Siena amid the vineyards of Chianti this property dates back over 1,000 years! The entire medieval hamlet has been restored and the resort’s facilities are located through the various beautiful buildings- their luxury suites, wine bar, gourmet restaurant, exquisite spa, tennis court, gardens and more quaint nooks. Staying here is like being in a Tuscan fairy tale.

  • 5* Grand Hotel Continental

    Grand Hotel Continental

    4 estrellas

    This emblematic, luxury 5 star (the only one) in the heart of historic Siena, is a striking 500+ year old noble palazzo and is full to the brim with Renaissance art and splendor. The 51 rooms are all unique and special, many of them with dramatic views overlooking Siena. The GHC offers the perfect location in Siena, and plenty of services including an elegant restaurant, wine bar, and beautiful lounges.

  • 4* Albergo Pietrasanta

    Albergo Pietrasanta

    4 estrellas

    This seriously charming hotel, located in the artsy and adorable village of Pietrasanta, is set in a 17th century palace with a lush courtyard that evokes an Agatha Christie novel with its palm trees and period furniture. The owners have their amazing, private art collection on display throughout the hotel. Rooms are spacious and bright with vintage parquet floors and a light and airy color scheme. Some of the suites feature unique architectural details like frescoed ceilings.

  • 4* Borgo Scopeto

    Borgo Scopeto

    4 estrellas

    A “borgo” is a medieval hamlet and like Castel Monastero, this delightful hotel is spread over multiple medieval buildings in a dreamy setting in a 13th century borgo in Chianti.The landscape is marvelous and utterly romantic! Services onsite include a traditional restaurant offering classic Sienese fare, a Turkish bath, indoor pool, jacuzzi and tennis court.Their 58 rooms are well appointed are classy and with all the expected mod cons like flat screen tvs, marble bathrooms, etc.

Things to do

  • Painting Class

    Private Painting Classes

    The wonderful Accademia del Giglio in Florence offers a multitude of private art classes in English with terrific teachers, such as painting, drawing, fresco techniques, interior design, and fine arts. You can book a one day class, a “crash art weekend course”, and longer intensive art workshops. Highly recommended!

  • Carrara Marble Tour

    Carrara Marble Tour

    One of the most unique and adventurous activities you can enjoy in Tuscany is a 4X4 tour of the stunning Carrara marble basins and quarries that inspired Michelangelo. These dramatic landscapes framed by the majestic Apuan Alps have featured in many movies including the recent James Bond ‘007 Quantum of Solace’ film. On this fascinating tour, you also learn about ancient and modern techniques to extract this “white gold”

  • Truffle Hunting

    Truffle Hunt

    There are few gourmet delicacies as special and expensive as truffles, and a great day out in Tuscany is participating on a truffle hunt with a local truffle hunter and his loyal dog. Head into the woods and watch the magic begin when the truffle dog searches (and finds!) the various aromatic tartufi. Depending on the season, this can be the precious white truffle, summer truffle, winter truffle, etc. With the Savini family, our favorite truffle hunters, they offer a fabulous truffle experience that includes a hunt followed by a truffle cooking demo and lunch.

  • Vespa Tour

    Vespa Tour of Chianti

    Visiting the dreamy, winding wine roads of Chianti by Vespa is the essence of “la dolce vita”. The scenery in this idyllic corner of Tuscany is spectacular, and exploring it slowly on your rental Vespa is a neat way to visit this area. You can either rent your Vespa and explore on your own or indeed book a guided Vespa tour, with wine tasting and picnic options. Fun!

  • Cooking Class in Tuscany

    Cooking in a Tuscan Farmhouse

    Pamela Sheldon is our favorite chef in Tuscany, not to mention a famous published cookbook author who conducts wonderful culinary tours around Italy. In her delightful Tuscan farmhouse, Poggio Etrusco, Pamela makes you feel like a cherished and loved member of the family while you learn how to make pici aglione, ravioli, gnocchi con ragù and olive oil cake from scratch. Could not recommend more.

  • Tuscan Cowboys

    Horse riding in Maremma with Tuscan Cowboys

    The natural park of Maremma is one of the wildest, unspoiled and most beautiful parts of Tuscany with a gorgeous coastline and top-class wine country (this is where the mythical “Super Tuscans” are made). An exciting and unforgettable activity to enjoy here for experienced horse riders is a guided day out with “Butteri” (skilled horsemen who work as cattle breeders, referred to as Tuscan cowboys). Many working farms now offer private experiences from joining a cowboy on his working day (and participating with tasks) or simple guided treks into the countryside. Original and memorable activity for horse lovers.

  • Saturnia Hot Springs

    Thermal waterfalls in Saturnia

    About 4 miles from the town of Saturnia, you will find the amazing geothermal hot springs and waterfalls at the Cascate del Mulino. These ancient springs date back millennia, even earlier than Ancient Rome and the Etruscans before them! Spend a fun (and free) morning here soaking up the bubbly, mineral-rich waters and follow with a relaxing picnic in the scenic countryside, or indeed a spa treatment at the nearby Terme di Saturnia Spa Resort.

Shopping

Useful Information

  • TUSCAN TIMETABLE FOR MEALS

    Lunch hours in restaurants are earlier in the north of Italy, starting around 12:30 p.m. Average lunchtime is 1 pm. Dinner- few restaurants open before 8 p.m. and most diners head for their dinner around 8/9 p.m., later the further south you go. After dinner, most Italians have a “Passegiatta”, a digestive walk. Italian squares are the center of city and neighborhood life and you will always find people congregating in the many piazzas, where you can usually get a coffee, ice cream or glass of wine.

  • CREDIT CARDS

    We suggest that you bring a copy of all your credit card company’s contact details (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) in case of credit card theft, blockage, etc. Notify your credit card companies that you will be traveling to Italy, so they do not block your card once you start making charges.

  • BUYING WINE IN TUSCANY

    Shipping wine abroad and taking wine with you onboard the airplanes have both become increasingly more difficult over the last few years, with stricter airport rules and more paperwork and import restrictions. As such, we usually suggest that clients ask the wineries for the local distributor’s details while visiting. Most of the wineries we work with sell their wine in the major markets (USA/ UK/etc) and we can tell you where to purchase the wines in your area. If you decide you do want to ship wine from Italy, the main shipping companies are UPS and DHL. If you would like to carry wine back, bring a small wine suitcase and be sure to pack and pad it with plenty of bubble wrap before checking it in.

Facts and figures

  • Capital

    Florence

  • President

    Enrico Rossi

  • Area

    22985Km2

  • Population

    3,749,430 (2010)

  • Main Rivers

    Amo, Tiber, Serchio, Arboa, Pesa, Sieve, Magra, Limentra, Era, Tora, Bure, Chiana, Frigido

  • Main Beaches

    Beaches Castiglione della Pescaia, Scarlino, Giglio Island, Marina di Grosseto, Magliano, Capalbio

  • Provinces

    Arezzo, Metropolitan City of Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa and Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Pratio, Siena

  • Wine Facts

    63,500 ha vineyards 41 DOC & 11 DOCG Red Grapes: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvigon, Merlot, Canaiolo Nero White Grapes: Trebbiano, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Malvasia, Vernaccia

  • Universities

    University of Florence, Unversity of Pisa, Unversity of Siena, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, European University Institute (Fiesole), IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca

  • Main industries

    Tourism, Wine, Agri-Food, Fashion, Mining, textiles, Chemicals, Steel, Glass, Ceramics

More information

If you would like us to customize an exclusive, luxury tour for you, get in touch with us and let us know your travel plans. We offer luxury food and wine tours for private groups of minimum 2 guests. All of our private, chauffeured tours are available year round upon request.

Contact us for your personalized quote!
Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Cellar Tours is a Luxury Travel Specialist, operating since 2003 and offering exclusive Mercedes chauffeured Gourmet Vacations in Chile, France, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain. We specialize in luxurious custom designed vacations, events and incentives related to food and wine. We are proud members of Slow Food, UNAV (Travel Agency Association in Spain), and the IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals).

Recommended by

  • National Geographic
  • Condé Nast Traveler
  • Travler+Leisure
  • Frommer's
  • Forbes Travel Guide