Travel Guide Toscane
Valleys, rivers, mountains, sea, gastronomy, wines, sweetness of life, works of art, historical cities: Tuscany is a concentrate of everything that makes us love Italy. There is Florence, the hills and vineyards of Chianti, Siena, the tower of Pisa, the high cypress hillsides and the perched villages. There is Dante, Giotto, St. Francis, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Puccini, Modigliani, all those artists born in Tuscany and without whom Western culture would not be the same. Tuscany is a land of magnificent landscapes, a plethora of Romanesque churches, and a wealth of Renaissance masterpieces, in direct contact with history and culture. And if the traditional tours don't excite you, you are free to discover the region with your Tuscany tour guide, by bike or Vespa, by car, by boat or... from the terrace of a bar. Another alternative is to wait patiently for the light to come on, on a deckchair lulled by the sound of the waves or the chirping of small birds at the edge of the pool of an agriturismo...
What to visit Toscane?
Suggested addresses Toscane
When to go to Toscane?
The best time to visit Tuscany is in the spring and late summer: the most pleasant months are in fact April, May, June and September. Autumn is quite rainy and in winter it is not uncommon for it to snow, which in cities such as Pisa or Florence can cause some inconveniences, such as delayed or cancelled flights and trains... The height of summer, especially inland, is not recommended for those who have difficulty with (very) hot weather.
Weather at the moment
Tuscany has an overall Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The weather varies depending on where you are: in the interior and north of Tuscany, it can be very hot in the summer (Florence is one of the hottest cities in Italy) and, on the other hand, quite cold in the winter (snow is not uncommon). The coastline has a more moderate climate.
Florence - Firenze
Italy is in the euro zone. The cost of living is, for the same quality, essentially identical to that of France. Unless the product is damaged, it is not advisable to bargain. According to a long tradition in Italy, sitting at the table is a first reason for facturation : in general, €2 per "cutlery and bread" (pane e coperto) and per person. Menus displayed outside usually mention it. Italian restaurants have aligned themselves with Europe and prices are usually net. It is not customary to leave a tip.
For citizens of the European Union, an identity card is sufficient to enter Italy and stay for three months. After three months, the Questura (Prefecture) must issue a Permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) which is valid for five years.
There is little risk of contamination or lack of emergency assistance. Emergency services are very well organized and cell phones work well everywhere, which allows for rapid intervention in case of problems. No particular vaccinations are required to travel to Italy. However, make sure that you are up to date with your vaccinations. Tap water is drinkable everywhere in Tuscany.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Toscane? Our advice & tips
Tour operators specializing in Tuscany produce their own trips and are generally very good at giving advice because they know the region inside out. Note that their prices are often a little higher than those of generalists. Tours in Tuscany often mix hiking and cultural excursions.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThere are many direct flights to Florence and Pisa. It is easy to get there for cheap, especially since the boom of the low-cost companies... Note that the price variation depends on the airline you choose, but also on the vacation period you choose: if you have the possibility, go out of season and out of school vacations, the prices of flights and hotels will drop like magic!
The most convenient way to travel is by car. Along the Ligurian coast, you can drive through Versilia, towards Pisa and Lucca, and then approach Florence. Continue through Arezzo and Siena, before descending to the Maremma to the Etruscan cities, and then drive up the coast, taking in the islands.
