Photo courtesy of Hotel Savoy Florence
The thing about Tuscany is that every time you visit, it feels like the first time. That’s because it’s diversely rich with countryside, a coastline, medieval towns, vineyards and its capital centerpiece, Florence. Birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s the city that keeps reinventing itself and boasts an exciting arts and cultural program. You can eat, consume a little too much wine and be inspired by masterpieces – in open air or in galleries and artisan studios.
Within an hour or two (or even less!), you can feel a lifetime away from the city in the Tuscan countryside or at the beach. We’ve rounded up some of the very Tuscan best – a quick guide on what to see, eat, do and where to stay on a short trip to the region that has it all.
Wander through the Florentine sights
Florence has a wealth of wonders to explore. Immerse yourself in art at the Uffizi, admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia and soak up the Renaissance charm of Piazza Signoria and the Palazzo Vecchio. Visit the famous Duomo and grab some amazing views of the city from the top of the adjoining bell tower. Stroll over the famous Ponte Vecchio and visit the bucolic beauty of the Boboli Gardens. At sunset, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a breathtaking panorama across the city’s horizon.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Brancatisano
An abundance of galleries
Florence is heaven for art lovers and, aside from the showstopping Renaissance masterpieces, there are plenty of smaller galleries and spaces showcasing a range of styles and disciplines. The imposing Palazzo Strozzi dates from the 16th century but now hosts a varied program of internationally acclaimed exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. One of the newer museums in the city, the minimalistic space of the Museo Novecento displays Italian art of the 20th and 21st centuries in its permanent collections and temporary installations.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Savoy Florence
Oltrarno
For a change of pace, cross over the Arno River to visit the Oltrarno, Florence’s left bank. Stretching from Santo Spirito to San Frediano, this picturesque part of town has a slightly bohemian, laid-back vibe and is home to artisanal workshops, independent designers, trendy eateries and rustic wine bars. To really explore the area like a local, hire a bike and pedal your way through the pretty streets and charming piazzas.
Paper marbling
The craft of paper marbling has been associated with Florence since the 16th century. While much of the distinctive patterned paper is now mass-produced, there are a handful of workshops keeping the tradition alive. Visit Riccardo Luci’s shop on Via del Parione for a demonstration of the mesmerizing technique of mixing and applying colors in water, and to admire his exquisite paper and leather crafts.
Il Papiro has branches across town selling their beautiful Florentine paper, stationery and gifts. Stop by for a marbling workshop and try your hand at the age-old art.
Concept stores
Combine shopping with a unique experience at one of Florence’s sleek concept stores. Acquaflor offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art of perfumery with a private session with an olfactory expert to create your own personalized fragrance. Check out the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella boutique at the Hotel Savoy in Piazza della Repubblica for perfumes, soaps and herbal elixirs. The Florence branch of Olfattorio on Via de Tornabuoni boasts an almost-secret collection of the oldest cosmetic powders in the world displayed at the back of the store.
For a Florentine gift that will remind you of your trip long after you’re home, purchase an original watercolor painting or print by the talented Florence-based Australian artist, Lisa Brancatisano of This Tuscan Life.
Photo courtesy of Querceto di Castellina
Day trips
Tuscany offers numerous options for day trips from Florence to suit all tastes, interests and budgets. Delve into the beautiful Tuscan countryside and visit the quaint hill towns of Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino. History buffs will love the fascinating museums, churches and sites of Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca and Pisa. Wine aficionados are spoilt for choice with the seemingly infinite vineyards of Chianti, Bolgheri and the Val d’Orcia.
For those not wanting to venture too far, Castello Nipozzano is located in the hills of Chianti Rufina just 20 minutes from Florence. You can stay the night and indulge in food and olive oil experiences, a hot tub with vineyard views and wine tasting in the private cellar of the Frescobaldi family. History tells us this noble Florentine family has been producing wine since the 14th century and did business with Michelangelo.
Photo courtesy of Gucci Osteria
Osteria Gucci
Combining the Gucci label with star chef Massimo Bottura, the Gucci Osteria is the ultimate fusion of fashion and food. Located in the Gucci Garden Museum with an outside terrace overlooking Piazza della Signoria, the vibrant green dining room is as stylish as expected, bedecked in gold and velvet and set with custom Gucci plates.
The menu proposes the Bottura signature of tradition, playfulness and surprise, with an extra international twist from co-executive chefs Karime Lopez and Taka Kondo, formerly at Osteria Francescana. The Taka bun (steamed bun with pork belly) and the Karime bun (steamed bun with lobster and caviar) are an ode to their love story outside of the kitchen and not to be missed.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Brancatisano
Il Santo Bevitore
Popular with both locals and visitors, Oltrarno hot spot Il Santo Bevitore seamlessly combines the rustic conviviality of Florentine hospitality with contemporary elegance and style. The menu elevates Tuscan classics with quality ingredients and fresh, seasonal produce, while a hint of creativity adds a modern dimension. The delicious food comes accompanied by a carefully curated selection of great wines and warm, friendly service.
Photo courtesy of Casa Mia Tours
Florence street food
Not for the faint-hearted, a panino con lampredotto is as Florentine as it gets. This local delicacy of tripe from the fourth stomach of the cow, boiled until tender, and served in a sandwich with salsa verde is sold from stalls and carts all across the city. For a more refreshing break, do as the locals do: grab a gelato and take a gentle “passeggiata” (a gentle stroll) through the charming back streets of town.
Photo courtesy of Casa Mia Tours
Food tours
One of the best ways to gain a local insight into a place, its culture and its traditions, a food tour gives context to how traditional cuisine has evolved with the history of the region while also satisfying your appetite. Eating Europe and Curious Appetite both offer delicious group tours and tastings in central Florence with private experiences available too. Casa Mia organizes private and customized tours throughout Tuscany to perfectly suit your needs and palate.
Photo courtesy of St. Regis Florence
St. Regis nightly champagne ritual
Head to the sumptuous Winter Garden Bar of the St. Regis Hotel for an exclusive evening aperitif accompanied by the signature nightly champagne ritual. The art of sabrage dates back to the times of Napoleon and consists of the opening of a bottle of champagne using a handcrafted silver sabre. The spectacular event, which takes place in St Regis hotels all over the world, is an unforgettable moment that symbolizes the transition from day into night.
Photo courtesy of Querceto di Castellina
Querceto di Castellina
A 16th-century castle immersed in the verdant hills and vineyards of Chianti, Querceto di Castellina provides the fairy tale setting to sample some of the world-famous Chianti Classico wine. Take a tour of the 15th century estate and organic winery which culminates in a guided tasting of their own wines, take a cooking class with the property’s matriarch Laura Di Battista or join them for one of their magical vineyard dinners.
Go a step further and stay the night in one of the estate’s apartments to fully relax in one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany. Here, the owners like to say, “Come for the wine, linger for everything else.”
Photo courtesy of Sesto on Arno
Sesto on Arno
A rooftop bar is the best way to drink in that iconic Florence skyline and Sesto on Arno delivers on both location and cocktails. Situated on the sixth floor of the luxurious Westin Excelsior, Sesto boasts unrivaled views of the city from its terraces and glass-paneled dining room. Arrive for a sunset aperitivo to watch the city become bathed in golden light or sample the lunch and dinner menus for a memorable dining experience.
Hotel Savoy
Located right in the heart of the city, a stay at the Hotel Savoy gives you Florence at your fingertips. With a deluxe decor that echoes the Renaissance history of the city, rooms at the Rocco Forte brand’s Florentine home are dressed with a warm color palette, antique furniture and Tuscan-inspired textiles. Public spaces are often adorned with lauded artworks, like the current exhibition titled “Le Dive di Zeffirelli” (The Divas of Zeffirelli) – a series of black-and-white photographs of the likes of Maria Callas.
The Spa Suite is an oasis of wellness with treatments designed in collaboration with local famed perfumery, Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. When it’s time for refreshment, the hotel’s glamorous bar and restaurant, Irene, occupies a prime position for al fresco dining right on Piazza della Repubblica.
Photo courtesy of The Westin Excelsior Florence
The Westin Excelsior
A magnificent palazzo on the bank of the Arno River is the stunning home of Florence’s Westin Excelsior. The rooms and suites here have been tastefully decorated to blend traditional elements of Tuscan style and modern comfort with plush fabrics, stately furniture and beautiful marble and terracotta finishes.
Top-floor suites have expansive terraces complete with hot tubs and breathtaking views of the city. Rooms with a view are worth the extra expense with the panorama stretching over the Ponte Vecchio right up to Forte di Belvedere. Add the top-level service and the stylish Sesto on Arno and this is a truly luxurious way to experience Florence.
Photo courtesy of Grand Universe Lucca
Grand Universe Lucca Autograph Collection
Steeped in history and immersed in the gorgeous landscape of Tuscany, charming, vibrant Lucca is known for its intact 16th-century walls and is a wonderful choice for a countryside getaway. Stay at the boutique hotel Grand Universe for modern luxury in the heart of town and dine at their contemporary restaurant for delicious Tuscan bistro fare.
On weekends, head up to their rooftop and enjoy a cocktail at their champagne bar and take in the cathedral and tower views of Lucca. Take advantage of their bicycle and picnic experience that has you enjoy the old walls up close with some Tuscan wine and a rustic lunch prepared just for you by the hotel chef.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Il Pellicano
Il Pellicano
The rugged scenery of Tuscany’s Monte Argentario coast provides the dramatic surroundings of Il Pellicano, a luxury hideaway cascading down the mountain to a sparkling private bay. A haven of discreet retro glamour and refinement, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge. After a morning of spa and wellness at the Pelliclub, enjoy lunch at Pelligrill and, in the evening, delight in chef Michelino Gioia’s creative Tuscan fare at the Michelin-starred Il Pellicano.
If your trip allows for it, consider a drive along the coast in vintage wheels arranged by luxury Italian operator The Drivers Club.