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JPY (¥)Tuscany is one of the most famous regions in Italy, but what is Tuscany Italy known for? Tuscany is a destination for many travelers seeking to experience its stunning landscapes, delicious food and wine, and rich culture. It’s no wonder so many people flock to this beautiful region! In this article, you’ll learn what Tuscany is known for and discover how to explore it all when traveling there.
Its Famous Italian Cities
While Tuscany itself is well known, many people are unable to answer the question, “Where is Tuscany?” It’s located in central Italy, and it borders the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria, and Lazio. Pisa, Florence, and Siena are just a few of the many cities located within Tuscany, with Florence being the capital. These cities are world-famous for their incredible architecture and artwork. They’re also well renowned for their delicious Italian cuisine. The cities alone answer the question, “What is Tuscany famous for?”
In Pisa, you can visit the iconic Leaning Tower. You can choose to see the tower with skip-the-line tickets on our Pisa Tour from Florence. Speaking of Florence, you can see its stunning Duomo Cathedral and more with a Florence Tour. Meanwhile, Siena boasts some of Italy’s best Renaissance art in its museums and churches. View this art and architecture while learning about Siena’s rich history with our Insider Siena City Tour.
Our private transfer services are the best way to travel through the Tuscany region. Our drivers are all professional and licensed, driving only modern, comfortable, and air-conditioned vehicles. Whether you’re traveling between Florence Airport and Florence city center, Pisa Airport and Pisa center, Florence Airport and Siena, or Pisa Airport and Florence, let us show you the best of Tuscany.
Sweeping Landscapes
From rolling hills and vineyards to old-time villages and ancient castles, there are a lot of breathtaking landscapes to explore in Tuscany!
The Tuscan countryside is dotted with farmhouses, olive groves, vineyards, and fields of sunflowers in the summer months. Tuscany is also home to many famous gardens, such as the Boboli Gardens near Florence and the Tarot Garden near Pescia. And don’t forget Castello di Brolio! This impressive castle on top of a hill in the Chianti Classico region offers stunning views over the valleys below. Join our Chianti Hillside Horseback Riding Tour to explore this gorgeous region on horseback.
Without a doubt, the most beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside can be seen at dawn. As the sun rises and reflects the light against the backdrop of the rolling hills, a picturesque masterpiece is created. If you can handle the early start, join our Tuscan Sunrise, San Gimignano, Pisa & Lucca Tour for an unforgettable adventure. Departing from Florence just before dawn, you’ll experience the Tuscan landscapes at their peak beauty, stopping for the necessary photographs. Then, head to three of Tuscany’s greatest cities, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Lucca, arriving ahead of the crowds for a more intimate experience.
See the Tuscan sunrise with us
History
Tuscany is one of the oldest regions in Italy, with a rich history of many famous groups and civilizations that have lived there. The Etruscans were among the earliest inhabitants of Tuscany. They were followed by the Romans who conquered it in the 3rd century BC. During medieval times, Florence became an important cultural center as well as a powerful city-state. Later on during WWII, Tuscany was occupied by Nazi forces until 1945 when Allied forces liberated parts of Italy including Tuscany.
Through the years, different cultures have left their mark on this beautiful region making it a fascinating place to visit. You don’t even need to step into the museums to get a feel for the city’s various historical influences. As proven by our Florence Morning Walking Tour Without Museums – Architectural Wonders & History, there is so much to learn just by walking through the cobbled streets. Exploring the city by foot, your guide will recount the stories of Florence on the very streets where they took place.
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Art & Architecture
Tuscany has a long and rich history, and the region’s art and architecture are evidence of this. It was home to many famous artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi, whose work remains there. Perhaps one of the most recognizable pieces of art in Tuscany is Michelangelo’s David statue which can be found in Florence.
Additionally, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus painting can be viewed at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. You can see this gallery and more on the Florence Uffizi & Accademia Gallery Tour which includes skip-the-line tickets to both museums. Moreover, visitors to Tuscany should not miss out on seeing Brunelleschi’s Dome at the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence. Taking the Florence Duomo Complex Tour will make sure you don’t.
In addition to these famous works of art, Tuscany is home to many impressive buildings and landmarks. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is perhaps the most well-known landmark in the region, but other towns have their architectural wonders as well. San Gimignano has its medieval towers and Siena boasts the beautiful Piazza del Campo square. See the art and architecture highlights of all these cities in one day on our Best of Tuscany Tour from Florence.
Tuscan Food
One of the first things that comes to mind when thinking of Tuscany is its delicious food. What is Tuscan food? Only the best in Italian cuisine, from hearty pasta dishes to exquisite desserts. But what food is Tuscany known for? Some popular examples include ribollita (a thick soup made with beans and vegetables), panzanella (bread salad with tomatoes and onions), and fettunta (toasted bread rubbed with garlic).
The best way to sample authentic Tuscan food is with a Tuscan food tour. On our Florence Food & Aperitivo tour, a local guide will escort you through the stalls of the Storico Mercato Centrale, offering samples at each stop. Or you can learn to cook these delicious dishes yourself with one of our best Tuscany cooking classes. A guest favorite is our Tuscany Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class from Florence.
Tuscan Wine
The wines from Tuscany are highly sought after, and it’s no wonder why. They boast complex aromas and flavors that make them truly unique. But what wine is Tuscany known for? There are actually quite a few! Brunello di Montalcino is a full-bodied red wine made with 100% Sangiovese grapes grown in the hills of Montalcino, near Siena in southern Tuscany. It has been recognized as one of Italy’s most prestigious wines for over a century. Taste this wine in an intimate setting with the Brunello Wine Tasting Tour from Siena.
Chianti is another well-known Tuscany wine, produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany and made from Sangiovese grapes. It is also one of Italy’s most famous wines, with its distinctive flavor and aroma that have been enjoyed by wine lovers around the world for centuries. You can sample Chianti alongside other Tuscan cuisines on our Tuscany Olive Oil & Wine Tour – From Florence, Tuscany Coffee & Wine Small Group Tour, or our Tuscany Olive Oil, Coffee & Wine Small Group Tour.
Finally, Montalcino is a small town located south of Siena where some of Tuscany’s best red wines are produced. The vineyards here produce high-quality Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino wines. Explore Montalcino and try their wines on our Val d’Orcia Wine Tour in Tuscany.
If one day of eating and drinking through Tuscany doesn’t sound like enough, you’ll love our 5 Day Florence Food and Wine Tour Package. Starting in Florence, you’ll enjoy a tasting tour through the Storico Mercato Centrale indoor market in the morning and a sunset aperitivo in the late afternoon. Shop for and participate in a traditional Tuscan cooking class, visit a local winery, explore a historic olive oil farm and follow through a process at a family-owned coffee factory. With your hotels, tours, and transfers all taken care of, all that’s left to do is indulge!
Travel Tuscany in Style with Tourist Italy!
There’s more to Tuscany than meets the eye. And the best way to discover it all is with Tourist Italy. With our wide range of Tuscany tours, you’re sure to find one that fits your time frame, budget, and more. The best way to have all the experiences listed above, however, is with a Tuscany package tour. We’ll take care of the planning, transportation, and Tuscan hotels, while you get to immerse yourself in the culture. If you’re looking to experience a little bit of everything Tuscany does best, join our 5 Day Florence & Tuscany Countryside Tour Package. Perhaps you want to feel like royalty in a castle, in which case our Brunello Wine Tour & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle is perfect for you.
If tours aren’t your speed, we’ve still got your back! With our Tuscany travel guide, tips on where to stay, recommendations on the best things to do, and even a transportation guide for traveling from Florence to Pisa, we’re here to help with all your travel needs.
