Dont Forget Travel Insurance For Tuscany
And dont forget to take out Travel Insurance for your trip! I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. Theyre easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once youve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simplejust click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and youre on your way!
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Soak In Terme Di Saturnias Hot Springs
While most popular locations in Tuscany are more central, Terme di Saturnia is a collection of springs much further to the south. We urge you to at least consider visiting this area when deciding where to stay in Tuscany. It is an extraordinary experience. As if the mere existence of hot springs is not enough, there is also a myriad of waterfalls you can visit in the area. Terme di Saturnia is a great way to get out of the cities and towns, but is not too far from the town of Saturnia. Spend some time in the great outdoors, soaking up the natural relaxation and therapeutic properties of these springs.
Out of all the hot springs in Tuscany, the Saturnia hot springs is one of the best. Even better, it is free! Some of the hot springs in Tuscany have an entry fee, but you can avoid that by going to Saturnia hot springs. We love that you can get such an amazing experience for free! We do recommend coming earlier in the day, as this is a popular spot. Check out our article on hot springs in Tuscanyif you would like to know our other favorites.
Upsides: Hot springsneed we say more? Gets you outside. A unique way to experience the countryside. Endless beauty. An all-encompassing experience.
Downsides: More removed from most other popular destinations in Tuscany. Not as many amenities as larger cities.
Best Hotels Around
Affordable: B& B 8380 Pian Del Molino
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Midrange: Agriturismo Bio Aia Della Colonna
Check Rates: Booking.com
Check Rates: Booking.com
Certaldo A Photographic And Picturesque Small Town In Tuscany
High in the hills between Florence and Siena, Certaldo is a lovely village, largely unblemished by tourists. The towns origins date back at least a thousand years, so theres plenty of history for you to explore here.
The oldest part of the town is the walled Rio Castell section to the east. Here you will find the old main road, Via Boccaccio, which serves in place of a piazza for hosting public events. Like most Tuscan towns, there are tons of little, ancient churches for you to discover dotted around the town.
Palazzo Pretorio stands at the east end of Via Boccaccio and dates back to the 12th century. Previously housing the local governance, as well as being the town prison at one point, the Palazzo Pretorio is now an art museum displaying works by local artists.
You will be able to spot the Palazzo easily by the numerous coats of arms that decorate the outer walls.
Another good spot to observe the works of local artists is the Museum of Holy Art. Rather than current artists, this museum houses works collected from local artists throughout the centuries.
Unlike several of the smaller hilltop towns on this list, Certaldo is connected to the national railway system, making it a viable stop for those traveling around Tuscany by train. The positioning between Florence and Siena makes it a sweet overnight stop for road trippers too.
Best places to stay in Certaldo:
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Siena Where To Stay In Tuscany For Traditional Culture
The beautiful medieval town of Siena is a wonder of history, legend, and enduring tradition. The winding cobblestone streets and ancient buildings lend the town a particularly romantic atmosphere. The city center is impressive enough to have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
No cars are permitted to drive within the city walls that mark the town center. This just amplifies the historic character of Siena, offering plenty of space for relaxed strolls and romantic walks amongst the medieval houses.
The lack of cars wont be an issue for most. Siena is fairly compact and it is comfortable to walk around all the major sights, most of which are contained within the central, walled area.
Despite all this, the crowds of tourists that flock to Siena each year can detract from the quaintness of the town. If you really want to experience the inherent charm of the historic city, consider visiting outside of the peak season.
At the heart of Siena is the Piazza del Campo The stunning central piazza is paved with vibrant red brick and considered to be one of the greatest medieval squares in Europe. The design of the square itself is worth noting, and one of several reasons it is one of Sienas top attractions.
The paving is arranged into nine sections to represent the members of the ancient Council of Nine who once ruled the city. They are also designed to look like the folds of the Virgin Marys cloak, a nod to her status as the patron saint of Siena.
Il Borgo By Castello Banfi
| Montalcino Countryside | 5 Star Accommodation | Michelin Dining| Epic Pool
Castello Banfi is an institution of winemaking. They are by far the largest producer of Brunello wines on the planet as they own the most territory. Their grounds are absolutely immaculate and their structure is beautiful. A famous line of cypress trees lines their kilometer or so long driveway into their estate. It is one of the most elegant estates that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting in all my travels.
Wouldnt you know it they even have a luxury cluster of mini-apartments on-site and a Michelin star restaurant? The pool on site overlooks seemingly endless rolling hills completely covered in vineyards and olive trees. You will pay tooth and nail for your nights stay but it arguably one of the nicest hotels on Earth.
| Chianti | 90 mins from Florence | Great Views & Lots of Activities
Borgo Casa al Vento is more of a retreat than a place to stay. When you go there, you will likely stay on the compound the entire time. They have lots to do including archery, tennis, a pool, and more. You can completely indulge in the nectar of the gods and do so quite literally in a wine bath.
It is a great place to spend a few days, especially with the kids. Your kids can run around while you enjoy the scenery. Many rooms have fireplaces and there are common areas to build fires as well. The rooms are very charming and rustic. The structure is a renovated borgo that is a very European feeling.
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Other Great Bases Are Along The Train Routes
Other places to consider include many of the small towns along the train route between Florence and Pisa, Florence and Lucca and Florence and Arezzo, and the route from Empoli south to Siena. You will have to plan to stay within those towns to make moving around easier, because if you choose something in the countryside outside of the towns, you will have to depend on private drivers to get you from the town to your lodging if it isn’t within walking distance. Some examples are towns such as San Miniato, Certaldo, Castelfiorentino, Prato, Pistoia, Montecatini Terme.
A final note for anyone planning a trip without a car in Tuscany: MAP out where the lodging you like is located in BEFORE booking your stay. We gets lots of requests for help from visitors who first book a stay in a farmhouse in the middle of the countryside and only after look for help in sorting out how to get there. In those cases, if you can’t cancel your booking for one reason or another, you will have no choice but to rent a car or hire a private car with driver.
Wherever you choose to stay in Tuscany, you will find yourself falling in love with the region and its views and landscapes. Traveling without a car, while maybe a bit less convenient, will make for exploring Tuscany in a wonderful, less hurried way you will treasure.
Enjoy planning where to stay in Tuscany!
Related Sections
Chianti: Wine Hiking & Old Castles
The largest Tuscan wine region, and home to one of the most iconic wines, is the Chianti. The hotels that we have selected for this region offer perfectly equipped rooms and suites, wonderful views of the vineyards and the stunning countryside and, of course, they allow guests to gain unique insight into the Tuscan wine culture and wine making process. Needless to say you will be able to sample and purchase great wines directly from the producers. Very often the hotels are housed within old castles or historic farmhouses that have been carefully restored and offer modern amenities and often even luxurious interior design and facilities. So if you decide to reside here, we are very sure that you will get to know the most beautiful side of Tuscany.
© Castello di SpaltennaVillages & vineyards: Following the famous wine route “Strada Chiantigiana” that leads through the beautiful countryside is the perfect way to discover many of the picturesque villages and vineyards. A good starting point for a tour of the region is Greve in Chianti. The pretty main square Piazza Matteotti with its beautiful arcades, cafes and restaurants is used to present the newest Chianti wine every year in September. From Greve in Chianti you can easily reach the medieval Panzano – not only popular for wine but also for its famous salami and ham. Narrow alleys, the impressive town wall and the surrounding wine-growing estates make Panzano one of the prettiest wine villages to visit.
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Where Is The Chianti Wine Region In Tuscany
Beyond the larger mountain ranges that border Tuscany, there are several smaller hill massifs. The most famous of these in undoubtedly , the famous Tuscan wine region. It lies between Florence and Siena any part of it not covered in vineyards is covered in forests of holm oaks or beautiful villages. The most famous towns here are Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti and more.
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Best Places To Stay In Montepulciano
Montepulciano is totally worth splurging on. The quaint town centre gives you an authentic experience, and the rolling vineyards are worth checking out for the panoramic scenery alone.
Castello di Velona
Best Airbnb in Montepulciano: Villa Montepulciano
This is another beautiful Airbnb Luxe property and its totally worth splurging on! It is located within a working vineyard, allowing wine enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the production process. Guests are also given the chance to sample these wines, all within a rustic and traditional setting. Sleeping up to 15 guests, its great for a large group.
Best Guest House near Montepulciano: I Tre Rioni
This guest house is super basic but Montepulciano is one of the most expensive areas in Tuscany, so it is your best bet for visiting the town on a budget. With only four guest rooms, you will get to enjoy an intimate experience. Central Montepulciano is only a short walk away, as well as the largest vineyard in the region. Rooms are beautifully decorated with traditional Tuscan furnishings.
Best Hotel in Montepulciano: Castello di Velona
Montepulciano really is the place to splurge in Tuscany! This five-star resort, part of the Leading Hotels of the World Range, will give you the chance to experience the ultimate luxury accommodation. It is housed in a restored castle from the 10th century and overlooks the rolling hills of Tuscany. Its a little secluded perfect for those that just want to unwind.
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Forte Dei Marmi Where To Stay On The Tuscany Coast
Just north of Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi is a lovely little seaside town on Tuscanys west coast. Just along the beach from lively Viareggio, and a little more removed from the city of Lucca, Forte del Marmi offers a more laid-back beach vacation, away from the worst of the tourist crowds.
Whilst its less crowded than Viareggio, dont expect this to be some sleepy rural town. The beaches are still full of sun loungers for the many people who come to relax on the sand.
The various beaches of Forte dei Marmi back onto a road lined with numerous restaurants. You wont need to worry about packing a picnic for your beach day when you can get a delicious, cooked meal within a few minutes walk of your beach lounger.
If you find yourself getting bored of lazing on the beach, you can always take a hike into the hills overlooking Forte dei Marmi. Aside from the beautiful, verdant landscape, there are castles and local historic sites to be discovered within the valleys.
If you are hoping to attend the Viareggio Carnival but dont want to pay out the nose for accommodation, Forte dei Marmi is a great alternative. Its just a comfortable walk along the beach to Viareggio.
Stay In Forte Dei Marmi If You are looking for a less crowded beach resort town Relaxing on the beach is your main goal You are planning to attend Viareggio Carnival but are looking for cheaper accommodations for your stay.
Best places to stay in Forte Dei Marmi:
Arezzo Where To Stay In Tuscany For A Local Experience
Once one of the most important cities of the Etruscan civilization, the long history of Arezzo can be observed in its beautiful buildings. With the city dating back to before the Romans, at least as far back as the 4th-century bc, there are tons of historical relics and features to discover.
With all its history and rural charm, Arezzo is a particularly beautiful town. So much so that you may recognize some of its streets and squares from movies. Particularly notably, the Oscar-winning film Life Is Beautiful was filmed here.
An up-and-comer that is growing in popularity, Arezzo is still far less touristy than many Tuscan towns. Located east of Siena, Arezzo is well out of the way of most of the more famous towns, so you wont have to fight crowds for good photo opportunities.
The Piazza Grande is the center of culture in Arezzo. The plaza has been around for centuries as buildings from various architectural periods have sprung up around it. Its a great place to observe the various stylistic eras the city has gone through.
The Piazza Grande also hosts frequent markets, including an antique fair on the first weekend of each month. Prior to their growing tourism trade, agriculture was Arezzos principal economic source. Make sure you look out for stores and vendors selling local produce and handicrafts to take home with you.
Arezzo Cathedral houses another significant work by Piero, the fresco of Mary Magdalene.
Best places to stay in Arezzo:
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Florence The Most Popular Place To Stay In Tuscany
There may be no other city with the beauty, cultural significance and romance of Florencia, Tuscanys capital city and main tourist hotspot.
With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Florence is perfect for exploring centuries-old art and architecture thriving amongst modern adventure and nightlife.
Once a political pawn battled over centuries of Italian rule, Florence grew to become a leading city in cultural expression and innovation, led by visionaries Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo.
Today, the history of Florence is told through world-class monuments, churches and museums, enchanting visitors every day. As there is so much to see and do in Florence here, as well as great options for accomodation for every budget, this city is a great place to stay in Tuscany.
Rent out a bike or set out on foot to see the mighty Arno River running through Florence. Stretching over the water is the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone arch bridge and photographic fixture of Florence, where youll also find vendors selling jewelry and souvenirs.
Neighboring the Ponte Vecchio are the Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alle Grazie bridges, which provide a picture-perfect landscape at sunset.
Next hit the Duomo di Firenze, Florences main architectural centerpiece, with its famous brick-red capped dome. Climb the 463 steps to get up to the lantern at the very top, Florences highest point.
The Cathedral, located within the Piazza del Duomo, is one of the most visited places in the world.
Best Places To Stay In Pisa
Pisa can be split into two major areas the City Centre, where you will find the train station, and the area around Campo dei Miracoli. Both are only a 20-30 minute walk apart along a major shopping street, so we dont really have a preference. That being said, families might prefer the pedestrianised streets near the Leaning Tower.
Historical Centre
Best Airbnb in Pisa: Historical Centre
This apartment has a rustic and moody charm that will make you sad to leave when your trip is over. Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms, this is ideal for small to medium-sized families heading to Tuscany. The train station and Leaning Tower of Pisa are only a short walk away. Traffic is limited in the neighbourhood, so youll also get to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Best Hostel in Pisa: Helvetia Pisa Tower
This is the closest hostel to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, giving guests unbeatable access to the main attractions in the city. The train station is only a short walk away, as well as buses to the Tuscan coast. We love the cute little courtyard where you can bask under the Tuscan sun and mingle with other guests.
Best Hotel in Pisa: B& B Pisa Tower
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