First Time in Tuscany: 10 Things You Have to Try on Your Visit

If it’s your first time in Tuscany, then get ready for the time of your life! This gem of Italy has something for everyone, but these 10 experiences are musts.

Do you want to make your trip memorable for your first time in Tuscany?

The region of Tuscany is famous for the top cities like Florence, Pisa, and Siena. What makes these cities worth visiting are the architecture, landscapes, and beautiful culture.

If you plan to fly to Tuscany sometime soon, it’ll be wise to know how you can best spend your days there. In this list, we’ll talk about the top things you have to try when you visit the region. Keep reading for what to do in Tuscany for a memorable time.

1. Take a Photo With the Leaning Tower of Pisa 

One of the top things to do in Tuscany includes going to Pisa to see the world-famous leaning tower. To many people, no visit to Tuscany is complete without seeing this remarkable building. However, that’s not the only thing you can do when you visit Pisa.

Make your way over to the Field of Miracles or Piazza Dei Miracoli. Keep going to the Piazza Dei Cavaliero, Borgo Stretto, and Borgo Largo. Go further past the Piazza Delle Vettovaglie and you’ll make it to the Lungarno.

2. See the Vineyards in Chianti

Do you enjoy Italian wine? Are you curious about how wines get made in Italy? If you want to see the vineyards and wine-making process, go to Chianti.

Don’t forget to take a trip to Chianti when you visit Tuscany. The Chianti region is full of fine wineries and scenic villages.  It’s only a quick drive or bike ride southward from Florence. 

Your visit can take only a few hours. If you want, take a one-day bike tour through the Chianti hills. Depending on the itinerary you’ll choose, you can take your lunch on the trip too. 

3. Grab a Souvenir at the San Lorenzo Market

Before you leave Tuscany at the end of your trip, stop by the San Lorenzo market in Florence. Grab something to take home and remember your trip by. Take your family to explore the city market as the last bit of your trip.

If you arrived late in the day on your first day on the trip, check it out anyway. The market is something to explore if you’re too tired to go on a day trip. It’s also a great place for gathering things you’ll need in the warm Tuscan summer.

4. Take Your Pilgrimage to Monteriggioni

If you’re taking a day trip to Siena, make sure to visit the Monteriggioni. If you’ve read Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno, you might remember the hamlet getting mentioned in the book. Well, we’re mentioning it here too because there’s more to it than meet the eye.

The Monteriggioni is a small walled town in Tuscany that’s beloved by pilgrims from all around the world. Its well-preserved, fortified walls reach 10 meters high. The commune also has 14 towers that you can see even from far away.

If you’re visiting in July, swing by Monteriggioni to see its annual medieval festival. It’s great for getting to know the culture and taking a trip back in time.

5. Enjoy the Medieval Architecture 

From the Basilica di San Maria del Fiore in Florence to the Duomo in Lucca, Tuscany is full of medieval structures to see. It’s great for those who love architecture, history, or the Assassin’s Creed games.

Appreciate and enjoy these magnificent works of art while you take a trip around Tuscany. They’re symbols of the nation’s history and culture. Plus, photos aren’t anything like seeing them in person.

6. Walk Down the Cobblestone Streets of Lucca

Known as the City of 100 Churches, Lucca is famous for its 16th-century walls. Take a breather in the city’s historic center. If you want to see the city and beyond the walls, visit the towers scattered around the city.

If you’re a fan of opera, make it a point to visit the home of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini. This home-turned-museum in Lucca is in the style of the mid-nineteenth century. The Puccini House Museum is open to the public.

7. Go on a Food Tour

Tasting wine and cheese isn’t the only thing for foodies to do on their first time in Tuscany. The region also offers truffle-hunting, cooking classes, and more. Try going to the Chocolate Valley to see gourmet boutiques and meet artisan chocolatiers.

Food and wine festivals overflow with wild boar, chestnuts, and fresh wine. Go to Certaldo Alto to see the most famous food and wine festival, Boccaccesca. 

8. Immerse Yourself in Nature

Tuscany isn’t only about historic architecture. This Italian region is also full of natural wonders. When you want a break from the cobblestone streets and Renaissance-style buildings, visit the following.

The Canyon Park in Bagni di Lucca is an adventure park. The activities include zip lining, stand-up paddleboarding, and yoga in the forest. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the Kid Forest.

If you want a sea-side escapade, visit Bagno Maurizio. This beach is clean, family-friendly, and welcoming. It’s also a walk away from quaint cafes, restaurants, and shops.

9. Develop Your Wine Palate During Your First Time in Tuscany

Florence, the capital city of the Tuscany region, is one of the most popular destinations. Americans made up a majority of Florence’s visitors in 2018. One reason for this is because it’s the place to go to if you want to go on winery tours in the region.

If you want to ripen your wine palate, Tuscany is the best place for it. It offers a lot of wine-tasting itineraries and vineyard tours. Plus, you can get to the wine regions via your car or bike.

10. Ride a Hot Air Balloon Over Tuscany

Finally, you must see the region from a bird’s eye view. Book a hot air balloon and take an unforgettable trip over Cortana to Florence. A Prosecco toast and breakfast will greet you when you land from your 3-hour ride.

It’s great for those who aren’t afraid of heights and those who want to face their fears. Experts and professionals fly the balloons, so you have nothing to worry about. All you need to do is enjoy the ride and take lots of nice pictures.

Take a Terrific Tuscan Trip

That’s it for our Tuscany travel guide for first-time visitors. Make your travel itineraries more colorful with these top activities in Tuscany. We hope this guide for things to do on your first time in Tuscany helps a lot.

Now, you can recommend travel tips to other friends and family who’ll make visits to the region as well.

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