Exploring Italy
We've fallen in love with the Italy during our 10 years together. If you're planning on keeping the good times rolling, we've listed some of our favourite places in Tuscany, and beyond, for a little inspiration.
In The Local Area
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is considered home to the very best red wine in Italy. If that wasn't enough of a reason to visit, it's medieval buildings and hilltop location should seal the deal. We visited in 2019 and 2023 and did our bit to support the local wine industry.
Montalcino
Another typically-Tuscan town nestled in rolling hills, Montalcino can be visited alongside Montepulciano and other small villages like Castelnuovo dell’Abate and San Quirico d'Orcia. It's home to a number of traditional restaurants serving hearty Tuscan food.
Grossetto
Grosseto's city centre is as historic and charming as many Italian cities, but it's real selling point is it's national park. Full of wildhorses and famous horned cows, you can walk, cycle and canoe through the park, including the tree-lined sandy beaches.
Siena
Just an hour north from ColleMassari, Siena is Tuscany's second city (after Florence). It's historic, narrow streets, which circle the famous piazza, can be explored for hours. Siena also has more modern restaurants and bars than you can find elsewhere in Tuscany.
Further Afield
Florence
Florence is the capital city of Tuscany. It's packed full of tourists but for good reason. The Uffizi Gallery (home to the Statue of David), the Ponte Vecchio, and the breathtaking Duomo are the highlights, but the shopping and eating here is excellent. Trattoria Sostanza is one of the best restaurants we've ever eaten in!
Chianti Region
If you hire a car, there are few better areas to explore than Chianti. Spend the day bouncing between the medieval hilltop towns, enjoying the wine and Nonna-made pasta. Our favourite towns are Castellina in Chianti, Volpaia, and Gaiole in Chianti. Though technically not Chianti, San Gimigano is a highlight too.
Puglia
In the heel of the boot, Puglia is a totally different side of Italy. It's much hotter and dryer than Tuscany, and this is reflected in the food and wine. Life here is all about the beautiful beaches and exploring the whitewashed towns. Must see: Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Ostuni, and Alberobello. You can fly to Bari from most Tuscan airports.
Umbria
Umbria is the quieter, more rural region just south of Tuscany. Given their proximity, the two regions are surprisingly different. Umbria is more mountainous, with dense forests and greener, wilder landscapes. Cities like Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, and Orvieto, are each excellent days out, while Lake Trasimeno has lots to offer.
