For me, Tuscany is mainly about catching the moments, experiences and little pleasures. Italy has a remarkable climate but to understand it truly you just have to try few things typical to Italians, if you want to feel what they do just for a brief moment.
Here you go – below there is my subjective list of Italian pleasures, which in my opinion you simply have to experience while in Tuscany.
1. Wandering the towns aimlessly
The Italian towns, both the small ones and the big ones, have an irresistible charm. Just simply walk their streets, no bigger goal or aim, watch the citizens and breathe in the atmosphere like from Italian movies or walk into a bar spontaneously to have a “standing espresso” – it’s a huge pleasure itself!
2. Eat a genuine Italian breakfast
The Italians usually have their breakfast sweet – chocolate buns, cream cupcakes, jam cookies… but they like having a fresh panini with sweet-smelling prosciutto or bruschetta with tomatoes and basil. And without fail – cappuccino on top of that!
3. Drive around Valle d’Orcia hills
The Val d’Orcia valley, that spans south from Siena at the foot of an extinct Monte Amiata volcano, is a dreamland for anyone who loves nostalgic views, rustling grain and morning fogs. Being in Tuscany you absolutely have to go there and drive around the area. It looks beautiful every time of the day and every hill uncovers a more splendid look than the previous one. And those cypress alleys, ah! (more HERE)
4. Swim in an infinity pool with a view on Tuscany
Generally, every agri-touristic farm in Tuscany has its own pool. And not just a simple one! Most of them are infinity pools, situated in places, surrounded from every side with a views like from Italian postcards.
5. Eat the best Italian gelato
I have never seen so many gelato flavors as here, in Italy! You can safely say that the Italians like to have a wide choice, so every confectionery has even up to few dozens of flavors to choose from. And all insanely tasty! The story of gelato is quite unclear and tangled. Modern gelato came to Europe probably thanks to Marco Polo. According to the legend, the Venetian traveler stole a secret recipe during one of his travels in China and sold it to Venetian confectioners And in the result you can’t have Italian holidays without gelato!
6. Go to a vineyard to wine tasting
Tuscany is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. The climate here is perfect for wine production – hot sun, warm climate, fertile land and hilly area. That’s why the local wines (over 80% red) are of finest quality. The tastings take place in beautiful vineyards, rustic wineries and medieval castles. Local experts show how you should taste the wines in proper way and how to serve it but they also lecture on the history of wines and wine making.
7. Admire sunsets
Some of the most beautiful ones are right there, in Tuscany. All thanks to a little misty light, painting the landscape with unique colors. But, in my opinion no place is no “right place” to watch sunsets. Anywhere you stay, the sunsets are always spectacular.
8. Buy the local products – olive oil, truffles and cheese
Tuscany is one of the places, from which it is really worth to bring local products. A whole, huge load of them! Nowhere in the world will you find so unique and tasty wines, types of cheese with truffles and aromatic olive oil. Leave some spare place in your luggage, it’s really worth to bring a piece of Italy home. More about what’s worth buying in Tuscany HERE.
9. Admire unique architecture
Every time I come to Italy, my jaw drops when I see the absolutely splendid and unbelievable architecture. Italy has such an incredible cultural legacy… very little places in the world can compete with that. You only have to walk the streets to feel like you were lost in time. Doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been to Florence but the sight of Duomo always gives me shivers. The craftsmanship, accuracy, invention – that’s what the Italian architecture means to me.
10. Taste local dishes
Italy is famous with the variety of aromas and new tastes we can try every time. Of course, you won’t find such a pizza like here but try also Tuscan dishes made from game, famous pici pasta and meals with truffles. It’s all so characteristic to this region and makes the local cuisine absolutely unique.
11. Walk through the city at dawn
I love walking cities at dawn, when everything starts to wake up, people do not rush in a hurry, you can watch the architecture in peace. There is not better moment to feel this unique Italian atmosphere, take pictures and have some time for your own thoughts.
12. Spent a night in an agri-touristic farm
On my journeys I usually don’t stay for long at one place, changing them some or sometimes over a dozen of times, rushing somewhere, fulfilling my travel plans… but from time to time I need to stay at one place for a longer while. I need to wake up seeing a beautiful view, eat a fantastic breakfast outdoors and then read a book at a pool, hearing birds singing and trees rustling. So, to describe it shortly with one word: idyllic. Tuscany is famous with its unique agri-touristic farms scattered on its hills. Being in such a place is an extraordinary experience and no hotel can stand to that. More about how to look for such places in Tuscany HERE.
13. Drink cappuccino and eat tiramisu
What? In Italy, it’s not an option, it’s a MUST! Tiramisu tastes here differently… like, hm… better. And I don’t know if you heard, tiramisu in Tuscany doesn’t make you fat (checked it myself!). Add cappuccino, cafe with a nice view and could you find you a better LA DOLCE VITA? :)
14. Go to the museums and be enchanted with the culture
Tuscany is generally one huge monument. Everything here has a history, symbolizes inheritance of a great culture, in which art, painting and sculpture played an important role. The Italians are aware of that and they take great care of their works. Not only the buildings are well-kept and maintained but you can find lots of art works in modern museums. In Florence there at least over a dozen of them, including the oldest one in Europe – Galeria Uffizi, located next to Piazza della Signoria. But you have to book a ticket in advance, because in the season even 200 people might be standing in the line!
15. Go for Aparitivo in the afternoon and drink Aperol Spritz
And for the end of the day, obligatory Apritivo! This tradition dates back to 19th century and comes from the northern part of Italy. For Italians it’s as obvious as five o’clock tea for the Englishmen! Around 7 PM Italians gather in local restaurants and pubs and order Spritz, so a Prosecco mixed with Campari, with Aperol or Cynar liquor and sparkling water. They choose appropriate snacks to the drink – homemade chips, small sandwiches, pieces of pizza, bruschettas, cheeses, olives or prosciutto. But stop right there! Aperitivo is not about eating to the full. It’s more about getting into the idea of supper, whet the appetite and most of all – meet friends, talk and chill out after a long day. And I respect that! :)