Tuscany Travel Tips: What Every First-Time Visitor Needs to Know

Preparing for your first trip in Tuscany is undoubtedly an exiting adventure. As a first-time visitor you may also feel overwhelmed by the information, locations and choices that are available. In this blog post we’ll provide you with travel tips and advice to ensure you a smooth and enjoyable first-time experience in Tuscany. So the first encounter would not be the last one.

Best Time to Visit Tuscany

Tuscany is a fantastic destination throughout the year. When planning your trip, consider these aspects and the nature of your holiday to find the most suitable timing for you:

Spring (from March to May) is one of the nicest time to visit Tuscany, also recommended by many locals. Lovely time for hiking, biking and sightseeing, with a chance for moderate spring showers. Weekends might get busy with tourists. If you plan of visiting some of the main tourist attractions, plan head and buy your tickets upfront.

Summer (from June to August) are hot and busy months in Tuscany, especially in July and August. Good time to visit countryside and cooler areas, also go hiking in the mountains. Not the best time for sightseeing and beaches as the queues tend to be long and beaches get packed. This is the high season for both foreign and domestic tourism in Tuscany.

Autumn (from September to November) is also considered to be one of the best times to visit Tuscany. Occasional showers are not uncommon but you can still expect warm and sunny weather with a mix of cloudy days. The main reason for visiting colorful Tuscany in autumn is the harvest time. Grapes are usually harvested in September-October, olives in October-December. It’s particularly appealing time for food and wine enthusiasts to visit the region.

Winter (from November to February) can be quite rainy and chilly during the short winter days. Perfect time to practice winter sports and enjoy city life. Bear in mind that driving on the winding roads in winter conditions can be quite a challenge if you haven’t practiced it before. Many smaller businesses and hotels sometimes close for off-season, so check and book your accommodation and activities beforehand.

Getting Around in Tuscany

Private or a rental car is the easiest way to explore Tuscany. You can cruise the picturesque countryside and have easier access to smaller cities that may not be that well connected by public transport. Bear in mind that the parking spots in cities are really scarce. Sometimes cars are not even allowed to enter smaller cities. It is often wise to find a parking facility close to the city entrance and walk from there.

Trains are one of the easiest ways of travel between major cities like Florence, Pisa, Siena or Lucca. Numerous Tuscan towns are located on a hilltop and even if reachable by rail, the train station is most probably at the bottom of the hill town. You’d need to either take a buss to the city or walk uphill to reach your destination.

Bikes, especially e-bikes, can be a refreshing option for commuting between smaller cities or villages. You will definitely have plenty of options to stop and take photos of picturesque countryside. The car drivers are generally very polite when sharing road with cyclists. Plus you will find it very pleasing climbing uphill 20km/h with boost mode and a smile on your face.

Prepare for Museum and Church Visits

Dress modestly if you have planned to visit churches or other religious sites. Your shoulders should be covered. Although some places may have cover-ons to give you, some other places may refuse your entrance. So be prepared, for example have a scarf in your bag.

Purchase tickets beforehand. If your travel plan is set, purchase museum and other popular attraction tickets beforehand. Although some extra activities can only be scheduled on spot, it is still a huge time saver if you don’t have to wait in a long queues to buy main entrance ticket. This is especially true in the high season.

Best Things to do in Tuscany

Take the time to immerse yourself in the local culture and arts. Enjoy the walks, the people, the food and the slow-paced lifestyle. Whenever you decide to visit Tuscany, sensing its uniqueness is the best thing you can do.

Taste Tuscany. Savor local specialities like pasta, pizza, gelato and of course world-renown Tuscan wines. If possible, dine at small trattorias and other family run restaurants for an authentic Tuscan cuisine and affordable culinary sensations.

Equipped with these essential travel tips for first-time Tuscany visit, you can be sure you’ll embark on a memorable journey through Tuscany. Embrace the art, culture and unique beauty of the region. Savor every moment as you discover the true essence of Tuscany as a first-time visitor. Safe travels!