City: Tuscany
Top Things to do in Tuscany
Top Hotels in Tuscany
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Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany (/ˈtʌskəni/ TUSK-ə-nee; Italian: Toscana, pronounced [toˈskaːna]) is a region in central Italy with an area of about 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 square miles) and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants (2013). The regional capital is Florence (Firenze).
Restaurants in Tuscany
1. Duomo di Siena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11,597 reviews
The magnificent complex of the Cathedral of Siena, its Duomo, houses a series of some of the most important monuments of the European artistic panorama. With its more than one million visitors every year, the Cathedral without a doubt represents the fulcrum of the entire complex, while other significant elements include the Crypt, the Baptistery and the Museo dell'Opera, all part of the impressive mass formed by the "Duomo Vecchio" (Old Cathedral), and the "Duomo Nuovo" (New Cathedral). Visitors will travel along a memorable itinerary to the discovery of self and the truth of faith through culture and art, the result of more than a millennium of Western history.
Reviewed By Iowares - Des Moines, United States
We walked over to the ticket office to get the tickets for the Duomo, museum, Baptistry and Crypt, and we were blown away with our tour guides! We have seen all the major churches and Cathedrals in Italy, and many of the lesser-knowns, too, and nothing comes anywhere close to this one! Each has it's own unique style, but this one was the most memorable for me! The interior tour was brilliantly executed and our tour guides made us feel like private guests getting a unique inside tour! I could go back every day and see something new! They cover different parts of the floor at different times, so one would need to go at different times to see it all.
2. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
3. Podere Il Cocco
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 390 reviews
Small organic family business that produces wine, olive oil and grappa. Our services are only by reservation: wine tasting, and restaurant can be booked every day , except sunday. Please contact us at least 24 hours in advantage. We are three brothers and one sister and to provide the best service to our guests we need a reservation because we can not be available in any moment of the day. We will be glad to host you . Have a nice day. Giacomo, Domitilla, Stefano and Ettore
Reviewed By saamram
My husband and I visited Il Cocco in 2016, as part of a 10 day trip to Italy. We had an amazing experience, and loved their wines. We recently ordered a case of their wine, as we had finished the last of the case we ordered while we were visiting, and want to support this amazing family business during a time of need. The ordering process for shipping a case was extremely easy over email and used Paypal to pay, and Giacomo was very helpful in getting everything sorted out. We can't wait until our case of wine arrives!
4. Hermann Geiger Cultural Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
Non-profit association concerned with culture and social commitment. Geiger Foundation organizes periodic exhibitions with free entry.
5. Podere La Marronaia- Sosta Alle Colonne
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 647 reviews
Podere la Marronaia, a family story behind a bottle. Podere la Marronaia is a small familyrunned farm involved in the biodynamic method of cultivation of grapes and olives. Podere la Marronaia produces white, red and rosè wines and extra virgin olive oil. Wine and olive oil tastings are possible as well as farm visit.
Reviewed By durango2x - Wall Township, United States
the experience was wonderful, the staff(( Family ) wine tasting fresh homemade food , the charming family dogs , all perfect ….would recommend to family and friends …..Can't wait to go back
6. Castiglion del Bosco Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 311 reviews
Tuscany is a region whose countryside never ceases to amaze for its captivating beauty. Castiglion del Bosco also knows how to charm. Castiglion del Bosco’s winery is one of Tuscany’s most noteworthy estates and a leading Brunello producer. We will introduce you to our wine culture through an exclusive selection of private tours and tastings guided by our expert staff. Tours are arranged by reservation only and are the perfect choice for guest seeking a unique wine experience in Tuscany.
Reviewed By NoamS377
Though it was time of corona, in between waves, the winery was open for pre-booked visits. The winery us stunning and situates in a beautiful surroundings. Marco, my host, was wonderful, patient and professional and did his utmost to make me feel at home as well as protected and safe. Wines are extraordinary and the story behind the winery and winemaker is awesome.
7. Gallerie Degli Uffizi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37,499 reviews
One of the great museums of the world, the Uffizi houses the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art, featuring works by such masters as Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo and da Vinci.
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States
If art interests you, then Uffizi Gallery is one place that you should not miss on your Florence tour. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Florence, Italy. Situated in the Piazza Della Signoria, it can be covered together with the L shaped beautiful square. With the world’s preeminent collection of Renaissance paintings from artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Da Vinci and more, this is the obvious go-to museum for one day in Florence. However, it’s also enormous, with 101 rooms bursting with art. it still displays the Medici family's prominent art collection, which includes such masterpieces as Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," Raphael's "Madonna of the Goldfinch" and Titian's "Venus of Urbino." *** The 10 Most Important Artworks at The Uffizi Gallery ( just so that you don’t miss this, I did miss a few and found out when I was reading about it) The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico Laocoön and his Sons by Baccio Bandinelli Madonna with the Long Neck by Parmigianino Portrait of Pope Leo X with Two Cardinals by Raphael Head of Christ by Unknown Tuscan Master Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Verrocchio Medusa by Caravaggio Doni Tondo by Michelangelo Venus of Urbino by Titian It houses a collection of awesome Renaissance time paintings of Botticelli, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto, and Michelangelo to name a few. A minimum of 2-3 hours is needed to explore all the paintings and sculptures. Don’t miss the courtyard outside. It houses statues of Galileo, Dante, Da Vinci and other greatest of Renaissance times. Online Reservation of tickets is available and I suggest buy skip the line ticket. This is a must-visit place in Florence and it will easily take 4-6 hours. Just to know Uffizi's place is among the handful of world's top art museums. So don’t regret if you come across something and think, S**t, I was there, why I did not see this.
8. Basilica of Santa Croce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,994 reviews
This is the richest medieval church in Florence, which features frescoes by Giotto, a chapel by Brunelleschi and one of the finest of all early Renaissance tombs.
Reviewed By revlisad - Sarasota, United States
Don't miss seeing the Duomo from the outside. But the one you want to tour inside is Santa Croce. It's a must see for multiple reasons 1. The grandeur of the architecture. It's the largest Franciscan church in the world. The main sanctuary is stunning as are the 16 chapels and courtyards. 2. Don't miss the tombs, both those on the floor of the main sanctuary, the sides of the main sanctuary, and the crypt. Many famous Italians are buried or memorialized here, including, Dante, Galileo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Rossini, Marconi 3. The art, including frescoes by Giotto and his pupils, incredible icons (my favorite is the Francis of Assisi Icon to the right of the main altar), and statues. Speaking of the main altar, take a few moments in the presence of the crucifix icon, altar icons, stained glass, and painted dome. Stunning. Be sure to find the Last Supper and Tree of Life fresco in one of the additional chapels on property. 4. Set in a delightful piazza with great restaurants, shops, and vendors. Neither the church nor the piazza were crowded when we visited. 5. Great restrooms and quaint gift shop
9. Palazzo Vecchio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,946 reviews
Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio offers us mysteries, riddles, secret passages and a trip back into history to three eras. Palazzo Vecchio offers to us Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Its significance and beauty is immeasurable. And its history is extremely interesting. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. From the very beginning, the main section of Palazzo Vecchio was destined to host the city council which was composed of chief members the Guilds of Florence (the Priori) who governed the Republic of Florence. In 1342, the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne, enlarged Palazzo della Signoria towards Via della Ninna, giving it the appearance of a fortress and even adding a secret staircase for nightly exits. The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) was built from 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) by Girolamo Savonarola. The Hall is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Paneled ceilings and large wall frescoes, golden decorations and imposing sculptures leave us breathless. When the court of Medici was transferred to Palazzo Vecchio (from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi), it was transformed into a fascinating labyrinth of institutional chambers, apartments, terraces and courtyards. All of the rooms (the so-called Quartieri Monumentali) are magnificently decorated by artists such as Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It is fascinating that Pier Soderini, who was named gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic. Leonardo began to paint the Battle of Anghiari, while Michelangelo used another part of the wall for the Battle of Cascina. The two geniuses of the Renaissance would have had the opportunity to work for a certain period of time face to face, but none of their work had ever been completed.
10. Avignonesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 653 reviews
Life through a glass! Transparent, Ethical, Eco-Tech, Elegant. Looking for the perfect Tuscan winery with a twist, immersed in the rolling hills of the magical Tuscan countryside? Avignonesi is just that and much more! Located just outside the quiet village of Valiano di Montepulciano, with Cortona on one side and Montepulciano on the other, the winery is comprised of 9 vineyard plots, a villa, a chapel and the historic wine cellars. Join us and enjoy one of the many different activities we offer throughout April to November. There is something for everyone!
Reviewed By PasssionateTraveler - Payson, United States
Really great! We’ve done this twice with different small groups of our friends. The grounds are beautiful and the English tours are very informative and interesting. We started in the morning with a cooking class. In this hands-on class, we made Tiramisu, Pici Pasta, and a roasted chicken dish that was started by being wrapped in Saran Wrap. All were delicious. Lunch was fabulous and being able to taste the wines we just learned about was well done. They have a nice gift shop with a good selection of wines. They ship, so of course we bought the Vin Santo! A must do when near Montepulciano!
