Truffle Hunting and Tasting
As a real Mecca for truffle hunters, there are many regions in Tuscany where it’s possible to experience truffle hunting. However, one of the best is undoubtedly San Miniato. Here you can really enjoy getting to grips with truffle hunting from some of the best truffle hunters around.
Explore the forest under the expert eye of your guide, and you could be lucky enough to find black or even white truffles. And when you’re finished for the day, head back to the sleepy village and immerse your senses in a tasting bonanza. Learn about the art of using truffles in cooking and sample some delicious dishes which showcase the delicacy.
Tuscan Culinary Experiences
If the truffle tasting experience left you hungry for more Tuscan cuisine, why not book yourself on a local cooking class? Tuscany is renowned for its sumptuous local dishes, and a cooking class will ensure you return home with new skills that you’ll never forget.
Whether it’s learning how to make a signature pasta dish or authentic creamy gelato, there’s a wide range of local Tuscany cooking classes on offer.
Explore the Ancient Hill Town of Cortana
If the spectacular scenery of Cortana looks somewhat familiar, that’s because the hit film Under the Tuscan Sun was filmed here in 2003. This has made the beautiful hill town extremely popular, but if you can avoid the crowds you’ll find a stunning landscape awaits.
With views over Lago Trasimeno, there’s much to see and do around Cortana. Must-see sites include the Archeological Park of Sodo, the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, and the MAEC Museum.
Road Trip Through the Val d’Orcia
If you’re dreaming of visiting a rolling green landscape with cypress trees and stunning hilltop villas, it’s probably the Val d’Orcia that you are picturing. A beautiful Tuscan valley, Val d’Orcia is so beautiful that it was declared as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
There are many tiny villages and Renaissance towns dotted throughout the valley, each one offering its own unique character. However, trains don’t reach many parts of this valley so the only way to truly experience everything it has to offer is to take your very own road trip – and you’ll be very pleased that you did.
Get Lost in the Streets of San Gimignano
Also known locally as Delle Belle Torri, San Gimignano is a beautifully quaint hill town which offers a real treat for history and architecture buffs.
The town dates back to 63 BC, and in the Middle Ages every wealthy family had a tower. There are still 13 of these medieval towers left, creating a distinctive skyline and many beautiful sights for visitors to enjoy. With numerous piazzas dotted around the town, and the Porta delle Fonti – the 14th century fountain – there’s much to discover in this sleepy mountain location.
Take a Dip in the Hot Springs
There is no shortage of spa towns in the Tuscan region but visit Bagno Vignono and you can take a dip in the hot springs free of charge. Set in a quiet village an hour south of Siena, Bagno Vignono provides free access for visitors to soak their troubles away in the soothing natural hot springs.
For visitors who don’t mind splashing out, there’s also a range of exclusive spa treatments available. These range from a classic sauna complete with Tuscan herbs to a steam bath in one of the local caves!
Visit the Tuscan coast
If seeing all of the sights and sounds of Tuscany has left you feeling exhausted, treat yourself to a relaxing day on the beach. Tuscany has a gorgeous coastline and many pristine beaches, so it’s easy to find a prime spot next to the ocean.
Marina di Pisa is great for families while Antignano is wonderful for those who want to enjoy some snorkeling to see underwater coral not far from the shore. The Maremma region is popular with locals, with quieter beaches that don’t get quite as busy. Porto Santo Stefano is also popular for couples and families,boasting a stunning coastline and relaxed paced lifestyle. While Viareggio is popular for young adults for the nightlife such as beach bars.
Classic Tuscany can design you a tour around your tastes and preferences. Get in touch with our Tuscany travel experts to start planning. Visit our tours page to view our predesigned Tuscany itineraries.
