Things to do in Tuscany, local routes and practical tips
Things to do in Tuscany, a concise guide to planning purposeful days among hilltop towns, vineyards and city streets. Start with clear itineraries for half day, full day and multi day trips, paired with transport notes and seasonal advice so you can move through the region with confidence. Expect actionable options that balance active experiences like cycling, hiking or scooter rides, with cultural highlights such as museums, towers and traditional craft workshops. Every suggestion includes estimated time, what to expect on the ground, and simple tips to avoid crowds and streamline bookings. Use these routes and local insights to shape an itinerary that feels considered, efficient and distinctly Tuscan.
1. La Galleria Montelupo Ceramics
Image / La Galleria Nuove Forme d'Arte
A compact display of Montelupo’s ceramic craft, close to the town centre.
Good for
What to expect
An intimate space with glass cabinets and wall displays. Labels explain materials and techniques, and staff can point out makers and hallmarks. Some items are for sale. The gallery suits quick visits and repeat trips for enthusiasts who want to study details.
Plan your visit
Aim for a morning or early-afternoon visit. Allow 30–60 minutes to browse, ask questions and visit the shop. If you hope to see a demonstration or join a workshop, contact the gallery in advance. Combine this stop with a short walk around Montelupo Fiorentino for a fuller local-context visit.
2. Biking Tuscany Tour - Tuscany Bike Tours - Tuscany Family Bike Tour - Chianti by bike - Wine Tasting Tuscany by bike
Image / Tripadvisor
Cycle through Chianti, then taste a glass of Tuscany.
Good for
What to expect
Small-group rides on quiet country roads and tracks. Routes include rolling vineyards, olive groves and village lanes. Family-friendly options keep distances and pace moderate. Some tours include a visit to a local winery for a tasting. Bikes and e-bike choices are often available, and guides handle navigation and local logistics.
Plan your visit
Book in advance and state the mix of riders in your group so the operator can pick a suitable route. Wear layered clothing and closed-toe shoes. Carry a refillable water bottle, sun protection and ID for wine tastings. Ask the operator about bike sizes, e-bike availability and whether helmets are supplied.
3. Rocca di Pietracassia
Image / Castelli Toscani
A compact medieval ruin on a quiet Tuscan hill, with wide views and simple walking routes.
Good for
What to expect
Rough stone walls, low ruins and uneven footpaths, with open views rather than extensive visitor facilities. Expect a short uphill walk, few or no services on site, and a peaceful atmosphere once you leave the village.
Plan your visit
Reach Lajatico first, then follow the marked footpath or minor road up to the hill. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. If you plan to visit at night, take a torch and a charged phone, and tell someone your route. Combine the stop with a short walk through surrounding lanes and olive groves for a fuller sense of place.
4. Vespa Tours Tuscany
Image / Tuscany vespa tours
See Tuscany from the saddle of a Vespa.
Good for
What to expect
A short briefing and safety check before you set off. Guides lead at a steady pace, choosing scenic lanes and viewpoints rather than fast roads. Helmets are provided. Expect regular photo stops and at least one pause for a coffee or light local snack on most routes.
Plan your visit
Book in advance to secure your preferred date and group size. Bring a valid photo ID and a suitable driving licence if you plan to ride. Wear closed-toe shoes and layered clothing for changing temperatures. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a small camera or phone with a secure strap.
5. Firenze Mongolfiere - Balloon flights in Tuscany
Image / Firenze Mongolfiere Ballooning
Float above Tuscany at first light
Good for
What to expect
Expect an early-morning meet and safety briefing, followed by a calm ascent at sunrise. The flight is mainly about wide views: rolling vineyards, farmed fields, hilltop towns and Florence’s skyline from a distance. Landings are gentle and usually followed by a short return transfer to the meeting point. Staff handle setup and packing; passengers stay in a secure wicker basket during the flight.
Plan your visit
Book in advance, especially for spring and summer weekends. Confirm the meeting point and whether hotel pickup is included. Wear layers, closed shoes and a hat for early-morning chill and possible heat near the burners. Bring a fully charged camera, a small daypack and official ID. Check with the provider about age, weight or medical restrictions before you travel.
6. Le Caldane - Terme Etrusche - Romane
Image / Trip.com
Steam, stone and centuries of heat
Good for
What to expect
You will find small thermal pools, patches of steam, exposed stonework from ancient settlements and short, uneven paths across scrubland. Interpretation panels give basic context, but the site is low-key rather than a developed spa. Facilities are minimal, so plan for a short, self-guided stop.
Plan your visit
Arrive prepared for uneven ground and limited signage. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection. Check local sources before you go for access details and any seasonal restrictions. Combine this stop with nearby hill towns if you want a fuller half-day outing.
7. Sightseeing Experience Visitor Center (meeting point tourist assistance)
Image / Sightseeing Experience
The practical starting point for guided tours and tourist help.
Good for
What to expect
Clear signage and a staffed desk where groups assemble before guided tours. Expect a busy concourse with regular arrivals and departures, space for luggage, and quick access to nearby transport links.
Plan your visit
Bring your booking confirmation and a valid ID if required. Arrive slightly early so your group can gather without rush. Keep luggage compact if you need to wait in the concourse. If you prefer quieter moments, ask staff where best to wait out of the main flow of passengers.
8. Torre e Casa Campatelli
Image / San Gimignano
A compact medieval house and tower with clear views over San Gimignano.
Good for
What to expect
A modest museum spread across a historic home and its tower, with furnished rooms, domestic artefacts and explanatory panels. Visitors can climb narrow stone steps to a viewing level, where the town’s towers and surrounding Tuscan hills are visible. The layout is compact, so expect close-up encounters with original features rather than large exhibition halls.
Plan your visit
Aim for a morning visit to combine quieter galleries and clearer light from the tower. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for several flights of steep steps, which may limit access for some visitors. Pair this stop with a walk around the town centre and a visit to nearby museums or viewpoints to make a short cultural loop.
9. Marchesi Mazzei Cellar
Image / Marchesi Mazzei
A compact cellar visit with clear tasting notes and a dry-humoured sommelier.
Good for
What to expect
A guided walkthrough of different cellar rooms, from fermentation spaces to ageing barrels, followed by a seated tasting of four wines. The sommelier explains grape varieties, production choices and tasting notes in plain terms, with light, witty interjections. Groups are kept small, so expect a measured pace and time for questions.
Plan your visit
Book a slot in advance, especially for mornings and weekends. Wear sensible shoes: the tour uses stairs and uneven cellar floors. Bring a light layer as cellars stay cool. If you want tasting notes in English, ask when you book. Combine the visit with a short walk around the village for a fuller half-day.
10. Balloon in Tuscany - Voli su San Gimignano
Image / Balloon in Tuscany
Float over the towers of San Gimignano
Good for
What to expect
Expect an early start, a short safety briefing and time to watch the crew inflate the balloon. The ascent is steady rather than sporty, offering long sightlines rather than rapid movement. Crew handle setup and landing, and you will disembark on the ground near the landing field.
Plan your visit
Book ahead, especially in spring and autumn. Confirm the meeting point and the operator's policy on transfers before you go. Wear layered clothing and closed shoes, bring a small camera and a hat. Tell the operator about mobility limits or pregnancy so they can advise on suitability.
11. Guinigi Tower
Image / TripHobo
A medieval tower crowned with an unexpected rooftop oak garden.
Good for
What to expect
Expect a vertical, hands-on visit: narrow stone steps and an intimate rooftop space. The stairwell is steep and can feel close on busy days. At the top there is a small paved terrace framed by the oaks, offering 360-degree sightlines across the city.
Plan your visit
Buy entry at the tower base and combine the stop with a walk on Lucca’s city walls or a visit to nearby squares. Wear stable footwear and carry a small bag, the stairway is narrow and there is little room for bulky luggage. If you prefer a quieter visit, aim to arrive early or later in the afternoon.
12. Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata
Image / Visit Tuscany
Romanesque architecture in the heart of Lucca.
Good for
What to expect
An intimate interior with stone columns, carved capitals and fragments of fresco. The layout feels compact, so views are close and personal rather than panoramic. Displays are modest and focused on the building’s fabric and decorative details, so plan for a quiet, reflective visit rather than a long gallery tour.
Plan your visit
Combine this stop with a short walking route around the nearby piazzas and streets. Allow 20 to 45 minutes to take in the interior and the façade. Check local sources for entry details before you go, and keep noise low inside to preserve the calm atmosphere.
13. Ospedale degli Innocenti
Image / Istituto degli Innocenti
A quiet Renaissance loggia and a museum about Florence’s early social care
Good for
What to expect
A compact visit that mixes architecture and social history. Expect clear Renaissance lines in the loggia, a calm internal courtyard, and museum displays about the foundling hospital’s role in Florence. Look for glazed terracotta by the Della Robbia workshop and archival material that explains how the institution operated.
Plan your visit
Aim to see the loggia, courtyard and museum displays in one visit. Check the museum website before you go for current exhibitions and any visitor rules. Combine this stop with a walk around Piazza della Santissima Annunziata and nearby central attractions. Wear comfortable shoes, and allow time to read a few of the interpretive panels rather than rushing through.
14. Chiesa di San Francesco
Image / Turismo Lucca
A modest Franciscan church tucked into Lucca’s historic centre.
Good for
What to expect
A tranquil interior used for worship, with architectural details from the medieval period and several artworks and monuments. Lighting is often low, so spaces feel intimate. The church may be in active use, so parts can be closed during services or ceremonies.
Plan your visit
Wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Keep voices low and switch phones to silent. Combine this stop with nearby piazzas and a stroll along the city walls to make the most of the area. If you prefer context, join a short guided walk of Lucca’s churches and monuments.
15. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina
Image / Italy
A small Gothic chapel on the Arno, notable for its carved stonework and riverside setting.
Good for
What to expect
A compact, highly decorated exterior with rich stone carving. The church is small, so visits are brief. You can study the façade and sculptures from close range, and the river setting makes for a pleasing backdrop. Interior access can be limited, so plan primarily for exterior viewing and photography.
Plan your visit
Combine this stop with a walk along the Lungarno or other nearby historic sites. Allow 10 to 20 minutes to take in the façade, photograph details, and enjoy the river view. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled paths and check locally if the interior is open before you go. Keep the visit flexible: the site works well as a quick pause between longer sightseeing stops.