Tuscany Travel Guide: 10 Epic Stops for Adventure Lovers!

Tuscany, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination in Italy. From exploring medieval towns to soaking in hidden hot springs, this region offers an array of unforgettable experiences. In this travel guide, we will highlight ten epic stops in Tuscany that will captivate the hearts of adventure lovers.

Nestled between the Apennine Mountains to the north and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, Tuscany boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from rolling hills and vineyards to picturesque coastal areas. This Tuscany travel guide showcases Italy’s rich history, captivating landscapes, and renowned cuisine.

While travelling through Tuscany via public transport is possible, we highly recommend renting a vehicle. This allows much more flexibility and can help you avoid crowds at popular places. Depending on where you begin, the easiest cities to rent vehicles in are Florence and Rome.

Visitors typically spend anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks in this area. Depending on your travel style and how many stops you would like to make, we think 7-10 days is just right.

Without further ado, let’s get into the best Tuscany travel guide for adventure lovers!

Florence

timeline: 1-3 days

Florence was one of our favourite cities in all of Italy and a can’t miss stop in Tuscany. Here, you can immerse yourself in Renaissance art and architecture as you visit iconic landmarks such as the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. We spent our days exploring the narrow streets, visiting local markets, and indulging in delicious Tuscan cuisine.

Here are a few places to add to your Florence itinerary:

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (AKA The Duomo): The most photographed square in Florence. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Ponte Vecchio: A historic bridge lined with shops and vendors.
Osteria Antica Casa Torre : Go early to get a table outside in the cobblestone square and order the pesto pasta, truffle ravioli or the filet with truffle.
The square near Fontana del Porcellino: A great marketplace to shop for leather, clothing, souvenirs, etc.
My Sugar: The best gelato we had in Italy!
All’antico Vinaio: A famous sandwich shop that will likely be lined up down the street. We promise it’s worth the wait!
If you are looking for a place to stay, take a look at this Airbnb. It was tiny, but the location was fantastic and the view from the balcony is unbeatable.

Saturnia Hot Springs

timeline: 2-3 hours

Located in the Maremma region, Saturnia’s natural hot springs offer a unique and rejuvenating experience. Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the therapeutic benefits amidst a picturesque setting.

These hot springs are accessible 24/7 for free which we LOVED. There are several small hotels and guesthouses near the hot springs. If you would like to beat the crowds we would highly recommend staying at one and visiting for sunrise.

Tuscany Travel Guide: Saturnia Hot Springs

NOTE: These springs are home to a number of small red worms that freak a lot of people out. After doing some research, we discovered that they are completely harmless larvae that are native to the area. They weren’t terrible when we visited in October, but the amount of them can vary depending on the time of year.

Monteriggioni

timeline: 2-4 hours

Step back in time as you visit the medieval fortress town of Monteriggioni. Encircled by ancient walls, this perfectly preserved village offers panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

You do not need a ton of time here as it only takes a few hours to fully explore the town. This includes grabbing a gelato, walking the walls, and exploring the narrow streets. If you have a drone, Monteriggioni looks great from the sky!

Val d’Orcia

TIMELINE: 6 hours- 1 day

The picturesque Val d’Orcia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rolling hills, rows of cypress trees, and charming medieval villages. The landscapes here have inspired countless artists and photographers. Embark on a scenic drive or bike ride through the region, stopping at iconic locations like:

Chianti

timeline: 1-2 days

You can’t visit Tuscany without exploring the famous region of Chianti. Embark on a cycling or hiking tour through the rolling vineyards, visit local wineries, and savour the world-famous Chianti Classico. This region also offers opportunities for horseback riding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the enchanting Tuscan countryside.

If you have a car, you can explore the vineyards on your own. Reservations are recommended. If you would prefer a ride, there are several excellent wine tours from Florence and other towns in the area.

Bagni San Filippo

timeline: 2-3 hours

If you found Saturnia Hot Springs to be crowded and overly touristy, you will love the local vibe at Bagni San Filippo. This thermal spring is more like a hot spring river with cascading white limestone formations along its banks. There is a small hike to get here but once you arrive you can enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding forest.

TIP: There are several different pools along the river. We hiked past the first few areas where everyone was swimming and had a beautiful little spot all to ourselves!