If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, then congratulations on making a good choice!  Located towards the middle of the country, Tuscany is a gorgeous area of Italy with olive groves and magnificent wild beauty.  It also has outstanding ancient towns filled with Renaissance art for you to admire.  So what are our top ten things to do in Tuscany?

1.  See the Masters In Florence Museums

The Uffizi Gallery is a world famous art museum.  Here you can feast your eyes on hundreds of paintings by Renaissance masters.  Artists include Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Then head over to the Accademia where you'll find Michelangelo's statue of David - one of the most famous sculptures in the world.

2. Go Wine Tasting In Chianti

Just about everyone has heard of Chianti wine, and now you can taste the red wine for yourself from the local vineyards in the region. If you don't want to drive from vineyard to vineyard, you could go on an organized wine tasting tour.  Even if you're not so keen on wine, it's a gorgeous area to explore.

Rolling vineyards of the Chianti region

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3.  Stroll Around Siena

Siena is a well known town dating from medieval times.  One of its most popular piazzas is the Piazza del Campo where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee and indulge in people watching.  If you feel energetic, you can climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

4.  Visit Lucca

Lucca is a Tuscan town dating from 180BC.  Founded by the Romans, there's a 1900 year old amphitheater to explore and a sixteenth century brick wall that encloses the city center.  If you need some exercises, you can walk along the four kilometer long brick wall.

5.  Take A Tuscan Cooking Class

If you'd like to know how to make authentic Tuscan dishes, then why not take a cooking class in Tuscany?  There are quite a few different cooking schools in the region that offer anything from one day courses to intense week long courses with accommodation included.

6.  Count The Tower Houses At San Gimignano

This town is 1,000 years old and is perched on a hill.  Only 14 tower houses are left standing today which were a sign of wealth in ancient times.  San Gimignano features churches and museums, as well as the Fortress of Montestaffoli.

Leaning tower - famous for its failings

7. Visit The Leaning Tower Of Pisa

You can see for yourself the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The town of Pisa is approximately 50 miles from Florence and is easily reached by train if you don't have a car. In recent years the tower has undergone restoration work to reduce its lean as it was becoming too pronounced, but you can still see the lean it is famous for.

8. Explore the Maremma Region

The Maremma region is located in south-western Tuscany. This region boasts hills, mountains and the ocean. You can indulge in pleasures such as eating simple Italian food and tasting the wines of this region. Or if you feel like taking a dip, why not go to the thermal baths of Saturnia?

9.  Take An Art Class

Be inspired by the same landscape as the Italian masters were when you take a Tuscan art class.  Not only can you take a class in painting, but lessons in pottery, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and mosaics are also offered at the various art schools in the region.  If you want to be pampered while you learn, you can book an all-inclusive course where meals, activities (as well as lessons) and accommodation are all included.

10.  Explore Cortona

If you've read Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, then you may be familiar with Cortona.  The Etruscans first lived here centuries ago and today it's a town that offers visitors a feast of history and art.

Tuscany is wonderful, and after you visit, you'll see why Frances Mayes went through all that work to stay here.  Enjoy your trip to Tuscany!

Zooming around the streets of Rome on your scooter... That would make me nervous, but the Italians sure do it! (Of course driving a car in Rome makes me nervous too, as does being a passenger in a Roman taxicab!)

Danger aside, the scooters do make a lot of sense. It saves on gas (expensive in Europe), and it's a whole lot easier to find room to park than a car!

The famous maker of Italian scooters is Vespa, and they have a Vespa Museum in Pontedera, Italy, not far from Pisa. If you're ever in the area, check out the museum. And if you're not in the area, you can check out this video instead!
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June

Pisa, Luminar di Saint Ranieri: June 16th every year the city of Pisa celebrates the Luminara di Saint Ranieri, the Patron Saint of Italy, who died as a Saint in 1161, and who has been celebrated since the late 17th century. Along the river Arno, more than 70,000 candles are lit, which light up the river, the buildings, the bridges and the whole city. Several of the wax candles are also sent floating down the river. The only thing not lit by candles is the Leaning Tower, which is adorned by oil lamps, instead. The celebration also includes a fireworks celebration at the "Cittadella Vecchia" after dark, around 11 at night.

The next day, there's a regatta on the 17th, which has four boats rowed by men from each of Pisa's four competing districts. At the finish line, the winner climbs a rope to claim the Victory Flag.

Florence, San Giovanni Feast Day: On the Sunday following June 24th every year in Florence, San Giovanni Feast Day, the celebration of John the Baptist, is celebrated. This celebration includes a medieval tournament that dates back to when the festival started, followed by music, drinking and feasting.
There is also a fireworks celebration preceded by rowboats carrying lit candles paddling down the Arno River.

July

Genoa, Festa del Cristo degli Abissi: On July 29th, off the Ligurian coast, there is a procession that leads to the underwater statue of Christ. The statue is dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea, and a mass is held on the beach.

Rome, Castel Sant'Angelo: From July 1 through August 15, Rome celebrates Castel Sant'Angelo beside the Vatican. There are all kinds of concerts, shows, and plays performed in the evenings, until after midnight. There are also events for the children, so they enjoy the celebration too.

August

National, Ferragosto: Assumption Day, celebrated August 15th, is a national holiday, celebrated with music, food and fireworks. Since it is a national holiday, it's not a good day to go shopping, but there are plenty of other things to do. Food is sold inexpensively, and you can enjoy it while listening to music, watching concerts and admiring the fireworks.

These are just a few of the many, many options. No matter where you're going in Italy, there's a good chance you'll find a celebration!

Related posts:

1. Italy Weather - Pick your Season
2. When Is The Best Time to Go to Florence, Italy?