Tuscany Holidays

Holidays in Tuscany will take you on an invigorating trip back through time. From the renaissance art of Florence to the gothic brick buildings in Siena, and the many castles, museums, and supreme works of art in between.

Away from the romance of the region’s art and architecture lies a culture of food and wine that will delight the senses. From the sun drenched vineyards and celebrations held during the olive harvest, to the quirky street food and delicious pasta dishes, every day will bring a new culinary experience.

Tuscany holidays aren’t just about city breaks and cultural icons. The countryside has a charm all of its own, with sun drenched hilltop towns, small museums, traditional crafts and local food festivals. Enjoy a hot balmy summer day spent taking in the glorious views, or head to one of the many beaches on the coast and relax before taking a dip in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.

Hello from Marie

Citalia has partnered with Marie Kidd on Instagram (@authentictuscany) to help you discover the local loved hotspots and charm of Tuscany. She has lived in Tuscany since 2003, and is able to scratch beneath the surface, introducing you to a different side to the region. Find Citalia on Instagram: @citalia_holidays

Handpicked hotels in Tuscany

Discover the real Tuscany while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Explore Tuscany Like No Other

Our expertise as Italian specialists will ensure that you make the most of every holiday booked with Citalia. We help ensure you never miss the iconic sights of Tuscany, and suggest some lesser known treasures and hidden gems too.

If the busy towns are getting too much, the lush green Valdinievole area between Lucca and Florence is the perfect place to explore small churches, museums and traditional artisan crafts. For a touch of history why not visit the scenic town southwest of Florence, San Gimignano. Encircled by 13th-century walls this town is lined with medieval houses and surrounded by the breathtaking countryside.

Just a 16 minute train ride from Lucca is the perfect summer town of Viareggio. Enjoy a day or more in this Riviera style beach resort. Take a cooling dip in the calm seas as the sun beats down, or take a relaxing stroll along the promenade, which is lined with local shops and cafés.

Destinations in Tuscany

Florence

Holidays in Florence allow you to experience one of Europe’s most culturally and historically significant cities. Florence is a vibrant city nestled among the idyllic green hills of Tuscany.

Find out more about Florence Holidays

a blue and white boat sitting next to a body of water

Tuscany Coast

Holidays along the Tuscany Coast take you beyond the beautiful gently undulating, tree spiked countryside that is characteristic of this enchanting part of Italy.

Find out more about Tuscany Coast Holidays

Tuscany Countryside

Travel the world and you’ll still struggle to find anywhere quite like Tuscany – an unrivalled blend of medieval heritage and glorious countryside. Much of the charm comes from the region’s dreamy hills, which are accessorised with vineyards and hilltop towns.

Find out more about Tuscany Countryside Holidays

Tuscany Multi Centre Holidays

Take a look at our suggested itineraries for inspiration, or call our Trusted Advisers on 01293 762400* for a bespoke multi centre

Rome and Florence

8 day suggested trip

At a glance

Chance to admire the magnificent interiors of St. Peter’s Basilica
Climb the 294 steps to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Sightsee in the iconic cities of Florence and Rome

From £829 per person

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Things to do in Tuscany

Tuscany holidays are a feast for the senses, whether you choose to explore coast, countryside, take a city break, or plan a multi-centre holiday. The region is well known for its art and architecture, spectacular views, and is home to Chianti, the world’s first officially defined wine producing region.

Our Dinner in the Chianti Vineyards Excursion offers a unique insight into wine production, in beautiful surroundings. Spend the evening taking a tour of the wineries, complete with tastings, before dining under the stars on traditional Italian fare, all cooked on the barbecue.

Why not follow an unforgettable evening with unforgettable icons by exploring Pisa and Florence in a day? The world famous Uffizi gallery is quieter in late afternoon, so first take in Pisa’s square of miracles and breath-taking leaning tower, before ending the day in Florence, viewing work by famous renaissance artists including Michelangelo. With just an hour’s train ride between the two, it’s perfect for a day trip.

Things to doLeaning Tower of PisaThe construction of Italy’s most famous bell tower started in 1173, and went on for about 200 years. Find out more about the leaning tower of Pisa

Things to doPiazza del CampoSiena’s Piazza del Campo is considered to be one of Europe’s greatest Medieval squares. The sloping piazza is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by restaurants and cafés, with the impressive Duomo stealing the show. Find out more about Piazza del Campo

Things to doWine TastingTuscany's iconic landscape of lush green hills dotted with expansive vineyards offers the perfect opportunity to sample its best-known wines. Find out more about wine tasting

Flight Information

The majority of international flights arrive into Pisa airport (PSA). Direct flights to Pisa are available from Belfast, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Tuscany is predominantly a summer destination, with the main tourist season generally running from April to October. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August, this is also when Tuscany is at its busiest. However, Tuscany also enjoys a mild climate in spring and autumn with temperatures rarely going beneath 20 degrees which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too. The coast has wonderful sea breezes and the hilltop towns are much cooler than the lower countryside villages. The best time to visit is during the quieter season, from April to June and September to October when the weather is good, prices are a bit lower and there are fewer crowds. There are many festivals and events throughout the year in Tuscany and Easter and Christmas are always busy.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Introduction to languages

Listen to our Learn Italian podcast, where we cover everything from basic to intermediate phrases.

Tuscany Specialities - Truffles Not quite "cucina povera," Truffles are a specialty in Tuscany, but are much more attainable than they are in other parts of the world. Truffles cannot be cultivated, so they must be hunted for in the woods using a dog or pig to sniff them out. Truffles can be saved and used year-round, but October and November provide the perfect truffle-friendly climate, making them a traditional Autumn ingredient. They are perfect with fresh handmade Pappardelle, and if you’re in Tuscany during the last three weekends in November, don’t miss the White Truffle Festival in San Miniato!

Tuscany Specialities - Chickpea Flatbread

Torta di ceci is a thin savoury cake, crisp on the outside and soft inside, made with chickpea flour. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free. You can eat the torta with a good sprinkling of black pepper but also order the cake to take away - ask for cinque e cinque, the old way to refer to five cents of torta and five cents of bread. This will get you the chickpea cake sandwiched into a round soft focaccia or a crispy baguette. Add grilled aubergines for a delicious meal.

Tuscany Specialities One of the best ways to end a relaxing Tuscan meal is by satisfying your sweet tooth with Cantucci. These traditional biscuits originated in Prato, and are famous for their crunchy texture and delicious almond flavour. Eat them on their own or go with tradition and enjoy these twice baked delicacies the right way, with Vin Santo (Holy Wine). Often served up as dessert wine for dipping, Vin Santo adds to the nutty, sweet flavours, for an end of meal treat.

Our recommendations

Insider tips from our well travelled team

Linda Kulka

Tuscany has a tradition of cucina povera (simple ‘poor’ food) – using up what you’ve already got or what’s in season. It’s brought about delicious dishes such as ribollita, a filling vegetable stew, panzanella, a lovely tomato salad with soaked, day-old bread, and tomato bruschetta with Tuscan olive oil.

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Tuscany Holidays

Hello from Marie

Grand Hotel Baglioni

Brunelleschi

L'Orologio

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence

Alba Palace

Augustus Hotel and Resort