⭐ Read also our guides to Venice’s Top 10 can't-miss experiences, its hidden gems and best places to eats & drinks for the best sustainable travel advice from the life of our illuminem team!

Welcome to Tuscany! This guide was crafted with the invaluable insights of our team members living and working in Tuscany. It’s our gift to the community, designed to help you uncover the beauty of Florence and Tuscany while embracing sustainable living. This guide will make you feel like a true local as you explore these unforgettable places.

1. Florence

• (Must-visit)! Watch the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo

• Take a serene walk through the Giardino di Boboli, a Renaissance garden, and enjoy an outdoor opera by Florence’s Maggio Musicale, directed by Zubin Mehta

• Discover Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Botticelli and Leonardo, or choose from over 100 museums in the city

• Wander through the Corridoio Vasariano, a hidden passage built by the Medici

• Sip an evening cocktail in Oltrarno, Florence's coolest district according to Lonely Planet

• (Feel like a local) Enjoy coffee at the Oblate Library, a secret spot where Florentines and students gather

2. Where to Eat

• Try the iconic Bistecca alla Fiorentina paired with Brunello di Montalcino or Chianti Classico wines

• Grab lunch at Mercato Centrale and for dinner, visit Teatro del Sale for an unforgettable dining experience

• Don’t miss Antico Vinaio (street food), the world’s most reviewed restaurant on TripAdvisor

• Indulge at Enoteca Pinchiorri, Tuscany’s most revered restaurant, for a special occasion

3. Wineries & Bio-Architecture

• Explore the region’s stunning wine estates, renowned for their architecture: Tuscany’s wine estates combine stunning architecture with sustainability. Visit Antinori nel Chianti Classico, an eco-friendly winery with solar panels, a green roof, and rainwater recycling. Explore Castello di Ama, where restored historic buildings use local materials, blending tradition with modern sustainability. For a fully off-grid experience, head to Salcheto, a carbon-neutral estate powered by solar and geothermal energy. These estates showcase how sustainable design and winemaking can thrive together in Tuscany's beautiful landscape

4. Contemporary Art

• Visit Palazzo Strozzi, Forte Belvedere, and Le Murate for the best in modern art

• Don’t miss Clet’s Atelier, where you can meet the famous street artist himself in the Oltrarno district

• For a cultural escape, head to Pietrasanta near Carrara, a hub for international sculptors

5. Tuscan Lands & Unique Villages (Must-See)

• Explore the Terre di Siena, including San Gimignano, Val d’Orcia, and Volterra

• Forte dei Marmi is a top destination for seaside relaxation and nightlife

• Visit the green lands of Garfagnana and Lunigiana, rich with castles and charming villages

• Experience bike-riding through Lucca, the city of Puccini, famous for its intact city walls

• Discover Pistoia and Arezzo, cultural hubs with music festivals and medieval architecture

• For a more rural experience, visit Maremma and its stunning coastal towns like Porto Ercole

Bonus: The Palio

For a true taste of Tuscan culture, learn about the Palio horse race, held only on July 2 and August 16 in Siena. Check out these two great videos for more on this beloved event: Vogue & BBC

We hope you have the time of your life in Tuscany! Let us know which experiences you enjoyed most

For more on Florence: The Florentine & FT Florence Guide

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