Tuscany & Florence: Sustainable Travel Guide

From the rolling vineyards of Chianti to the Renaissance charm of Florence, Tuscany offers a journey like no other—rooted in beauty, culture, and conscious living. Crafted by our team living and working across the region, this guide will help you explore Tuscany and Florence like a true insider, all while treading lightly.

🌇 Florence: Where Renaissance Meets Slow Living

Must-See Highlights

• Watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, where golden hues light up the city’s terracotta rooftops and the Duomo shines in silhouette. It’s Florence’s most iconic view—for a reason
• Wander through the Giardino di Boboli, a Renaissance garden once designed for the Medici. It’s a verdant maze of cypress alleys, secret grottos, and Roman sculptures—ideal for a quiet afternoon stroll
  
  
• Step into the Uffizi Gallery, home to Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and masterpieces by Leonardo and Michelangelo. For art lovers, it’s a pilgrimage site
  
  
• Uncover Florence’s secrets through the Corridoio Vasariano, a hidden elevated passage once used by the Medici to move unseen above the city
  
  
• Cross the Arno into Oltrarno, where artists’ workshops, speakeasy-style bars, and vintage boutiques bring a hip and authentic vibe to the city

Feel Like a Local

• Escape the tourist trail with a cappuccino at Biblioteca delle Oblate—a serene café in a library courtyard, beloved by students and Florentines alike, with a stunning view of the Duomo’s dome

Where & What to Eat

Florentine Essentials

• Sink your teeth into a Bistecca alla Fiorentina—grilled rare, thick-cut, and best paired with a robust Chianti Classico or Brunello di Montalcino
  
  
• For an informal yet unforgettable meal, line up at All’Antico Vinaio, Florence’s famed street-food sandwich shop. It’s earned its global reputation for a reason

Gastronomic Experiences

• Explore Mercato Centrale, where Tuscan farmers and food artisans serve up seasonal delicacies—think truffle pasta, pecorino, and organic olive oil tastings under one roof
  
  
• Book a dinner at Teatro del Sale, a lively cultural space where communal dining meets theatrical flair. Each dish is announced like a stage act!
  
  
• For a once-in-a-lifetime culinary splurge, reserve a table at Enoteca Pinchiorri, one of Italy’s most celebrated restaurants, where gastronomy meets elegance with three Michelin stars

Wineries & Bio-Architecture

Tuscany’s vineyards are paragons of sustainability—many are carbon-neutral, architecturally stunning, and deeply tied to the land they nurture

• Antinori nel Chianti Classico: Nestled into a hillside like a modern temple of wine, this family-run estate champions solar energy, natural ventilation, and a zero-waste philosophy
  
  
• Castello di Ama: This estate marries ancient wine traditions with contemporary art installations, housed in restored stone villas using local materials and artisan techniques
  
  
• Salcheto (Montepulciano): A trailblazer in off-grid winemaking, powered entirely by solar and geothermal energy. Their wine labels include carbon footprint data—a true sustainability icon

Where Art Meets the Avant-Garde

Tuscany isn’t just Renaissance—it’s constantly reinventing itself

• Palazzo Strozzi: This grand Florentine palace brings together classic architecture and bold contemporary art, hosting works from Ai Weiwei to Olafur Eliasson
  
  
• Forte Belvedere: Perched above the city, it’s a sculpture park, panoramic viewpoint, and modern gallery in one
  
  
• Le Murate: A former prison transformed into a cultural hotspot. Today, it houses exhibitions, jazz nights, and co-working studios
  
  
• In Oltrarno, don’t miss Clet’s Atelier—home of the street artist known for transforming traffic signs into cheeky social commentary
  
  
• For a day trip, head to Pietrasanta, a jewel near the Apuan Alps, where international sculptors work with world-famous Carrara marble

🏞️ Beyond Florence: Tuscany’s Soulful Villages & Landscapes

Medieval Magic

• San Gimignano: The “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” famed for its towers and saffron gelato
  
  
• Volterra: A walled hill town rich with Etruscan relics and alabaster workshops
  
  
• Val d’Orcia: Endless cypress-lined roads, golden wheat fields, and Renaissance towns like Pienza and Montalcino—this is Tuscany’s postcard-perfect side

Seaside & Slow Living

• Forte dei Marmi: Chic coastal luxury meets artisan boutiques and beach clubs with zero-impact designs
  
  
• Maremma: A lesser-known coastal gem with pristine nature reserves, wild beaches, and rustic charm. Visit Porto Ercole for its pastel harbor and historic fortresses

Hidden Corners

• Lucca: A perfectly preserved Renaissance city—bike the entire town along its elevated walls, then catch a Puccini concert in his birthplace
  
  
• Pistoia & Arezzo: Cultural goldmines hosting jazz festivals, antique fairs, and majestic cathedrals without the crowds
  
  
• Garfagnana & Lunigiana: Remote valleys where time slows down. Think stone villages, chestnut forests, and castles with sweeping mountain views

Experience the Palio: Tuscany’s Living Tradition

In Siena, twice a year, the entire city transforms for the Palio di Siena, a bareback horse race with medieval roots. More than a sport, it’s a centuries-old rivalry between districts, a spiritual ritual, and a heart-pounding spectacle

Watch: Vogue's feature or BBC's documentary for a peek into this electrifying tradition

For more on Florence: The Florentine & FT Florence Guide

Travel consciously, taste passionately, and explore deeply. Tuscany isn’t just a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Let us know which experience made your journey unforgettable

Planning a trip to Venice too? Don’t miss our illuminem special guide to Venice — uncover the city’s best eats, hidden gems, and cultural treasures beyond the gondolas

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