Top three places to visit in Tuscany

Beautiful rolling hills weaved with vineyards, clusters of iconic cypress trees and a pop of terracotta roof contrasting the sleepy, green landscape - is what most people picture when they think of Tuscany - and they wouldn’t be wrong! It is wine country after all, and undoubtedly, the best setting for a romcom.

We did our Tuscan holiday a little differently, attempting to avoid tourist traps and having a good little authentic time. Read on if you would like to hear about my top three spots to visit in Tuscany, along with where we stayed and of course, the tasty food you can’t miss along the way.

Photo shot in Valgiano

Where we stayed

We stayed in a little province of Lucca called Valgiano, nestled in the hills and about 400m above sea level, it was the perfect rural location to set as our base. With stunning views and a serene quietness (cow bells not included) it really felt like we had found somewhere special. With not much other than vineyards and local eateries in the mountains, a rental car was an absolute must. Being so high up, we did experience the full force of nature, with the weather being changeable from a gloriously sunny day to a moody and dramatic landscape like the one pictured above. Although we went at the end of August, spilling into the first week of September, we had overcast but still warm weather for most of the holiday. I think this is quite unusual and typically it would be a bright and hot time of the year - although this by no means tainted the trip.

We enjoyed the peace and novelty of waking up, eating breakfast and a mocha coffee on a grapevine adorned balcony, overlooking the outstanding views but also relinquished the opportunity to explore the wonders of Tuscany in our dependable but mighty Kia Exceed.

A hidden house on a long countryside walk in Valgiano

Colours of Tuscany on a grey day

Top 3 places to visit

Lucca

Getting around in Lucca

Near to where we were staying, lays the historic, beautiful town of Lucca. The walled city is full of character and by no means defined only by its walls, although they are quite something at night, lit up with street lanterns. It feels intensely romantic to take a late stroll around the perimeter, with both a view out and a view into Lucca. It really feels like you’ve been let in on one of Tuscany’s greatest secrets.

We spent hours getting lost in the long inter-connecting streets of Lucca, around one corner would be the most gothic, medieval church, around another you’d see the telling stripes of a gelato cafe. We stumbled across a beautiful piazza at golden hour and choose one of the many bars to sit and have a Hugo Spritz (an absolute must try and far superior to the bitter, Aperol, in my opinion). Its a fantastic spot for people watching and getting some awesome street photography as the light casts dramatic shadows across the piazza, framed by the ornate chapel backdrop.

Florence

View of city from Piazzale Michelangelo

I will start by saying you could definitely spend a whole weekend soaking up the romantic city of Florence, but if, like us you were easily influenced by Stanley Tucci’s: Searching for Italy (seriously if you haven’t watched it, do so immediately) then you’ll have an overly-ambitious itinerary and allow a day for most places.

Florence exceeded my expectations, and let me tell you, they were high. It’s known for its art and architecture which meant even just wandering through the streets was a sight to behold. Our first stop was an authentic Italian food market called Mercato Centrale that spanned two floors and was full of bustling vendors. This is the perfect place to get a renowned Porchetteria sandwich (which are not to be missed) and a great time to pick up any local produce you want to take home.

We then navigated further into the bustling but serene city-centre Centro-Storico. Within the centre there are plenty of sights to see. Palazzo Vecchio is a remarkable landmark that showcases the grandeur and rich history of Florence. At the heart of the city, the Duomo serves as its focal point. This iconic structure, crafted by the brilliant architect Brunelleschi, stands out amidst the sea of red-tiled roofs. Additionally, the historical centre boasts numerous churches that are well worth exploring, such as Santa Croce, Santa Trinita, and Santi Apostoli. Each of these churches displays a unique architectural style, some dating back centuries, while others have undergone recent renovations to present a refreshed façade.

You will not be short on exquisite food and drink throughout Florence and as a place generally known for its outstanding service, you can stop at one of the many bars and restaurants for a refreshment. We stopped to get gelato at Gelateria della Passera. Always with a line, this destination takes its name from the square it calls home, which is truly one of the most charming places to stop, sit and enjoy the moment (and the tastiest gelato) in the Oltrarno - the ‘other side of the river’ neighbourhood. Choose from a selection of artisanal flavours such as orange and mascarpone, blueberry and hazelnut.

Don’t forget to make your way up to the Piazzale Michelangelo to get a magnificent view of the whole city, we went at golden hour and is certainly one of my best memories of the whole trip. It’s a bit of a walk up there and takes around 20-30 minutes from Centro Storico, however the views and pictures you will get are beyond worth it.

Genoa

Vintage browsing in Genoa

So hear me out…third on my list is not technically in Tuscany but my advice would be to fly into Genoa so you can experience this creative and colourful city, from there you can hire a car and make the two hour drive to Tuscany.

It really feels like a true Italian experience with its array of houses, Rivera and cobbled streets. The Lonely Planet says - ‘Genoa’s weighty architectural heritage speaks of its former glory – the Most Serene Republic of Genoa ruled over the Mediterranean waves during the 12th to the 13th centuries – and history feels alive in Genoa.’

Not to mention its the home of pesto and focaccia. It really is the place to be as a foodie and you will find amazing eateries on every corner. Don’t be fooled by the glitzy tourists traps though, you’ll find some of the best treats in the unassuming streets!

That wraps it up for my must-see in Tuscany, please take a look through the photos below for more inspiration taken on my Fuji - XA2. I hope you have an awesome trip and please comment below if you tried any of these or found some other hidden gems!