The Essence of Tuscany: Your Top 5 Things to See, Do, & Photograph

Tuscany, a region synonymous with Renaissance art, world-class wine, and breathtaking landscapes, offers an experience that is both timeless and deeply personal. It’s a place where history resonates in medieval squares, and nature provides an endless canvas for photographers. Here are the top five things to see, do, or photograph to capture the true essence of this fascinating place.

Take in the iconic landscapes of Val d’Orcia

Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site south of Siena, perfectly embodies the quintessential Tuscan postcard view with its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and isolated farmhouses. This redesigned Renaissance landscape offers endless opportunities for stunning photography, especially during sunrise on an Italian photography tour when mist often drifts through the valleys, or at sunset when the light bathes the scenery in a golden warmth.

• See/Photograph: The famous Capella della Madonna di Vitaleta, a tiny, impossibly picturesque chapel flanked by cypress trees, is a magnet for photographers.
• See/Photograph: The distinct, circular cluster of cypress trees of San Quirico d’Orcia, a spot that looks like a small forest in the middle of a field, is another classic shot.
• Do: Simply get lost driving or cycling along the backroads (such as the scenic route from Pienza to San Quirico d’Orcia), stopping whenever a view catches your eye. This is where you’ll find the most authentic and unique compositions.

Immerse yourself in Florentine art and architecture

Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city that sparkles with artistic and architectural power. A visit here is a journey through an open-air museum, featuring masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.

• See: The Uffizi Galleries house the premier collection of Italian Renaissance art.
• Do: Climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome at the Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore), for panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and beyond.
• Photograph: The view from Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset offers one of the best and most famous cityscapes, capturing the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, and the iconic Duomo in a warm, golden light.

Explore medieval Siena and San Gimignano

Tuscany is dotted with well-preserved medieval towns, each with a unique charm. Siena and San Gimignano are two must-visits that transport you back in time.

• See: The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, considered the heart of Siena, is famed for its bi-annual Palio horse race.
• Do: Climb the Torre del Mangia for a breathtaking view of the square, and its surrounding countryside.
• Photograph: Nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” due to its 14 surviving medieval towers, San Gimignano offers a hugely photogenic skyline.
• Do: Wander the narrow streets during your Italian photography workshop, and enjoy a world-champion gelato in the Piazza della Cisterna.

Indulge in culinary experiences and wine tasting

No trip to Tuscany is complete without indulging in its celebrated food-and-wine culture. The region is renowned for simple, hearty cuisine and some of the world’s most prestigious wines.

• Do: Participate in a wine tasting tour through the picturesque Chianti Classico region, sampling the local Sangiovese wines amidst endless vineyards.
• Do: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes such as fresh pasta or bistecca alla fiorentina (a thick-cut, high-quality Tuscan T-bone or porterhouse steak).
• See/Do: Go truffle hunting in the forests around San Miniato with a local guide and their trained dogs, followed by a truffle-themed meal.

Relax in natural thermal springs

For a unique and relaxing experience, the natural thermal springs scattered across Tuscany provide a perfect, tranquil escape.

• See/Do: The Cascate del Mullio at Saturnia are Tuscany’s most famous free thermal springs, featuring natural terraced pools of sulphurous water (at a constant 37.5°C) cascading over travertine rock. Arrive early in the morning for a peaceful soak and great photo opportunities in the mist.
• See/Do: For a different kind of natural setting, visit the lesser-known Bagni San Filippo, where white calcium carbonate deposits create dramatic, almost otherworldly, “frozen waterfall” formations within a forest setting.