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Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Júlia Juste has curated a guide for The Meliá Collection that covers the four most authentic regions of Tuscany: Artimino, Firenze, Val d’Orcia, and Chianti.

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A special trip with Outliers Guide to discover Tuscany

In this Tuscany travel guide, you’ll find our top picks for the places that really made our trip special. What to see in Tuscany? We’ve all seen countless images and heard stories of the stunning landscapes in this Italian region. However, when you experience Tuscany firsthand—driving through its scenic roads, savouring its exquisite food and wine, admiring its ever-changing colours, and smelling the fragrance of its flowers—you truly understand why so many have fallen in love with it.

Are you thinking of travelling to Tuscany? From delicious local food and charming family-run wineries to restaurants with stunning views, hidden shops, and historical sites. All of them are beautifully captured by Cecilia Renard, whose photographs will definitely inspire you to dream of your own Tuscan adventure. Pictures that can come true on your next holiday in Tuscany.

Artimino

Discover Tenuta di Artimino, a dream retreat nestled in the noble heart of Tuscany. A magical accommodation to stay and visit Tuscany. Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this 1596 estate, commissioned by Ferdinando I De Medici. With its blend of history, art, and nature set among vineyards and olive groves, this 17th-century haven radiates authentic Tuscan allure. Experience the sense of home and charm within personalised luxury that defines Tuscany.

A hotel near Florence, conveniently located just 45 minutes from the city, that offers an excellent base for discovering the city and the region of Tuscany.

Tenuta di Artimino Meliá Collection

Our stay at Tenuta di Artimino, member of The Meliá Collection, was excellent. What we loved the most about this hotel in Tuscany was its location and rich history. Nestled on a hill with stunning views over vineyards, the estate boasts a remarkable past as it was once owned by the Medici family. The best place to start a wonderful trip in Tuscany.

Conveniently located just 45 minutes from Florence, this hotel offers an excellent base for discovering the city and the region of Tuscany.

a woman sitting on a balcony looking out a window

Sara, from the team at Tenuta di Artimino, opened the doors of Villa Ferdinanda for us. Discovering firsthand the history of this 16th century Medici property was a highlight of our trip. Over the centuries, many illustrious people have passed within the walls of “La Ferdinanda” like Galileo Galilei or Leonardo da Vinci. We particularly loved the original frescos at the entrance of the Villa.

Lunch at Da Delfina, the iconic restaurant in Artimino, was the cherry on top of our trip. Carlo, the owner, who was born and raised in Artimino, is one of those people you remember for the rest of your life. He dedicated a good amount of time to explain the history of Artimino, showed us his mother Delfina’s recipes, and insisted that his restaurant “is not a restaurant, it’s an old house with a lot of history where they cook food.” The Fiori di zucca ripieni ai formaggi was the best dish we ate in Tuscany.

What not to miss in Florence

We wanted to discover the city beyond its famous historical sights. While the Galleria dell’Accademia, Galleria degli Uffizi, and the Duomo are undoubtedly must-see attractions in Florence, there are many other lesser-known yet equally captivating places to explore.

Join us to discover the hidden treasures of Florence.

What to visit in Florence?

Florence is a veritable open-air museum and is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. A small city that offers some of the best museums and art galleries in the world, but also fashionable boutiques and tasty Florentine cuisine.

Studio Galleria Romanelli is in Oltrarno, a vibrant area known for its artisan workshops and bohemian atmosphere. The Romanelli family has a long tradition of sculpture that dates back to the 19th century. The studio was established in 1860 by Pasquale Romanelli and it has been passed down through generations, continuing to produce and restore sculptures. Surrender to Tuscan art.

Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte is a beautiful church located in one of Florence’s highest points, offering wonderful views of the city. A place not to be missed for the best panoramic view of Florence.

Santo Spirito is an area known for its vibrant, local atmosphere, artisan workshops, and it’s a bit less touristy compared to the city centre of Florence. I particularly loved the atmosphere at piazza Santo Spirito and the iconic plain façade of its church.

a woman walking in front of a fruit stand

My favourite cities in the world have one of these two: water (river or sea) and lots of green. And Firenze has both of them. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this city is beautifully situated along the banks of the Arno River, which adds a serene, picturesque quality to its urban landscape. The best way to get in touch with nature in Florence.

Explore the most beautiful green spaces in Florence

a building with a garden and statues on the roof

Florence is also renowned for its abundant green spaces. The city is dotted with beautiful gardens and parks that offer both locals and visitors a refreshing escape from the urban environment. Giardino delle Rose is a charming spot, nestled on the slopes of the hill leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Giardino dell’Iris, a garden dedicated to the city’s symbolic flower, the iris, located next to Piazzale Michelangelo. Meanwhile, Giardino Boboli is a historic park filled with sculptures and fountains offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Tuscan flavours

From bohemian cafés with tasty pastries, to restaurants to discover Italy’s best dishes. Terrace to try an aperitivo, the most delicious Tuscan ice cream or a glass of wine at sunset.

Taste the flavour of Forentine food on your trip to Tuscany. Authentic flavours, with traditional cuisine in tasty dishes that don't lose the connection with their origin.

Where to eat in Tuscany?

Explore the best restaurants and cafés for a taste of Italian cuisine in your visit to Florence.

Caffè Gilli. The oldest café in the city. For centuries this has been the meeting point for artists, writers, intellectual people, celebrities… and it’s still a place for locals to meet up. I would recommend to sit here for a while tasting one of their famous pastries.

Cammillo. One of the most recommended restaurants in Florence and it didn’t disappoint us at all. The place feels very real, the waiters advised us really well (I love that). We had fritto di fiori di zucca, pecorino brulee con aceto balsamico di mele (a must!), tagliatelle al raggù, spaghetti alla carrettiera and tiramisù.

Palazzo Guadagni (Loggia Roof Bar). Aperitivo at the terrace of a historical palace in Piazza Santo Spirito. Go just before the sunset and make sure you book in advance.

a plate of food and wine glasses on a table

Perché No!... This little gelateria has been making artisanal ice cream since 1939. I went for pistacchio and nocciola (hazelnut). Perfection! The tastiest ice cream in Tuscany.

Il Santo Bevitore. A very elegant yet casual place for dinner. I highly recommend having a glass of wine before dinner at Il Santino, which is just next door.

a man standing at a table with wine glasses and flowers

A full day trip to Val d’Orcia

The Val d’Orcia is exactly the idyllic postcard of Tuscany we all have in our minds. Located in the province of Siena, Val d’Orcia is renowed for its stunning landscapes with rolling hills, crypresses, charming medieval villages and vineyards. One of the highlights of our trip to Tuscany was driving through the Val d’Orcia.

The road offers spectacular views of the iconic yellow and green landscapes. So even if you spend a significant amount of time in the car, the journey through Val d’Orcia is totally worth it.

The perfect road trip in Tuscany

One of the highlights of our trip to Tuscany was driving through the Val d’Orcia. The road offers spectacular views of the iconic yellow and green landscapes. Don’t miss the most scenic drives in Tuscany.

On our to Val d’Orcia we stopped in Monteriggioni, a small medieval town that is renowned for its well-preserved fortress and ancient walls that date back to the 13th century. The town was originally built by the Sienese as a defensive fortification against Florence.

Podere Il Casale. It’s a restaurant serving products from its organic farm. Beyond its popular panoramic terrace overlooking Val d’Orcia, the true value of this project is their aim to respect and preserve the land.

a woman sitting at a table with wine glasses

Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta. Driving in Tuscany gives you the gift of this small chapel, that is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region, yet we were very lucky to find only a few people visiting it. Most of them were riding bikes, which I would definitely consider doing in my next trip to Val d’Orcia. The location of this “cappella” is breathtaking. It can be reached by a short walk from the nearest road, through this stunning yellow flower field. There is a bar right next to Madonna di Vitaleta where we had a drink admiring this idyllic scenery.

a building with a door and a window on a hill with trees

Bagno Vignoni. In our perfect Tuscany road trip we found this hidden gem in Val d’Orcia known by its unique thermal waters that have been used for their therapeutic properties since Roman times. We arrived there under the rain, which added a magical and charming atmosphere.

a woman standing on a stone wall next to a river

Pienza. We really liked Pienza because it offers a vibrant local life that sets it apart from other smaller, more tourist-centric towns in the region. Don’t forget to try and buy their renowed Pecorino cheese. Beyond the lively atmosphere of Pienza, the highlight of our visit was dinner at Sette di Vino. Authentic Tuscan cuisine, a simple yet delicious menu, and welcoming atmosphere by the owner, Luciano. Pecorino alla griglia: Grilled Pecorino cheese, a speciality of Pienza, is a must-try.

A sip of Chianti

Travel through this land where vineyards grow and the best Tuscan wine is produced. In the heart of Tuscany you will find one of the most well-known landscapes in Italy, where one of the most famous red wines in the world is produced: Chianti.

A unique landscape with hills covered with vineyards that will inspire many photographs that will become the most beautiful postcard of your trip in Tuscany. What to see in Chianti?

One of the most famous wine regions of Tuscany

a table with wine glasses and a bottle on it

We loved the contrast between the modern architecture of the Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery and the 600 years winemaking tradition of the Antinori family. Don’t miss Castello dei Rampolla, a family-owned estate, pioneer in the production of biodynamic wine. The family has owned the estate since 1739, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the mix of traditional winemaking and innovative, sustainable practices. Visits can be arranged by appointment.

My favourite meal of the trip took place in Osteria Le Panzanelle. I will never forget their gnudi di ricotta, pannacotta and the creamiest chocolate cake. Warm hospitality, charming interiors and, overall, a wonderful atmosphere. Radda in Chianti offers a chance to experience the rhythms of local life, the town is filled with corners and hidden courtyards, fruits and vegetable markets and stunning views of the surroundings. We watched the sunset from Il Guerrino in Montefioralle, enjoying a glass of Chianti Classico.

Discover with this guide Tuscany’s four charming areas: Artimino, Firenze, Val d'Orcia, and Chianti. A personal look by Júlia Juste that invites you to visit unique places, with breathtaking landscapes that will be part of your own experience on your trip to Tuscany.

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