Stay in Tuscany for an abundance of vineyards and joy!
Tuscany is a region in the centre of Italy which attracts visitors for many reasons. An abundance of vineyards makes it a prime destination for wine lovers and the allure of the Tuscan cuisine is alone enough to visit the area. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are mountains and beautiful beaches, perfect for findings a villa in Tuscany. For culture vultures, the cities are awash with fine arts from the Renaissance period and striking architecture. Whether it's a romantic getaway or a family holiday, search Likibu's selection of rental accommodation for the perfect Tuscan holiday.
When to go?
The high season in this area of Italy is in the summer months of June-September when it is at its hottest, so stay in a villa with a pool. However, walking round the cities during the peak summer months can become too hot and tiresome, especially with young children, so visiting a little before or after mid-summer can be a good idea. In the winter, there are ski-resorts in the area which are not some of the biggest available in the whole of Italy, but are pretty and easy to reach from all over the region.
How to get there
The main airport in the region is in Pisa which can be reached from major UK airports on low-cost airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Lufthansa. You can also fly direct to Florence from a select few UK airports.
How to get around
The trains between cities are fast and efficient and relatively low cost. However, driving is often the best and most scenic way to get around the more scenic areas of the region, especially if you plan to explore different villages and towns during your stay.
Where to stay?
Coast
Livorno is an enchanting port city with a canal system making it reminiscent of Venice. It's one of the largest seaports in the Mediterranean Sea, making it a bustling destination with a lot of trade. Ancient fort walls still remain and it's possible to walk through the grounds for beautiful views of the city. A selection of Airbnbs, hotels and homes are available in the charming city.
Versilia is a perfect family friendly beach destination with sandy beaches which gradually slope into the sea. Find a rental home or family hotel to stay in right by the beach for a relaxing, sun filled holiday. There are plenty of restaurants and bars which line the seafront meaning everything is in easy reach.
Mountain
The Garfagnana valley is a stunning area which offers visitors plenty of activities from hiking, walking and mountain biking. There's also the Devil's Bridge which is an example of medieval architecture dating back to around 1080 and the ghost town of Vagli di Sotto. It's possible to do a day trip from any of the major cities and drive through this area to tick off the sights.
Countryside
If you're looking for a rural, serene escape, check out Likibu's selection of holiday rental homes in Tuscany. There are romantic luxury villas or holiday homes with private pools which are perfect for a family getaway. Some popular towns are Gaiole, Castellina and Greve which are all in the Chianti region. These towns have the archetypal Italian landscapes with olive trees, Cypress trees and of course, vines from which the Chianti wine is grown and produced. There are also a number of fairy-tale castles around this area many of which have been converted into wineries and can be visited to explore the culture and history of the region.
City
The three most popular tourist cities in the Tuscany region are Florence, Siena and Pisa. Stay in a homestay to experience a true authentic Italian experience or find an Airbnb, hotel or apartment to explore the cities and their attractions.
Florence
Florence is the largest city and is a symbol of artistic excellence. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning everywhere you look there are architectural and artistic masterpieces. There's the stunning cathedral, the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery which is a world renowned Renaissance art museum. The city is also the place to sample the ultimate Tuscan cuisine from the traditional ribollita soup to fresh offerings at fish bistros. A must is an evening hike to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo where you can sit and watch the stunning sunset over the cityscape, perfect with a bottle of wine in hand. There are plenty of chic modern hotels and apartments in the city, or authentic and quaint B&Bs for a true Florentine experience.
Siena
In Siena, Gothic architecture is rife and the Medieval square Piazza del Campo which sits in the centre of the city is a wonderful place to grab an espresso and sit back to enjoy the view. Twice every summer the world-famous Palio run horse race takes place around the piazza and attracts visitors from near and far. Stay in a hotel or apartment in or around the city for a romantic stay somewhere a little less crowded than Florence.
Pisa
Pisa is home to the iconic leaning tower of Pisa, a must-do tourist photo opportunity. It's also a lively university town meaning that it can be a great place to visit for young people who may be on a budget. There's a selection of budget rental accommodation from hostels to Airbnbs available in the city. Be sure to visit Borgo Stretto which is a lovely little pedestrian street in the heart of the Medieval area which offers a selection of small shops, cafes and gelateries.