Must-see cities in Tuscany

Are you still looking for a quick getaway? Travelling within Europe is once again a possibility, so it's not too late to plan a blissful holiday! With a holiday home with pool you can safely create a summer paradise for you and your bubble: whether it's a holiday with friends, a trip with the kids or a weekend away for two. Also read our tips on how to safely plan a holiday in times of corona.

In Europe, it is easy to get to our favourite holiday destinations by car. This time, we are putting Tuscany in the spotlight. It is not for nothing that Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations in Italy. For us, Tuscany is one of our favourite places in Italy. Besides beautiful historical cities like Pisa, Arezzo, Firenze and Siena, we recognise Tuscany by its fabulous hills, cypresses and vineyards. Enjoy Tuscany to the fullest in a villa with swimming pool.

All of Italy is bursting with culture and history, and the cities of Tuscany are an absolute hotspot of ancient architecture and museums. Have you planned a villa rental in Tuscany and want to explore the region to the full? These are the five must do cities in Tuscany if you want to get a full impression of the beautiful region. 

Florence

One of the most famous cities in Tuscany is perhaps Florence, or Firenze in Italian. Florence is one of the most famous cultural hotspots of Italy and the capital of Tuscany. So be sure to take the opportunity to visit the Uffizi Museum, a real gem of a museum with some 44 rooms bursting with Italian paintings, Flemish masters and, of course, Michelangelo's David. So it is best to set aside at least an afternoon for this. The most famous attraction of Florence, or perhaps of Tuscany, is the Cathedral of Florence with its magnificent Duomo. Although the inside is just as beautiful as the outside, the waiting times can sometimes be tough. But as with all interesting sights in Italy, you can buy tickets online in advance. Another typical sight to see when visiting Florence is the Ponte Vecchio: the famous bridge with all its picturesque little shops seems to be made for a film set. You can buy mainly jewellery, or if it is less expensive, the most romantic holiday photos.

Vinci

The name says it all: this is the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci in 1452, in the midst of the Renaissance. Vinci is a small fortified town in a hilly landscape of olive trees, cypresses and vineyards, the perfect view to leave the hustle and bustle of the big cities. The main attractions in Vinci are, of course, all about Leonardo da Vinci. There are two museums dedicated to him: the Palazzina Uzielli and the Castello dei Conti Guidi, together called Museo Leonardiano. In one part, you can admire all his anatomical sketches and in another you can learn all about his inventions. A short and lovely walk from Vinci, you can also visit Leonardo da Vinci's birth house, which is now a wonderful museum of his paintings. Apart from all the Leonardo-related sights, Vinci is a cosy and authentic little town where you can soak up the Italian atmosphere in peace and quiet.

Pisa

The name Pisa is inextricably bound up with the leaning tower, but the city has more to offer, of course! Pisa is bursting with Catholic art and architecture and is one of the liveliest student cities in Italy; Galileo Galilei was once a student here. Pisa is one of the busiest cities in Tuscany. So for the most important sights in Pisa, be sure to buy an online ticket to avoid queues. You'll need it to visit the Tower of Pisa, the Duomo and the Baptistry. Want to get away from the crowds? Pay a visit to one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world: the Orto Botanico di Pisa, which is also situated next to the Natural History Museum. There is no lack of art, culture and friendliness in Pisa.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful city that you must see on your holiday to Italy. The romantic city centre is on the Unesco World Heritage List, which is why we have included it in our tips for the best cities in Tuscany. The most famous sight in Siena is Piazza del Campo. The round square is the heart of the city and every year since 1287, the Palio horse race takes place here. The Duomo of Siena is also beautiful: just like in Florence, the cathedral is covered with black and white patterns in marble. Shopping, art and culture, cosy terraces - Siena has it all. The picturesque city radiates the Italian atmosphere and for this reason, several Hollywood films have already been shot here.

Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni is a gem that embodies the atmosphere of Tuscany and Italy. The small medieval town is completely walled in and sits on a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The picturesque town is so well preserved that you may have seen it in the background of films such as The Gladiator and The English Patient. Also, you can still only enter and leave through two gates: one towards Siena and the other towards Florence. It is small, but is certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany.

Feed your holiday fever safely! Travelling by car and staying in your own bubble in a cosy holiday home with private pool in Tuscany remains an ideal solution. This way you will have all the freedom you need to visit all these Italian attractions!