Tuscany is located in the central part of Italy. It is famous for its picturesque hills, cities with the richest cultural heritage, clean beaches and Etruscan necropolises.
Tuscany plays a leading role in tourist world, she was lucky in literally all matters - sea ​​coast, rocky shores, marble quarries, endless vineyards, rural landscapes, necropolis cities of the mysterious Etruscans.
Numerous cities with artistic masterpieces attract curious tourists. The capital of Tuscany is Florence, which is called one of the most beautiful cities Italy. Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo and Pistoia are definitely worth a visit.

The thermal springs of Saturnia, Montecatini, Montepulciano offer a whole range of wellness treatments.
Tuscany is one of the most famous and prestigious wine regions in Italy; many wineries offer tours of their cellars, where you can taste wines and enjoy Italian cuisine.

A Brief History of Tuscany

The first inhabitants of Tuscany were the Etruscans, in the 1st century BC. they founded a prosperous state, some evidence of that period has survived to this day.
The Etruscans were replaced by the Romans, and then came the Lombards, who retained power over the region until the formation of the Duchy of Tuscia. Then control of the territory passed into the hands of the Canozz dynasty, from which the famous Matilda di Canosa came. They also owned Modena, Reggio Emilia and Mantua.
In the 11th century, Pisa became the most important and powerful city in Tuscany. The Maritime Republic controlled almost the entire region. South part was ruled by the Aldobrandeschi dynasty, which was of Lombard origin.
The 12th century became a period of free communes. Pistoia became the first free commune in Italy. At this time, the position of Siena and Florence strengthened, and they began to compete with each other.
In the XIV-XV centuries. Famous artists, sculptors and writers worked in Tuscany, and especially in Florence.
In the 15th century, the Medici family from Florence entered the political arena and ruled until the mid-18th century. During this period, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany united almost all the territories of the region, with the exception of Lucca.
The crisis erupted in Tuscany with the arrival of Napoleon. The new geographical formation became known as the kingdom of Etruria. It was ruled by the Bourbons of Parma, hence the Habsburgs with Ferdinand III.
Later, the Duchy of Tuscany, together with Lucca, became part of the Kingdom of Italy, and in 1860 it became part of a united Italy.
Currently, about 3,700,000 people live in Tuscany.

Trip to Tuscany

Tuscany is beautiful at any time of the year, but in the hot summer months it will be difficult to tour the cities, which are filled with crowds of tourists anyway.
To visit wine-growing areas best season is autumn. During the summer months, you can choose a beach holiday.
Flights from Moscow are carried out to Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei), including a direct flight with Pobeda Airlines, as well as to Florence (Amerigo Vespucci).
Tuscany has good rail connections.
The region has two main ports, Livorno and Piombino, which connect the mainland with Sardinia and Corsica.

Inspiration from Tuscany

To get inspired on a trip to Tuscany, you can listen to the enchanting voice of Andrea Bocelli or rock star Gianna Nannini. It is also worth watching the film “Life is Beautiful” by Tuscan director Roberto Benini, “Under the Tuscan Sun”, “My Friends”, “Beautiful Wife”, “I Love You in All the Languages ​​of the World” and many others.

What to visit in Tuscany










Lunigiana



Colonnata



Pontremoli and Museum of Ancient Steles




Maremma










Gavorrano



Orbetello



Nowadays, Orbetello is a tourist destination, famous for its fishing and wines. The city is located in the south of Tuscany and is easily accessible even from Rome.

Province of Tuscany (Italian) Toscana) is a wonderful and elegant gift for any traveler to Italy. The diversity of landscapes, seasoned with cultural heritage, makes this region one of the most beloved holiday destinations.

If we look for Tuscany on a map of Italy, we can easily find it on the top of the Italian “boot” approximately in the middle. It is bordered by the low mountains of Umbria and Marche, Emilia-Romagna in the northeast, the steep Alps of Liguria in the northwest and warm waters in the west.

How to get to the cities of Tuscany?

By air

Undoubtedly, one of the fastest ways to get to the cities of Tuscany is by plane. You can fly direct flights to the international airports of Florence and Pisa. They are the least busy, but unfortunately, this is not possible from all cities of the CIS countries.

By car

To reach Arezzo or Florence by car, you need to take the A1 motorway, which passes through Naples, Milan, Rome and Bologna. And on the Superstrada SS 3bis/E45 you can get from Romagna and Umbria to the eastern provinces of the region. The A11 motorway connects the Tuscan coast with the cities of Prato, Florence, and Pistoia. Lucca and Montecatini Terme.

Do you want to have freedom of movement and not depend on anyone? Find out how to remove it as well as other important details.

If you have time and want to get a visa to Italy yourself. Read the article with this link interesting information about it.

When is the best time to go?

Whenever you come to Tuscany, its mild climate without sudden changes will be a pleasant bonus.

Even in winter, the temperature in the valleys does not drop below zero. Therefore, it is worth choosing a time for vacation not so much according to the season as focusing on the “load” of tourists and access to attractions.

Of course, each season has its advantages and disadvantages. So let's take a closer look at each.

  • Summer is not only the hottest season, and therefore very convenient for swimming, but also the busiest season with vacationers. It may be difficult to book a hotel or you may have to wait for several hours to get to places of worship.
  • In autumn it is much freer and easier. There are not so many tourists anymore, and the weather still allows comfortable swimming (until the end of October). In September-October, almost all of Tuscania is ablaze with blooming sunflowers. November is great for cultural treks, although occasionally you may get caught in warm rain.
  • Winter, despite being somewhat cool and rainy, is interesting for its Christmas and New Year festivals and holidays. During this quiet time, you can freely visit sights such as the Uffizi Gallery without an appointment.
  • Spring temperatures average 17-20 degrees, but the sea will warm its waters only by the end of May. In spring, the fields are literally covered with poppies, and crowds of tourists have not yet filled the cities.

Where is the best place to relax in Tuscany?

Tuscany is divided into 10 provinces (Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena,), which bear the names of their administrative centers (see map of Tuscany).

The largest province in terms of area (4504 km2) is Grosseto, and the leader in population density per square kilometer is the province of Prato (679.93). The province of Livorno includes the Tuscan archipelago, which is part of the National Park.

Absolutely all the provinces of Tuscany are impressive and leave pleasant memories, but we will still highlight the main places of “pilgrimage” by type of recreation.

Beach holidays are popular in the provinces of Grosseto, Pisa, Lucca, and Livorno. Along a coastline over 390 km long. There are numerous resort towns scattered with different pricing policies. The most popular of them is the resort of Versilia, another name for the Tuscan Riviera, but prices here are above average. Along with Versilia, such Tuscan resorts as Monte Argentario, Castiglione della Pescaia, Principina and Follonica are popular.

For family vacation most suitable with children resort town Marina di Grosseto in the province of Grosseto. It's flat here sandy beaches and pine forest are complemented by water attractions and other entertainment complexes.

Shops in Tuscany are usually open from 9.00-13.00 (occasionally 14.00) or from 16.00-19.00 (sometimes 20.00). Although large outlets are open all day. Most people have a day off on Monday. Night trading takes place every Thursday.

To get a virtual tour of one of the most popular Barberino Designer Outlets, watch a video about it.

Photos of Tuscany

Look at the photo of Tuscany and see that this is one of the most beautiful regions Italy.

Panorama of Florence Sculpture of Dante Alighieri (Florence)

I (Grand Duchy of Tuscany), a state in Central Italy from 1569 (formerly the Duchy of Florence). In 1801 07, the kingdom of Etruria existed on the territory of Tuscany, then annexed to France. The Congress of Vienna 1814 15 restored... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

TUSCANY- (Grand Duchy of Tuscany) state in the Center. Italy since 1569 (formerly the Duchy of Florence). In 1801 07, the kingdom of Etruria existed on the territory of Tuscany, then annexed to France. The Congress of Vienna 1814 15 restored the Great... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Tuscany- region in Italy. The name Toscana is from the ethnonym Tisci (Etruscans) of the ancient tribes that inhabited the northwestern Apennine Peninsula. See also Tirana. Geographical names world: Toponymic dictionary. M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001 ... Geographical encyclopedia

Tuscany- noun, number of synonyms: 1 region (20) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

Tuscany- (Tuscany), region. in Italy with its center in Florence. Occupied by the French during the French revolutionary wars, it was given to the management of Napoleon's sister Eliza (1809-14). In 1814, the power of Grand Duke Ferdinand III was restored, to... ... The World History

Tuscany- (Toscana) region in Central Italy, in the northwestern part of the Apennine Peninsula, washed by the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas. Area 23 thousand km2. Population 3.5 million people. (1973). Includes the provinces: Massa e Carrara, Lucca, Pistoia, Florence, ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Tuscany- (Toscana) former grand duchy; currently forms the Italian Compartmento T., which includes the provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa e Carrara, Pisa and Siena, a total of 24,051 square meters. km and 2317740 inhabitants. U... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

TUSCANY- (Toscana) in the 16th - 19th centuries. The Grand Duchy (on the territory of modern Italy), which included Florence, Lucca, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, Grossato, Livorno and Fr. Elba. Since 1860 it was part of the Sardinian kingdom, and then Italy. Own brands produced... Large philatelic dictionary

TUSCANY- (Toscana), Grand Duchy of Tuscany, state in Wed. Italy in the 16th - 19th centuries. Formed on the territory. Wed century Republics of Florence and Siena. From 1532 it was called the Duchy of Tuscany; ruled until the 18th century. the Florentine Medici dynasty. Name Great... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia

Tuscany- name of a female family region in Italy... Spelling dictionary of Ukrainian language

Books

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  • Tuscany and Umbria. Guidebook, Brewer S.. Guidebooks of the world famous company "Berlitz" are valued for their quality, accuracy and simplicity. Packed with information and color-coded for quick reference, they provide comprehensive...

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Briefly about Tuscany: why to go and what to see

Tuscany is a region of Central Italy, which is traditionally associated with the endless Tuscan fields and major tourist centers of attraction, such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca and others. In addition, Tuscany is also famous for its spacious sandy beaches, which Italy, in general, is not spoiled with. It is not surprising that the prestigious beach resorts of Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Punta Ala, Marina di Grosseto and many others are located here in Tuscany. There are also several thermal resorts in Tuscany, which, unlike beach resorts, are in demand all year round - these are Montecatini Terme and Saturnia.

Michael Cahill/Arezzo Historic Center

Visa and entry rules to Italy

Italy is a member country of the Schengen Agreement, therefore, to visit the country for tourism purposes, you will need to open a tourist Schengen visa type C. The visa is opened at the Italian embassy or consulates located on the territory of the Russian Federation. You can also submit a ready-made package of documents for consideration at numerous visa centers Italy, which are found in almost every big city.

The set of documents is standard for the Schengen countries; in addition, when submitting, you will need to take electronic fingerprints. To visit Italy, you must have an insurance policy with a coverage value of at least 30 thousand euros. The policy is attached to the main set of documents for applying for a visa. If you plan to travel on a tourist visa, then you must attach a hotel reservation, if on a guest visa, then an invitation from the Italian side.


CucombreLibre/Lucca

Climate and weather of Tuscany

The climate of Tuscany is typical Mediterranean. The coast on one side is washed by warm Tyrrhenian Sea, on the other hand, it is covered by the Apuan Mountains, which do not allow winds and cyclones to reach the shore. That is why beach holidays in Tuscany are quite long, starting in May and ending in October, and lasting longer than anywhere else in Italy. In the summer months, the weather in Tuscany is quite hot, the thermometer often rises above +30 degrees, so some tourists prefer to visit beach resorts in the so-called “velvet” season - in September-October.

Winters and off-seasons in Tuscany are mild and perfect for excursion tourism. In addition, during the low season, the concentration of tourists in cities such as Florence, Pisa or Lucca decreases, which makes visiting top attractions more comfortable. As for precipitation, rains are not uncommon in November-December and March, but more often they are not prolonged. In general, Tuscany is far from the rainiest region in Italy; in summer, precipitation is sporadic.


Michele/Maremma Natural Park

How to get to Tuscany

Recently, getting to Tuscany directly from Moscow has become possible thanks to the launch of Moscow-Pisa flights operated by the Russian low-cost carrier Pobeda. On this moment, this is the cheapest and quick way get from Russia to this region of Italy. Flight time is 3.5 hours. You can check the flight schedule on search services:

Distance grid and route numbers for road trips from Pisa:

Where Where Distance Route
Pisa Marina di Pisa 15 km Route No. SP224
Pisa Viareggio 24 km
Pisa Forte dei Marmi 38 km Route No. A12/E80
Pisa Lido di Camaiore 27 km Strada Statale 1 Via Aurelia
Pisa Montecatini Terme 47 km Route No. A11/E76
Pisa 18 km Routes No. SS12 and SS12 radd
Pisa Arezzo 160 km Route SGC Firenze - Pisa - Livorno and A1/E35
Pisa Florence 87 km Route SGC Firenze-Pisa-Livorno
Pisa Rome 357 km Route No. A1/E35

Cities of Tuscany

The cities of Tuscany are famous for their rich historical heritage, so the flow of tourists coming to the region for excursion purposes does not dry out all year round. The most visited cities in the region are undoubtedly Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena and Arezzo. Beach resorts follow with a slight lag, but their attendance is seasonal, mainly from May to October. So, let's talk about each city in more detail.

Florence– the city is famous for its museums and architectural historical monuments. The must-see attractions include: gothic cathedral Santa Maria del Fiori, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, the basilicas of San Lorenzo and Santa Croce, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Palazzo Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens and much more. In a word, in Florence, every building is some kind of important landmark. The city was founded back in the first century BC. It is not surprising that the historical heritage of Florence is very rich and will require more than one day to study and explore;

– the city was, is and remains one of the most visited cities in Tuscany, and this is connected, first of all, with such an outlandish attraction as a tower leaning on its side - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The town itself, or rather its historical part, is small, and it will take no more than one, maximum two days to explore. From the obligatory, in addition to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, - Cathedral Square, Pisa Baptistery, Cathedral. Conveniently, all these attractions are located next to each other, i.e. within walking distance;

– the city is ideal place to feel like you are in the scenery of the Middle Ages. Narrow streets, fortress walls, towers, cathedrals, low-rise colorful houses and lush palazzos - all this creates a unique atmosphere for all lovers of history and architecture. And to see the red tiled roofs of the city from a bird's eye view, it is enough to climb to the observation deck of one of the towers of Lucca; the views from there are undoubtedly magnificent;

– another town where you can feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The city is truly elegant, sophisticated, and many local buildings here have been preserved in their original form, which is why the historical heritage of the city is difficult to overestimate. The absolute must-sees of Siena include Piazza del Campo, the Siena Duomo (similar to Milan), the Basilica of San Domenico, the Torre del Mangia and numerous palazzos;

– is a little less known than previous cities, but this does not negate its significance and value. Piazza Guido Monaco, the House of Petrarch, the Medici Fortress, Prato Park, the Cathedral, various palazzos, churches, basilicas, abbeys - this is what makes Arezzo truly a unique city. If you only have a couple of days left in Tuscany, then experts advise that you definitely spend one of the days in Arezzo;

– the city of “towers,” as the locals call it, became famous thanks to its 15 towers located in the historical part of the city. Here you will also be enveloped in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, and the Cathedral Square and numerous palazzos will definitely not leave you indifferent, not to mention the magnificent Tuscan landscapes that open in the vicinity of San Gimignano;

And – two sophisticated Tuscan towns with beautiful landscapes, thermal springs and gastronomic tours. Both cities combine a lot of opportunities for tourism - sightseeing, tasting, relaxing. Montepulciano and Montalcino – great places relaxation for connoisseurs of real provincial Tuscany;

- a fortress, a castle, a cathedral, several squares, as well as an ancient gate that was considered the main entrance to the city - all this is Volterra in all its splendor. And the location on the hill makes the place great observation deck for those who want to admire real Tuscan landscapes;

- not just another spectacular Tuscan town, but also a real UNESCO heritage. The architecture of the city is amazing, and its author can be called the famous Italian architect Bernardo Rossellino. The elegant Renaissance city will not leave indifferent any connoisseur of exquisite architecture and world heritage.

In addition to its historical cities, Tuscany is famous for its beach resorts, which literally come to life when the weather warms up. Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Grosseto, San Vincenzo and others - further in our article.


harshil shah/Lucca

Beaches of Tuscany

The Tuscan coast is famous for its beaches. Here, like nowhere else in Italy, you can find spacious sandy beaches equipped with everything you need. The coast of Tuscany is washed by the warm Tyrrhenian Sea, and the swimming season lasts almost six months (from May to October inclusive). Off the coast of Tuscany, the entrance to the sea is gentle, the water is clean, no big waves, the place is great for both independent rest and for holidays with children.

It is worth keeping in mind one feature Italian beaches(not only in Tuscany) - this is their fee. Most of the beaches in Italy are divided among themselves by hotels, which clean the area and equip it, so entry to such beaches is paid (the price varies). Tuscany, in this sense, is no exception. But if you wish, you can always find free sites; you can “recognize” them by the absence of any equipment - sunbeds, awnings, umbrellas.

– is considered a “paradise” among resorts. Its golden sandy beaches coupled with warm sea and mild Mediterranean climate make the place extremely popular in the summer. In addition, the infrastructure of Viareggio is considered one of the most developed on the coast. For a comfortable stay there is almost everything - accommodation for every taste, all kinds of entertainment, attractions, cafes, bars open air, restaurants, promenades, festivals and celebrations that are held annually. In a word, you definitely won’t be bored in Viareggio. But the cost of a holiday here, on average, is higher than along the coast;

- Another one tourist centre attraction, along with Viareggio. The beaches of Forte dei Marmi are one of the most comfortable, clean and environmentally friendly places to relax. In addition to passive relaxation on the beach, Forte dei Marmi also offers activities sports tourism, go shopping or explore local attractions, such as the 18th-century marble fortress. Forte dei Marmi is considered a fashionable and popular resort, so the price tag here is also slightly higher than on the coast;

– located on the southern tip of Tuscany and is administratively divided into the historical part with its many attractions and the beach part. The beach part of the resort is called Marina di Grosseto. Unlike other resorts of the Tuscan Riviera, in Grosseto you can find quite a lot of preserved historical monuments - these are fortress walls, cathedrals, churches, and museums. In addition, in the vicinity of the resort there is natural Park"Maremma" with its various attractions. As for the beaches, in Grosseto they are fine sand, with a gentle entrance to the sea, and are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay;

- a resort located next door to Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, but more intimate and calm compared to its “neighbors”. Coastline Lido di Camaiore stretches beyond the horizon, the beaches here have a pleasant golden hue, and there are significantly fewer tourists here, even in the “high” season. Lido di Camaiore is also perfect for a family holiday, since there are 3 amusement parks open here. If you are a big nature lover, then from Lido di Camaiore it is convenient to go for a walk in the Apuan Mountains Natural Park;


Allie_Caulfield/Grosseto

- a small but respectable resort, which has 10 km of sandy beaches, sports and health centers, tennis courts, yacht pier, golf courses, beautiful gardens and parks for walking and cycling. The town also preserves several historical monuments - squares, towers, cathedrals, and the ruins of a fortress. In the vicinity of San Vincenzo there is the Rimigliano Natural Park, which includes moving dunes, coniferous forests, marshland, glades, rare species of plants and trees and secluded sandy beaches. Also close to the shores of San Vincenzo is the island of Elba, perhaps the best diving site in Tuscany;

- a separate resort located on the cape, while it has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable holiday, including sandy beaches surrounded by coniferous forests, a yacht harbor, diving and surfing opportunities, water skiing, golf courses, tennis courts and much more other. In addition, it is in Punta Ala that sailing regattas are held annually;

- a “paradise” corner of the northern part of the Tuscan coast. On one side Pietrasanta is surrounded by the Apuan Mountains and pine groves, on the other it is washed by the sea, and along resort coast sandy beaches stretch. Besides beach holiday, in Pietrasanta you should definitely stroll through the old part of the city and explore the local attractions. And in your free time you can go conquer natural parks"Versiliana" and "Apuan Mountains";

– located in the province of Grosseto, in southern Tuscany. The area is famous for its pristine beaches; it is not for nothing that the beaches of Follonica are marked with an insignia Blue Flag as the most clean beaches peace. Walking along the embankment, you can stumble upon an ancient fortress, one of the sides of which is located directly in the sea. As an entertainment option, you can take a ferry from Follonica to the island of Elba; it won’t take much time here. In general, the main advantage of the resort is, of course, its nature and pristine beauty;

is a very small resort town that all the locals adore. Its distinctive feature is the presence of three sand spits, extending to the Monte Argentario peninsula. Orbetello will captivate you with its lagoon, its historical monuments and, of course, its unforgettable natural views. Foreigners know little about the resort, so you have a chance to become a “pioneer”.


Francesco Porrà/Beaches of Lido di Camaiore

Baths of Tuscany

The Baths of Tuscany is another significant component of holidays in the region. Thermal spas Tuscany is open all year round and is in great demand among vacationers, although in terms of attendance it is still inferior to similar resorts in Germany or Austria.

– on the territory of the resort there are four large thermal springs, all of them have different properties and are actively used for healing. There are more than nine different thermal baths in Montecatini, each of which specializes in something different. Thus, some are suitable for drinking, while others are only suitable for swimming. The most famous in this sense are considered thermal complexes"Tettuccio", "Redi" and "Excelsior". You can diversify your holiday in the historical quarter of Montecatini Alto, where many interesting architectural monuments have been preserved. In addition, Montecatini is located close to cities such as Pisa and Lucca, which can be easily reached by train;

is a resort located in the southern part of Tuscany and has outdoor cascading pools with mineral waters. The natural pools of Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello are in demand in the summer, while in winter hotels with spa areas offer their services using mineral water local sources. Another feature of Saturn is its nature. The resort town is surrounded by green forests and low mountains, and it is located in a cozy valley, so the air here is always clean and the views are stunning.


Theo K/Thermal Springs of Saturnia

Hotels in Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist regions in Italy; it is not surprising that the corresponding infrastructure here is mature and developed. This also applies to all kinds of placements. You can stay in Tuscany in classic hotels, apartments, guest houses, bed and breakfasts and even hostels. There are also more luxurious options - club hotels or villa rentals.

In large cities such as Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Arezzo, bed and breakfast hotels predominate, because... tourists rarely stay here for more than a few days. Such hotels have everything necessary set options, while having affordable placement costs. The resorts of the Tuscan Riviera are characterized by other accommodation conditions - often these are apart-hotels or rental of separate apartments, because... travelers stay here for more long term. Of course, on beach resorts Tuscany also has standard hotels of all star categories.

A recommendation for booking accommodation in Tuscany is to search and book early, because... local resorts are quite in demand, and all the best options in terms of price/quality ratio are sold out the fastest, especially on the eve of the summer swimming season. You can always find a suitable hotel/apartment on the Tuscan coast or in the cities of the region, as well as check availability for specific dates, using specialized services for finding hotel offers, which are convenient because they compare the maximum number of available accommodations.

Booking - hotel reservations in 120,000 destinations around the world;

Roomguru – best deals from thousands of hotel booking sites.

Hotels in Tuscany, as a rule, meet all European requirements; there are no regional peculiarities here. Depending on your needs, you can always find hotels here with parking, Wi-Fi or included food options (although there are not many all-inclusive hotels here, mostly offering only breakfast or half board). The related infrastructure in the cities and resorts of Tuscany is also very well developed; you can always find cafes/bakeries/restaurants/supermarkets nearby.


Toscana Passion/Sea on the Follonica coast

Shopping, food, prices in Tuscany

Shopping in Tuscany can be quite varied, depending on your own desires. Some tourists do not limit themselves to a set of standard souvenirs and go shopping at local outlets, of which there are slightly fewer in Tuscany than in the vicinity of Milan. The largest outlets in the region are Designer Outlet (outskirts of Florence), The Mall Outlet (also around Florence), Urban Outlet (near Siena), Maria Sartini non solo cashmere Outlet (outskirts of Pisa), as well as Dolce & Gabbana Outlet, Valdichiana centers Outlet Village, Fashion Valley Outlet and Lorenzo Lori Outlet (arezzo area).

In addition to outlets, you can find shopping streets in any major city in Tuscany. For example, Florence is famous both for its mono-brand boutiques and large shopping centers. Famous Florentine shopping spots include the Gigli and La Rinasctnte ​​department stores, and the porcelain gallery at Ponte Vecchio bridge. In Pisa, Borgo Stretto and Corsa Italia are considered shopping streets, which are famous for their mono-brand stores of clothing, shoes, accessories and perfume. From large shopping centers in Pisa - this is the Coin department store. In Siena, for quality shopping, you should visit Via Dei Montanini, Via di Citta and Banchi di Sopra; in Lucca - Via Fillungo; in Livorno - Via Grande.

Tuscany is considered a region of respectable holidays, so in high season prices for accommodation and related services may be inflated, but not by much. In addition, with proper planning, you can always find budget places accommodations, catering facilities, etc. In order to find affordable accommodation for a holiday in Tuscany, it makes sense to consider resorts with less loud and well-known names.

Next door from popular resort You can always find a quiet, calm resort, whose quality of service and offered conditions will be no worse, but there will be no need to overpay for the image of a respectable resort. In general, we can say that the holiday southern resorts The Tuscan Riviera is a little cheaper than in the north, because... they are still little “promoted” among tourists.

Tuscany is famous for its cuisine, and you can try local delicacies not only in gourmet restaurants; you can buy fresh products at local markets and cook your own food. The proximity of the sea allows Tuscany to fully enjoy fresh sea fish and seafood at affordable prices.

As a snack, Tuscany offers tourists a huge selection of pizza varieties - pizzerias can be found here at every turn. Dishes that are worth trying in Tuscany include, in particular, Florentine steak, crostini appetizers, Panzanella salad, Ribollita vegetable soup, and Acquacotta thick bread soup. Tuscany is also famous for its wines - these can be red, white, or rosé varieties.


raffaele sergi/Landscapes around Follonica

Travel insurance

When going on a trip to Tuscany or any other part of Italy, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the registration stage tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this:

- online insurance for people traveling abroad and traveling in Russia;

- O online service for selecting and purchasing travel insurance with the ability to compare offers from various insurance companies;

You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer. Insurance must be attached to the visa documents, and you must also have it with you at the time of entry. passport control upon arrival at the airport. Please note that the minimum amount of insurance coverage for a trip to European countries (including Italy) is 30 thousand euros. Medicine in Italy is paid and quite expensive, so having insurance with you is not a luxury, but a necessity.


Graeme Maclean/Apuan Mountains

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

Photo at the beginning of the article: heipei

Amazingly fresh air, bright sun, organic products, aromas of herbs and spices floating everywhere, friendly and good-natured people local residents- these words can describe one of the most picturesque regions of Italy.

The capital of the Tuscany region and its administrative center is Florence. The entire territory of the region is divided into ten provinces, each of which has its own characteristics. One is famous for its thermal springs, the other for its vineyards and olive groves, the third for its cheeses and sausages, and the fourth... The list goes on for a long time!!! In general, the Tuscany region is an agricultural and livestock-raising area, although there are also industrial areas.

Who has visited at least once under the Tuscan sun, he will never be able to forget its vast expanse, winding roads with cypress trees growing along the sides, lonely farms among endless, colorful fields, incredibly tasty Tuscan wine, morning bird chirping and locally produced culinary delights!

  • It turned out that over time, the Tuscan dialect remained closest to the Latin language. Other languages ​​were not able to have much influence on its development. Moreover, during the late Middle Ages, it was the Tuscan dialect that became fundamental for the literary language of Italy. Great Italian poets - Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio - wrote their works on it. After the creation of the united kingdom of Italy in 1861, literary Tuscan became the official language, as the Milanese novelist Alessandro Manzoni stubbornly insisted on. By the way, spoken Tuscan has noticeable differences from the literary version of the dialect.
  • The Tuscany region is famous for its nature reserves, which are home to wild boars and deer. Animals can often be found on country roads, and therefore no one is even surprised at the large number of original warning signs. By the way, you need to drive on local highways carefully, otherwise an unexpected animal running out could damage your car. And if it is accidentally knocked down, the driver will not be able to avoid a huge fine.
  • Tuscany is considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarotti, Sandro Botticelli and Donatello, Galileo Galilei and Machiavelli, Dante Alighieri and many other equally significant personalities were born here. By the way, the storyteller Carlo Collodi, who wrote about Pinocchio (in our opinion, Pinocchio), was also born in Tuscany, like the famous opera composer Puccini.

Cities of Tuscany

A little history

The territory of modern Tuscany has been inhabited since ancient times. Tools dating back to the Paleolithic era were found here. It is assumed that back in the sixth millennium BC. local craftsmen traded ceramics with representatives of other communities. The makings of the Apennine culture arose in the Bronze Age along with the advent of the Italic tribes. Artifacts discovered by archaeologists indicate the development of metalworking during the Iron Age.

In the eighth century BC. Etruscans began to settle in the lands of Tuscany. Then the territory received the name Etruria. The tribes had a developed culture and engineering art, as evidenced by various types of structures and necropolises that have survived to this day. During their time, cities were built, roads were laid, and swamps were drained. The Romans subsequently adopted a lot from the Etruscans, including customs and rituals.

Once upon a time, the Etruscans ousted aboriginal tribes, including the Umbrians, from their lands, forcing them to move to the eastern regions. But in the third century BC. The ancient Romans were able to defeat highly civilized tribes, putting an end to their further development. But they did not destroy civilization itself, taking advantage of its fruits. The Romans occupied Etruscan cities and founded new ones, including Florence, but after the Western Empire collapsed, Tuscany was deserted. In the future, whoever owned its territory.

IN different time the main cities were now Pisa, now Lucca, now Siena, constantly fighting for primacy with Florence. Free republics, duchies, counties and marquisates appeared and disappeared. One dynasty replaced another until the Kingdom of Italy was formed in the second half of the 19th century. From that moment on, the history of the Tuscany region turned in a different direction.

When to go to Tuscany

Tuscany weather

In winter in Tuscany the temperature hardly drops below zero, although the nights can be cold. Snow falls extremely rarely, but hail in early spring quite possible to see. It can be a little rainy from November to March, but this is not the rule, but rather the exception. In summer, temperatures rise to within thirty degrees during the day and 18-20 degrees at night. Spring and autumn weather, practically perfect. Swimming season lasts from June to October. There are much more sunny days during this period of time than in winter.

In fact, Tuscany is beautiful at any time of the year. In summer, travelers will find the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea, in winter - ski resorts. Visitors are provided with recreation and treatment almost all year round. thermal springs, and lovers of culinary delights are regularly invited to try Tuscan cuisine and, of course, Chianti - wine made from grapes grown in the local open spaces and gained strength in local wine cellars.

In autumn, the olive harvest in Tuscany is full, so those who wish can take part in the preparation of oil and take home a bottle of freshly squeezed olive oil. The lands of Tuscany are rich in truffles and chestnuts, here you can taste wild boar, pheasant or venison... There is no point in listing all the delights - you just need to come and experience all the charm of Tuscany!

Here you can relax peacefully on the farm, participating, if you wish, in harvesting, making cheese or pressing wine. You can do active recreation, traveling around valleys, hills and nearby picturesque villages on a bicycle or horse. Fortunately, there is something to see! Particularly active tourists will be offered to go to the mountains or go hiking, and for lovers fine art Tuscany has rich art galleries, various museums and basilicas... There is a tourism destination for every season!

Tuscany on the map of Italy

Geographically, Tuscany is located in Central Italy. It is located northwest of the Lazio region, south of Emilia-Romagna, west of Umbria and Marche. The Tuscany region borders the Tyrrhenian Sea; its vast territory is home to picturesque valleys, hills and mountains, the most significant of which are the Apennine ranges and the Apuan Alps. In total, mountainous terrain occupies almost a quarter of the territory, the flat part accounts for less than ten percent, and the hilly part accounts for two-thirds of the total area.

In terms of population size and number of people per square kilometer, the Tuscany region ranks in the middle compared to others Italian regions. In terms of area occupied, it is in fifth place out of twenty. The territory of Tuscany covers almost 23 thousand sq. km, the number of inhabitants, according to data for 2013, reaches 3.7 million people.

How to get to Tuscany

Large international airports located in the western suburbs of Florence (Amerigo Vespucci), Siena (Ampugnano) and Pisa (Galileo Galilei). Before settlements You can get there by public transport, take a taxi or order a transfer. Travelers often fly to Rome, from where they take a train or bus to their destination.