Experiencing Tuscany like nobody else requires a combination of exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, immersing yourself in the local culture, and engaging in unique activities. Here are some tips on how to do it:
Visit Lesser-Known Towns and Villages: While popular destinations like Florence, Pisa, and Siena are must-see locations, Tuscany has many charming towns and villages that are less crowded and offer a more authentic experience. Consider visiting places like Lucca, Monteriggioni, Colle di Val d’Elsa, Montepulciano, and San Gimignano or Castellini in Chianti. Did you know, for example, that you can rent a bike and ride all along the top of the walls of the city of Lucca taking in the entire city and beautiful landscape all around? Or that Colle di Val d’Elsa is famous for its crystal and produces 15% of the world’s crystal? Or that Monteriggioni is one of the most important walled medieval cities in Italy?
Stay in a Tuscan Villa: Skip the crowded hotels and opt for the comfortable luxury of a vacation residence like Villa Ardore. Particularly well suited for groups of friends or family traveling together, a vacation villa in Tuscany provides a private accommodation, away from the tourists, with space for all to enjoy-- ideal for hosting a milestone event like a destination wedding, birthday or anniversary. A villa stay gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the region's stunning countryside at your own pace. Centrally located, nearly equidistant from Florence and Siena in the beating heart of Chianti, Villa Ardore offers an excellent home base from which to explore all of Tuscany.
Go Wine Tasting in Chianti: Tuscany is known for its exceptional wines, and the Chianti region is home to some of the best, especially Chianti Classico. At Villa Ardore, we have relationships with several local wine-makers and know the families that own them, personally. When booking through Villa Ardore, it’s not just a wine tour and tasting, it’s an exploration of the vineyards, an immersion in the history of wine-making and the experiences and journey it took to make a successful wine business, in addition to hours of fun talking with the owners while enjoying vin santo, limoncello or grappa under the Tuscan sun.
Attend a Local Festival or Event: Tuscany hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and wine to music and art. Villa Ardore’s Tuscany travel curation team will help keep you in the know about what is happening in Tuscany during the time you plan to stay or can help you decide what time of year would be best for you, based on your interests. In the meantime, check the local calendar to see what's happening during your visit so you can attend an event to experience the local culture.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tuscany: For a unique perspective of the region, take a hot air balloon ride over the countryside. You'll get stunning views of the vineyards, hills, and medieval towns. Villa Ardore’s Tuscany travel curation team can help you arrange this unforgettable experience.
Learn to Cook Tuscan Cuisine: Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. At Villa Ardore, you can take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and bistecca alla fiorentina.
Drive the Chiantigiana and Explore Chianti’s Countryside: If you're a car enthusiast or car collector, rent a high-performance Ferrari through Villa Ardore. Experience the sensory exhilaration of navigating the winding roads of the Tuscan countryside, where every turn unveils another spectacular view. Traverse the Chiantigiana, the famous road that connects all of Chianti’s medieval wine towns, and end your journey at a centuries-old castle where you will be treated to a private wine-tasting and tour of the castle followed by dinner. Or, dine at one of Chianti's famous Michelin or Michelin noted restaurants. Relax and enjoy your evening out, as Villa Ardore will also arrange for pick-up of your Ferrari and provide car service home after dinner.
By following these tips, you can experience Tuscany in a way that is unique and unforgettable.
