In This Guide
Tuscany is more than just rolling hills and Renaissance art—it's a living, breathing experience waiting to be explored. After helping hundreds of guests plan their perfect Italian getaway, we've curated this guide to the very best tours and experiences the region has to offer.
Whether you're dreaming of sipping Chianti in ancient cellars, learning to make fresh pasta from a Florentine nonna, or hunting for prized truffles in the autumn forest, this guide will help you find experiences that go beyond the tourist trail.
Wine Tasting Tours in Chianti
No visit to Tuscany is complete without exploring its legendary wine country. The Chianti region, stretching between Florence and Siena, produces some of Italy's most celebrated wines. Here are the experiences worth your time:
Chianti Wine Tour from Florence with Lunch
Visit two prestigious wineries in the heart of Chianti Classico, enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch, and explore the medieval village of Greve in Chianti. Includes transportation and all tastings.
Sunset Wine Tasting in a Medieval Castle
Experience wine tasting as the Tuscan nobility did—in an authentic 11th-century castle. Watch the sunset paint the hills gold while sampling Super Tuscans and aged Brunello.
Insider Tips for Wine Tours
- Best months: September-October for harvest season atmosphere
- Book small groups: Tours with 8 or fewer guests get better access to cellars
- Don't drive: Let someone else handle the winding Chianti roads after tastings
- Ask about Super Tuscans: These premium blends are Tuscany's best-kept secret
Types of Tuscan Wines to Try
- Chianti Classico DOCG – The iconic Sangiovese-based red from the historic zone
- Brunello di Montalcino – Powerful, age-worthy wines from south of Siena
- Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Elegant reds with notes of cherry and violet
- Super Tuscans – Bold blends that broke Italian wine rules and won the world
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano – Crisp white wine perfect for Tuscan summers
Tuscan Cooking Classes
Learning to cook in Tuscany isn't just about recipes—it's about understanding a centuries-old culture where food is family, tradition, and art combined. These hands-on experiences will transform the way you cook at home.
Florence Cooking Class: Pasta & Tiramisu
Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch and authentic tiramisu in a Florentine kitchen. Includes wine, a full meal of your creations, and recipes to take home.
Tuscan Farmhouse Cooking with Market Tour
Start at Florence's Sant'Ambrogio market, then head to a countryside farmhouse to prepare a 4-course Tuscan feast. Pick vegetables from the garden and dine with vineyard views.
What You'll Learn to Make
- Fresh pasta – Tagliatelle, pappardelle, ravioli, and more
- Classic sauces – Ragù alla Bolognese, cacio e pepe, pesto
- Tuscan antipasti – Bruschetta, crostini, and olive tapenade
- Traditional mains – Bistecca alla Fiorentina, ribollita soup
- Iconic desserts – Tiramisu, panna cotta, cantuccini
Truffle Hunting Experiences
Truffle hunting is one of Tuscany's most magical experiences. Join expert tartufai and their trained dogs as they search oak forests for "black gold" and white truffles. It's an adventure that ends with an unforgettable truffle-infused feast.
San Gimignano Truffle Hunt & Lunch
Hunt for truffles in ancient forests near San Gimignano with a local expert and his beloved truffle dogs. Finish with a 5-course truffle lunch paired with local wines.
Truffle Seasons in Tuscany
- White truffles (Tuber magnatum): October - December (most prized, most expensive)
- Black winter truffles: November - March
- Black summer truffles: May - August
- Best overall time: Mid-October to early November for the truffle festival season
Florence Art & History Tours
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, and experiencing its treasures with an expert guide transforms a museum visit into a journey through one of humanity's greatest creative explosions.
Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery Tour
See Botticelli's Birth of Venus, da Vinci's Annunciation, and Michelangelo's works with an art historian guide. Skip lines that can stretch for 3+ hours in peak season.
Florence Duomo Complex: Dome Climb & Tour
Climb Brunelleschi's magnificent dome—an engineering marvel still studied today. Includes skip-the-line access to the Baptistery, bell tower, and rooftop terraces.
Best Day Trips from Florence
While Florence deserves days of exploration, the surrounding Tuscan countryside calls with medieval hill towns, pristine beaches, and landscapes that inspired Renaissance masters.
Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip
Tuscany's greatest hits in one perfect day. Explore Siena's Gothic splendor, wander San Gimignano's medieval towers, and taste Chianti wines with lunch included.
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
Visit the colorful fishing villages clinging to the Ligurian coast. Includes train tickets, boat ride between villages, free time to swim, and optional hiking.
Hidden Gem Experiences
Beyond the famous attractions, Tuscany hides extraordinary experiences known mainly to locals. These are the tours our guests rave about most.
Vespa Tour Through the Tuscan Countryside
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn on a vintage Vespa tour through Chianti's back roads. Stop at family wineries, olive oil producers, and medieval villages that tour buses can't reach. It's the most romantic way to experience Tuscany.
Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Float silently over the Tuscan hills as the sun rises, painting the landscape in shades of gold and amber. Land in a vineyard for a champagne breakfast. It's unforgettable—and sells out months in advance.
Private Olive Oil Harvest Experience
During October and November, join a Tuscan family for their annual olive harvest. Pick olives by hand, watch them pressed into emerald oil, and taste the freshest olive oil you'll ever experience—still warm from the press.
Ready to Experience Tuscany?
Browse thousands of tours and experiences with free cancellation on most bookings
Explore All Tuscany ToursBooking Tips & Best Times to Visit
When to Book
- Peak season (June-August): Book 3-4 weeks ahead for popular tours
- Shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct): Book 1-2 weeks ahead
- Winter (Nov-March): Same-week bookings often available
- Uffizi & Accademia: Always book skip-the-line tickets in advance
Best Months for Each Experience
- Wine tours: September-October (harvest) or April-May (spring blossoms)
- Truffle hunting: October-November (white truffle season)
- Cooking classes: Year-round, but spring and fall offer best market produce
- Hot air balloons: May-October (best weather conditions)
- Cinque Terre: May-June or September (avoid August crowds)
Money-Saving Tips
- Book tours that include lunch—Tuscan restaurant prices add up quickly
- Small-group tours (8-12 people) offer better value than private tours
- Look for "combo" tours that bundle multiple experiences
- Viator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours on most experiences
- Morning tours are often cheaper than sunset experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Tuscany for tours?
The ideal times are April-June and September-October. Spring offers wildflowers and pleasant weather, while autumn brings the grape harvest and truffle season. Summer (July-August) is hot and crowded, while winter offers lower prices but some attractions may be closed.
How much do Tuscany wine tours cost?
Wine tours typically range from €80-200 per person for a half-day experience, and €150-350 for a full day with lunch. Premium experiences with private transportation can cost €300-500. Most tours include visits to 2-3 wineries with tastings.
Should I book tours in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (May-October). Popular experiences like Uffizi skip-the-line tickets, cooking classes, and small-group wine tours often sell out weeks in advance. Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead for most tours.
Are tours in Tuscany available in English?
Yes, the vast majority of tours are offered in English. Many also offer Spanish, French, German, and other languages. Check the tour description for available languages.
Can I cancel a tour if my plans change?
Most tours through Viator offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. Always check the specific cancellation policy when booking.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links. If you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue providing free travel guides and recommendations. We only recommend experiences we've personally vetted or that come highly rated by verified travelers.
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