Tuscany is the ultimate fulfillment of the Italian road trip dream. A region where every hillside feels purposefully arranged for visual perfection. This is the origin of the Renaissance, saturating the landscape with centuries of artistic genius. Your wheels move through iconic scenery: beautiful hills, perfect rows of cypress trees and hilltop towns bathed in a signature soft light.
The road is defined by the twisting roads of the Chianti Classico region. It leads you past famed vineyards and picturesque villas. The density of artistic masterpieces is unparalleled in cities like Florence, Siena and Pisa. Further south, the roads of the Val d’Orcia present the Tuscan postcard view. Driving here is an active choice to step into the exact landscape that Renaissance painters chose to immortalize.
Tuscan cuisine is relies on rustic bread, superb olive oil and grilled meats. The world famous Chianti and Brunello wines (made from the Sangiovese grape) are the perfect companion to enjoy this landscape. Every meal and every view confirms the region’s status as a living masterpiece.
Tuscany highlights
- Florence The heart of the Renaissance with landmarks like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. Beyond the famous sights, explore quiet artisan streets in Oltrarno for a more local feel.
- Siena A beautifully medieval city built around its shell-shaped main square, Piazza del Campo. It is also home to the famous Palio horse race and stunning Gothic cathedral.
- Val d’Orcia A landscape of elegant hills, cypress roads and golden fields. Drive between Pienza, Montalcino and Montepulciano for classic Tuscan scenery and wine.
- Chianti Classico Wine Region Drive the scenic roads through the iconic cypress lined hills between Florence and Siena.
- Pisa While the Leaning Tower is iconic, the city also provides peaceful river walks, historic streets and lively student cafés along the Arno.
- Lucca A fully walled city where you can walk or cycle on top of the old Renaissance walls. Inside you will find quiet squares, Roman ruins and great local bakeries.
- San Gimignano A hill town famous for its medieval towers rising above vineyards and olive groves. Its streets and viewpoints feel like a step back in time.
- Elba Island Part of Tuscany yet often overlooked. Elba provides crystal clear water, small fishing villages and mountain roads with sea views. It is also known as Napoleon’s place of exile.
The local Four
History of Tuscany
The Etruscans left behind a strong legacy. Following Roman control, the medieval era saw the rivalry of independent city states like Siena, Pisa and especially Florence. These cities grew rich through wool trade, banking, and sea power.
By the 15th century, Florence became the undisputed cultural capital of Europe, birthing the Renaissance. This spectacular artistic and philosophical movement was largely fueled and funded by the wealth and patronage of the Medici family. The Medici effectively ruled Florence for centuries, transforming the city into a powerhouse of genius. Supporting artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their influence made the Tuscan dialect the official language of Italy.
Florence and the surrounding region were eventually consolidated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which was governed by the Medici and later by the House of Lorraine until unification. Tuscany played a key role in the Risorgimento and Florence briefly served as the capital of unified Italy. When you visit Tuscany, you will discover the historic reflections of the Renaissance.