Tuscany

Italy

Tuscany offers a quintessential Italian experience with rolling hills, historic towns, world-class wineries, and incredible art and cuisine. It's a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and culinary delights, ideal for scenic drives and leisurely explorations.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$150/day
Luxury$1000/day

Known For

FlorenceSienaChiantiUmbriaRomeVenice

🇮🇹 Country Information: Italy

CapitalRome
CurrencyEuro (€)
LanguageItalian , German, French, Slovene, Ladin, Albanian, Greek, Sardinian, Catalan
Phone Code+39
Electricity230V (Type C, F, L)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
  • 10% in restaurants for good service; rounding up taxi fares; 1
  • 2 euros per bag for porters; 1
  • 2 euros per night for hotel housekeepers

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments; cash is still common for smaller purchases and local markets
  • It is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller towns and certain local vendors
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites
  • "Fare la bella figura" (making a good impression) is important, so dress neatly
  • Meals are social events and can be lengthy; wait to be seated in restaurants
  • Italians often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks among friends and family

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Italy recognizes civil unions for same-sex couples, but not marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited in employment.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18
  • Drug laws are strict, even for small amounts; penalties include heavy fines and imprisonment

Special Laws

  • It is mandatory to carry identification at all times
  • Driving in ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) without a permit can result in fines
  • Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas

Common Phrases

NoNo (noh) No
YesSì (see) Sì
HelloCiao (chah-oh) Ciao
PleasePer favore (pehr fah-voh-reh) Per favore
Excuse meMi scusi (mee skoo-zee) Mi scusi
Thank youGrazie (grah-tsee-eh) Grazie

Climate

General classification for the region, which has variations but is broadly Mediterranean/Subtropical.

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Bistecca alla Fiorentina must_try

A thick-cut, flame-grilled T-bone steak, typically sourced from Chianina cattle. It is famously served very rare, often accompanied by cannellini bean

Ribollita regional_speciality

A hearty, thick Tuscan soup made from stale saltless bread, cannellini beans, and various vegetables like kale and cabbage. The name means 'boiled sev

Lampredotto street_food

A Florentine delicacy made from the fourth stomach of the cow, typically boiled in broth, sliced, and served in a crusty roll. It is a traditional str

Cantuccini with Vinsanto dessert

Hard almond biscuits (cookies) that are baked twice until crunchy. They are traditionally dipped briefly into Vinsanto, a sweet Tuscan dessert wine, f

Chianti Classico alcohol

One of Tuscany's well-known red wines, produced in the Chianti region, often enjoyed with regional dishes like Bistecca alla Fiorentina. Its robust ch

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Tickets (Florence) Attraction
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

These are two of the most visited museums in Italy, and advance reservation is required for timed entry to avoid extremely long lines or selling out, especially during peak tourist season.

Florence Duomo Complex (Brunelleschi's Dome Climb) Attraction
Book 2 weeks to 2 months in advance

The Dome climb has strictly limited capacity and time slots that sell out days or weeks in advance, making it the most critical part of the Duomo complex to reserve.

Siena Palio Grandstand or Balcony Tickets seasonal_event
Book 3-12 months in advance

This historic horse race occurs only twice a year (July and August) and secured viewing spots (grandstands, balconies) are extremely limited, highly sought after, and expensive, selling out far in advance.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore Tuscany?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip