Tuscany flights and travel guide

Medieval villages hidden behind towering cypresses and miles of emerald vineyards, Italy's prized Toscana has remained virtually unchanged since the days of the Renaissance. And long before tourists became enraptured by it the region of Tuscany was home to many of Italy’s greatest artists including Michelangelo and Leonardo de Vinci.

Florence, the capital, is the first stop for travellers taking flights to Tuscany. Renowned for being the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is a living art gallery with museums in every piazza and Baroque churches dotted throughout. Wine aficionados can drive to Chianti from Florence where the famous red wine is produced, then head south to Siena the home of the elegant Palazzo Pubblico, Tuscany’s tallest tower. Music aficionados should book a flight to Tuscany in summer when the international Siena Jazz festival is in full swing.

The lesser known, but equally as fascinating, other Tuscan cities are also well worth a visit. A short drive from Florence is the preserved city of Lucca. Nestled between olive groves and wineries the city was once an important stopover for pilgrims and crusaders travelling from the north of Europe. Arezzo, in the east, is where the famous inventor of modern musical notation Guido d'Arezzo was born. Every summer the city plays host to one of Italy’s most important events, a medieval jousting tournament - the Giostra del Saracino.

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Tuscany Climate

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When to Fly to Tuscany

Peak Season:
July and August are the peak months of Tuscany's high season which runs from April to mid-October. The evenings tend to be cool and provide relief from the heat and pollution.

Easter week is also a very busy time, and busloads of schoolchildren arrive from March to May to visit the museums and historical sights. If you're planning on visiting during peak season, book Tuscany flights far in advance.

Off Season:
The shoulder season is April to June and September and October. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

December is cold and crisp, but the rest of the winter tends to be cold and damp.

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Getting Downtown Tuscany

Car: The region of Tuscany is best explored by car. Most travellers find it easier to fly into Florence and hire a car from there. Car hire companies can be found in the airport and at major train stations. While this might sound like an easy option, remember that driving in Italy isn’t for the faint-hearted: drivers can be aggressive and the winding roads can seem rather daunting. But apart from that, driving allows you to explore the countryside and its charming small towns and wineries.

If you opt to drive, bear in mind that the rules of the road are slightly different in Italy than in the UK. If a driver speeds up behind you and flashes the headlights that’s a signal to slow down and let the driver overtake you. On highways you must stay on the right lane, the left lane is used only for passing. The speed limit around towns and cities is 31 miles per hour, while on the highway it’s 68 miles.

Train: Italy’s train system is probably the best in Europe so take advantage of it as much as you. Around Tuscany there are some destinations that are connected by train but check online at Trenitalia (www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html) before you arrive. Two types of tickets are available: andata (one-way) and andata e ritorno (round-trip).

Bus: Most of the Tuscan bus lines are based in Florence very close to Santa Maria Novella train station. When travelling within smaller towns the regional buses - pullman and autobus - are used. Bus stops are generally found in the main piazzas. On a country road it’s common to flag a passing bus if you can’t find a stop sign.

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Tuscany Insider Information

• Head to Monte Argentario, which was once an island. Visit its two charming towns - Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. For those looking to splurge you can charter a private yacht at the Cala Galera Marina in Porto Ercole or take a ferry to the island of Giglio.
• Wine connoisseurs can’t miss a trip to Montalcino home of Italy’s famous Brunello red wine. While there, stop by the 14^th century fortress, Rocca, which has a wine bar where visitors can sample some vintage wine from the region.
• Outdoor enthusiasts should hike up to Fiesole, a small town that sits above the city of Florence. The town was made famous after a scene in the movie A Room with a View was shot there. Visit the Roman baths, Roman theatre, Palazzo Comunale and Il Duome which contains St. Romulus’s shrine.
• Fans of Frances Mayes' books Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany should visit the medieval town of Cortona where both books were set. Dubbed  the "City of Art," this small town has museums and palazzos that house fascinating Etruscan remains and 15^th century Italian art.

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Tuscany Airports

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