6 great ways to see Tuscany

It’s great that Inntravel provides such a wide selection of holidays to Tuscany, one of Italy’s favourite regions. But this means that it can sometimes be tricky to choose the one that’s right for you! So here’s my perspective on each of the trips we offer, which should help you to narrow down the choice.

1. Hill-top Towns of Tuscany (grade 1-2 hotel-to-hotel walking; 7 nights)

An absolute classic and the first of Inntravel’s walking holidays in Tuscany, in fact in all of Italian-speaking Italy, this leisurely route has remained more-or-less unchanged since the mid-90s. Taking in the iconic sights of San Gimignano and Siena, it provides a hugely enjoyable introduction to the region. Or choose Strolling Through Tuscany, a shorter version of this holiday, for a great first experience of Tuscany and the concept of a walking holiday – we guarantee you will soon come back for more!

2. Bologna to Florence (grade 2-3 hotel-to-hotel walking; 8 nights)

Starting in Emilia-Romagna, this long-distance route (more suitable for experienced walkers) heads south to reach the regional capital of Florence. You enter Tuscany via the little-visited Mugello Hills and cross the magical hillsides of Fiesole, where you stay overlooking Florence, before a final push into the magnificent Piazza della Signoria. A shorter, 4-night version, Through the Mugello Hills to Florence, is also available (grade 1-2).

3. Timeless Tuscany (grade 1-2 centre-based walking; 7 nights)

Perfect for anyone looking for a more flexible itinerary (on a centre-based holiday you don't have to walk every day if you don't want to), this holiday offers the best of both worlds: charming accommodation away from the crowds, but with easy access by rail to cities such as Florence, Siena and Pisa. What's more, you can use your hire car for cultural visits closer to 'home', making for a very varied week of gentle walks, city sightseeing and visits to hill-top villages and vineyards.

4. Historic Orvieto & Hidden Tuscany (grade 1-2 hotel-to-hotel walking; 7 nights)

Set deep in Tuscany’s southern reaches – and criss-crossing into Umbria & northern Lazio – this is an extraordinary and lesser-trodden route, taking you along Etruscan sunken paths and cart tracks via a string of stone-built villages set in splendid isolation.

5. Tuscany on Two Wheels (grade 2 hotel-to-hotel cycling; 7 nights)

This is classic Tuscany on a bike, taking you across rolling landscapes via some of the region’s must-see sights, such as San Gimignano and Siena. The last couple of days take you south into the remote Crete Senesi, along some of the most glorious (and traffic-free) backroads in the entire region. The route, while inevitably hilly, is packed with interest, and the daily distances are not long. Our 4-night cycling break, A Flavour of Tuscany, is a shorter version of this holiday.

6. Or take a pick’n’mix approach

Remember that our holidays are highly flexible, so it’s possible to combine itineraries for a more in-depth exploration of the region if you wish. You can add extra nights to any of the itineraries I have outlined, and I would highly recommend a short stay in Pisa or Lucca for sightseeing, especially if you are flying via Pisa. Buon viaggio!

Further information

Walking in Tuscany
For a holiday combining culture, gastronomy and walking, Tuscany is the perfect choice. Take your pick from the itineraries described by Paul above, browse our website and give us a call if you would like to know more.
More about our walking holidays in Tuscany >

Cycling in Tuscany
Offering an appealing mix of history, great art and delicious cuisine, Tuscany is the ideal destination for a fascinating and varied holiday on two wheels.
More about our cycling holidays in Tuscany >