Tuscany Car Hire

Guide of Tuscany

Geography

Tuscany, located in central Italy, has a population of about 3.8 million people and an area of about 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 square miles). Florence (also known as Firenze) serves as the regional capital. The Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas surround Tuscany, and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago run along the western side of the Apennines. The Apuan Alps are home to the highest peak in the area, Monte Pisanino (1946 metres).

Climate in Tuscany

A light Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters prevails in the towns along the picturesque Tuscan coast, while a sub-light Mediterranean climate and a highland climate coexist in the interior. The coastal areas have a mild climate, while the interior is harsh and rainy, with large seasonal temperature swings.

Culture

The Etruscans, who arrived in the area around 1000 B.C.E., are the ones responsible for giving the region its current name, Tuscany. They called it Etruria, while the Roman Empire adopted the name Tuscia for official use. The Romans dominated the region for several hundred years. Despite suffering numerous invasions during the Middle Ages, Tuscany played a pivotal role in bringing civilization back to Europe during the Renaissance era.

Things To Do in Tuscany

Explore the stunning city of Florence

Spend some time in Florence, the capital city! The city has a lot to offer and can easily keep you busy for a few days. For example, walk around and get lost in the cobblestone streets until you reach the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. It is not only one of the city's primary symbols, but it is also a picturesque location! The bridge is well-known for its fine jewellery stores, street food, and goldsmith shops. So, if you want to buy Tuscany souvenirs, this is the place to do it!

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tuscany is well known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. If you are permitted to climb it, we highly suggest you do so! When you reach the summit after climbing 250 inclined stairs, you will get a better knowledge of the innards of the leaning tower and panoramic perspectives! It's a fascinating and one-of-a-kind experience! Climbing the tower takes around an hour and costs about 20 euros. After you've finished visiting this monument, enjoy a guided tour of the nearby sights, including the Baptistery and the Cathedral.

Get a bird’s eye view of the Tuscan countryside

If you want to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit Tuscany while in the air! Sign up for a hot air balloon ride in Val Di Pesa, around 30 minutes from Florence. This trip will allow you to soar over the countryside and admire Tuscany from 2,000 feet in the air! Prepare to be awestruck by the stunning views of Tuscany's vineyards, quaint towns, and old castles. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine somewhere in the countryside at the completion of the trip; it's the icing on the cake!

Eating Out in Tuscany

“Cucina povera” is the name given to the food of Tuscany; it translates to "poor cooking." This idea dates back to a period when Tuscany was generally an impoverished area of Italy. However, while Tuscan cuisine may be poor in ingredients, it is rich in flavour! Wild game including deer, pheasant, and wild boar are often roasted and used in Tuscan pasta sauces or as the main dish, il secondo. Mixed-meat platters or rabbit or duck cooked in wine make for excellent main courses, but the Bistecca Fiorentina deserves special mention. The Osteria Le Logge in Siena, Tuscany, is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in Italy. In addition to the local pasta with cheese and truffle-based meals, you must try the aubergine-stuffed rabbit. You could also inquire about touring the wine vaults. Visit Arnolfo in Colle di Val D'Elsa for world-class fine dining. This Michelin-starred eatery has been delighting diners since 1982. The chief cook here, Gaetano Trovato, is a culinary prodigy who creates mouthwatering meals using only native ingredients like fermented garlic, watermelon, mint, and caviar.

Transport

Airport

There are two international airports in Tuscany: Pisa International Airport (PSA) and Florence Airport (FLR), however many people choose to travel to Rome, Bologna, or Milan and then hire a vehicle and drive down to Tuscany.

Getting Around Tuscany

You can travel around Tuscany by bus or rail. The largest cities of northern Tuscany, such as Florence, Pistoria, Lucca, and Livorno, are readily accessible by train. Within the cities, you can get around by Vespa, bicycle, or on foot. However, many visitors opt to hire a car if they are travelling in a large group or are on a tight schedule.