Tuscany is a remarkable place, and it is probably why you have planned a luxury vacation in a Tuscany villa rental. The finest luxury rentals provide you with an unforgettable opportunity to experience life in Tuscany as if you lived there year round. Your vacation home can have staff to handle meal prep and landscaping or you can book a family getaway and handle many of these things on your own. You will get to savor the flavors, scents, and scenes that make Tuscany a vacation destination, but you should also get out and explore it too.
While you may be wary of hopping into a rental car and tackling Italian driving, there are alternative ways to experience Tuscany, and we’d suggest you consider them to enhance your holiday.
Experience Tuscany From the Air
Have you thought about Tuscany from a bird’s eye view? If not, you should know that there are firms that take travelers over the gorgeous Tuscan landscape in one of the most peaceful ways possible – a hot air balloon. Imagine what you will see as you float quietly above the forests, historic towns, vineyards, and fields of flowers.
Excursions can be as simple as an early morning departure with transfer from your villa or a nearby town, or they can be as exclusive as a hearty breakfast in a local market, a sunrise launch, and a day of exploring the countryside. You can book a picnic lunch, a luxury car to transport you from point to point, and even dinner in one of the historic towns.
From the Driver’s Seat
In addition to seeing Tuscany from the wicker basket of a luxury hot air balloon, you might also partake of a luxury or vintage car tour as well. There are firms that allow you to do the driving or will happily provide drivers to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the amazing scenery.
For example, you can depart from a village like Badesse (in Siena) and enjoy the driving of a professional who handles a car like a vintage Fiat or a modern Ferrari. you can take in the avenues of cypress trees, the rolling hills, the golden wheat fields, and the non-stop beauty while savoring the experience of an authentic Italian vehicle. Heading towards a town like Fonterutol in Chianti, you could see historic sites, olive groves and more. A trip might head towards Castellina with its charming courts and cobbled roads, and there you could call it a day.
Explore the Via delle Volte and its restaurants, walk the old city walls and enjoy lunch. If you wanted to see more of Tuscany in this alternative way, a journey towards Monteriggioni is an ideal choice. This walled town is part of the historic rivalry between Florence and Siena, and it is a wonderful medieval destination. Take in the main square and the gothic church and then end your day with a drive home!
Don’t overlook a day on the road, in a classic or luxury Italian car as a fantastic way to see Tuscany.
From the Path
Of course, the truly slow and peaceful way to enjoy Tuscany is on foot. There are some amazing day hikes that even a family with smaller kids could handle. We recommend the Chalk Hills trail. This hike includes Cosona and Lucignano d’Asso, the monastery of Sant’Anna in Camprena and is an amazingly scenic journey. The Brunello Trail is also amazing, taking you through the most famous vineyards and the walled town of Montalcino. Pass through farms, more wineries and be sure to enjoy any dining opportunities along the way!
Tuscany is not to be seen or experienced in just one way. Though it can be mightily tempting to never step off the grounds of your luxury villa, don’t miss a chance to enjoy this region from the many trails, the sky, or inside an iconic Italian sports car!