Luxury Villas in Tuscany to Rent

About Tuscany

Tuscany needs no introduction. Here, some of Italy’s most iconic cities and picturesque towns break up the rolling hills. And charming Medieval villages intersperse row after row of vineyards and olive groves. These classic landscapes were made famous by the Renaissance artists centuries ago. But their irresistible attraction still lures visitors back year after year. Tuscany’s principal cities – Florence, Siena and Pisa – are amongst the most famous cities in the world. They have a wealth to offer visitors. But to fully experience Tuscany, it is necessary to explore its rural heartland too. Not only that. Visitors should also not forget Tuscany’s impressive coastline too. Tuscany’s western border is flanked by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, beaches stretch from Forte dei Marmi in the North to the Orbetello Lagoon in the South. The good news is that we have Tuscany villas for rent in all these fantastic locations.

Cities in Tuscany

Florence

The capital of Tuscany, Florence is one of the world’s most famous cities with a skyline that is instantly recognisable. Its beauty and history is unrivalled. You could spend a fortnight in Florence and still not see everything there is to see. But, for those that don’t have quite that time to do it justice, take a look at our guide to spending 48 hours in Florence.

A good starting point for any visit to Florence is the central Piazza del Duomo. Here you will discover not just the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore itself but also the adjacent Campanile and Baptistry. From here, you can choose to explore some of Florence’s galleries and museums. Some of the most famous include the Uffizi, Galleria dell’ Accademia (home to the statue of David), Museo dell’ Opera and Palazzo Vecchio. But there are a host of other smaller museums to get lost in too. For perspective, the city has over 70 in total!

Just as impressive as Florence’s museums are its churches, many of which are home to just as incredible works of art. The Churches of Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Santo Spirito and San Lorenzo would be our top four but there are over 100 to discover.

Alternatively, you could opt to shop until you drop whilst in Florence. Either choose to browse through all the goods on sale at Florence’s numerous markets or take a stroll along the Ponte Vecchio to admire the numerous jewellery stalls. Or head to our favourite pharmacy – the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica. Established in 1221 by Dominican monks, it can also claim to be the world’s oldest pharmacy.

Or, if you fancy a calmer pace of life in the city, enjoy the peace and quiet of Florence’s numerous parks. The Boboli Gardens and Giardino delle Rose are our favourites.

However you want to spend your time in Florence, it’s worth reading our Florence travel guide to help you make the most of your time in this stunning city.

Pisa

Attracting over 5 million visitors per year, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is Italy’s second most visited tourist attraction. It has certainly ensured that Pisa is one of the world’s most iconic cities. However, there is so much more to Pisa than just its tower. Discover all the other things to see and do in the city in our guide to spending 48 hours in Pisa.

Siena

Siena is one of our favourite Italian cities. Start your visit in the Piazza il Campo, which plays host to the city’s most famous annual event – the Siena palio. Whilst here, climb the 102 metre tall Torre del Mangia to enjoy a captivating view over the city. And then, from here, head to the Duomo. Its interior is just as beautiful as its striking black and white striped facade. Siena’s streets fan out from this central square . Discover the other gems that the city has to offer by enjoying a stroll through them all. Plan your visit to Siena using our guide to spending 48 hours in Siena.

Towns and villages in Tuscany

As well as the larger cities, there are numerous other smaller towns and villages in Tuscany well worth exploring too. Our A to Z of the towns and villages in Tuscany will tell you all you need to know. And our luxury Tuscany villas for rent will provide the perfect base from which to do so.

Beaches in Tuscany

Whilst images of Tuscany usually conjure up rolling hills and vineyards, Tuscany’s beaches are just as worthy of a visit. They are just as diverse as Tuscany’s rural interior. In the North, the beaches sit against the backdrop of the Apuan Alps. Moving south, you then have the Versilia beaches and resorts such as Forte dei Marmi. These are popular amongst wealthy Italians who enjoy the pristine beach clubs and lively nightlife. And then, as you continue south again, you reach the long sandy beaches of the Pisan Coast, following by the beautiful beach towns of the Etruscan coast. And then, in the very south, you have the Maremma region of Tuscany. This is arguably where you will find Tuscany’s most unspoilt beaches. Pure white sand sits nestled between the sea and the pine forests behind.

Things to do in Tuscany

We think Tuscany ticks all the boxes. Foodies will love the Chianti wines and incredible food. Outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers staying in one of our Tuscany villa rentals will enjoy the hikes and cycle rides of rural Tuscany, not to mention the water sports along its coast. Culture vultures won’t be able to get enough of the art and architecture in Florence and Tuscany’s other towns and cities. And children will love the many activities on offer too. From zoos to water parks and from aquarium visits to meeting Tuscany’s most famous puppet – Pinocchio – there is plenty to keep little ones entertained. Discover our guide to the top 10 family days out in Tuscany. Or for older kids, there’s a guide to visiting Tuscany with teens too.

And whilst Tuscany may be one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations, there are still plenty of gems to discover off the main tourist trail too. Discover the top 60 things to do in Tuscany on the Bookings For You blog.

When to visit Tuscany

There is no bad time to enjoy a Tuscany villa holiday – it’s just that each season offers something different for holidaymakers.

We love visiting Tuscany in the Spring. The idyllic rolling hills never look more beautiful than in the Springtime thanks to the abundance of flowers in bloom. Temperatures are also pleasant. Certainly in late Spring, you can expect to be able to enjoy a spot of sunbathing whilst also touring the sights of the region without getting hot and bothered!

In Summer, the weather is at its hottest and sunniest, making it ideal for lazy days by the pool at your luxury Tuscany villa. However, the temperatures can mean that sightseeing in the largest cities in Tuscany becomes pretty unpleasant – Florence when it’s over 30 degrees centigrade is certainly exhausting! You should also expect Tuscany to be at its busiest in July and August so expect to deal with plenty of other holidaymakers when out exploring. Autumnis not unlike the Spring when it comes to weather, making it ideal for sightseeing. The fall colours also bring a new beauty to the Tuscan countryside. Our Tuscany villas are the perfect setting from which to enjoy the beauty of the region at this time of year.

Winter is when you can expect Tuscany to be at its quietest. Because of the region’s dependency on tourism, don’t be surprised to find some businesses closed during the Winter months. However, don’t let this put you off. It’s one of the best times to explore Tuscany’s major cities – Pisa, Florence and Siena. You’ll be mixing much more with locals rather than other holidaymakers but this will give your Tuscany holiday a much more authentic feel. Plus, many of our Tuscany villas for rent have original fireplaces, perfect for cosying up to after a day spent out and about. And, even better, Tuscany villa rentals tend to offer exceptional value for money in the Winter months too.

Frequently asked Questions

What is Tuscany known for?

Home to some of the world’s most famous cities – Florence, Pisa and Siena – Tuscany is synonymous with the art and architecture that each is home to. However, it’s also known for the rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and picturesque Medieval villages that abound in its countryside. Tuscany is less known for its coastline but it can also boast some pretty impressive beaches too. The good news is that we have Tuscany villas for rent to make the most of all Tuscany has to offer.

Is Tuscany an expensive holiday destination?

Tuscany doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday option and the region can certainly cater for all budgets. If you are watching the purse strings, then there are some great ways to save money on your Tuscany villa stay. Travel during the shoulder season (April through to June or in September and October) and you will find Tuscany villas for rent are much cheaper. We also recommend you stay outside the major cities and instead opt to base yourself in the countryside. Eat with the locals rather than in the tourist trap restaurants is another great tip. And remember, whilst some of the larger Tuscany villas can, at first sight seem expensive, when you break it down per person, they can actually offer great value for money.

What airport do I fly to for Tuscany?

Tuscany has two main airports – Pisa (Galileo Galilei International Airport) and Florence (also known as the Amerigo Vespucci Airport or Peretola). However, you could also fly into an airport in a neighbouring region when staying in one of our Tuscany villas. Bologna airport in Emilia Romagna, for example, is just a 90 minute drive from Florence. Or Rome in neighbouring Lazio is less than a 90 minute drive from southern Tuscany. And in Umbria, Perugia airport is less than an hours drive from the Tuscan border.

What month is best for visiting Tuscany?

There is no bad month to visit Tuscany – it’s just that each month offers something different. However, our favourite months to stay in one of our Tuscany villas are May, June and September. This is when tourist numbers are less but the weather should still be gloriously sunny with lovely temperatures, perfect for both sunbathing and exploring. If you’re restricted by school holidays, the peak Summer months of July and August are still lovely, especially if you like the heat. But expect it to be at its busiest then. If you want to visit without the crowds, then consider visiting Tuscany in the Easter, or the May or October half terms.