Looking for somewhere to bring your special someone for a romantic getaway? Look no further than Italy’s Tuscan Region, covering the northeastern part of the country. Apart from the history and fine wine, visitors can stay at some of the very best villas in Tuscany for the ultimate getaway.
Whether you’re looking for a quick vacation or a place to spend your honeymoon, this part of Italy is for you. Keep reading and discover a travel tips to keep in mind before planning your getaway.
Splurge on Accommodation
Tuscany is an expensive place to take a holiday. And value for money tends to increase with the more you spend. Rather than try to cut back and save on costs, splash out on something memorable. The cost of a boutique hotel will cost over $150 per night anyway. Why not double the budget and get a luxurious villa or stay at a classier establishment. Everyone deserves a taste of the fine life every once in a while; Tuscany makes an ideal place to do it.
Plan What Time of the Year You Want to Visit
This tip doesn’t apply to everyone. Instead, it helps with those looking to arrange a trip later in the year. Each season comes with its own distinct flavour. Summer usually gets the most tourists to bask in the pleasant temperatures and sunny days. Both spring and autumn feature magic of blooming flowers and the leaves changing colour. Christmas usually turns into a winter wonderland. Planning a trip to coincide with the seasons will enhance the type of experience you have. Can anything be more romantic than a glass of wine on your balcony overlooking a blanket of orange and yellow leaves?
Get a Set of Wheels
This suggestion applies to almost every tourist to Tuscany. If you have a car, it gives you the flexibility to explore the best of the region. From the historical old towns to castles and vineyards, the region is best explored by car. Get online and research the quaint towns and villages and surprise your special someone with a serendipitous day trip. After leaving the city, expect almost deserted country lanes and undulating hills. Check out San Gimignano and Siena in Tuscany too.
Save the Road Trip for Next Time
Ideally, if you want to have a more romantic experience, it might be better to base yourself in one location. While it can be tempting to explore as much of the region as possible, this type of travel isn’t consistent with romance. Base yourself in Florence and take day trips to some of the villages and towns as suggested above. Or find a cosy spot to stay the night in one of the charismatic towns. If you do want to drive around and explore Tuscany to the fullest, come back again another time. You should be prioritising on fine-dining and experiences rather than sitting behind the wheel of a car.
Not Sure What to Do? Rent a Bike
If you visit in the summer, one of the best ways to explore Tuscany is on the saddle. Bicycle rentals are available in Florence and other major destinations. You can either explore the city or head out along the country lanes. A favourite activity is cycling to the next town for lunch and returning in the late afternoon. Or buy some lunch from the supermarket and have a picnic next to the vineyards. Either way, cycling offers a different experience and perspective on the Tuscan region which adds to the romance. And to top it off, when you pedal rather than drive, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint.
Make the Most of Tuscan Wine
When the region produces tens of thousands of bottles of wine each year, it presents the opportunity to become a connoisseur for the day. Head to the supermarket and you’ll find familiar names as well as local brands lining the shelves. Grab a bottle and sip a glass or two in the early evening. Or, for a more hands-on experience, you can take a tour to one of the wineries. Options include visiting independently or joining a wine tasting tour. The second is better for obvious reasons. If you’re spending two or three days in Florence, getting out of the city to try some of the local drink is a must. And when you find the bottle you like the most, bring a couple back to replicate the romance back home. The best places to visit from Florence include Biondi Santi, Salcheto and Antinori Chianti Classico.
Have an Idea of What You Want to Do
And finally, don’t just turn up in Tuscany and go with the flow. That approach to travel doesn’t work on a short getaway. When you consider how big the region is and the diversity of attractions, it’s a better idea to plan a rough itinerary. You don’t need to go into too much depth, but it pays to have a sense of the types of activities you want to do and when. For example, why not research the restaurants near your accommodation before getting on the plane? Then as soon as you land, you know exactly where to go.
Embracing the Romance in Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. Offering a diverse range of experiences, it’s a magnet for couples on short breaks to honeymooners. Follow the suggestions in this article, and you’ll be able to have the best holiday imaginable. Remember to book somewhere nice to stay, rent a car (or a bike) and make the most of the region’s wine.
