The Best Things To Do in Tuscany Besides Wine Tasting

Wine tasting may be one of the most iconic things to do in Tuscany, but it is far from the only reason to visit this beautiful region of Italy. Beyond the vineyards, Tuscany is filled with Renaissance cities, medieval hilltop towns, thermal hot springs, cooking classes, artisan workshops, scenic countryside drives, truffle hunting, and unforgettable food experiences.

This guide covers the best things to do in Tuscany besides wine tasting, whether you are planning a romantic countryside escape, a first trip to Florence and the Val d’Orcia, or a slower itinerary built around culture, food, and beautiful landscapes.

Take a Tuscan Cooking Class

A Tuscan cooking class is one of the best things to do in Tuscany besides wine tasting, especially if you want a deeper connection to the region’s food culture. Instead of simply enjoying the pasta, olive oil, pecorino, and seasonal produce that Tuscany is known for, a cooking class gives you the chance to learn the traditions behind them, from handmade pasta and rustic sauces to regional dishes like pici, pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, and cantucci.

You can find cooking classes throughout Tuscany, from elegant kitchens in Florence to countryside farmhouses in Chianti, Siena, Montepulciano, and the Val d’Orcia. If you are staying in a city and do not have a car, a Florence cooking class is the easiest option. For a more romantic, immersive experience, book a class at a countryside agriturismo where the day often begins with a garden walk or market visit before gathering around the table for a long, relaxed meal.

This is a beautiful option for couples, families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to bring a piece of Tuscany home with them. Plan for at least half a day, especially if the experience includes transportation, a market visit, or a multi-course lunch. Many of the best cooking classes are intimate and book up in advance, so it is worth reserving early, particularly during spring, summer, and early fall.

Best for: Food lovers, couples, families, and first-time visitors

Where to book your Tuscan cooking class: Florence, Chianti, Siena, Montepulciano, or the Val d’Orcia

Booking tip: If your Tuscany itinerary includes a slower stay in the countryside, I would prioritize a cooking class outside the city. There is something so memorable about learning to make pasta in a farmhouse kitchen, then sitting down to enjoy it with local olive oil, wine, and views of the hills around you. It feels less like an activity and more like a true Tuscan afternoon.

Go Truffle Hunting in Tuscany

Truffle hunting is one of the most memorable things to do in Tuscany besides wine tasting, especially if you love food experiences that feel rooted in place. Instead of sitting down for a traditional tasting, you head into the woods with a local guide and trained truffle dog to search for one of Tuscany’s most prized ingredients. It is a slower, earthier side of the region, and it gives you a beautiful look at the connection between the land, the seasons, and Tuscan cuisine.

Some of the best areas for truffle hunting in Tuscany include San Miniato, the Crete Senesi, Chianti, and the countryside around Siena and San Giovanni d’Asso. Depending on the season, you may find different varieties of truffles, with autumn being especially popular for white truffles. Many truffle hunting experiences end with a long lunch or dinner, where freshly shaved truffles are served over pasta, eggs, risotto, or simple Tuscan dishes that let the flavor shine.

This is a lovely experience for couples, food lovers, and travelers who want something more intimate than a classic sightseeing day. Plan for at least half a day, especially if your truffle hunt includes a meal afterward. Since truffle hunting is seasonal and often arranged through small local guides or farms, it is best to book in advance and confirm what type of truffle may be available during your visit.

Best for: Food lovers, couples, and unique countryside experiences

Where to book your truffle hunting experience: San Miniato, Chianti, Crete Senesi, Siena, or San Giovanni d’Asso

Booking tip: I recommend choosing a truffle hunting experience that includes a meal afterward. The hunt itself is special, but the magic really comes together when you sit down to a simple Tuscan lunch and taste the truffles you just searched for in the woods. It is one of those experiences that feels quiet, local, and very different from the more polished side of Tuscany.

Visit the Saturnia Hot Springs

Visiting the Saturnia hot springs is one of the most beautiful things to do in Tuscany besides wine tasting, especially if you want a wellness experience surrounded by nature. Located in southern Tuscany’s Maremma region, Saturnia is known for its warm thermal waters, which flow through a series of natural limestone pools at Cascate del Mulino. The setting is rustic yet romantic, with steaming turquoise water, soft mineral terraces, and rolling countryside all around.

The most famous place to visit is Cascate del Mulino, the open-air thermal waterfall that you have probably seen on social media. It’s free to access and open to the public, which makes it incredibly popular, especially during peak travel months. For a more polished experience, you can also visit one of the nearby thermal spa resorts, where you will find more amenities, changing facilities, loungers, treatments, and a quieter atmosphere.

This is best planned as a half-day or full-day experience, depending on where you are staying. Saturnia is easiest to visit by car, especially if you are already exploring southern Tuscany, Maremma, Montepulciano, or the Val d’Orcia. If you are coming from Florence, it is a much longer journey, so I would only recommend it if you are building it into a broader countryside itinerary rather than trying to squeeze it into a rushed day trip.

Best for: Wellness lovers, couples, photographers, and countryside road trips

Booking tip: If you want the dreamy, photogenic version of Saturnia, arrive early before the crowds build.

Soak at Bagni San Filippo

Bagni San Filippo is another beautiful thermal hot spring to visit in Tuscany, and it feels a little quieter and more tucked away than Saturnia. Located in the Val d’Orcia, this small village is known for its natural thermal pools and dramatic white calcium formations, especially the famous Fosso Bianco, where warm mineral water flows through the forest and gathers in a series of rustic pools.

The most recognizable feature is the Balena Bianca, or “White Whale,” a large white limestone formation created by the thermal waters over time. The landscape feels almost otherworldly, with pale mineral deposits, steaming water, and a wooded setting that makes the experience feel more natural and less polished than a traditional spa. It is not luxurious in the resort sense, but it is incredibly atmospheric.

Bagni San Filippo is a wonderful addition to a Val d’Orcia itinerary, especially if you are already visiting Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, or San Quirico d’Orcia. It is best reached by car and works beautifully as a relaxed morning or afternoon stop between hill towns. Like Saturnia, the natural pools are rustic, so bring a towel, water shoes, and a change of clothes if you plan to soak.

Best for: Wellness lovers, couples, nature lovers, and Val d’Orcia road trips

Booking tip: Bagni San Filippo is ideal if you want a thermal spring experience that feels more hidden and earthy than Saturnia. I would pair it with a slow day in the Val d’Orcia, perhaps visiting Pienza or San Quirico d’Orcia before ending with a warm soak in the forest. It is simple, natural, and best enjoyed without expecting a polished spa environment.

Explore Florence’s Museums and Renaissance Landmarks

Florence is one of the best places to experience Tuscany beyond wine tasting, especially if you love art, architecture, history, and beautiful city wandering. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is filled with world-famous museums, frescoed churches, elegant piazzas, and masterpieces that make it feel like an open-air museum. Even if you are using Florence as a starting point for the Tuscan countryside, it is worth dedicating at least a full day to the city’s cultural landmarks.

The Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery are two of the most iconic museums in Florence, especially for first-time visitors. The Uffizi is best for Renaissance paintings and works by artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo, while the Accademia is most famous for Michelangelo’s David. Beyond the major museums, you can visit the Duomo, climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome, wander through Piazza della Signoria, cross the Ponte Vecchio, or spend time at Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens.

Florence is ideal if you want a non-wine activity that still feels deeply connected to Tuscany’s history and identity. You can see the highlights in one full day, but two or three days gives you more time to enjoy the city slowly, especially if you want to balance museums with shopping, long lunches, and aperitivo along the Arno.

Best for: Art lovers, history lovers, first-time visitors, rainy days, and travelers without a car

How long to plan: One full day, or two to three days if Florence is your base

Booking tip: If you only have one day in Florence, choose one major museum rather than trying to see everything. The city is best enjoyed with breathing room, so pair the Uffizi or Accademia with a slow walk through the historic center, a beautiful lunch, and golden hour from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Visit Scuola del Cuoio, Florence’s Historic Leather School

For a more refined shopping and craftsmanship experience in Tuscany, visit Scuola del Cuoio, Florence’s historic leather school. Tucked inside the complex of Santa Croce, this beautiful workshop is one of the most meaningful places to experience Florence’s long tradition of leather craftsmanship. Instead of simply shopping for a souvenir, you can see artisans at work and learn more about the techniques behind hand-finished bags, wallets, belts, jackets, and accessories.

Scuola del Cuoio was founded after World War II as a way to teach practical leatherworking skills to war orphans, and today it remains one of Florence’s most special places to appreciate the artistry behind Italian leather. The setting alone is worth visiting, with its historic rooms, artisan benches, and elegant Florentine atmosphere. It feels worlds away from the more tourist-heavy leather shops you will find around the city.

This is a lovely thing to do in Florence if you want a cultural activity that also includes shopping. You can stop in briefly while exploring Santa Croce, or spend more time browsing the collection and watching the artisans work. It is especially worthwhile if you are looking for a beautiful leather piece to bring home from Tuscany, but want the experience to feel thoughtful rather than rushed.

Best for: Shopping, craftsmanship, Florence culture, and meaningful souvenirs

How long to plan: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Booking tip: Check ahead if you are interested in a tour or workshop, but casual visits to the shop are usually easy to fit into a Florence itinerary. I would pair Scuola del Cuoio with a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce, then continue with a long lunch or coffee nearby. It is a beautiful way to experience Florence beyond the major museums, especially if you love pieces that have a story behind them.

Spend a Day in Siena

Siena is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany besides wine tasting, especially if you want to experience the region’s medieval history, architecture, and atmosphere. While Florence is known for its Renaissance grandeur, Siena feels more intimate and old-world, with winding stone streets, warm brick buildings, Gothic churches, and one of the most beautiful main squares in Italy.

The heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped square where Siena’s famous Palio horse race takes place twice each summer. Even outside of Palio season, the piazza is a wonderful place to sit for coffee, people-watch, or simply take in the beauty of the city. From there, you can visit the Siena Cathedral, climb the Torre del Mangia for sweeping views, explore the historic contrade neighborhoods, or wander slowly through the narrow streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and traditional restaurants.

Siena works beautifully as a day trip from Florence or as a stop on a longer Tuscany road trip. It is also a lovely base if you want to explore Chianti, San Gimignano, the Crete Senesi, or the Val d’Orcia without staying in a larger city. Plan for at least half a day, though a full day gives you more time to enjoy the city without rushing.

Best for: History lovers, architecture, day trips, first-time visitors, and medieval town charm

How long to plan: Half day to full day

Booking tip: Reserve tickets in advance for the Siena Cathedral complex if you are visiting during busy travel months. Otherwise, Siena is best enjoyed slowly. Start in Piazza del Campo, visit the cathedral, then leave time to get a little lost in the side streets.

Explore San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful hill towns in Tuscany and a wonderful place to visit if you want something atmospheric beyond wine tasting. Known for its medieval towers, stone streets, and sweeping countryside views, the town has a storybook quality that makes it one of the most memorable stops on a Tuscany itinerary. It is often called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because of its striking skyline, though the experience itself feels much softer: quiet lanes, artisan shops, scenic overlooks, and cafés tucked into centuries-old buildings.

The best way to experience San Gimignano is to wander without too strict of a plan. Start in Piazza della Cisterna, the town’s beautiful main square, then make your way toward Piazza del Duomo, the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, and the Torre Grossa, where you can climb for panoramic views over the Tuscan countryside. San Gimignano is also known for saffron, ceramics, and gelato, so leave time to browse the shops and stop for something sweet between sightseeing.

San Gimignano works beautifully as a half-day trip, especially if you are driving between Florence, Siena, and the Tuscan countryside. It can get crowded during the middle of the day, particularly in high season, so it is best visited in the morning or later in the afternoon when the tour groups begin to thin out. While it is popular, it still feels absolutely worth visiting, especially for first-time travelers to Tuscany.

Best for: Medieval charm, photography, hill town wandering, first-time visitors, and scenic views

How long to plan: Half day

Booking tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience, and reserve lunch ahead if you want a more upscale meal in town.

Visit Pienza and the Val d’Orcia

Pienza and the Val d’Orcia offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Tuscany. This part of southern Tuscany is known for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, honey-colored villages, sweeping viewpoints, and soft countryside landscapes that feel almost too perfect to be real. If you are dreaming of the classic Tuscan views you have seen in photographs, this is where you will find them.

Pienza is one of the most charming towns to visit in the Val d’Orcia, with pretty stone streets, romantic viewpoints, small boutiques, and excellent pecorino cheese. Spend time wandering through the historic center, stopping along the panoramic path behind town, and browsing the local shops before sitting down for a slow lunch. From there, you can continue to nearby towns like San Quirico d’Orcia, Bagno Vignoni, Montepulciano, or Montalcino, depending on how much time you have.

This area is best explored by car, especially if you want to stop at scenic viewpoints, countryside roads, and smaller villages along the way. If you’re not renting a car, I highly recommend getting around via private transfer, with Daytrip. You can visit Pienza as a half-day stop, but the Val d’Orcia is most beautiful when you give it a full day or, ideally, a few slow days to enjoy the region without rushing.

Best for: Scenic drives, photography, couples, slow travel, and classic Tuscan landscapes

How long to plan: Half day to full day, or two to three days if staying in the area

Booking tip: Pienza is one of my favorite places to recommend for a slow afternoon in Tuscany. Go without overplanning, wander the side streets, stop for pecorino, and leave time for the panoramic walk just outside the historic center.

Drive the Cypress-Lined Roads of Tuscany

A scenic countryside drive is one of the most beautiful things to do in Tuscany besides wine tasting, especially if you want to experience the landscapes that make this region so iconic. Tuscany is filled with winding country roads, golden fields, olive groves, stone farmhouses, and rows of cypress trees that seem to frame every view. Sometimes the most memorable part of a Tuscany itinerary is not a major landmark, but the quiet drive between one hill town and the next.

One of the most famous cypress-lined roads in Tuscany is the Viale dei Cipressi in Bolgheri, a long, elegant avenue leading toward the historic village. It is a beautiful stop if you are exploring the Tuscan coast or the Maremma area. For more classic Val d’Orcia scenery, drive between towns like Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Monticchiello, Montepulciano, and Montalcino, where you will find some of Tuscany’s most recognizable countryside views.

This is best done with a rental car, since the magic is in the freedom to pull over, take photos, visit small villages, and follow the roads without rushing. Plan at least a half day if you want to enjoy the drive properly, or build it into a full day with lunch in Pienza, a stop in Bagno Vignoni, and sunset somewhere in the Val d’Orcia.

Best for: Photography, couples, scenic road trips, slow travel, and classic Tuscan landscapes

Where to drive: The Val d’Orcia, Bolgheri, Maremma, Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Montepulciano,

How long to plan: Half day to full day

Booking tip: Build one day of your Tuscany itinerary around the drive itself. Choose two or three towns, reserve a beautiful lunch, and leave the rest of the day open for scenic stops. This is where Tuscany feels most romantic: not rushed, not overly planned, just rolling hills, cypress trees, and golden light around every bend.

Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tuscany

A hot air balloon ride is one of the most romantic and unforgettable things to do in Tuscany. Floating above the countryside gives you a completely different perspective of the region, with views of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, medieval villages, and cypress-lined roads slowly unfolding below you. It is a peaceful, cinematic experience and a beautiful option if you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Most hot air balloon rides in Tuscany take place early in the morning, when the air is calm and the light is soft. Depending on the company and departure location, you may fly over areas near Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, or the Val d’Orcia. The exact route usually depends on the weather and wind conditions that day, which is part of what makes the experience feel so unique. After landing, many tours include a light breakfast or celebratory toast, making the morning feel even more special.

This is best for travelers who want a memorable splurge activity and are comfortable with an early wake-up call. Because hot air balloon rides are weather-dependent, I recommend booking this earlier in your trip rather than saving it for your final day in Tuscany. That way, if conditions are not ideal, you may have the option to reschedule.

Best for: Couples, honeymoons, special occasions, photography, and bucket-list experiences

Where to book your hot air balloon tour: Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, or the Val d’Orcia

How long to plan: Early morning to half day

Booking tip: Schedule your balloon ride toward the beginning of your Tuscany itinerary in case it needs to be moved due to weather. I would pair your hot air balloon ride with a slow countryside day afterward, perhaps with lunch in a hilltop town or time relaxing at your hotel or agriturismo. Since the morning starts early, keep the rest of the day light and unrushed.

Take an Olive Oil Tasting or Farm Tour

An olive oil tasting is one of the best non-wine experiences in Tuscany, especially if you love food, countryside stays, and learning more about the ingredients that shape the region’s cuisine. Olive oil is at the heart of Tuscan cooking, and visiting a local farm or olive grove gives you a deeper appreciation for something that often feels simple on the table but is deeply connected to the land, season, and local tradition.

Many olive oil tastings take place at family-run farms, agriturismos, or countryside estates where you can walk through the olive groves, learn how extra virgin olive oil is made, and taste different oils with bread, vegetables, or simple Tuscan dishes. Some experiences are brief and easy to add to a day of sightseeing, while others include a longer farm tour, cooking class, lunch, or visit during the harvest season.

This is a wonderful option if you want a food experience that feels local and relaxed without centering the day around wine. You can find olive oil tastings throughout Tuscany, especially in areas like Chianti, Lucca, Siena, the Val d’Orcia, and the countryside around Florence. It also pairs beautifully with a stay at a borgo, villa, or agriturismo, where olive groves are often part of the landscape.

Best for: Food lovers, slow travelers, families, countryside stays, and non-wine tastings

Where to book: Chianti, Lucca, Siena, Val d’Orcia, or the countryside near Florence

How long to plan: 1 to 3 hours, or half day if paired with lunch or a farm tour

Booking tip: Look for a tasting that includes a walk through the olive groves or a light meal, rather than only a quick sampling. If you are staying at an agriturismo or countryside hotel, ask whether they produce their own olive oil or can arrange a local tasting nearby.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Tuscany Besides Wine Tasting

While Tuscany is world-famous for its vineyards, some of the most memorable experiences in the region have nothing to do with wine at all. From cooking classes and truffle hunting to thermal hot springs, hilltop towns, artisan workshops, olive oil tastings, and scenic drives through the Val d’Orcia, there are so many beautiful things to do in Tuscany besides wine tasting. Whether you are planning your first Tuscany itinerary, a romantic countryside escape, or a slower trip through Florence, Siena, Pienza, and the surrounding villages, this region offers endless ways to experience its culture, food, landscapes, and timeless charm. Wine may be part of the story, but Tuscany is just as unforgettable when explored through its quiet roads, local traditions, handmade crafts, and long, golden afternoons in the countryside.

The Ultimate Guide To Tuscany

If you’re dreaming of Tuscany but don’t want to spend hours piecing together where to stay, what to book, and how to plan your route, my 50+ page Ultimate Guide to Tuscany was made for you. Inside, you’ll find curated recommendations for Florence, Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Val d’Orcia, and beyond, including charming hotels, wineries, restaurants, day trips, countryside experiences, and practical tips to help you plan a beautiful, effortless trip through one of Italy’s most magical regions.