Your curated guide to the best things to do in Tuscany, from wine tastings and cooking classes to private tours and experiences.
Whether you’re staying in Florence, exploring Chianti, or wandering through medieval hill towns, the region offers some of the best things to do in Tuscany that go far beyond the usual sightseeing. Below, I’ve curated my favorite highly-rated experiences, private tours, and cooking classes across Tuscany — Everything on this list is bookable directly, and each experience has been chosen for its quality, authenticity, and it’s five-star reviews.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tuscany, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re staying in Florence, exploring Chianti, or wandering through medieval hill towns, the region is full of incredible experiences that go far beyond the usual sightseeing.
Private Brunello di Montalcino Tour from Florence
Spend a full day immersed in Tuscan wine country with this private Brunello di Montalcino tour from Florence. You’ll visit three family-run estates to taste Brunello and other regional wines, wander the medieval village of Montalcino, and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch. Everything is planned for you — tastings, lunch, and a local driver, so you can simply relax, sip, and take in the rolling hills around you.
Tuscany Vespa Tour from Florence
f you’ve ever dreamed of gliding through the Tuscan countryside on a classic Vespa, this full-day experience is exactly that kind of magic. The day includes scenic photo stops, a guided walk through the medieval village of San Gimignano, and free time to explore on your own. You’ll finish with a light Tuscan lunch at a local winery, paired with regional wines and olive oils.
Horseback Riding & Lunch in Chianti and San Gimignano
If you’re craving a slower, more immersive way to experience Tuscany, this full-day countryside escape is such a beautiful option. You’ll spend the morning on a gentle horseback ride through the vineyards, olive groves, and soft rolling hills of Chianti. Afterward, the tour brings you to San Gimignano for a little wandering, followed by an authentic Tuscan lunch paired with local wines.
Private Chianti Safari: Off Road Tuscany Wine Tour
On this private 4WD Chianti wine safari, you’ll trade the typical countryside tour for an off-road adventure through Tuscany’s backroads. With round-trip transfers from your Florence hotel, you’ll visit three Chianti wineries (including historic villas, one with 600 years of history) and taste nine wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and extra virgin olive oil. You’ll explore ancient cellars, see a working olive mill, and finish with an authentic Tuscan lunch overlooking the vineyards.
Homemade Pasta-Making Class in Florence
During this hands-on cooking class led by a local Florentine chef, you’ll learn how to make fresh Italian pasta completely from scratch. The lesson covers three classic hand-made recipes, including ravioli, tagliatelle, and tortellini — each prepared with two different sauces. When you’re finished cooking, you’ll sit down to enjoy a full meal featuring everything you’ve created, paired with organic Tuscan wine.
If you’re craving a deeper, more beautifully curated way to experience this region, I put everything I know into The Ultimate Guide to Tuscany — a comprehensive, design-forward travel companion that goes far beyond the highlights. Inside, you’ll find my most thoughtful recommendations on where to stay, the wineries that are truly worth your time, the villages that still feel untouched, and the kind of itinerary tips that make a trip feel effortless.
