Tempted by Tuscany?
Whatever type of family trip to Tuscany you’re looking for, our trips cover everything mentioned here and much more.
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Italian artist and polymath Leonardo Da Vinci once said, ‘Tuscany is the ultimate canvas painted with the hues of history and culture’. Put simply, Tuscany is one of the most captivating regions in Italy. Renaissance masterpieces, 12th-century castles, historic (and exhilarating) horseraces. Journeying through its wildflower hills and renaissance towns, you and your loved ones will discover it for yourselves. Whether that’s on foot, by bike, or hot air balloon.
In this ultimate Tuscany travel guide for families, we’ll fill you in on everything from where to stay in Tuscany to the best things to do in Tuscany with kids. Just keep scrolling.
With so many villages, towns, and cities to choose from, pinning down precisely the best places to visit in Tuscany with kids can be overwhelming. But that’s where we come in. As luxury travel experts, we’ve weaved our way (families in tow) along everything from the iconic rolling hills of Val d’Orcia (as shown in Gladiator) to the fourteen medieval towers of San Gimignano. Now, it’s your turn.
The region’s historic capital city (and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance), Florence is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany with kids. A classic ‘must-do’ destination for history buffs and art lovers, Florence boasts countless iconic sites: the Ponte Vecchio with its tiny ‘gioiellerie’ (jewellery shops), the w-shaped hub of Piazza della Signoria, and the spectacular Duomo (or the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, as it’s also known) . But that’s not all.
Keeping everyone (kids included) happy can be tricky. In Florence, that’s not a problem. Brimming with treasures, it instantly becomes a classroom for curious minds to latch onto as you wander and explore. Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves and mastering that all-important toss in a pizza-making masterclass, cycling through the city’s cobblestone streets, or embarking on a private cruise down the River Arno at sunset, there’s never a dull moment here.
For a family vacation in Tuscany with a dash of competitive spirit, Siena is the place to be. Twice a year, the city comes to life with the Palio – a nail-biting horserace of immense theatrical proportions. But, in the interim, there’s plenty of things to keep everybody entertained. Whether you’re embarking on a contrade (district) treasure hunt, ticking off the specific flag, animal and fountain that marks each neighborhood, or uncovering the Renaissance masterpieces of the Sienese School of Painting.
If you’re wondering what to do in Tuscany, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. A rural paradise filled with cypress trees, wheat fields, and Renaissance settlements, you’ll explore to your heart’s content beneath the Tuscan sun. Cycle along gently rolling hills in Val d’Orcia (the filming location of Gladiator), picnic at family-run fattorie (local farms), or take to the skies in a hot air balloon ride over the sweeping vineyards of Chianti. Here, you’ll embrace the rural way of life.
With walls dating back to the 13th century, and the city’s historical center boasting UNESCO World Heritage Site accreditation, San Gimignano is one of our favorite places to visit in Tuscany. Take some time to explore the medieval town and 14 of its perfectly preserved towers with one of our expert local guides as they teach you all about this mesmerising city, where families (and competitive neighbors) would once build towers taller than those of their peers as a show of wealth and status.
When planning a family vacation in Tuscany, deciding on the places you’d like to visit is important, but so is choosing the activities you’d like to experience there. But with Black Tomato, planning a family vacation in Tuscany is easy, with our Travel Experts on hand to tailor every little detail exactly to you. On our ventures, we’ve traversed the region from end to end with our own families in tow – finding the very best experiences for travelers of all ages. Here’s just a few of our favorites.
Kickstart your Tuscany vacation with a private tour of Florence, the region’s mesmerising capital. Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll explore the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and unravel the city’s history , from its establishment in 59BC to its Renaissance revival in the 15th century and modernisation in the more recent years. Climb the 463 steps of Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Cathedral (or, ‘il Duomo’) for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. Perched 100 meters above Florence’s terracotta rooftops, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a realm of ambitious Medici, medieval poetry, and the tucked-away workshops of da Vinci where his inventions were brought to life.
Today, you’ll head south, driving past Tuscan villas, olive groves and lush vineyards to reach Greve in Chianti. Here, you’ll meet Giulietta, your host and cooking instructor for the day. From the grounds of her hillside Tuscan villa, you’ll embark on a private cooking class, hearing captivating tales of Tuscan cuisine and discovering the secrets of family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Learn to prepare focaccia, the technique of making the perfect risotto con zucca, and the ingredients for Giuletta’s one-of-a-kind lasagne. After showing off your culinary talents, you and your loved ones will enjoy the delicious lunch you’ve prepared, accompanied by a glass (or two) of local Chianti Classico Riserva Badia a Passignano wine – for the adults, of course.
Just a stone’s throw from the medieval town of San Gimignano, you’ll set out on a leisurely bike ride through the Tuscan vineyards; marvelling at sweeping views of sunflower fields and clusters of Vernaccia grapes (used to create the area’s renowned white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano). Like with everything, we’ll tailor it entirely to you. With routes for all ages and abilities, a bike ride is the perfect way to discover the more remote areas of the region. Along the way, stop at a secluded spot for a picnic packed with your favorite snacks and drinks.