The Tuscan hills are the symbol of Italian rural beauty, a picture-postcard landscape of gentle slopes, rows of cypress trees, rolling vineyards and medieval villages perched on top of green luscious hills. This region is a true paradise for those who love nature, good food and even better wine. In this article, we explore the most fascinating experiences the Tuscan hills have to offer, including breathtaking views, food and wine tours and visits to places rich in history and culture. 

Discovering natural landscapes: hiking and walking in the hills 

The Tuscan hills provide endless opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. The routes wind through vineyards, woods and olive groves, offering spectacular views and the chance to get in touch with nature. 

Take on the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route through Tuscany, or explore nature reserves, such as Berignone-Tatti or the Lucciola Bella Nature Reserve. If you love trekking, consider climbing Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano that dominates the surrounding landscape. 

Exploring the Val d'Orcia: the heart of Tuscany 

The Val d'Orcia is perhaps the most iconic valley in Tuscany, a dream landscape that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its rolling Tuscan hills, cypresses, and picturesque villages, such as Pienza, Montalcino and San Quirico d'Orcia, the Val d'Orcia represents the essence of Tuscany. Visit Pienza, known as the ‘ideal city’ of the Renaissance, and Montalcino, famous for Brunello, one of Italy's finest wines. Don't miss the opportunity to take photographs from the belvedere of San Quirico d'Orcia, one of the valley's most impressive viewpoints. 

Tasting wine in the Chianti hills: a wine lovers’ dream 

The Chianti hills are world-famous for the production of Chianti Classico, a robust and delicious red wine. The region is dotted with vineyards, olive groves and Tuscan wineries offering wine tastings and guided tours. Why not enjoy a guided tour of one of the many historic cellars? From there you will be able to discover the secrets of winemaking and taste the best Chianti wines. While you are there make sure you try the locally produced olive oil, it’s world-class! 

Visiting medieval villages: picturesque and unique 

The Tuscan hills are dotted with medieval villages that seem to have stood still in time. Among the most fascinating are San Gimignano, Volterra and Montepulciano. These villages offer a perfect blend of art, culture and gastronomy, with ancient, cobbled streets, imposing towers and breathtaking views over the hills. Start your exploration in San Gimignano, famous for its 14 towers that dominate the landscape. Then spend a day in Volterra, known for its alabaster workmanship and its Etruscan origins, or head over to Montepulciano is famous for its Vino Nobile, another top-quality red wine. Each one of these delightful Tuscan hill towns is well worth a visit and won’t disappoint, each one unique and beautiful in its own way. 

Tuscan thermal baths: rest and relax in nature  

Tuscany is renowned for its natural thermal spas, many of which are located in the hills. These spas, often open-air and free of charge, are the ideal place to relax after a day of exploring. Visit the Terme di Saturnia, with its famous Mulino waterfalls, or soak in the warm waters of Bagno Vignoni, a unique spa town where the main square is a large thermal pool. Other options include the Terme di Rapolano and the Terme di Bagni San Filippo. So, lay back and soak up the healing properties of the thermal waters after a day of exploring. Pure bliss! 

Savour the delights of Tuscan cuisine 

Tuscan cuisine is simple but rich in authentic flavours and centuries of tradition. Typical dishes include Florentine steak, fresh pasta called pici, the well-loved vegetable and bread soup ribollita and local cured meats, such as Cinta Senese ham. Each meal is an experience that celebrates the products of the Tuscan hills, accompanied, of course by excellent wines. Buon appetito! 

After savouring the delights that the Tuscan hills have to offer, perhaps you’d like to take a taste home with you? Take advantage of the Shop & Fly service: choose and purchase your favourite products online at competitive prices and collect them comfortably at the airport, enjoying a 10% discount (cannot be combined with other offers).  

As we have seen from this article, the Tuscan hills have it all, excellent cuisine, beautiful wines and the opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes. Not to mention soaking those weary bones after a long day of exploring. What’s not to love? 

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