Giada's Guide to Tuscany
The rolling hills of Tuscany are Giada’s favorite place to recharge, and the landscape might be Italy’s most idyllic backdrop for a countryside escape. At the heart of the region is its capital, Florence, considered the cradle of the Renaissance thanks to its rich history as a center of art and architecture. Its rugged countryside is equally breathtaking, with scenic valleys dotted with rustic villas, medieval fortress towns, and sun-drenched vineyards and olive groves that we can thank for some of the best Italian wines and olive oils. In addition to Chianti wine, full-bodied reds such as Montalcino and Montepulciano are produced here, along with rich olive oils known for their gentle bitterness and herbal flavors.
One of Giada’s favorite Tuscan towns, Montalcino, is known for its brunello wine, so drink up! It’s also home to great restaurants and shopping. Southwest of Florence, picturesque San Gimignano is a small, walled medieval town in the midst of the rolling hills of Tuscany. Another medieval city, Siena is one of the region’s more crowded destinations but still retains lots of charm (and if you’re searching for somewhere with a bit of nightlife, this is it). Meanwhile, quaint Pienza, with its urban garden-lined alleys of brick and cobblestone, can be combined as a day trip with Montepulciano, a city on a hill that you can only hike up to or reach by bus (cars need to be parked outside of the city’s walls).
Here is our guide to exploring Tuscany, from the art and culture of Florence to the rugged countryside of our favorite small towns.
Get a taste of the region
Tuscan Grill Herb Blend
- Sale Price
- $9.00
- Regular Price
- $10.00
- Unit Price
- per
Organic Pappardelle Pasta
- Regular Price
- from $20.00
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- per
More from Tuscany
Giada's Guide to Florence
Making Florence your home base? See the rest of Giada's recommendations on where to eat, do and stay in Florence