Autumn in Tuscany is a magical time of year and it’s one of the best seasons to visit this magnificent region. It’s a time when you can enjoy the warm colours of the changing landscape, long country walks and visits to medieval towns. Enchanting places like Volterra, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano and Cortona await you in areas where a day of relaxation at one of the luxurious thermal spas offer the perfect opportunity for a regenerating soak or innovative treatment.
The impact of the beauty as you drive through the countryside of the Chianti Region will astound you and added stops at estate vineyards, quaint towns and local trattorias will be sure to satisfy the rest of your senses. Explore the stunning areas of Val d’Orcia, Garfagnana, the forests and villages around Mount Amiata, the scenic national park of Casentino, Camaldoli, Mount Penna and the picturesque La Verna sanctuary.
Autumn is also the busiest season for harvesting and gathering the natural treasures of the land; grapes, olives, chestnuts, porcini mushrooms, truffles, fruit and vegetables all find their way from the vineyards, woods and gardens to the Tuscan table. The grape harvest brings the first bottles of Vino Novella (Novella Wine) which both locals and visitors like sipping while munching on a few roasted chestnuts! The seasonal cuisine is excellent and celebrated not only in all of the kitchens of Tuscany but also at various events and festivals throughout the region and beyond.
MAIN EVENTS
- Piazza Buondelmonti in Impruneta is home to one of the most famous wine festivals of the Region. The Festa dell’Uva (Grape Festival) is held in September is celebrated with music, dancing and spectacular parades.
- San Miniato hosts its famous White Truffle Fair in November and provides a wonderfully mouth-watering opportunity to taste traditional recipes, buy local products and participate in truffle hunting.
- If you are a truly passionate cyclist you may want to register well in advance for L’Eroica, the most historic bike race in Tuscany which is held on the white gravel roads of Chianti near Gaiole in Chianti in October. Racers use vintage bikes to recreate the heroic past of the “Giants of the Road”. See our Biking Tours for more details.
- In October, Vivo d’Orcia has a colourful festival in traditional costume which includes a friendly lumberjack competition of log cutting and more.
- The Rooster Festival of Camigliano is on the first Sunday of October and includes a not to be missed antique game called druzzola and other traditional medieval games, along with a scrumptious selection of local dishes.
- A steam locomotive starting in Pistoia can take you to the Chestnut Festival in the town of Marradi every Sunday in October.
- You can indulge in mushrooms, chestnuts and wild berries during the month of October at the festivals in Palazzuolo Sul Senio and Garfagnana.
- The Eurochocolate Festival in Perugia takes place in October and is the biggest chocolate tasting celebration if all of Europe! This event attracts thousands of visitors every year and booking accommodation, transportation and tickets well in advance is fundamental.
ADVICE
-See our Experiences, Day Trips and Destinations for more marvelous ideas.
-Museum visits are best pre-booked and a richer experience if you choose a guided tour with an art expert.
-Siesta is a part of Italy and many shops are closed from 1pm to 4:00pm.
-Please remember that advance reservations are necessary for many of the popular festivals and events.
Contact Tuscany Travelist if you want to save time, remove the stress of driving and the frustration of finding parking during your holiday or day trip. Let us know the dates and we’ll give you a free estimate for your transportation. If you book with us, we’ll be happy to assist you in perfecting your travel plans.