Spring is a wonderful time to visit Tuscany. The temperature is pleasant, Easter is celebrated with culinary delights, events and festivals, flowers are in bloom, mother nature has painted the landscape every shade of green and it’s the best season to explore medieval cities, towns and castles. Discover enchanting cypress-lined roads and Tuscan heritage in places like Chianti, Valdichiana, San Quirico and Asciano. Visit the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Medici family villas at Cafaggiolo and Trebbio, the village of Vinci where Leonardo was born and Vespignano, Giotto’s birthplace. Art and history lovers will be overwhelmed with the choice of museums, including Florence’s Galleria degli Uffizi, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and archaeological areas like the Etruscan sites in Fiesole and Cortona.

Get off the beaten track in the quaint small towns of Sorano, Lari and Suvereto where you can take some time to shop at one of the street markets or sit in a pretty square and taste a heavenly homemade gelato. Buy a few local products like olives, percorino cheese, salami and wine before you pick a nice spot for an afternoon picnic in one of the Florentine parks like Le Cascine or Il Parco Mediceo di Pratolino or, opt for a delicious Tuscan lunch of homemade pasta or a traditional meat dish with a smooth local wine in Mugello where you can enjoy a walk or paddle around Lake Bilancino after your meal. You may decide to search for the perfect wine around the beautiful countryside of the Chianti or Bolgheri Region where new growth covers the vineyards and wine tastings are enhanced by the local history of the old cellars and ancient villas.

A rainy day provides the perfect excuse to unwind at one of the thermal spas or resorts located in the Siena territory. The most renowned ancient spas in Tuscany are: Saturnia (between Siena and Grosseto), Bagno Vigoni (south of Siena), Chianciano Terme (between Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana), Rapolano Terme (on the border of Chianti and Val di Chiana), San Casciano dei Bagni (near the Umbrian border), Casciana Terme (near Pisa), Montecatini and Monsummano Terme (near Lucca) and Venturina Terme (province of Livorno). Treat yourself to a relaxing and peaceful break. Aside from enjoying the regenerating pools, you may decide to pamper yourself with a mud treatment or a rejuvenating massage with scented oil or hot rocks.

Immerse yourself in nature with an invigorating hike in the mountains of Garfagnana near Lucca, overlooking the coast in the Apuan Alps, in the wild area of Maremma or along the ancient pilgrim trail of the Via Francigena. Take a leisurely stroll through the rolling hills of Tuscany or in one of the lovely gardens; we highly recommend Boboli Gardens, Villa Bardini museum and garden, Villa Reale di Marlia and Villa Torrigiani. The month of May is harvest time for beekeepers, so you may choose to visit a bee farm and learn about the honey making process first-hand or, if you’re a butterfly enthusiast, take a ferry to Elba Island and see the Butterfly Sanctuary; a popular path which is home to many butterfly species. Last but certainly not least, if biking is your passion, a ride along the historic 200 km Eroica Road in the Chianti Region or the postcard perfect roads in the area of the Crete Senesi is mandatory.

MAIN EVENTS

• Small towns like Lupicciano and Montefioralle are known for their Italian Father’s Day celebrations on the 19^th of March.
• The Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) is an Easter day event held in Florence which dates back 300 years. An elaborate wagon is towed through Florence in the morning behind four white oxen decorated in garlands to the main square by the dome. The cart explodes with fireworks at 11am, when a dove-shaped rocket shoots down a cable from the Cathedral altar and enters it at top speed.
• The Nature Train starts up its old steam engine in the spring and travels through the areas of Crete Senesi, Val d’Orcia and Monte Amiata and offers interesting itineraries that are combined with local fairs, festivals, exhibitions and markets throughout the season.
• The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino is a music festival in Florence which lasts two months and starts in May. It’s held in the Teatro dell’Opera and it’s the oldest music festival in Italy. Pre-booking is recommended.
• The crossbowmen of Sansepolcro meet in Gubbio (Umbria) for the Palio della Balestra on the last Sunday in May where they compete against the crossbowmen of Gubbio. Traditional costumes are worn, antique weapons are used and the atmosphere is festive. This medieval competition is also held in Sansepolcro on the second Sunday in September when they meet for a second competition.
• On June 16 at sundown countless candles on Pisa’s bridges, doors and windows are illuminated for the Luminara di San Ranieri candlelight festival and it’s one of the most magical and romantic events in Tuscany.
• June is also the month when the patron saint of Pisa is celebrated during the Regatta of Saint Ranieri along the Arno river in which four boats representing city’s historic districts compete and pay homage to the past glory of Pisa as an ancient maritime republic.
• On the last Saturday of June, Pisa maintains tradition with the Battle of the Bridge. This medieval “tug of war” is held on the central bridge and the competition is followed by a huge procession in costume.

ADVICE

-See our Experiences, Destinations and Day Trips for more 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.