To the travel savvy, Tuscany has an upscale reputation for its natural beauty, luxurious hotels and high-end wines. This gives it an aura of class that’s envied the world over.However,this can also deter potential visitors who are touring Italy on a tight budget. Reputations, though, don’t always tell the full story. If you do your homework and read up on Tuscan tourism, you’ll find out that you can actually keep the costs down without sacrificing spectacular outdoor views, breathtaking art, fine wine and great food.

1. Having a
Great Time in
Tuscany without
Breaking the
Budget
Explore. Experience. Enjoy.

2. Tuscany has an upscale reputation for its natural beauty,
luxurious hotels and high-end wines.

3. You can actually keep the costs down without sacrificing
spectacular outdoor views, breathtaking art, fine wine and
great food.

4. Here’s our guide to having a great time in Tuscany
without overspending.

5. Florence
The beautiful city of Florence is a must see on any
Tuscan itinerary. Be sure not to miss out on these
three amazing activities while you’re there.

6. The dramatic dome of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
is one of the most recognizable sites in Florence.

7. Climb the stairs of the Duomo - yes all 463 of them - and
see the double-vaulted interior of the dome.

8. Purchase a ticket online for only 10 euros
that includes entrance to
1) Galleria dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore,
2) Brunelleschi’s Dome, 3) Giotto’s Bell
Tower,
the 4) Baptistery of San Giovanni
and the 5) Crypt of Santa Reparata.

9. The Baptistery of San Giovanni and Giotto’s Bell Tower

10. Cross over to the Arno river from Florence’s historic center
to the neighborhood known as Oltrarno.
Piazzale Michelangelo

11. This quieter side of Florence is where you will find the
Renaissance-Mannerist Palazzo Pitti which is almost
always hosting an interesting exhibit.
photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/

12. The best Florentine street food is the Panino
di Lampredotto, a kind of tripe made from
the fourth stomach of a cow. Look for one of
the famous kiosks scattered about the
historic center or markets.

13. photo credit: http://it.wikipedia.org/

14. Leaning Tower of Pisa
This is one of Tuscany’s most iconic must-see spots.

15. Piazza dei Miracoli is really extraordinarily beautiful with the
Piazza dei Miracoli is really extraordinarily beautiful with
grand Romanesque cathedral, the and the Leaning Tower.
the grand Romanesque cathedral round marble Baptistry
and of course, the famous Leaning Tower.

16. If you didn’t know, the tower leans because of
the soft Pisan soil and a poor foundation.
These imperfections in engineering panned
out nicely, as the structure has remained
stable
through the decades despite its inclined state,
resulting in a unique, world-famous site.

17. Pitigliano
Visit medieval, Renaissance and Baroque-era churches
filled with frescoes and sculptures in this pretty
Tuscan hill town.

18. Perched on a high ridge carved by wind and time from
volcanic tuffa stone, this breathtaking town is also known
as Little Jerusalem due to its Jewish settlers since the
15th century.
photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/

19. Tuscan Hot Springs
The area known as Maremma in southern Tuscany is
filled with wild natural hot springs.

20. You can find well-appointed spas with a menu of facilities
and services or a rustic open public spring if you’re more
inclined towards the outdoors.

21. Eating and Drinking
in Tuscany

22. One of the most delicious ways to eat pici, a hand-rolled
pasta, is to try the type that’s topped with a rich and hearty
sauce made from wild boar called ragu di cinghiale.
photo credit:www.giornaledelcilento.it

23. Learn about Sangiovese and Trebbiano grapes.

24. There are almost 800 wine estates in
Tuscany.
Spend a day at a vineyard in one of the 40
DOC wine-growing regions of Tuscany.
Drive the well-known Chianti Road
(Strada Statale 222) for names like
Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.

25. Another way to taste a variety of Tuscan wines is to visit an
enoteca or wine shop which you will find in almost any
town in the region.

26. To make the most of your euros in Tuscany, follow these
golden “travel expenses” rules.

27. Book your train tickets ahead of time. Fares are
drastically reduced the farther ahead you book, but only a
few of these tickets are available on each train.

28. Stand up. Have your morning cappuccino and afternoon
coffee standing up at the bar. It can cost up to double the
price if you choose to sit down.

29. Stay in the country. Agriturismos are working farms with
accommodations for travelers.

30. They offer great value for your money and
they’re an excellent way to see the gorgeous
Tuscan countryside. Accommodations often
includes a kitchen so you can shop at
local markets and grocery stores so you can
make a few of your own home cooked Italian
feasts.

31. Fresh italian sausages found in Tuscany

32. There’s so much more to see, do and eat in
Tuscany than one blog post can do justice to.
The best way to experience this wonderful
region is to pack your bags, take a leap of
faith and see it for yourself.

33. For more information
about travel to Italy,
visit our website
www.touritalynow.com
or call our travel experts
at 800.955.4418.