Giada's Travel Guide to Tuscany (2024)

Back in the day, Florence was a workers’ town, where cheap, filling food like sandwiches was in high demand. The panini here are still the best in Italy, both for their variety and the speed with which they’re constructed. Get the la Favolosa here, piled with salami and a pecorino cheese spread on freshly baked schiacciata bread (like focaccia, but risen longer for more flavor).

Dinner at Il Latini is always a party - tables are long, banquet style arrangements, so you'll almost definitely be seated with strangers who'll quickly become friends. And while you can order a la carte, it's best to put yourself in the kitchen's hands and go with the set menu. You'll end up with 5-course meal served family style that is crowned by a glorious bistecca Fiorentina that's bigger than the plate it's served on.

For a special night out, there’s no place better than Cammillo. Giada filmed the Florence episode of Giada in Italy right near this very traditional trattoria, and it became hands-down her favorite restaurant in town. She loves the chicken curry (really!), fritto misto, and all the pastas.

This trattoria on the Piazza della Passera has a big outdoor patio that gets lovelier as dusk falls. They are famous for their fiocchetti di pera (pasta with taleggio and pear).

Leather goods are a Florentine tradition—fitting for a city that specializes in beef! There are many quality glove makers in town, but this 100-year-old institution at the base of the Ponte Vecchio is the best of the best. Let the experts measure your hands to find the perfect fit, and on't leave without trying a pair made from cinghale, wild boar leather, which feels like unbelievably soft suede.

This stunning two-story food market was built in the 1870s and still serves as a daily shopping stop for many Florentines to get fresh produce and wild-caught seafood. Stroll the upper-level food court to sample a variety of Florence’s favorite street food, including rich porchetta and hearty lampredotto, as well as pizzas, wine, and even sushi.

This may the oldest existing pharmacy in the world, established by the monks of the Church of Santa Maria Novella in the 13th century. It’s like no other pharmacy we know, specializing instead in perfumes, herbal products, and skincare (Giada’s beauty go-to is their rose water spray). The shop, which doubles as a museum, is absolutely stunning, adorned with ceiling frescoes and ancient details like soap-making equipment from the 16th and 17th centuries.

You can’t come to Florence and not spend at least a little time admiring some Renaissance art! The first modern museum, the Uffizi was built in the 16th century as an office building for Cosimo I de’ Medici, who filled it with artworks that could be viewed by the public on request. All of the masters of the era can be found there—Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Giotto, and many more. The Uffizi is reliably busy; your best bet is to buy a ticket online in advance (tickets can be purchased up to six months ahead) for entry first thing in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.

One of two sister properties that flank the Arno river owned by the Ferragamo family, this hotel is just as stylish as you would expect. Rooms are sleek and minimal, filled with luxurious touches like cashmere blankets and a high quality hair dryer and straightener in the bathroom.

The first five-star hotel in Florence, built in 1885, this grand property in the heart of the city housed over two buildings offers different experiences for those who prefer a more traditional or modern feel. Either way, guests have access to a massive spa with two swimming pools, a location of the beloved Cibrèo restaurant collection, and luxurious touches in every room.

In a rustic, 12th-century building, this beloved taverna serves traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, handmade pici, and cinghiale (wild boar) when it’s available. Be sure to book in advance, as it’s ever-popular with locals and travelers alike.

For more than 45 years, this osteria just steps from the Piazza del Campo has been serving refined Tuscan fare in a warm, casual room that was once a grocer’s shop. The owners run a winery in Montalcino, so be sure to sample some of their brunello alongside the other lovely Tuscan wines in their cellar—in this case, an ancient Etruscan cavern.

This small counter-only pizzeria is famous for ciaccino, a local focaccia that’s baked thin in large rectangular trays and stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto cotto. Though it looks unassuming from the outside, one bite will have you in gooey, cheesy bliss.

This warm, romantic restaurant is tucked away on the ground floor of what used to be a 13th century palace and feels like you're eating in a medieval wine cellar. The artfully presented dishes are definitely a step up from traditional Italian spots, and the pastas are wonderful. It can also be a really nice reprieve from the crowds!

Fashion lovers come to this boutique for a treasure trove of vintage designer clothing and accessories. This isn’t any ordinary thrift shop! You’ll love the unique, high-fashion finds you’ll end up taking home with you.

Locals know that this cathedral is the grandest in all of Tuscany (yes, even more impressive than Florence!). One look at its dramatic black-and-white striped marble interior modeled on the city’s crest and you’ll agree; it’s a marvel of medieval artistry from floor to ceiling. Be sure to set aside plenty of time to explore every corner of this cathedral complex, or you’ll miss precious details like the altar sculptures by Michelangelo. If heights don’t daunt you, take the guided “Gate of Heaven” tour, which gives a rare bird’s-eye view of the frescoes and stained glass from walkways that are tucked under the roof.

This grand, central public space outside the city government building is one of the most unique in Italy. Its odd shell-like shape paved in red bricks that are divided into pie slices is a symbolic reference to the Noveschi (the Nine), the group of powerful oligarchs who ruled Siena at the height of its influence. The palazzos that line the square were the homes of these important families; by careful agreement, no one building is any taller than the others, signifying that they held power equally.

The town of Siena was masterfully planned from start to finish as a grand display of power and precision. Walk along this main artery that symbolically connects religion and politics (it runs from the government seat in Piazza del Campo to the grand cathedral complex) to wonder at the vision of the medieval leaders who made it happen. In between lie the grand palazzos of many important families, the stone facades of which you can admire as you stroll and shop.

This opulent hotel in a 16th-century palazzo might just be the most luxurious place to make your home base in Tuscany. With four-poster beds and lush tapestry canopies in most rooms, you’ll feel like a member of the Italian nobility yourself, especially when you sample the daily wine tastings in the underground cellar.

In the center of town, this shop makes the most delicious artisanal gelato from premium ingredients all sourced by hand from local farms and orchards. Any fruit flavor is not to be missed! Not in the mood for a frozen treat? They also make delicious traditional Tuscan pastries like pane dei santi, a rich bread enjoyed in the fall around All Saints’ Day.

This charming cafe in a quaint plaza makes for a great lunch spot with lots of outside seating. The best time to come is for aperitivo hour when you can enjoy an Aperol spritz or negroni and snack on homemade focaccia and cheese. For a traditional meal, order the pici, a thick hand-rolled pasta from Siena that looks like oversized spaghetti.

This organic cheese farm is home to an exceptional farm-to-table restaurant that uses fresh ingredients from their garden and the animals on the farm. Take in the stunning views of the Val d’Orcia—a valley with rolling hills that’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—from the panoramic terrace. If you’d like to make a full day of it, Podere il Casale also offers cooking classes and activities like pizza and pasta making, bread baking, cheese making demos, and truffle hunting.

This lavish palace was once the summer home of Pope Pius II. Today, it holds a ground-floor museum that shows how the 15th-century pontiff lived (spoiler alert: very well!), a small wine shop with a great selection of local wines, and a stunning rooftop garden that offers incredible views of the Orcia Valley below.

Visit this family-run fashion shop for unique and trendy bags, purses, wallets, and more made from the high-quality soft leather for which Tuscany is known. Partners in life and business, Paolo Porcu Rodriguez and Silvia Pavanello are the visionary artisans behind the studio and all their timeless design.

This cute farmhouse restaurant south of Montepulciano is known for its Tuscan burgers, which arrive deconstructed with the lettuce, cheese and bread on the side. They cook the meat in terracotta pots, which change color in response to the heat of the flame. It’s a visual way to tell how the meat inside is cooking, an ancient local method of cooking that’s fascinating to watch.

The name of this restaurant means “Enjoyment of Wine,” and that’s certainly what you’ll do as you browse the extensive cave filled with local vintages. Located in a rustic stone building on a winding, quiet side street, this cozy spot serves classic Tuscan fare for which the knowledgeable staff is always ready to recommend the perfect pairing.

Vino nobile de Montepulciano is a sangiovese-based red blend that, along with its cousins chianti and brunello di Montalcino, helped make Tuscan wines the international powerhouse they are today. Though they are primarily made with the same grape, the unique conditions of each small town and the methods used by local winemakers can change the final product dramatically. Montepulciano’s version is medium-bodied but can age well for decades, striking a lovely middle ground for red wine fans. Taste it and other local wines (dessert wine lovers must try their vin santos!) at this gorgeous, welcoming winery.

As a center of wine production since the Etruscan era, it’s no surprise that Montepulciano was built on wine—literally! Below the streets of the town are a network of caverns built into the stone centuries ago to age and store wine at the perfect temperature year-round. Many of the wineries in town offer tours and tastings; this one is the most stunning, with a vaulted ceiling of terracotta bricks reminiscent of a grand cathedral and a labyrinth of ancient tunnels.

This 13th-century fortress was once a defensive structure for the Medici family as they consolidated their power across the region; today, it serves a much more friendly purpose as the headquarters of the local wine consortium, which manages the production of vino nobile de Montepulciano, among others. Learn about this beloved local wine and taste plenty of samples, then head outside to stroll the manicured, shady gardens that overlook the Val d’Orcia below.

If you’ve traveled through Florence on your way to Montepulciano, the design of this local town hall might look familiar: It was modeled after the Palazzo Vecchio in the capital city on the order of Cosimo de Medici. Turn left in the building’s courtyard to enter the bell tower, from which you’ll get amazing views of the valley that extends below you. A terrace level is accessible by elevator, but if you can brave the narrow stairs from the terrace up to the top of the belfry, you’ll be able to see all the way to Siena.

One of the few truly flat spaces in this extremely hilly town, this central piazza has been the heart of life in Montepulciano since the Middle Ages. It’s bordered by the duomo, town hall, and the palazzos of several formerly prominent families, all of which are breathtaking to see. On one side, you’ll see a stone well topped by a griffon and lion, the coat of arms of the powerful Medici family (if you’re traveling through the region, you’ll spot this symbol in many places!).

About a half-hour drive south of Montepulciano, this hotel nestled in the hills of Tuscany is Giada’s happy place! Monteverdi has a little bit of everything: a great spa to relax in, culinary classes where you can learn how to make pastas with their in-house chefs, an art gallery, and scenic hiking trails. Sign up for an on-property cooking class with chef Giancarla at their Culinary Academy.

Run by a husband (the manager) and wife (the chef), this intimate restaurant’s arched interior and neutral tones set the tone for a cozy meal. The pastas and plates here like pistachio-crusted lamb chops and stuffed rabbit are a bit more refined and elegant than traditional Tuscan restaurants, and they also offer an extensive wine list. Order a local rosso di Montalcino or brunello di Montalcino wine with your meal!

This charming wine bar and restaurant in the heart of town is steps from the medieval fortress. Be sure to sit outside on the back terrace for the best panoramic views. In addition to an excellent wine selection, they have an amazing blanched green bean salad with walnuts that's lightly dusted with an anchovy-and-caper dressing—it was so good, Giada went back for it again the next day!

This farm-to-table restaurant and cooking school owned by three siblings has a covered outdoor terrace overlooking the Tuscan hills, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy an Italian lunch at a leisurely pace. They make a delicious brunello jam from their grapes, which are unique to the Montalcino area.

This cozy restaurant is our pick for a classic Italian meal where you can enjoy Tuscan charcuterie, pasta, and wines. Inside has a rustic ambiance, while outdoors, you can grab a cozy bench for two with a view of the Tuscan countryside.

If you're looking for a quick and casual meal, this osteria offers a menu of salami and cheeses to start and traditional Tuscan dishes like pici with ragu, polenta, wild boar and bean stew, or roast rabbit. Come here for a simple homestyle lunch!

Visit this winery to learn about the unique wines you can find in Montalcino, from brunello to rosso and toscana. On weekdays, you can take part in a wine tasting experience in their farmhouse. Not only are the folks here generous with their wine pours, the professional staff are generous about sharing their knowledge, too. You'll walk away feeling like an expert about wines of the region.

This old (founded in 1905!) but beautiful historic pharmacy sells its own cosmetics line that started in the same laboratory where brunello wine was created. Browse products like serums, creams, perfumes and supplements featuring natural ingredients like grape extract and plant stem cells, then head out the back of the shop for a surprise: a small terrace with a stunning Tuscan view!

Owned by a husband-and-wife duo who run several shops around Montalcino, this is an Italian fabric store that also doubles as a wine shop. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs like home accessories, and the owner can make anything you want out of his gorgeous textiles made from linen, hemp and natural cotton. It’s a great place to bring home one-of-a-kind keepsakes like tote bags or towels that you’ll be able to use every day.

This estate farm started producing honey more than three decades ago, and expanded into grape and olive vineyards to make brunello di Montalcino, rosso di Montalcino and grappa di brunello and extra virgin olive oil. Visit the winery to learn how they make these regional wines, and see the apiary to learn about the honey production process and taste all the types of local honeys they offer!

This stunning villa overlooking Montalcino and its valley is elegant and homey all at once. Nestled in the Tuscan hills, the property has its own vineyard and an olive orchard but is less than a 10-minute walk to the historic center of town. You'll want to spend all day by the pool with its incredible views of Val d'Orcia!

Rightfully famous for its innovative flavors, this gelato shop run by the charismatic Sergio Dondoli is a must-visit in this picturesque town. Sample saffron and pine nuts, grapefruit and sparkling wine, chocolate with cherries and chili, and many more flavors, all made with local raw milk and hand-picked fruits and nuts from across Italy.

On a quiet side street near the arch of Porta San Matteo, this lovely family-run restaurant has been around since 1929 and is known for traditional Tuscan dishes prepared with local ingredients. Dine by candlelight in the warm, rustic setting with exposed bricks, medieval arches and original cross-vault ceiling from the 1200s. Beef is their specialty, so be sure to order the carpaccio and bistecca alla fiorentina!

At this cozy, welcoming wine bar, enjoy casual snacks like Tuscan salumi and cheeses, bruschette, and warming soups, all paired with local wines. Ask the friendly staff for a recommendation—they’ll be sure to pour you something utterly delicious!

San Gimignano is one of the many Tuscan towns surrounded by an ancient fortified wall, a remnant from the turbulent medieval era when warring families fought for control of the region. Recently restored after an earthquake, this walkway atop a section of the town’s walls offers magnificent views of the countryside.

In the Middle Ages, wealthy families in San Gimignano each built their own towers to show off their power—at one time, there were 72 towers looming over the small city. Today, just over a dozen remain, but the tallest is this one attached to the local town hall. Climb the 218 steps to the top for a panoramic view of the vineyards and rolling hills surrounding this picturesque town.

The main street of San Gimignano is lined with tons of wonderful artisans’ shops, from leather goods to ceramics, carved alabaster from nearby Volterra, and, of course, lots of delicious food and wine to take on your travels. Stroll up the pedestrian walkway and pop in wherever catches your eye—we guarantee you’ll find some memorable souvenirs.

Set in a 14th-century building in the historic heart of San Gimignano, Hotel La Cisterna overlooks the ancient Piazza della Cisterna. Choose a room with a memorable view of the medieval piazza or the endless Tuscan countryside—you can’t go wrong either way. As a bonus, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Le Terrazze, is the only eatery in the piazza with a panoramic view. From April through October, they also run a bar on the terrace that opens in the afternoon. It’s one of Giada’s favorite spots for an aperitivo!

This elegant, 18-room boutique hotel is full of charm and tucked away from the crowds touring San Gimignano (fun fact: It’s owned by the same family as Ristorante Il Pino around the corner). Descend the stone staircase into the lobby and continue deeper to discover their underground cellars. The hotel’s medieval structure has been well-preserved and beautifully furnished to offer comfortable, traditional-style guestrooms. Room types here are named after Italian poets; the spacious, high-ceilinged Dante Rooms are our favorite.