Journal

Baccalà, or salted cod, is widely eaten in Tuscany and is a traditional recipe in Livorno and its province. This classic Livorno recipe showcases how simple ingredients can be used to full effect in Tuscan cooking, with the fish's...

Biscotti di Prato alle Mandorle is one of Tuscany’s most recognisable sweet specialities. This classic recipe originates in Prato and is made with simple ingredients, baked twice to create the characteristic crisp texture biscotti are known...

Carciofi Ripieni is a much-loved Tuscan recipe that showcases the region’s appreciation for seasonal vegetables and simple, carefully balanced flavours. Commonly prepared in spring when artichokes are at their best, this traditional dish...

Fagioli all'uccelletto is a classic Tuscan recipe made with creamy cannellini beans, slowly cooked with tomato, garlic, sage, and olive oil. This comforting dish has long been a staple of Tuscan home cooking and trattorias' menus across...

Ficattole fritte is a traditional Tuscan recipe that reflects the region’s love of simple dough-based dishes made for sharing. These light, fried pieces of bread dough are typically served warm and lightly salted, often enjoyed as a snack,...

This Fiori di Zucca Fritti recipe makes for a delicious and easy accompaniment to an aperitif or a light starter. Lightly coated in batter and fried until crisp, these golden fritters are popular in Tuscany, valued for their simplicity. Whether they...

Insalata di Baccelli is a fresh and seasonal Tuscan recipe. Made with broad beans, often served raw and combined with Pecorino cheese and good quality olive oil, this dish is a familiar sight on Tuscan tables during the warmer months. Light, vibrant...

Pappa al Pomodoro is a traditional Tuscan bread and tomato soup, originally made to use up leftover bread, which has become a beloved staple in Tuscan cuisine. Made with stale Tuscan bread, ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and vegetable...

When you think of Italy, you think of pasta, so why not make it at home? Made with simple ingredients and shaped by hand, fresh pasta forms the foundation of countless traditional dishes across Tuscany and Italy. Whether served with a slow-cooked...

Peposo de Valdarno is a traditional Tuscan stew from the Valdarno region, renowned for its rich and robust flavours. This hearty dish is made primarily with beef shank, with lots of black pepper, red wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs. It's...

Tuscan Panzanella salad is a traditional Italian dish perfect for the summer months. This vibrant and refreshing salad uses chunks of stale bread mixed with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and basil, all dressed with olive oil and vinegar....

This Tortino al Cioccolato Fondente recipe makes for the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers. Blending rich chocolate flavour and a soft, molten centre, a tortino al cioccolato fondente can be enjoyed on its own, with coffee, or even with a glass of...

Traditional Tuscan ragu is a rich and hearty meat sauce made with a blend of minced beef and pork. The ragu is slow-cooked to perfection with tomatoes, red wine, and a medley of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery. The sauce is enhanced...

This Cenci di Carnevale recipe highlights a traditional Tuscan sweet that is closely associated with Carnevale celebrations and enjoyed across Italy under various regional names. In Tuscany, these sweet fritters are typically shared with family and...

We all love a beautiful view and if you capture one on camera you can admire it forever. But how do you take a great photo of a landscape? Photojournalist Alfredo Falvo, owner of Tuscany Photography Day, helps people get the best out of their...

Giacomo Puccini once said he would like to hear one of his operas at Torre del Lago, the lakeside where he wrote so many of them, next to his home. These days it is the setting of an open-air festival (www.puccinifestival.it) where virtually all...

Sometimes you can get a fresh perspective on a place if you look at it from a different angle. That’s the case with Belvedere: In Volo Sulla Toscana (Flying Above Tuscany), a collection of aerial photos by the Florence-based photographer Guido...

They know how to throw a party in Tuscany, the annual calendar is filled with festivals and special events. One of the more unusual is the Luminara, a festival of lights that takes place in Pisa in spring. As the sun sets on the city on 16...

A Room With A View (1985) Director: James Ivory When a young Englishwoman, Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter), and her prim chaperone, Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith), arrive in Florence, the capital of Tuscany, in the 1900s, they are...

Main Image: Tuscan tale: Casale La Canonica, the villa starring in ‘Meet Us In Tuscany’ When Janet Toll Davidson and her husband Richard embarked on a trip to Tuscany, little did she realise this fascinating trip would result in a...

After a turbulent few years, we know that lots of you are already making big plans to get together with family and friends next year. But we know that lots of you are already making big plans to get together with family and friends next year. So to...

This Ribollita recipe focuses on one of the most traditional Tuscan soups, deeply rooted in rural cooking and seasonal ingredients. Ribollita is a hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup reflecting the Italian approach to making flavourful dishes from...

Panello con l’uva is a Chianti adaptation of the Florentine Schiacciata con l’uva. It is a sweet flatbread laden with grapes, typically prepared around the grape harvest in autumn. About the chef: This delicious flatbread recipe was...

Giulebbe di Ciliegie is a traditionally Tuscan dessert from the northern region of Garfagnana, an area rich in cherries, particularly of the sour and wild variety. The term Giulebbe is actually derived from the Persian meaning gulab (a sweet...

Studying a new language – or improving your linguistic skills – is one of the positive ways to boost wellbeing because putting your brain to work can stave off the effects of dementia, say the experts. So, when in Italy, why not speak...

If I offered to take you to a beer festival in Tuscany, you’d probably think I was confused. If I then drove you half an hour south-east of Siena and led you along a couple of kilometres of gravel track to a small farm in the middle of nowhere,...

Fashion fans, it’s time to put down that glass of Chianti and hit the shops because the countryside around Florence is one of the world’s best designer discount-shopping destinations. This is where many of the top luxury houses...

Holidays are all about relaxing and escaping the daily grind – just what is needed to recharge our batteries. In reality, the sudden lack of routine means we often end up over-indulging and return home more exhausted than when we left. So,...

Tuscan wines are world-famous and renowned for being among some of the very best. But why are the wines so good here and which grapes are they made from? What types should you try and when? Questions, questions. Join us for a quick canter...

We asked To Tuscany’s golf expert, Grant Leggate, General Manager of Chestfield Golf Club and former Assistant Secretary at Royal St George’s Golf Club, to pick his favourite golf courses in the region. Royal Golf La Bagnaia Just...

We’ve picked some of our favourite sights and activities in the world-famous wine region that we call home. Our trail is a real mix, to suit all tastes. Whether you try just one of our recommendations or tick off all five, you’ll be sure...

Anatra in porchetta, or more affectionately known as “Nana” in porchetta, is a typical Tuscan roast dish served most frequently in the areas around Arezzo and Siena. About the chef: This delicious recipe has been kindly shared by...

Imagine you run a new brewery in the UK or US. Your first sale is probably going to be on tap in a pub. You’ve taken that tap from another beer, and when your first pint is sold, it’ll be at the expense of other beers on the bar. Now...

Tuscany has topped the charts yet again for having more official Blue Flag beaches and marinas than anywhere else in Italy, apart from Liguria. The prestigious global Blue Flag eco-label is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)...

Food is part of the Tuscan identity and the markets here are famous for selling great quality local produce. So how can you make the most of your Tuscan market experience to get an authentic taste of the region? Here are our top tips for shopping...

Tuscany’s truffles may not have the profile of Piedmont or Périgord, yet those in the know prize the precious white nuggets found in the hills here, especially around San Miniato. There are strict rules about how and when truffles are...

”Mess, don’t press!” Simone, chef-owner of the Ristorante Malborghetto, is showing me how to make a ragù. “This way we mix all the flavours – and we don’t burn the pan,” he smiles. He’s right....

What could be more romantic than to propose while on holiday in Tuscany? There are so many beautiful places in which to ask your beloved for their hand in marriage and we know some of the most magical. On the Ponte Vecchio If you are happy to...

Imagine placing your yoga mat next to an old olive tree or at the top of a hill overlooking a vineyard. With such beauty in your midst, and the slow pace of life here, Tuscany provides the perfect conditions to relax body and mind using the power of...

1. Just like wine, olive oils are awarded different labels and grades depending on their taste, production methods, origin and chemistry. 2. Olive oils are classified by taste through a blind test, which is carried out by a panel of professional...

It felt like I was walking into a painting. Beneath the blue sky, a grassy path curved around a field scattered with haystacks, with a row of cypress trees at its rear. The colourful patchwork of a distant hill was made up of golden fields, a pale...

Castagnaccio, also known as baldino or pattona chestnut cake, is a traditional dessert made with chestnut flour and raisins, pine nuts, walnuts, and rosemary. It is said to have been created in a plain form by the Tuscan Pilade da Lucca in the 16th...

Get out your binoculars and go on the trail of Tuscany’s wildlife. Here are four creatures that call Tuscany home. Wild Boar Tuscany’s wild boar, or cinghiale, has the dubious double honour of being a local emblem and a local...

Tuscany is home to some of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens in Italy, designed for some of the most influential residents of the region. It is the perfect way to discover the rich history of Tuscany, exploring a wide variety centuries old art...

Whichever way you turn in the Tuscan countryside, your eyes are sure to settle on a wonderful view. Yet this landscape isn’t all about sentries of olive groves and vineyards, it’s also home to wilder patches of nature. Here are three of...

Art, architecture and… hot springs. Tuscany may be world-renowned for the first two, but few outside Italy know much about the last. Yet, particularly in winter, an al-fresco soaking in mineral-rich waters is one of the best ways to enjoy this...

Been relaxing around the pool all day? Don’t fancy getting dressed up to go out? Here are some fun games to liven up an evening at the villa. (In fact, you could even play some of these on the go – how about in the queue to the...

Rosado Rosadi is the owner of Palazzo Rosadi and Torre del Cielo, two villas featured by To Tuscany. In this series of occasional interviews with our villa owners, Rosado reveals his family’s long association with the region and talks about his...

As the steep gradient starts to bite, I raise out of the saddle to try to maintain my speed. But the back wheel of my bicycle spins and I lose traction, so I sit back down and try to power on. It’s my first morning in Tuscany and I have...

Tuscany may be popular for its historic towns and cities, dreamy rural landscapes, world-class art and fine wine, but there is a quirky side to the region, too. Whether you are a returning visitor or it’s your first time in the area, these...

Why should the Uffizi be top of my list of museums to visit in Florence? The Uffizi has one of the best collections of Renaissance art in the world, including paintings by Michelangelo, da Vinci and Botticelli, which were collected by the hugely...

Mum, dad, grandma, grandad – and don’t forget the kids… multigeneration holidays are all the rage. At To Tuscany, we’ve noticed more and more of you booking these convivial get-togethers during the past five years. In fact,...

Tuscany is all about the landscape. Yet, perhaps because of those famous vistas, the natural parks in Tuscany are lesser known. Here in the protected areas, you’ll find everything from untamed beaches to mountain wilderness and shaded forests...

Tuscany’s markets aren’t all about food. Check out this guide to the best places to pick up an antique or piece of art for a more authentic souvenir. Florence Mercato delle Pulci, in Florence’s Piazza dei Ciompi, is a daily...

London-based Greg Funnell has been a professional photographer for more than 10 years and his work regularly appears in publications including The Sunday Times, Financial Times and Vanity Fair. A documentary photographer by profession, he is also a...

Scoppio Del Carro When the Crusaders conquered Jerusalem in 1099, a member of the Florentine Pazzi family was the first to raise a Christian banner above the city. As a reward, he was given three previous pieces of stone from the Holy Sepulchre....

A holiday in Tuscany doesn’t have to be all about lounging by the pool. Pull on your walking shoes, grab a map, sun hat, and plenty of water and try out some of these rewarding walking routes. Via Francigena This was once the path taken...

Cannelloni are a type of fresh egg pasta filled with ricotta, spinach, parmesan and nutmeg, covered with béchamel sauce and parmesan cheese, then oven-baked until golden brown. Cannelloni are traditionally eaten on the eve of December 24,...

This delectable parfait is a light, vanillary treat for special occasions. It makes for the perfect dessert when you’re looking to impress your guests. Topped with little vegan meringues, the combination of textures is a delight for the senses.

This Schiacciata alla Fiorentina recipe is traditionally prepared in Florence during carnival, specifically on Shrove Tuesday. The characteristic feature of Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is its rectangular shape, which is covered with icing sugar and...

This Ricciarelli recipe introduces a classic Tuscan almond biscuit. Originally from Siena, and now enjoyed across the region, they are a popular treat around Christmas time. These biscuits are a familiar sight in Tuscan bakeries and homes,...

This Torta Pasqualina recipe showcases a traditional Italian savoury pie commonly enjoyed during Easter in Tuscany. Typically filled with ricotta, eggs, and seasonal greens such as spinach, Torta Pasqualina is known for its delicate pastry layers,...

This smoked haddock recipe is the perfect sophisticated yet simple meal. This dish features tender, flaky smoked haddock paired with a rich dulse sauce, making it ideal for a comforting dinner. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, our smoked...

In 2025, To Tuscany celebrates a significant milestone: 25 years of helping guests discover the authentic heart of Tuscany through carefully curated villa holidays. What began as a bold decision to embrace a new life in Italy has grown into a...

Tuscany is home to far more than its celebrated cities of Florence, Siena and Pisa. Whilst these destinations are rightly admired, they also attract many visitors. Often underrated in comparison, Tuscany’s lesser-known towns and villages reveal...

Each autumn and spring, our team visits the villas we represent across Tuscany, seeing properties first-hand so we can describe them with accuracy and honesty. From layout and setting to atmosphere and suitability for families, groups or couples,...

At To Tuscany, Tuscany isn’t just somewhere we operate, it’s what we specialise in and genuinely love. That’s why becoming a member of ABTOI (the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy) is something we’re very proud...

Bruschetta is a classic Italian recipe that celebrates the simplicity and quality of local ingredients, making it a staple of Tuscan home cooking. Traditionally enjoyed as an antipasto and often served at family gatherings and informal meals,...