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Tuscany and Umbria are a veritable invitation to travel. They offer an infinite variety of bucolic landscapes, cities of art, as well as traditional villages nestled in charming valleys.
Treatment is free for Europeans with the European Health Insurance Card. UK: it is advisable to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before your departure.
UK: you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa
In Tuscany, Umbria and Italy in general, you cannot stop a taxi on the street. You have to call or go to taxi ranks and wait.
The bill is traditionally increased by pane e coperto (2-3 € per person)
If you want to fly to Tuscany and Umbria, you can choose to land in Florence or Rome and then take a train. Both cities are served by several airlines from a number of European cities.
For a train journey, Florence and Grosseto are very well served, with express trains arriving regularly from Rome, Milan, Bologna, Ravenna, Zurich and Munich. Locally, from Florence, most points of interest are less than 2 hours away by train: Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, Lucca and Arezzo.
Coming by car is the most comfortable option for your stay in Tuscany. You can explore the historic towns and villages of the Val d'Orcia at your leisure. Many car rental agencies are also available in Tuscany, such as Sixt, Hertz or Europcar
Tuscany is a region with a mixed climate. In fact, it benefits from the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea to the west, but also from the mountains to the north, which results in a very hot summer, sometimes with heavy rainfall.
The autumn and spring periods are the most pleasant for visiting Tuscany and Umbria, with temperatures around 25°C and fewer tourists. For a stay by the sea, opt for the months of June to September. Tuscany is particularly impressive in autumn, when the light is softer and the hills are more colourful.
Palio de Sienne: A world-famous event, the Palio di Siena takes place every year in Siena over two days, on 2 July and 16 August. The Palio is an exciting horse race that is held in the Piazza del Campo and sees the 17 districts of the city compete.
Scoppio del Carro in Florence: The Scoppio del Carro is a 350 year old tradition. It takes place every year in Florence on Easter Sunday. A pyrotechnic tower is placed on a cart pulled by two oxen through the streets of Florence to the Piazza del Duomo , where it stops to wait for mass to begin. At the climax of the ceremony, the archbishop lights a dove-shaped rocket on the cathedral altar. This rocket passes through the central nave of the church and causes the outer carriage to explode.
Carnival of Viareggio: The Viareggio Carnival is one of the most beautiful and important carnivals in Italy and indeed in the world. Every year, in February, impressive papier-mâché floats are paraded, representing caricatures of famous characters. The celebrations of this 144 year old carnival last for about a month, including parades of chariots, local festivals and masked balls.
Lucca Summer Festival: The Lucca Summer Festival is a musical event that has been held every year in July in Lucca since 1998. The festival hosts the biggest names on the international scene, such as singer John Legend.
