While Italy boasts an array of incredible regions for your summer getaway, it’s Tuscany that has captivated our expert travel team for 2024. Nestled in the heart of west-central Italy, Tuscany effortlessly blends rustic countryside charm with vibrant urban life, offering the ultimate destination for every kind of holiday.
As OB Travel introduces its Tuscany portfolio, complete with a curated selection of luxurious Italian villas, our team presents the ultimate guide to unlocking the region’s treasures. From serene natural hot springs to the unmissable Andrea Boccelli concert, this is how to experience Tuscany like a seasoned traveller.
Rent a classic car
Quiet roads and idyllic landscapes make Tuscany the ultimate destination for relaxed road trips through the countryside. Rent a classic car for an authentic Italian feel and let your travels take you from Florence to Arezzo, passing quaint villages and the tower of Pisa en route. Aside from curating your own bespoke itinerary, this approach puts you in the perfect position to discover those hidden gems you won’t find listed online, from independent wine shops to hilltops with views even Instagram is yet to discover.
Visit the region’s best cities
For anyone new to Tuscany, top of your to-visit list is likely to be the capital city of Florence – and for good reason. The birthplace of the renaissance buzzes with an almost endless array of churches and galleries and an increasingly modern dining and nightlife landscape. But, Tuscany hosts plenty of other charming towns and cities that may well involve fewer packed tour buses and selfie sticks. We recommend Lucca, known as ‘the city of 100 churches’ for a fairytale feel. Go to see breathtaking villas and the annual summer festival and stay for the café culture and impressive shopping scene.
See an Andrea Boccelli concert
Summer 2024 offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see Andrea Boccelli live in in his hometown of Lajatico, Tuscany. Celebrating 30 years of his professional career, the 19th edition concert takes place in the Teatro del Silenzio, an open-air venue dedicated to the Italian tenor. Expect special guest appearances from all over the world accompanied by a symphony orchestra amidst the picturesque Tuscan hills. The performance takes place over three unforgettable evenings with tickets currently still available for all (but we imagine not for long).
Ride a hot air balloon over Chianti
There is no better way to fall in love with Tuscany than by a hot air balloon ride soaring over Chianti. Usually taking off at sunrise or just before sunset, you are guaranteed exceptional panoramic views of the rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves below. This unique vantage point will introduce you to the region in a way that goes beyond your usual wine tour and can be organised for you by our expert travel team.
Relax in the hot springs
A bucket-list worthy wellness destination lies in the hot springs of Tuscany. With all-year-round appeal, tip-toe into the steamy pools of Bagni San Filippo or Saturnia (to name a couple) and leave rejuvenated and relaxed with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits to boot. You’ll find some springs have become a feature of established spas, requiring a day pass for entry, but many remain untouched and free to the public. Note the waters are rich with sulphur so it’s best to choose attire you wouldn’t mind parting with.
