Our Guide to Avoiding Tuscany Tourist Traps, Traveling Like a Local while Living in Luxury
Tuscany is a popular tourist destination, and it's easy to see why. With its golden hills, charming medieval towns, and rich cuisine, it's no wonder that millions of visitors flock to this region every year. However, with popularity comes crowds, and while many people choose to travel independently, there are several advantages to hiring a local guide. Not only will you get a more tailored and engaging experience, but you will be able to avoid Tuscany tourist traps.
Terra & Tu provides holistic, expansive, and culturally immersive journeys. We pride ourselves on getting travelers “out there” to experience a side of Tuscany that is rarely seen by the general public. Our itineraries are thoughtfully curated so that everything from the food we eat to the vineyards we walk through is a truly authentic adventure peppered with luxury. We want our guests to feel integrated into the Italian way of life. We do this by providing insider access alongside our network of professional guides, chefs, and villa staff so that each day is lived through the eyes of a local.
Are you looking to avoid the typical tourist hotspots? Terra & Tu takes you on an exclusive tour of Tuscany’s secret spots, from hilltop hamlets to ancient spa towns. Taste (and help prepare!) traditional Tuscan cuisine, tour private wineries, take the path less traveled and explore the verdant countryside, and marvel at ancient architecture while learning the history of each city you visit. Read on to see how you can travel in true Tuscan style with one of our tours; through tailored itineraries, private staff catered to your needs, and visits to a variety of hidden gems.
Tailored Itinerary
Terra & Tu adventures are specifically designed to utilize our unique connections in Tuscany to provide experiences unavailable to casual tourists. Our itinerary is flexible, and you can expect it to change from week to week as we take advantage of different opportunities that are available. We also understand that a rewarding travel experience doesn’t look the same for everyone!
Every departure begins in Florence, where a private car will pick you up at your preferred meeting spot. Depending on the dates booked, your adventure will either begin in the spa town of Saturnia for a two-day stay at the 5-star Tuscan wellness resort Terme di Saturnia or at our private villa Podere Ferranesi in the remote countryside. Want to travel with just your family and friends? Ask about our Private Departures!
Private Transportation
Tuscany’s countryside is magnificent, but between foreign signage and rental cars with manual transmissions, those rolling hills aren’t the easiest to navigate on your own. Public transportation is less expensive, but all those turns on backroads could make for an unpleasant ride. Fortunately, if you book with us, we’ll take care of all domestic transportation for you! With private cars and friendly and professional service, you’ll have a smooth ride and an informative one too! Learn about local life and landmarks as you make your way to your daily destinations in the comfort of air conditioning and with a cooler of water and snacks.
Authentic Accommodations
Located on a remote hilltop, Podere Ferranesi offers picturesque views of the Crete Senesi, famed for its hillside's distinctive color. Constructed as a farm in the 19th century, the property was abandoned in the 1950s before its restoration in 2002. The villa seamlessly blends the rustic beauty of its original architecture with contemporary luxury amenities, making for a truly one-of-a-kind stay. The villa serves as our central hub for the majority of the trip. You’ll have ample opportunity to relax by the pool with a cocktail and dine on freshly prepared dishes under starlight. Massages are also available by request.
Sightseeing
While Florence, Pisa, and Siena are undoubtedly worth visiting, they can get incredibly crowded, especially during peak season. Terra & Tu journeys share intimate connections with many of Tuscany’s medieval villages and cities, giving you a special glimpse into cultural centers that are on the quiet side. Here are some of the magical places we like to visit:
Asciano: This charming village is immersed in the famous Crete Senesi. Highlights include the Basilica of Sant’Agata, the churches of Sant’Agostino and San Francesco, the Piazza del Grano with its 15th-century fountain depicting allegories of their fascinating culture, and the Palazzo del Podestà with its historic coat of arms.
The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore: On a scenic walking tour, we'll meander to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, located only a few kilometers from Asciano. This monastery complex is an important religious and cultural center and an artistic treasure trove that depicts life in the 1300s. On our Tuscany Adventures, we start the day with a peaceful picnic on the terrace atop Chiusure — which has a fantastic panoramic view of the abbey and surrounding landscape — before hiking into the valley and emerging from the woods at the abbey’s drawbridge.
Montepulciano: From the Sangiovese grapes to the bustling town center, Piazza Grande, this medieval village is a must-see. Situated on a limestone hill, Montepulciano’s impressive castle walls are matched only by the natural beauty of the surrounding Val di Chiana and UNESCO World Heritage Site Val D’Orcia. These verdant valleys produce the world-renowned Vino Nobile, and we believe a glass of this full-bodied red is best enjoyed outside while admiring the Renaissance architecture. Pictured on every bottle is a hedgehog looking up at the sun. This iconic image is an homage to a 12th-century hermit who accurately predicted the weather by observing il riccio sniff the air for distant rains. After some time, the hermit’s cave was transformed into ‘Cantina De’Ricci, ’ a wine cellar to celebrate his contributions to the town’s vintners. You can tour this famous cave on a trip with Terra & Tu. We visit the “Cathedral of Vino” and delight in a private tasting of Vino Nobile with one of the De’Ricci winery’s owners!
Montalcino: The cypress-lined roads, bright red poppies, and emerald hills of Val D’Orcia surround this fairytale town. Montalcino’s name is derived from the Latin mons ilcinus or “mountain of holm-oak,” a reference to both the city’s hilltop location and to the holm-oak, a tree species found in the rolling landscapes north of the Mediterranean. Montalcino’s historic center is surrounded by the “Rocca,” or fortress, built in 1361. The views from its ramparts are spectacular, stretching towards Monte Amiata, across the Crete to Siena, and spanning the hills of Maremma. Inside the town’s fortified walls are lovely cobble-stone streets, terracotta roofs, and ancient churches. And as you descend into the valley, you’ll discover the city’s main export—Brunello di Montalcino. Terra & Tu has arranged an exclusive and private tour with Argiano, one of Montalcino’s most notable wineries. After exploring the stunning grounds of this estate, we are treated to a Tuscan meal and Montalcino's finest wines.
Bagno Vignoni: One of our favorite secret spots to take travelers is Bagno Vignoni, best known for the hot springs in its central square and reputation as a spa retreat for rich and famous figures throughout history. The springs are covered by a large central structure known as the “square of sources,” which stands 160 feet long and 95 feet wide. The springs of Bagno Vignoni were first discovered by pilgrims traveling the Via Francigena, an ancient route taken by those traveling to Rome. Since the Roman era, the hot springs have been frequented by royalty, popes, and a number of other prominent figures. Such historic personalities as Lorenzo de’ Medici, Pope Pius II, and Catherine of Siena have been known to visit the hot springs for its relaxing and medicinal properties.
Though this hidden gem is accessible by car, we prefer to take the scenic route for unparalleled views of the Val D’Orcia, a world heritage site that has inspired countless artists since the Renaissance era. Starting from the town of San Quirico, we traverse along a ridge trail toward Bagno Vigno, first created in the Roman era and refurbished in the centuries since. We’ll pass by the hidden castle at Vignoni Alto, built in the 11th century, and see the Church of San Biagio. From the ridge, you’ll also be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of Rocca di Tentennano, a hilltop fortress originally built in the 12th century. Over the years, the fortress changed ownership multiple times, falling into the hands of various feudal families vying for land in Tuscany. We encourage our guests to pack their swimsuits for this day hike, as a short trail from Bagno Vignoni’s center reveals a series of cascading thermal pools. These hidden springs descend through the forest and are surrounded by ancient ruins, which were once part of an ancient system of mills that carried water along the Orcia River.
Saturnia: Saturnia takes its name from the Roman god Saturn (or Saturnus). According to ancient mythology, Saturn grew frustrated with the humans for engaging in constant war, so he struck Earth with a thunderbolt, releasing an infinite supply of healing waters to pacify the masses. From Saturnia’s spring, the water travels down the thermal stream, Gorello, which eventually cascades over white travertine limestone rocks, creating open-air iridescent-blue pools. The Terme di Saturnia Falls—also known as “Cascate del Mulino” or “Cascate del Gorello,” for the old mill beside it—is a popular destination for visitors all over the world. The summer is the peak season for tourists, so we like to go at sunrise to soak up the springs with the locals before the pools begin to fill up. Down the road is our luxury accommodation, Terme di Saturnia Spa Hotel, which boasts a shimmering pool built around the origin spring. On a tour with Terra & Tu, travelers can unwind in style and venture to the falls for complete immersion in nature. Our staff can make individual arrangements to take guests to visit the nearby village for shopping or an authentic Tuscan meal. Hikes, golfing, and bicycle rides are also available.
Private Wellness Host
Mind-body wellness is an integral component at Terra & Tu. So much in fact, our yoga instructor doubles as your Wellness Host for the entirety of your journey, ensuring all your needs are met and enjoying your time in Tuscany to the fullest. Sydney Burkhardt is not only expertly trained in the movement arts, but she earned her BA in Romance Languages, with a focus on Italian language and culture, so she is perfectly suited to enrich your travels in this unique setting.
Local Guides
A local guide possesses in-depth knowledge of the area's history, culture, and customs. They can provide context and background to the attractions you visit, helping you to appreciate them on a deeper level.
Our lead guide, Sara, hails from the Chianti region of Italy, sharing in the spirit of her Sienese ancestry. The beauty of her home’s city center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is rivaled only by Tuscany’s romantic landscapes. Sara received the coveted tourist guide license in 2003 and has prioritized immersive, sustainable travel ever since. She owes her extensive knowledge of Italy’s geography and history to her degree in Cultural Anthropology and years of experience in agriculture and sharecropping spaces. Every walk is colored by Sara’s immersive storytelling, drawing on Italian folklore to paint a vibrant picture of Tuscany’s traditional customs and ecological uniqueness. Across Google, Tripadvisor, and Facebook, Sara has amassed nearly 150 5-Star reviews, an accomplishment we are proud to share with Terra & Tu’s travelers.
Local Cuisine
Our villa staff provides an unparalleled culinary experience. Our private chef, Rita dazzles guests with authentic dishes including homemade pasta, Florentine steak, and fresh fish. Rita never compromises on the quality of her ingredients, using only the freshest produce and olive oil from the trees on site. Her meals are enhanced by her expert local wine selections. Johny, our villa manager and husband to Rita, brings his historical and cultural knowledge to the table by providing guests with the history and significance of each dish and wine pairing.
Tuscany is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and a great way to learn more about the culture is to take a cooking class. At our private villa, you’ll have the opportunity to make pasta from scratch the Tuscan way! We’ll try our hand at traditional dishes like ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, panzanella, and other regional specialties.
Tuscany is an enchanting region with much to offer travelers. However, to truly experience the essence of this area, hiring a local guide can make all the difference. Terra & Tu offers an exclusive and immersive journey that takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of Tuscany. From hidden hamlets to private wineries, our tailored itineraries provide a true taste of Tuscan life. So why not join us and discover the secrets of Tuscany for yourself? Sign up for one of our tours today and experience the beauty of this region in true Tuscan style.
