See what the experts are saying about Tuscany. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Planning a trip
Planning a trip doesn't have to be hard work. This section will help you smooth out most of your preparations for a trip to Tuscany and Umbria. Continue reading »
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Fast facts
American Express -- There is an American Express office in Florence on Via Dante Alighieri 14r (tel. 055-509-81). Area Codes -- Every city and its surrounding towns have a separate city code. The code for most of the Florence area is 055.... Continue reading »
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Visitor information
Tourist Offices For general information in your home country, try your local branch of the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) or www.italiantourism.com. Some Frommer's readers have reported that the office isn't really that helpful.... Continue reading »
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When to go
The best times to visit Tuscany and Umbria are in the spring and fall. Starting in late May, the summer tourist rush really picks up, and from July to mid-September the country is teeming with visitors. August is the worst month to visit. Not... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
No Italian village can let the year run its course without a handful of celebrations of church, history, local talent, or just good food and wine. And no visit to Italy is complete without taking part in at least one of them. Those listed bel... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane From North America Only one carrier, Delta, flies directly from the United States (New York) to an airport in Tuscany (Pisa). Still, most airlines and their affiliates connect through a handful of European cities to the small i... Continue reading »
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Package deals
Ask Before You Go Before you invest in a package deal or an escorted tour: Always ask about the cancellation policy. Can you get your money back? Is there a deposit required? Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each.... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance The cost of travel insurance varies widely, depending on the destination, the cost and length of your trip, your age and health, and the type of trip you're taking, but expect to pay between 5% and 8% of the vacation itsel... Continue reading »
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Getting around
By Car Tuscany and Umbria are best explored by car. In fact, one of the most common and convenient ways to take a tour of this area is to fly or take a train into Florence, see the city, then pick up a rental car to wend your way through T... Continue reading »
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Money
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel b... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements
Passports For information on how to get a passport, go to "Passports" in the "Fast Facts: Tuscany & Umbria" section in this guide -- the websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing... Continue reading »
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Regions in brief
Tuscany and Umbria are divided into administrative provinces based around major cities. These official designations aren't perfect for organizing a travel guide, however. Keep in mind that none of these "regions" is very large -- Tuscany is,... Continue reading »
Tuscany Travel Experiences
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Lake Garda to Tuscany
Saturday, 8th & 9th November Next day we quickly passed into Austria for 5 minutes – took advantage of their cheaper fuel and food in Li... Continue reading »
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The Vagabond Diaries...
VAGABOND DIARIES CHICAGO TO ZURICH (May 29-30): My Vagabond summer begins Saturday, but I decided to arrive Wednesday to give myse... Continue reading »
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The rollıng hılls of Tuscany
Tuscany was a hit. Not only for the obvıous reasons you`d immediately think of (great wine, great food, beautiful scenery) but beca... Continue reading »
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We're camping at the center of Etruscan civilization
So here we are in Volterra, Italy, in the heart of Tuscany. We were very fortunate... Continue reading »
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My home base until December
San Gusme has a population of approximatly 450 people. 200 within the city wall and 250 outside. It is located approximatly 30 minutes no... Continue reading »
