Explore the wonders of the Tuscan Hills with tailor-made food and wine itineraries, discovering Italy’s most beautiful villages, fine wines and typical dishes that tell the story and traditions of this extraordinary land
The Tuscan Hills, one of the most fascinating areas in Italy, represent a perfect meeting of unspoiled nature, millenary art and unique food and wine traditions. Here, rolling hills are dotted with medieval villages, vineyards and olive groves, creating an enchanting setting where history and beauty blend harmoniously.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a culture rich in traditions, taste typical dishes prepared with local ingredients and savor fine wines such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Typical dishes and wines of the Tuscan Hills
The cuisine of the Tuscan Hills reflects the essence of the area: simple, genuine and linked to the flavors of rural tradition.
Garfagnana dishes
In Garfagnana, one of the most iconic dishes is farro soup, an ancient recipe made with farro, legumes and vegetables, perfect for cold winter days. Also in this area, you can enjoy necci, chestnut-flour crepes often accompanied with fresh ricotta cheese, and rovelline, breaded slices of beef cooked in a tomato and caper sauce.
Dishes of Volterra
In Volterra, the protagonist is caciucco di terra or scottiglia, a robust stew of Etruscan origin that combines various types of meat such as rabbit, lamb, veal and game, cooked slowly with onion, herbs, pepper, wine and broth. The long cooking time makes this dish an explosion of flavors, perfect for those seeking an authentic and nourishing experience.
Dishes and Wines of San Gimignano
In San Gimignano, in addition to the renowned Vernaccia, you can enjoy pappardelle al sugo di lepre, a robust first course, and ribollita, a bread and vegetable soup reheated several times, typical of poor Tuscan cuisine.
Montalcino Dishes and Wines
Montalcino, on the other hand, is the realm of Brunello di Montalcino, one of the world’s most famous and popular red wines, often paired with dishes such as wild boar stew or pasta with hare sauce.
Montepulciano Dishes and Wines Montepulciano is famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a robust, full-bodied red wine that pairs perfectly with rich dishes such as pici cacio e pepe, a fresh pasta served with pecorino cheese and black pepper, and tagliata di manzo, a high-quality steak served rare. Montepulciano’s cuisine is also renowned for its local cured meats and cheeses, which enhance the authentic flavors of Tuscan tradition.
Chianti Dishes and Wines
In the Chianti area, in addition to the famous Chianti Classico wine, we find meat dishes such as bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick cut of beef cooked over charcoal, and pappa al pomodoro, a thick soup prepared with ripe tomatoes, stale bread and extra virgin olive oil.
Siena dishes
In Siena, tradition makes itself felt in the desserts: not to be missed are panforte and ricciarelli, almond sweets with a soft texture, perfect to accompany a glass of Vin Santo.
What to see in the Tuscan Hills
Castiglione di Garfagnana
This medieval village, surrounded by mighty walls, offers breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps. The historic center is well preserved, with narrow alleys and small squares that take you back in time. Don’t miss the Rocca, one of the best preserved in the area, which offers an unmissable view of the valley.
Careggine
A small town with old-world charm, with small stone houses and the nearby Vagli Dam, which occasionally reveals the submerged village, a real sight for visitors. Careggine is an ideal place for nature lovers and hikers, with numerous hiking trails crossing the Apuan Alps.
Volterra
Etruscan city, known for its alabaster and its scenic location overlooking the surrounding hills. The historic center is a maze of medieval alleys and squares, with monuments such as the Palazzo dei Priori, which is the oldest town hall in Tuscany. The city is also home to a well-preserved Roman theater, a testament to its ancient history.
San Gimignano
Called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” San Gimignano is famous for its towers, which once numbered over seventy, while today thirteen remain. Walking through its streets, you can feel the atmosphere of a bygone era, and from the top of the Torre Grossa you can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding hills. In addition, the Cathedral of San Gimignano preserves frescoes of great artistic value.
Monteriggioni
A fortified village that seems straight out of a fairy tale, with perfectly preserved walls and a picturesque central square. Monteriggioni is famous for its imposing walls, visible from miles away, which completely envelop the village. Every summer, the village hosts an atmospheric medieval festival, with jousts, markets and costumed performances.
Montalcino
In addition to Brunello, Montalcino offers breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills and charming medieval streets. The heart of the town is dominated by the Fortress, from which you can admire a panorama that stretches as far as Mount Amiata. Not far away is the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture surrounded by greenery.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a charming town with a historic center full of Renaissance palaces and elegant squares. The Duomo and Piazza Grande offer u no spectacle of historic architecture, while the ancient underground cellars are the perfect place to taste the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll along the city walls to admire breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Radda in Chianti
In the heart of Chianti, Radda is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Strolling through its cobblestone streets, visiting the ancient Pieve di San Nicolò and tasting local wines are unmissable experiences. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Chianti hills and discovering the secrets of its vineyards.
Chiusdino
This village is known for the Abbey of San Galgano, famous for the “sword in the rock,” one of Tuscany’s most striking attractions. Chiusdino also preserves the birthplace of St. Galgano, the village’s patron saint. The landscape surrounding the abbey is uniquely beautiful, especially at sunset, when the golden light envelops the ruins.
Siena
A city famous for its Palio, Siena is one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval jewels. Piazza del Campo, with its characteristic shell shape, is the beating heart of the city and hosts the famous Palio twice a year.
Siena Cathedral, with its black-and-white marble facade, is one of the most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture in Italy, while the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo preserves priceless works of art. Walking through its streets, one has the feeling of stepping back in time, thanks to the perfect preservation of its historic buildings.
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Explore the Tuscan Hills: Tailor-Made Food and Wine Itineraries for an Authentic Experience with FoodTripGo
The Tuscan Hills are the perfect destination for those who want to live an authentic experience among genuine flavors, art and nature. With our tailor-made food and wine itineraries, you can discover enchanting villages, taste the best wines and savor typical dishes directly in the places of origin.
FoodTripGo takes care of planning every detail of your trip, offering you an exclusive and personalized experience designed to make you experience the best of Tuscany. Trust us for an unforgettable tour among the Tuscan hills and book your itinerary now on FoodTripGo.