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Central Italy

Central Italy is the heart of the country’s history, art, and timeless countryside beauty. It’s home to Renaissance cities, boundless vineyard landscapes, medieval towns, thermal springs, and some of Italy’s most iconic coastlines. It’s the perfect region for guests who want a mix of culture, food, and laid-back exploration, with destinations ranging from Florence and Rome to Tuscany’s hill towns and the dreamy beaches of the Argentario. Whether you want museums, wine roads, seaside charm, or quaint village strolls, Central Italy offers something authentic and unforgettable at every turn. Our recommended locations and experiences below are organized by region (most, but not all) to help you easily explore what each area uniquely provides.

Tuscany

Warm, scenic, and endlessly cinematic — Tuscany blends Renaissance cities, medieval towns, famous wine regions, and peaceful countryside living. Take it as fast or slow as you’d like.

  • A Renaissance treasure filled with iconic art, architecture, and charming streets. You can’t miss this one!

    Must-Dos:

    • Visit the Duomo

    • Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo

    • Uffizi Gallery (closed on Mondays)

    • Visit the infamous wine windows

    • Walk the Ponte Vecchio

    • Boboli Gardens

    • Oltrarno artisan district

    • Shop for designer vintage and leather goods (or modern luxury brands)

  • The most quintessential Tuscan stop along your route - A charming walled city known for cycling, beautiful piazzas, and calm, cobblestone streets.

    Head 30 minutes up Lucca’s surrounding foothills to a tiny village called Matraia, where Hannah was living during her culinary exchange/when she met Francesco.

    Must-Dos:

    Lucca City Center:

    • Bike the city walls (an absolute must - there are plenty of affordable rentals available)

    • Shop, have an aperitivo, and listen to live music until you drop

    • Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

    • Lucca Cathedral

    • Guinigi Tower

    Matraia:

    • Take an authentic cooking class with Eleanora at Forestaria agritourismo

    • Visit the Focaccia shop along Via Di Matraia

    • Wine and olive oil tasting at Fattoria Colle Verde or many other nearby producers

    • Walk along the most charming streets and take in breathtaking views

    • Bike or hike famous cypress and olive grove-lined trails

    • Walk or parasail the trail hills and enjoy panoramic views

    • Stay in a tuscan villa

  • A medieval gem with Gothic architecture, narrow streets, and a lively central square.

    Must-Dos:

    • Piazza del Campo

    • Siena Cathedral

    • climb Torre del Mangia

    • Chianti day trip

  • The rolling hills between Florence & Siena. Think wine estates, cypress-lined drives, and hill towns.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wine tastings

    • Vineyard lunches

    • Scenic drives

    • Panzano butcher shop (Dario Cecchini)

  • Picture-perfect Tuscany: Golden hills, rustic towns, winding roads, and famous Brunello vineyards.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wine tasting in Montalcino

    • Thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni

    • Pienza cheese tasting

  • One of Tuscany’s best-kept secrets. Quiet seaside towns, turquoise coves, and a luxurious but laid-back coastal vibe. It’s where locals vacation.

    Must-Dos:

    • Stay at the famous Hotel Il Pellicano

    • Have dinner with a view at Boutique Hotel Torre Di Cala Piccola; Arrive early for a drink at the lounge

    • Relax and swim at one of the area’s endless beaches

    • Take a coastal hike or drive

    • Visit Porto Santo Stefano

Best for: Romantics, honeymooners, wine lovers, road-trippers, and culture-seekers.

Why We Love It

Frank’s favorite city in Italy is Florence. He refers to it as a “giant living museum,” and he’s not wrong. He’ll recommend you take in all of the city’s art and history, and club hop with friends. We both suggest Florence as a stop along your route.

Hannah is definitely biased, but she’ll tell you to visit Lucca and it’s surrounding hill towns (Matraia, especially). Alternatively, roadtrip down to the Porto Ercole area and explore Argentario. It’s one of her favorites because it feels luxe, exclusive, and relatively untapped tourism-wise.

Lazio

Best for: History lovers, urban explorers, foodies, travelers mixing culture and nature.

Best known for Rome, but the region also offers lakes, ancient ruins, and volcanic hill towns.

  • Historic, atmospheric, and endlessly exciting. You’ll never run out of things to do here, but be sure to purchase any and all tickets to its many attractions far in advance!

    Must-Dos:

    • Tour the Colosseum

    • Vatican Museum

    • Trastevere

    • Trevi Fountain

    • Pantheon

    • Roman Forum

    • Villa Borghese gardens

    • Club until dawn

  • Home to two spectacular UNESCO villas.

    Must-Dos:

    • Villa d’Este

    • Hadrian’s Villa

    • Waterfall views

  • Bright whitewashed towns, clear water, and great seafood.

    Must-Dos:

    • Sperlonga old town

    • Beaches

    • Grotto tours

Why We Love It

An evening in Roma. Enough said.

Umbria

Best for: Slow travelers, religious travelers, nature lovers, and those wanting Tuscany without the crowds.

Italy’s “green heart”—a quieter, more rustic alternative to Tuscany with quaint villages, olive groves, and spiritual hill towns.

  • Vibrant university city with beautiful stone streets and cultural energy.

    Must-Dos:

    • Rocca Paolina

    • Corso Vannucci

    • Chocolate tasting

  • A peaceful hilltop town best known for St. Francis.

    Must-Dos:

    • Basilica of St. Francis

    • Rocca Maggiore

    • Panoramic viewpoints

  • Dramatically perched above the countryside, known for wine and a stunning cathedral.

    Must-Dos:

    • Orvieto Cathedral

    • Underground cave tour

    • Orvieto Classico wines

  • Classic Umbrian villages with exceptional wine and food.

    Must-Dos:

    • Spoleto Cathedral

    • Montefalco Sagrantino wine tastings

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