Travel

How To Enjoy Tuscany: A Basic Guide For Americans

8 tips on making the most of your trip to Italy

During spring of 2022, my fiancé and I joined half of America in visiting Europe. We toured Tuscany: a region of Italy where, in my head, I’m still eating the most delicious gnocchi of my life on a hilltop terrace. Preparing for a trip abroad can be equal parts thrilling and overwhelming, so here are some tips for making the most of your trip to Tuscany!

1. Learn some basic Italian

Even though almost every Italian I met spoke English, it seemed generally appreciated that I knew a few Italian phrases. Plus, practicing the language with locals can help ground you in the experience of being abroad, and it’s fun! Simple words like Grazie (“Thank you”), Buongiorno (“Good morning”), Arrivederci (“Goodbye”), Vorrei (“I would like…”) go a long way. My fiancé and I liked practicing with servers, who usually found our efforts endearing — if not comical, lol.

I recommend listening to the podcast Coffee Break Italian for some introductory words, transactional phrases, and pronunciation tips.

2. Enjoy a glass of Vin Santo with a tiny biscotto cookie

As an American, I am very used to dunking things into other things and then eating them: sugar cookies into milk, chips into queso, vegetables into a bowl of ranch dressing… I could go on. I have, however, never considered dipping a cookie into a glass of wine — but let me tell you, it’s amazing. This is a tradition you’ll find around Florence that dates back to the Renaissance, and it’s the perfect end to a meal. Something about the starchiness of the biscotto absorbs a notable amount of the alcohol flavor, so eating it packs a punch — but a very delightful one that I am willing to take over and over again. Don’t miss trying this!

3. Buy some Italian staples to take home with you

There’s no shortage of delicious things to be found literally everywhere in Italy. Even at a gas station, we found boxes of incredible cookies that were crunchy on the outside, but filled with a creamy chocolate on the inside… much fancier than the varieties you’d find in American gas stations. My only regret is that we did not buy more to shove into our luggage. So, be sure to stock up! If you visit an olive farm, do not leave that place without buying at least one bottle of olive oil. If you aren’t farm-hopping through the country like we were, you can pick up some pretty delicious things from grocery stores and other food shops.

4. Try the local specialties

Within the broader region of Tuscany are many distinct communities with their own cultural and culinary staples. Even though you can find a lot of these items all over the region, there’s something special about enjoying them in their places of origin. For example, if you’re a meat-lover, you’d probably enjoy eating a Bistecca alla Fiorentina in Florence. In Siena, you may want to try the the Pesto Senese on their signature pasta, Pici. In the Chianti Mountains you’ll find vineyards making varieties of Chianti wine. I mean, the list really goes on and on. Be sure to do a little research before you go, or just ask the locals what to try!

5. Savor every sip — or bite!

In my regular life I tend to consume things quickly and mindlessly, an unfortunate result of the fast-paced American world. In my vacation life, however, I try to prolong every moment for as long as possible by eating slowly, sniffing my wine before I have a sip, observing the sounds and sights as I walk through a busy city, etcetera. Taking time to mindfully experience the world can make a vacation feel like it’s lasting longer, and it gives you stronger memories to pull from once you return home. So, if you’re like me, you can escape a bad day by mentally visiting that gorgeous hilltop terrace and feel at peace again.

6. Pay vineyards to ship a box (or two) of bottles back home

You don’t have to fit everything in your suitcase! If you visit a farm or a vineyard, chances are they export many, many boxes of their products all over the world and can easily ship one to your home. Doing this is a safer bet than stuffing bottles into your suitcase where they may break, and you’ll likely want that extra luggage space for other treats and souvenirs anyway. The typical shipping cost is between $50 and $75 USD per box, and you can expect it to arrive about 4 to 5 weeks after placing your order. So, just when you were starting to miss Tuscany, you’ll have a whole box of goodies landing on your doorstep!

7. Grab a gelato or sorbetto and take a stroll about town

In Tuscany, you are likely to find gelato shops — or gelaterias, as they are referred to in Italian — sprinkled throughout the towns and cities you visit. After all, Tuscany is largely considered to be the birthplace of this delicious treat! Make some time in your day to stop by a local shop and grab a gelato in a cone or a cup. If you’d rather avoid the dairy, ask if they carry any flavors of sorbetto: a finely-shaved, flavored ice that’s made without milk or cream. Then, hit the streets! Eating while you walk forces you to slow down, giving you the chance to really absorb the environment surrounding you. So, it’s best to do this in an area that isn’t too crowded!

8. Visit a castle, soak in the views

Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, so it makes sense that the region is full of historical art and architecture. Among these architectural giants dotting the beautiful rolling hills are castles — many of which accompany vineyards, and have been brought into the 21st century with modern amenities. Some you can tour and stay for a meal. Others, like the Castello Banfi, are full-scale resorts — which means you can become a castle resident for a few nights! The mash-up of old and new in these properties is delightful, giving you a timeless experience. Grab a seat overlooking the hills, take a sip of the local wines, and soak it all in.

Well, that’s it from me. I hope you have a great trip! -Liz