When you think about winter holidays, usually the most popular destinations in Italy are certainly the mountain and spa resorts, where you can ski, but also relax and release the tensions caused by the cold. In Tuscany, lovers of winter sports and spas will certainly not be disappointed, but we don't want to tell you about this. Instead, we want to give you 5 ideas to experience Tuscany in winter beyond skiing and spas.
How many times does it happen that when traveling in the summer, for example, you want to do and see as much as possible of the place we are visiting? In this way we often end up having those concentrated "hit and run" experiences that is more effort than it’s worth. Maybe we visit the major points of interest, the most crowded ones, where you simply get a taste of what is the true essence of that place. Winter, on the other hand, could be the perfect time to take all the time to visit a city in all its facets. With fewer tourists around, it will be easier to calmly dedicate yourself to discovering not only the main attractions, but also remote and little-known corners, talking to the inhabitants of the city or even turning to professional guides with particular focuses that go beyond the classic tours.
Our region is dotted with artistic and cultural heritages, so one thing to do without a doubt is to visit some of the most beautiful museums in the world, which are located right here in Tuscany. The estimated museums are more than 700, of various themes, including art, crafts, science, sport and culture, there is truly spoiled for choice. From the most famous ones of the big cities such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence or the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Siena, to the torture museums of San Gimignano and Volterra, up to the most particular gems of contemporary art such as the Chianti Sculpture Park, which is located near our Relais.
To the sea during winter time? You got it right. Visiting the Tuscan coast in less crowded periods is a gem not to be missed. The seaside towns are emptied of all the summer chaos, so for those looking for a little relaxation and fresh air, a nice walk on the beach in winter is the perfect solution. Also along the coast there are natural parks and protected areas from north to south where you can go trekking and walking or horseback riding, such as the Uccellina Park in Maremma or the parks of Val di Cornia. Followed by a nice meal of fish and a hot cup of tea whatching the sunset on the horizon.
Voldorcia, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is wonderful to visit at any time of the year and by any means. A completely original alternative that we suggest you try is the one with the “Treno Natura”. It is so called because it crosses nature, it is an ancient "Centoporte" carriage with a steam locomotive that travels on a disused railway line of about 52 km, dedicated exclusively to this route, to promote a slower and more sustainable form of tourism. The Treno Natura tour starts from the city of Siena and runs along the Via Francigena through villages that connect the Valdorcia to Monte Amiata, among wheat fields, woods and hills planted with vines.
However, we could not fail to include a mountain experience! This however is different from the usual ski dlls. Have you ever tried snowshoes, snowshoes to walk on snowy streets? Going for a snowshoe hike in the mountains is an experience to do at least once in a lifetime, to immerse yourself in nature even in the bitter cold, in enchanting landscapes with the magical touch of snow. Monte Amiata, the Casentino forests and the Pistoia Mountains are the best destinations. We recommend that you contact qualified guides for this type of activity to fully enjoy the experience in total safety.
What do you think of these 5 ideas to experience Tuscany in winter? Which one would you like to try or have you already tried? Let us know in the comments on our facebook page!
