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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tuscany: Florence to Siena

Written on : 16 January 2026
By : Alexis Steinman
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tuscany: Florence to Siena

From rolling hills to historic cities, Tuscany offers unforgettable places to stay for your Italian holiday. Whether you choose a villa in a refined city or in the Tuscan countryside among vineyards and olive groves, each part of Tuscany has its own appeal. Explore iconic routes from Florence to Siena and from Pienza to the Val d’Orcia, where art, nature and timeless villages come together for an exceptional Italian escape.

Why stay in Tuscany? Things to do and places to see

Tuscany offers an exceptional variety of villa rentals, from elegant urban homes to countryside villas. This iconic region blends Renaissance cities, world-class art and gastronomy with a deep connection to nature. Explore charming small villages, enjoy panoramic views over olive groves, and embrace the great outdoors with walks, cycling and wine tasting. Tuscany is also ideal for day trips, where visitors can move easily between historic towns, rural landscapes and cultural highlights that capture the essence of the Italian way of life.

Florence: The heart of Renaissance Art

Florence: The heart of Renaissance Art

Florence is Tuscany’s cultural capital, brimming with masterpieces of Renaissance art, noble palaces, designer boutiques and exceptional restaurants and wine bars. Florence is the ideal place to holiday in Tuscany without a car, whether you stay in the city or take day trips to nearby villages by train. The historic centre is compact and lively, perfect for people who want to experience life like a local. Highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo and panoramic sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Our clients' preferred villas in Florence: Villa Giulio or Villa Massia

Chianti: Where to stay in Tuscany for wine tasting

Chianti: Where to stay in Tuscany for wine tasting

Staying in Chianti places you at the heart of the Tuscan countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cypress-lined roads and renowned wine estates. Charming countryside villas offer an authentic base for wine tasting, long lunches and golden evenings under the Tuscan sun. This timeless landscape is ideal for the great outdoors, from scenic walks to cycling through vineyards. Warm local hospitality and historic villages make Chianti one of the best places to experience rural Tuscany at its most beautiful.

Where to stay in Chianti for your Tuscany holiday:  Mulino Bellavallata and Villa Sergini

Siena: Medieval beauty and authentic Italy

Siena: Medieval beauty and authentic Italy

Siena captivates visitors with its Gothic architecture, warm terracotta tones and timeless atmosphere. This historic city of medieval beauty is shaped by deep-rooted traditions, most famously the thrilling Palio horse race held in the heart of town, near the Palazzo Pubblico. Lively piazzas and narrow streets reveal layers of history from Siena’s 15th-century cultural renaissance, while daily life still revolves around neighbourhood pride, local rituals and a strong sense of identity rooted in centuries-old customs. 

Our clients favorite places to stay in Siena:  Villa Monteroni or  Casale delle Stelle

The Val d’Orcia countryside: Where to stay in Tuscany with a car

The Val d’Orcia countryside: Where to stay in Tuscany with a car

The Val d’Orcia countryside captures the essence of pure Tuscan beauty, with golden fields, sprawling vineyards and charming villages such as Pienza and Montalcino. This UNESCO-listed landscape is synonymous with iconic scenery, excellent olive oil and a slower pace of life shaped by local traditions. Ideal for visiting Tuscany with a car, it offers endless opportunities to explore the outdoors, from scenic drives to gentle walks between hilltop towns. Staying here means immersing yourself in Tuscany’s most timeless and atmospheric rural setting.

A selection of exclusive villas in Val D'Orcia: Villa Victorina and  Casa Lucia

Arezzo: Art, antiques and tranquillity

Arezzo: Art, antiques and tranquillity

Arezzo is an elegant, lesser-known Tuscan city prized for its art, antiques and sense of tranquillity. Renowned for its extraordinary frescoes, including works by Piero della Francesca, it also hosts one of Italy’s most famous antique markets. Its historic centre invites slow walks through graceful squares, stone churches and quiet streets, offering a refined alternative to busier cities. With a calm atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Arezzo is one of the best places in Tuscany for travellers seeking beauty without the crowds.

Unforgettable places to stay in Arezzo: Villa Maestani and  Villa Pogiarezza

Lucca: An elegant walled city and authenticity

Lucca: An elegant walled city and authenticity

Lucca is an elegant walled city that captures the essence of authentic Tuscan living. Its remarkably well-preserved historic centre is encircled by Renaissance walls, perfect for walking or cycling, while cobbled streets lead to refined piazzas, churches and lively cafés frequented by locals. With a strong musical heritage and a calm, sophisticated atmosphere, Lucca feels both cultural and lived-in. It is ideally located, just 30 minutes from the Tuscan coast and close to the dramatic Apuan Alps.

Enjoy a memorable stay at these luxury villas in Lucca: Villa Farfalla and  Villa Marco

Pistoia: The hidden gem of northern Tuscany

Pistoia: The hidden gem of northern Tuscany

Pistoia is a hidden gem of north Tuscany, an authentic small town loved by locals for its calm rhythm and rich heritage. Renowned for Romanesque art, atmospheric piazzas and centuries-old churches, it also sits close to soothing thermal spas in the surrounding hills. With vibrant local traditions, markets and festivals, Pistoia feels genuinely authentic, making it one of the best places to experience Tuscan life beyond the usual favourite towns, and welcoming people year-round.

Our clients' preferred places to stay in Pistoia: Villa Massa and Villa Monsummano

Villanovo in Tuscany : Exceptional stays and concierge services

Our exclusive collection in luxury places to stay in Tuscany, Italy: 

Villanovo offers a wide range of luxury villas with direct access to the beach, private pools, panoramic sea views, a house staff and private chefs or cooks. Find the perfect house for your needs, whether you stay for a few nights or a weeklong holiday or with a large group of over 35 people.

Our villas are set in prime locations across Tuscany in the cities and Tuscan countryside: Florence, Chianti, Siena, Val d’Orcia, Arezzo, San Gimignano, Pisa, Grosseto, Pienza and Pistoia. If you are planning a stay during peak season, we recommend booking early for the best selection. 

A unique experience in cities and towns in Tuscany: 

Thanks to Villanovo's concierge service, every stay is an exclusive experience. They are experts in fulfilling your every wish and desire, like booking cooking classes, horseback riding, childcare, or birthday dinners in your villa. Our local experts provide recommendations for the best places in Tuscany, including restaurants, shops and day trips.

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Tuscany

Villa Massa

(2 reviews)
357 € - 1 228 € per night
10 (12 max.) 5 5
"Spacious villa in the ancient spa town of Montecatini near Lucca in Tuscany, with 5 bedrooms & 5 bathrooms"
Tuscany - Pistoia

Villa Farfalla

(3 reviews)
2 571 € - 2 714 € per night
12 (14 max.) 6 6
"Extraordinary villa surrounded by the Tuscan nature overlooking Lucca, beautiful contemporary architecture, 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms"
Tuscany - Lucca