Many people are nervous about driving abroad but, equally, get stressed out at the idea of having to navigate foreign public transport systems. Both, of course, have their merits and their complications but they can still be navigated safely and happily, you just need to consider your own preferences, plans, and needs when thinking about which to choose. Plus, you can always combine the two options, if necessary. And, in fact, there are actually more than these two options for those who find a villa in Tuscany and are looking to get around.
So, here is our guide for those who are planning a trip to Tuscany and are wondering how they can get around as well as a little bit of information about each of the different options that you can choose so you can make the right decision for yourself!
1. Car rentals.
Having a car is incredibly convenient, especially if you want to explore the region at your own pace. It's not essential to have one to experience the beauty of Tuscany but it does make things a lot easier as you can go exactly when and where you want. Particularly if you might be staying in one of our accessible villas in Tuscany and have less mobile members in your party, this can make things more comfortable so that everyone can have a fun and relaxed time. Or, if you have chosen one of our more remote villas for the peace and quiet but still want to be able to go and see some sights and attractions, then having a car is kind of your only option.
However, if you are a little nervous about driving abroad and what you might expect, then check out this guide on our blog with tips and tricks about driving safely in Italy. It is also important to keep certain key facts in mind such as the existence of ZTLs, which are protected parts of cities – usually the historic centre – where you cannot drive without special permits. They are often not very obviously signposted and you could easily drive in without realising and then have the car rental company forward a fine to your home address as an unpleasant souvenir from your trip. If you are driving into a town or city, it is safest to avoid potential stress over this happening by checking if a place you are visiting has a ZTL zone and then, if so, parking in one the parking lots that surround these centres. From there, you can take shuttle buses (where available) or public transport into the town. If you really must drive right into a historic town or city, research carefully in advance.
2. Going on foot.
This, of course, is the easiest way to go and if you choose a villa in a town or city then you can rely on your own power to get around. If you are browsing through our selection of Tuscany Villas, you will be pleased to find that many are located within walking distance of local amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and public transport links. This means that you can easily explore the local area on foot or by public transport.
3. Public Transport.
As noted, public transport can be combined with your other modes of travel to help make your trip more convenient. Tuscany has an extensive public transport network, including buses and trains, which can take you to most of the major cities and towns in the region. This is an affordable and convenient way to get around, especially if you're travelling alone or with a small group. The train system is particularly efficient, with regular services connecting major cities such as Florence, Pisa, and Siena. Again, if you are staying in a more remote location for the peace and privacy, then you may need to drive a little to get to your nearest train or bus but being able to take public transport for at least part of your journey will mean less navigating, reducing your carbon footprint, minimising the potential stress of navigating roads with which you are unfamiliar, reducing costs, and allowing you to simply sit back and watch the stunning Tuscan countryside go by. There are a couple of things to keep in mind about validating tickets (again to avoid incurring any annoying fines that could sour your vacation) and about ensuring you have the correct information at all times so be sure to read this article about our public transport tips if you have found your vacation rental in Tuscany and want to make sure you have all your bases covered when using buses, trams, or trains in Tuscany.
4. Bike Rental
If, however, you are feeling more adventurous or active, why not rent a bike and explore Tuscany on two wheels? Cycling is a great way to see the region at a slower pace and allows you to take in the stunning countryside and picturesque villages at your own leisure. There are many bike rental shops throughout Tuscany, and some of our villas in Tuscany offer bike rental services on-site or simply have bikes on the property that renters can use. So, feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin (although be sure to dress appropriately to avoid sunburn or getting too warm/chilly), take in the beauty all around, stop as much and as readily as you please to admire or photograph your surroundings, and grab a leisurely lunch, and maybe even stop into a vineyard to go wine-tasting. There are even routes through Chianti where travellers tour different wineries and cycle from one to the next – sounds pretty magical to us!
5. Vespa Rental
Similarly (but for all the charm without having to exert yourself), if you are embracing and really leaning into the Italian experience, then why not try renting a Vespa and heading off to scoot around the winding roads of Tuscany? This is a fun and exciting way to explore the region, and there are plenty of rental shops where you can hire a Vespa for the day or longer. It may be a bit easier to cover more ground than going with a bicycle, plus you are bound to get some really cute commemorative snaps along the way. If you are trying to have a perfectly cinematic and dream Tuscan getaway, this is certain to help make your trip truly unforgettable.
6. Private Tours
Another great way to customise your travels and to take in exactly what you want to see but a way to do so in greater comfort and luxury, without having to do any real stressing or navigating yourself or planning yourself, plus with all the know-how and information a local can provide, taking a private tour of Tuscany with a local guide is a great way to go if you are all about ease and relaxation when you travel. There are plenty of private tour options available to you from different companies all across the region and online and some of the owners of our villas in Tuscany actually will provide this service directly to you (sometimes even as a complimentary extra, sometimes as a paid bonus feature – just check the listing when you are browsing our holiday rentals in Tuscany to see if this might be the case with any given property). A great way to get an insider's view of the region and learn about its history and culture, be sure to ask us about this when booking your villa with pool in Tuscany.
There are lots of different ways to get around Tuscany and each of these have their own unique charms or can even be combined to make your experience of Tuscany even more unforgettable. So, if you are booking one of our villas de lujo en Toscana and want to explore the region, you have plenty of incredible options available to you!
