Top Tuscany Outdoor Activities

Enjoy a unique vantage point few are lucky to experience as you trade the streets of Florence for the skies above Chianti on this hot air balloon flight, departing from San Casciano in Val di Pesa, roughly 20 minutes from the city. Drift at sunrise over vineyards, olive groves, hilltop villas, and medieval castles, then celebrate your landing with prosecco, pastries, cured meats, and schiacciata flatbread served alfresco.

Journey deep into the jagged world of the Carrara marble quarries on this 4WD adventure. Exploring with a guide and a small group, discover the “white gold” that built the Pantheon and Michelangelo’s David. You’ll drive to different active quarries to connect with their people, places, and machinery, and to learn about ancient and modern excavation techniques.

Combine two of the most popular day trip destinations from Florence in one convenient tour on this small-group tour to the Cinque Terre and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Visit three of the five villages of Cinque Terre, traveling by car, boat (or optional hike), and train. Then stop in Pisa on the way back to Florence to see the famous leaning tower.

Seeing the sights of Florence can involve a lot of walking. Cover more ground outside of the typical tourist routes on a fun golf cart ride with this private tour. Open sides offer wraparound views of the city’s tree-lined streets and landmarks—from Porta Romana to Basilica of San Miniato al Monte—concluding at Piazzale Michelangelo for sweeping rooftop vistas.

Nothing says Italy like pizza, pasta, and gelato—but you don't need to sacrifice Italian flavors when your vacation ends. Learn how to recreate these quintessential treats during this half-day culinary experience in the Tuscan countryside. Under the guidance of an Italian chef, enjoy a fun hands-on cooking lesson that culminates in a 3-course feast of appetizers, pizza or pasta, and gelato, accompanied by wine and beer. Then, receive recipes to take home and practice your newfound skills.

Become a pilgrim of sorts and take a scenic hike on the historic Via Francigena, an old pilgrimage route that stretched from Canterbury in England to Rome. The rural route takes you through villages, vineyards, and some of the most scenic countryside in Tuscany. Best of all, once you get to the medieval village of Monteriggioni you're rewarded with a wine tasting. At the end, head back to Siena via train.

Soak up sea views and a slice of history on this full-day tour to Cinque Terre and Pisa from Florence. Wander the colorful cliffside villages of Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare, enjoying free time to explore, swim, or stroll through traditional Ligurian streets and sandy beaches. After soaking up the coast, head to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and medieval monuments, with free time to explore the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli.

Enjoy a break away from the city on this e-bike tour of the Chianti region. Ideal for travelers staying in Florence, join a small group and follow your guide as you pedal through the Tuscan countryside. Rest up when stopping at a regional winery, and sample local flavors with a wine tasting. Lunch is included if the option is selected.

Cinque Terre and Pisa are true wonders, usually requiring several days or more to explore. Ideal for travelers short on time, this one-day extravaganza covers both on an excursion from Florence. Travel by coach through the Tuscan countryside, enjoy a scenic train ride along the spectacular Cinque Terre coastline, explore colorful seaside villages, and see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Enjoy a little outdoor adventure during your Tuscany vacation at Canyon Park, an adventure park near Bagni di Lucca. Open since August 2015, Canyon Park is home to a stunning zipline course, ropes and bridges built in a canyon over a clear blue river. Zoom down ziplines more than 100 meters long as you take in the pristine natural environment of the Straights of Cocciglia.

Avoid the hassle of navigating Lucca’s historic center on foot or missing hidden local spots on your own with a relaxed bike tour through Lucca. Cycle along the city’s ancient walls and quiet streets while a guide brings local history and food culture to life. Pause to enjoy regional wine, brunch, snacks, and Tuscan specialties without needing to plan stops or reservations.

Go beyond the boring group walking tours and head straight for the good stuff: the dark side. On this walking tour, you’ll meet up with your local guide and explore Florence’s lurid past, hearing tales of ghosts, scandalous murders, wild betrayals, and strange curiosities, all connected to gorgeous spots around the city. No guidebooks here—and yet every story will be 100% true.

Pair an e-bike tour with a wine tasting to put a fun twist on your Lucca sightseeing plans. This half-day tour takes place in a small group of just 10 people with a local guide, meaning you'll pedal around the walls and cycle paths of Lucca with less rush. Let your bike's electric motor do the hard work on any hills beyond the city, and finish on a high note with a wine tasting at a local wine estate.

Rent an electric bicycle in Montepulciano and visit the wineries of Tuscany without getting too tired. Thanks to the extra sprint it gives you over hilly terrain, the electric bike is the perfect way to explore the country lanes and soak up the landscape of the famous wine region. Following a planned route, you will be able to visit a selection of local wineries and enjoy two wine tastings in their cellars.

Discover the best of Florence's city center, without the hassle of planning, on this private tour by golf cart. Explore the city without long walks or crowded buses, and breeze between historic neighborhoods, hidden corners, and stunning viewpoints, including Piazzale Michelangelo. Enjoy open-air views, capture plenty of photos, and hear about the city’s history and culture from your guide.

With this self-guided tour, get a taste of Chianti without long day trips or drives—just hop on an e-bike and follow a GPS device to a vineyard on the outskirts of Florence. Easily scale the Florentine hills with a battery-assisted boost. Then, sample Chianti-style wine and other Tuscan products at a vineyard in the ancient Etruscan town of Fiesole, and enjoy views of Florence on the ride back down.

Glide under the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and across the Arno River on a Florence river cruise. Hop aboard your barchetto—a small traditional boat that is one of only four still operating in the city. As you see the sights like the famous Uffizi Gallery from the water, toast your fellow mates with glass of chilled Tuscan rosé or white wine.

Escape to the Italian Riviera without hiring a car with this excursion to Cinque Terre. Perfect for travelers staying in Florence, leave navigating unfamiliar roads to your coach driver as you travel to this region. Visit the villages of Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore, with guided experiences and free time to explore. Customize your day with different itinerary choices; opt for transportation only, choose a hike-focused tour, or finish with a visit to Pisa.

Get views you can't find anywhere else on this hot-air balloon ride over Tuscany. Starting in Siena, float above the countryside and take in scenic views of the low-rolling hills, some clad in grape vines, others crowned by a rustic ancient villa. Ascend as high as 2,000 feet (609 meters) and enjoy seeing the countryside and surrounding ancient villages and towns. Upon landing, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate your experience.

Make the most of your time in Florence, and avoid missing key highlights, with a small-group tour that includes convenient timed entry to the Accademia Gallery. Also visit the highlights of the historic center on a walking tour that goes beyond the guidebooks with local history and insider tips. Upgrade to include a tour of the Uffizi Gallery.

Fall for the charm of the Cinque Terre, a coastal region of cliff-clinging villages and dramatic seaside views. On this full-day small-group tour, experience the scenic parts of the region with a driver-guide and learn about the UNESCO-listed region’s history. Take a boat ride between Manarola and Vernazza and get free time to explore both locations on foot. Make stops in local wine bars and restaurants to sip some regional varietals and eat a traditional Italian lunch (both at own expense).

See more of Florence—with ease—on a comfortable cruiser bike. Led by your guide, you'll glide through landmarks like Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi, the Duomo, and along the Arno River, at your own relaxed pace. Picture small group sizes, expert guides sharing Florence's fascinating history, and headsets for seamless narration. With frequent shade breaks and prime photo opportunities, this tour lets you discover the city's charm without breaking a sweat.

Leave the busy streets of Florence behind and soak up Tuscany's views on this small-group Vespa tour. Hop onto your scooter once you reach the beautiful country roads of Chianti, so you don't have to navigate inner-city traffic. Stop for a traditional Tuscan meal at a farmhouse and taste olive oils and Chianti wines for an authentic taste of Florence's culinary scene. You can also enjoy the journey in a Fiat Topolino e-car.