If Florence is all about art and energy, the Tuscan countryside is about slowing down and savoring life. From our private hilltop Airbnb to meals that felt more like memories than just food, Tuscany delivered on every front: views, flavors, and experiences that linger long after you’ve left.
$$$ Price
While Tuscany is known for luxury, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Staying in a private Airbnb with multiple apartments and a pool overlooking the rolling hills gave us the feel of a villa retreat without the resort price tag. Meals ranged from casual family-owned trattorias with traditional menus at reasonable prices to once-in-a-lifetime splurges like our winery tour and helicopter ride.
Bottom line: Tuscany offers incredible food and wine at a variety of price points, and even the “everyday” meals felt elevated and authentic.
🧑🍳 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 🧑🍳 Ambience
Waking up in the Tuscan hills felt like stepping into a postcard. Our Airbnb was surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, with a sparkling pool that overlooked the endless rolling landscape. Breakfast each morning was set out with fresh pastries, rustic breads, local yogurt, and a spread of meats and cheeses that tasted like they’d come straight from a farmhouse kitchen.
Exploring the ancient hillside towns, we found cobblestone streets, panoramic views, and restaurants tucked into centuries-old stone buildings. Each spot had its own charm: some with traditional handwritten menus, others offering a creative spin on Tuscan classics.
And then there was the family-owned winery, which included sprawling grounds with vineyards as far as the eye could see, and hospitality that made us feel like honored guests.
🥩🥩🥩🥩🥩 Food
Tuscany is a food lover’s dream, and our days were filled with flavors both rustic and refined.
- Wood-Fired Pizza – Crisp, chewy crusts with just the right amount of char. Fun fact: in Italy, pizzas arrive uncut. You slice them yourself, making each bite feel personal and fresh.
- Family-Owned Trattorias – Authentic, hearty meals built on tradition. Menus leaned classic, but one stand-out spot surprised us with tapas-style plates, offering creative twists on Tuscan staples.
- Breakfast Spreads – Every morning started with buttery pastries, fresh yogurt, meats, andcheeses. It was simple, fresh, and satisfying.
- Winery Meal – The highlight of the trip: after a helicopter ride and vineyard tour, we sat down to a multi-course feast that included a charcuterie board, rich lasagna, and a beautifully prepared pork dish. Paired with their wines, it was the definition of Tuscan hospitality.
🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸 Drink
Wine is the heartbeat of Tuscany, and we experienced it in the best way possible: straight from the source. At the family winery, we sampled several varieties, including bold reds, crisp whites, and of course, the local Chianti. Each pour felt connected to the land itself, complemented by the sweeping vineyard views.
Even outside of wineries, every meal came with a glass (or carafe) of local wine that elevated the flavors on the table. Tuscany truly proves that good wine doesn’t have to be complicated; it just must be authentic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall Experience
Our Tuscan countryside escape was the perfect mix of relaxation and indulgence. Between lazy mornings by the pool, afternoons wandering ancient hillside towns, and evenings lingering over wood-fired pizza and local wine, it was everything we imagined and more.
The winery visit was the cherry on top, combining adventure (a helicopter ride!) with the warmth of a family meal that celebrated Tuscany’s rich traditions.
Would we go back? Absolutely — to sip, savor, and soak it all in all over again.
Tuscany isn’t just a destination; it’s a state of mind.