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Holidays In Tuscany, Central Italy & Elba

Holidays in Tuscany, Central Italy & Elba

Activities & events

Eating out

Campsites in region

Tuscany, Central Italy & Elba

These three very different neighbours are now more accessible than ever, being eminently driveable for those who like to bring their own cars, and served by no less than five airports for those who opt for a fly-drive holiday.

Few places on earth can match the beauty of Tuscany’s rolling hills, dappled with sunlight and dotted with attractive villas; it is easy to see why Tuscany holidays are so popular.

As the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is also a mecca for art lovers, and a trip to Florence, and to the Uffizi Gallery in particular is recommended for every visitor, Central Italy really has it all: stunning views everywhere you look, and some of the world’s great cities as well. No visit to the area would be complete without a trip to the eternal City of Rome, where the Colosseum is just one of the wonders you will find there. Tuscany holidays provide an ideal base for your Italian holiday.

Pisa too, is a must-see attraction, as it is full of charm, as well as being home to the leaning tower, one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Yet Siena, Sarteano, San Gimignano and a host of other towns and cities reveal the same level of beauty - there are simply so many places worth seeing here.

Elba is one of those places. Famous as the site of Napoleon the First’s exile, it offers scenery as dramatic as anywhere on earth, not to mention the charming city of Portoferraio. Elba's capital contains many beautiful treasures, and no visit here would be complete without seeing the Della Linguinella tower and the church of Santissimo Sacrament.

Classic Italian cuisine of fresh pasta in rich sauces dominates the cuisine of the mainland, often served with the famous Chianti; while on Elba, the stuffed sardines are a rare treat for lovers of seafood.

For further scenic holiday options why not take a look at our holidays in Lake Garda

Places to visit - Sightseeing

When you want stunning scenery, cultural cities and a real commitment to living la Dolce Vita, you will find it all when you camp in these beautiful regions:

Rome
The eternal city is one of the world’s most romantic and historic places, with a host of sites that you just have to see. Whether you want to climb the Spanish Steps, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or marvel at the Colosseum, it’s all unmissable.

Pisa
Within the city’s 12th century walls you will find a host of attractions, including the Piazza del Duomo, where the wonderful five-naved cathedral stands close to its campanile, or bell tower, known throughout the world as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Florence
Arguably the most cultured and charming of all Italian cities, Florence offers beauty everywhere you turn, from the gorgeous Piazza Della Signoria to the famous Ponte Vecchio. The masterpieces at the Uffizi are another must-see while you are here.

Portoferraio
The capital of Elba deserves to be visited for more than simply its association with Napoleon. While the bronze cast of his death mask in the Misericordia church is fascinating, the faded beauty of the houses and forts is a better reason to come.

Monte Capanne
The highest point on the island of Elba, Monte Capanne rises more than 1,000 metres above the sea, where after a 15 minute cable car ride you are able to enjoy wonderful views over the entire island, as well as the lovely coast of Tuscany.

The Chianti Trail
Between Florence and Sienna runs the Chiantiagina (SR222), a lovely road that takes you through the heart of Chianti country, where you can enjoy not just a host of great Chianti wineries, but also some of the loveliest scenery on earth.

Sarteano
A charming little piece of ancient Tuscany, Sarteano is a small hilltop town that is still surrounded by medieval walls and dominated by the ruins of the 11th century castle at its peak. A real must-see for lovers of Etruscan history.

Museum of Prehistory
Located in Cetona, this fascinating museum explores Etruscan history from the Paleolithic period to the Bronze Age, and most unusually connects to the Belvedere Archaeology Park where you can view actual excavation sites.

Great for younger kids

Aquapiper
Located in Guidonia, just north of Rome, Aquapiper is a vast waterpark with a wealth of pools and waterslides for all the family. And because they love bambinos in Italy, the facilities include two pools just for little ones.

Aqua Village Cecina
With a good choice of pools, slides and lazy rivers, this is an ideal attraction for all the family, especially those with smaller children, thanks to the Baby Club animation team and special play area for little ones.

Great for older kids

Cavallino Matto
The largest theme park in Tuscany, Cavallino Matto offers rides and attractions for the whole family, including a number of white-knuckle rides that are sure to be a hit with teens, from the Shocking Tower to Air Max and Project 1.

Places to visit - Activities & events

Watersports on Elba
The seas around the island are often crystal clear, making Elba a great destination for snorkelling, diving and kayaking. The sea and wind conditions also make this a windsurfer’s paradise, and there are plenty of places to hire boards.

Horse Riding
The lovely hills of Tuscany make for great riding country, and so you will find equestrian centres dotted all over the area, with plenty of opportunities for all ages to join organised treks.

Scuba Diving
The clear waters of the Mediterranean off Italy make this an incredibly popular area for diving, with no less than 50 diving centres located between Livorno and Argentario. Courses for beginners are also widely available here.

Golf
There are no less than a dozen 18-hole courses in the region, each of them offering new challenges; ranging from Castelfalfi near San Gimignano up in the hills to Argenterio out on the stunning Argenterio peninsula.

Unmissable events in Tuscany, Central Italy and Elba

Mediterranean Jazz Festival, Elba
Held every year in early July, the Mediterranean Jazz Festival attracts an eclectic mix of Jazz luminaries to the island for this competitive festival, which also gives the stage to a number of up and coming acts.

Giostra dell'Archidado, Cortona
Every year around Whit Sunday, hundreds of people parade through the historic town of Cortona in medieval costume, preparatory to a crossbow competition for marksmen from the town’s five districts.

Boat Race of San Ranieri, Pisa
Every year on the 17th of June, eight oarsmen from the four districts of Pisa take to the Arno for this famous boat race in honour of their patron saint, which is followed by a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Florentine Football
With 27 players dressed in medieval breeches on each team, this is no ordinary football tournament. Yet for three days every June, the spectacle of Florence’s four districts playing extremely robust football attracts large crowds.

Places to visit - Eating out

All of these regions offer typical Mediterranean fare, which is rustic, hearty and full of flavour. Though you may be surprised to find more meat than pasta on the menu here:

Bistecca alla Fiorentina – A large Porterhouse steak, marinaded in garlic and olive oil and served on a bed of grilled vegetables.
Porchetta – Suckling pig is a big favourite here, enhanced by huge handfuls of herbs and often served simply with chunks of the local bread and olives.
Cuttlefish Risotto – They love squid, octopus and cuttlefish on Elba, often served with rice coloured with the creature’s own ink.
Wine – There are many fine wines here, but who could miss the opportunity to sample the finest Chiantis in their natural habitat?

Campsites in region

Le Capanne | Bibbona

Just a short drive from the gorgeous Tuscan countryside and only two miles from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, Le Capanne offers you the best of both.

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