What are the absolute must-sees in Tuscany?

For a first discovery, focus on Florence, Siena, the villages of the Val d'Orcia and, if you have enough time, the Maremma : you'll thus see art cities, countryside landscapes and a wilder coastline. In Florence, plan at least two days ; the city center can be explored on foot, but the major museums require booking, especially in spring and summer. Siena, about 75 kmdeserves a day, more if you want to take your time in its narrow streets and visit the Duomo.

For the hills and small towns, aim for Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia and Montepulciano : guard two days and favor the car, since travel between villages and public transport can complicate the visit. The Maremma, in the south of the region, is worth the trip for the Maremma Park, the beaches and places like Pitigliano, but it's not a practical getaway from Florence: rather plan two or three days. If you only have a week, choose two areas instead of crossing Tuscany every day; in the height of summer, heat, crowds and parking can quickly weigh on your schedule.