Enjoying the Simple Life on a Tuscan Break

A Tuscan break is a great way to unwind, but if you want to make the most of your holiday (whatever its length) you will definitely want to include these simple delights on your itinerary.

Hit the beach – The warm Mediterranean climate is one of the main reasons people are so keen on Tuscany. You’ll find a plenty of beaches to choose from on your Tuscan break, from those in the northern parts of the province, like Viareggio and Pisa, to the southern ones like Livorno and Grosseto.

Eat a lazy al fresco breakfast in a villa – If you are tired of hurried meals where you can’t even taste the food you’re eating because you’re always rushing, leisurely al fresco meals in your own villa are just what you need. You can take as much time as you want to enjoy the delights of the region's cheese, breads, fruit and meats – all while enjoying the warm caress of that famous Mediterranean climate.

Try out a hearty serving of bistecca alla Fiorentina – If there is one dish you really should try on your Tuscan break its this one. A thick slab of porterhouse steak is rubbed with generous amounts of salt, pepper and olive oil and then seared on all sides; truly Tuscan and truly delicious.

Sample the local wines of each town you pass through – The local house wines – vino della casa – should never be underestimated. Each town of the province is fiercely proud of the unique wines they produce. We're not saying you should try them all, but you should certainly expand your palate to include a few!

Bike or hike the hills – Outdoor enthusiasts will find a lot to love in the countryside here. Paved roads criss-crossing rolling hills, comfortable weather conducive to enjoying the great outdoors, and a supportive community of walkers and bikers make it a joy to explore on foot or by bike.

Take a dip in the thermal baths of Saturnia – Located in Manciano, Maremma, these baths are just the thing for ridding out all the stress and fatigue from your body. There are multiple spas and wellness centres around the area as well, which make it an even more attractive option for those looking to detoxify on their Tuscan break.

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa – It is never a good idea to pass up a country's most recognisable tourist attraction. Located in Pisa’s Piazza del Duomo, this iconic landmark has become a favourite of tourists. Breathe in the art and culture in the Uffizi – Florence is a city that celebrates the arts, and the Uffizi is one of the most iconic art museums in the world. From paintings and statues to frescoes and tapestries, this is definitely a must-see attraction.

Shop your heart out in Florence – Since you’re already in town for the art, why not take your time shopping to your heart’s content in Florence's many fashion boutiques? You can also wander around the various piazzas as you hunt for food and hand-crafted products to take back home.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect Tuscan break, their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.