Tuscany Outdoor Adventures: Top 5 Activities for Your Trip

Tuscany, the name just almost brings to mind rolling hills, vineyards seemingly going on and on forever, and that glowing Tuscan sun. But beyond its beautiful views and cities is really an opportunity to, well, get active. If you’re that traveler who isn’t content to just sit still and take pictures, then Tuscany really does have much to offer you when it comes to outdoor activities. So get ready to explore some options that will let you soak up the region’s beauty up close and possibly even personal.

Hiking the Via Francigena

That ancient pilgrim route, known as the Via Francigena, is more or less like Tuscany’s version of the Appalachian Trail, but with that rich European flavor. It’s like you can stroll down sections of it and, in a way, follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who’ve been making the trip for centuries. It might be wild to consider, you know? These weren’t your average tourists. Each step has that real sense of reverence to it. So, if you decide to hike a bit of this route, be prepared for amazing views, a bit of history, and a good workout, too.

That path tends to take you through some seriously breathtaking landscape. Think picture-postcard stuff. Imagine hills kind of doing their own thing, old-time villages that look like they’ve been frozen, like, right in time, and, yes, lots of vineyards. You might find yourself pausing just often to capture it all, or perhaps to just simply enjoy the calmness around you. The trail isn’t terribly challenging, and in that way, makes it great for those wanting something slightly milder. And the coolest thing, it leads you straight into places where you can just stop for lunch. That, it’s pretty nice.

What you’d almost call practicality is pretty key when you decide to hike here, though. Be sure you get those feet ready with hiking shoes that will really support your feet; bring water along; and, honestly, prepare to just love that sun. Some bits can get really exposed, and the Tuscan sun, oh, it does not kid. Sections could be better marked, so you may just really want to bring a map and compass (or phone). That said, people you meet along the way tend to be nice enough to just guide you a bit. Read our full review: Via Francigena Tuscany Full Review and Details.

Cycling Through Chianti

Tuscany isn’t just, like, made for walking. No, it’s also prime cycling territory, with Chianti being one of those spots you’d really almost think was made just for a bike trip. Get the idea that, instead of hiking from place to place, you can cycle through all that beauty, stopping for wine tastings on the route? That sounds just absolutely splendid, doesn’t it?

When you hop onto your bike and go toward Chianti, get prepared to see hills that will gently take you up and then drop you down, vineyards seeming like endless blankets, and roads that can actually surprise you at almost any bend. If you want to do so, pick a mapped-out bike tour or, anyway, just make up your own as you go. No one says you can’t! A lot of spots out there rent bikes. As I was saying, from city slicker versions all the way out to proper mountain bikes. If you aren’t bringing one, there’s no need to just be without. Get your gears grinding!

Here’s the trick though; Tuscany hills can be steep and tough. Even if you fancy yourself just a bit experienced, the ups and downs are still no picnic. Perhaps consider an e-bike. I mean, yeah, it gives you a boost if you need it. Then just pause a bit. Get out there at vineyards along that way. Chianti isn’t really simply wine, you know? That experience out there does kind of make that wine taste much richer and gives you that really special connection. Be careful, just in moderation of course. Don’t want to wipe out. Check out a really amazing cycle, tour: Cycling Chianti Tour Full Review and Details.

Horseback Riding in Maremma

You could perhaps, like, cycle or hike your way through Tuscany. But I’ll tell you, there’s something particularly Tuscan, very cinematic feeling about being on a horse there. Now, if you actually ride, you’ll probably be thinking it really fits so perfectly there in Maremma, that wilder coastal zone of Tuscany.

Maremma offers terrain that looks really great for horses, from wide beaches along the coast, up to nature preserves, through land packed with wildlife. There just might be no other feeling that is like horseback riding just as that sun lowers in that sky in Maremma. That way, you become so one with what’s around you, with only just that horse in between.

For novices, you can probably find stable trips out, letting you simply feel the adventure just riding out through that landscape. Meanwhile those more into the ride could almost explore spots all alone through marked trail rides and with, of course, a trusty horse. That one main thing to do is watch yourself in protected park areas and on coastlines. Always follow those guide directions, right? And respect those animals who will carry you. Gallop off and plan it: Horseback Riding Maremma Tuscany Full Review and Details.

Truffle Hunting

Alright, well enough exercise, what can you actually do outdoors that might have some food attached to that? Well, have you heard that truffles really are a seriously fancy type of mushroom? And Tuscany happens to almost have them hiding. What’s it sound like to go out searching around those lands yourself to just dig around for such a precious and tasty find?

Usually you’ll go truffle hunting with a guide. Those skilled guides tend to know lands, just exactly where those truffles tend to grow, and even better, they normally have that trained pup who will literally dig up those mushrooms. Seriously! With its beautiful country, that action could become very fun indeed.

Just after searching, you could maybe sample the truffles that day. Sometimes they’re featured within pasta dishes right where you do that truffle hunting or sometimes are just bought raw. Make sure just not to overdo it; those things tend to be flavorful. It’s maybe really unique seeing how they appear from Earth, though. Just don’t forget mosquito repellent and long pants if going: Truffle Hunting Tuscany Full Review and Details.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Tuscany

Want to get that best bird view across those vineyards as well as hills, and places across Tuscany? Take that balloon ride through sky right at sunrise to maybe get that truly awesome Tuscan adventure up high, that could almost change the way you think of things.

Rides begin so so early; prepare yourself for that 4AM call just to get there when sunrise starts peeking. That’s something because conditions just happen to be gentler that way for flying, and what makes it awesome also? Get that sunrise picture while floating out within what looks simply picturesque from beyond.

That adventure just might give those that slight vertigo just the teeniest bit jittery, yet I suggest conquering past such anxiety; it really may provide once-in-lifetime look over the land out toward you and make trip worthwhile, to just watch sunrise or drink sparkling with views which happen mostly down on landscapes over Tuscany. Grab the greatest seats now for that scenic panorama: Hot Air Balloon Tuscany Experience Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (balloon tours)