Tuscany. There are places that you unequivocally must visit if you are planning a trip to Tuscany. Especially if you are going there with your children. And I’m not including Florence and Siena because it’s so obvious that it’s quite pointless to nominate those two.

It’s nothing special and it’s everything that makes it feel distinctive and priceless. Villages on top of the mountains that seem to be desert and uninhabited reveal incredibly rich stories, people who create marvelous masterworks. Places where every local goes and every tourist should go as well!

I will shortly introduce to you some of our best location and places that are worthy to be visited not only because of its historical value. There is something more – the warmth of the people and the curiosities not included in any tourist guide.

Go there and get lost in the midst of the alleys and fields.

1. San Galgano

Unforgettable place, a big monastery and a huge church without the roof. On the nearby hill which you can reach by walking there is a tiny Chapel – Rotonda at Montesiepe where a famous sword in a stone is exposed to the public.

As the place is almost all an open-air museum quite isolated from the nearest villages, remember to dress properly in case of unpredictable weather.

Once you buy a ticket to visit the church, it’s valid for a free entrance to the San Galgano museum in Chiusdino. Do not throw it away!

2. Chiusdino

Good idea for a second stop of the day is this mysterious village that seems to be completely uninhabited. A few locals you can meet walking through narrow streets, the clothes hanging outside the windows and the smells of kitchen windows say that this is not the case.

This Medieval town will steal your soul! Stone-made and silent. But there is the scent of history and legends. Memories will be coming back to you once you will be back home. No doubts!

3. Monteriggioni

A medieval walled town built on top of a hill in the middle of Tuscan Meadows. Well seen from a distance, this one of the most well-preserved historic places in Italy will invite you with its 14 towers standing dignified along the wall surrounding the square and buildings located in the middle.

A minute and beautiful candy. There is a possibility to walk along the walls and admire the town and the Chianti landscape.

In the middle of the square you will find a water well. Huge fun for kids. They climb onto her, shout, and the echo responds.

4. Volterra

A beautiful medieval city with numerous still standing towers, well known from its beautiful alabaster. The surroundings are quite genuine as the location is a bit distance from the industrial part of Tuscany.

Duomo and The Etruscan Museum to put on your schedule.

Once you decide to visit the city, while going up along the way there is a wonderful view. Do not miss out!

5. Bagno Vignoni

An amazing and uncommon, perched on a hill is a UNESCO heritage location. In the middle of a village where usually should be the main square, there is a huge pool with numerous bubbling hot springs. No swimming over there but if you go down a bit, there is a place named Parco dei Mulini where you can relax enjoying a hot bath. Entrance is free!

On top of the hill, near the central pool, there is a hot spring coming out and flowing down the mountain you can actually touch!

6. Colle di Val d’Elsa

The most important to keep in mind is to go directly to the upper city, the old and antique part of Colle Val d’Elsa. The lower part is new and industrial so if you have small kids with you, avoiding walking to reach the historic part of the city would be my advise.

Cute and not so touristic like Monteriggioni or Bagno Vignoni. Extended along the hill and spacious with an intimate atmosphere. Mandatory – crystals exploration and a walk through a long stone tunnel under the city.

If your kids are the curious ones, there is a place on the main street which leads to the old town, where a lady is working on a loom making original, handmade pieces of art. You can actually be an eyewitness of the artist in action. She is a very lovely person – if your kid will ask some questions (like mine), she answers smiling and explaining.

7. San Gimignano

The city of towers. You will be amazed by how many towers you will find over there! There are 72 still standing! And you can also go upstairs and admire the view from up above the city!

An important visit – Torre Salvucci Maggiore – 143 steps to go! My 8 years old was in seventh heaven! The view from the top is just outstanding!

8. Montalcino

Numerous churches and museums to visit. Not to be missed – the fortress. Astonishing view from top walking along the walls, very well preserved and a medieval experience for children who love the stories about knights and princesses.

If you are with strollers or walking but still small children, try to find a parking place in the upper part of the mountain as the town streets are very steep and stony.

9. Sant’Antimo Abbey

The church is open from 10:30 – 12:30 and from 15:00 – 18:30.

Unfortunately, the Gregorian Chanting is no more as the French monks left the Abbey in November 2015, to return to their Mother Abbey in France… and this is a piece of really sad news. I can tell. We were there in April 2015 and they were performing! That was a pretty amazing experience.

A lovely olive garden that surrounds the church, pure and plain. It makes quite a big impression among the green meadows of Tuscany. Certainly needs to be on your trip list.

10. Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore

To the south of Siena, you will find Crete Senesi, the specific and unique place you won’t find in another place on the Earth. on top of a mountain, among beautiful trees, comes out a majestic complex of Monte Oliveto Abbey and dominates the valley.

Very suggestive, makes you feel the mystery of the place surrounded by old and dark trees that make feel the place solitary but not isolated. Magnificent.

More to see if you are there for a longer trip:

Pienza

Montepulciano

Massa Marittima

Lucca

And my last not least advice – admire the landscapes. What offers Tuscany, there is second to none. We find out about it every time we go there. And there is always something new to explore and discover.