Find yourself dreaming of fine wines, world-famous art, sweeping landscapes, and world-class food? A trip to Tuscany is a dream that many share.
If you find yourself checking out airfare, you may be surprised at the relatively inexpensive cost to get there. The issue becomes, what will your trip cost once you arrive?
Don’t worry — we’re the travel experts and will dig into expenses that include activities, food, drink, lodging, transportation, and more to find out how much you can expect to spend on this trip to Italy’s second-most popular region. Let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Tuscany Cost in 2024
The memories of a Tuscan getaway are priceless, but food, drink, lodging, and activities all come with a price tag. The question is how much you’ll have to budget for each of these.
The answers can vary greatly. While this is considered one of the more expensive regions of Italy, there is still a huge variation in costs depending on the details of what you choose. We’ll break it all down so you can zero in on the sights and experiences that make your personal list.
A week in Tuscany costs between $4,500 and $5,000.
- Average Accommodation Cost: $100
- Average Flight Cost: $800 per person
- Food, Drink & Activities: $150 per person, per day
- Transportation: $50 per day
- Total Cost: $4,750
Tuscany Trip Cost: Average by Item
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When seeking out food, accommodations, and other elements of the perfect Tuscany getaway, you will find that there is a ton of variation. A suite in a luxury hotel is going to cost a lot more than a bed in a dorm-style hostel.
A loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese from a charming local market will cost a lot less than a multi-course meal. To figure out what a trip to Tuscany will cost you, focus on what is most important to you.
Accommodation Costs
Hotel costs vary greatly depending on what sort of accommodations you are seeking. Pulling out all the stops? Consider a stay at the Grand Hotel Continental Siena, a hotel in the Starhotels Collection.
This centrally located hotel in Siena occupies a fully restored 17th-century building. Guests acne enjoy valuable artwork, Travertine marble, and original Tuscan terracotta floors, all for the rate of $700 a night. Breakfast is included.
Looking for something on the bargain end? There are a number of B&Bs for about $60 to $100 a night. These are typically no-frills rooms in small inns or converted apartments.
You’ll typically have access to a kitchen, where you’ll have access to tea, coffee, and snacks.
One well-reviewed option, Antica Posta – B&B Vicino Stazione di Firenze, is located right near the Arno River and convenient to historic neighborhoods with old churches, museums, restaurants and bars.
When checking into a hotel or B&B, make sure you have cash on hand. Often, there is a city tourist tax that must be paid in cash at check in. This amount may vary, but is typically around $10 per person.
Flight Cost
Depending on when you fly, your airfare from the US to Tuscany can be surprisingly affordable. It costs between $500 and $1,000 to fly from JFK to Pisa.
For your trip, you should also check airfare into Florence. Tickets there may be cheaper, with fares ranging from $600 to $800.
Food, Drink & Activity Costs
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Tuscany is full of artisans who combine their studios with small classes or shops, or even museums. They’ll often offer demonstrations or tours for a small amount of money in the hopes you’ll purchase some of their wares.
Bottega Del Rame in Siena is one example. They have a small studio and museum, and shop where you can buy copper goods. A handmade polenta or fish pan will run around $150.
Breakfasts are often included in the cost of your room for the night. If they are not, you can save money by eating the way Italians do early in the day. Typically, an Italian breakfast will involve an espresso or cappuccino served alongside a small pastry.
A coffee served standing at a coffee bar will cost under $2, your pastry another $2 to $3. Don’t look for American-style drip coffee or large breakfasts. These are not typical in Italy and will likely be impossible to find.
Florence has a large Indian immigrant population, and Indian restaurants offer a fresh, delicious and inexpensive option for meals in the middle of the day.
Grab a vegetable samosa or a pakora for under $5. If you want a more filling option, meat and cheese dishes can usually be found for around $10 to $15. Small sandwich shops offer panini, sandwiches stuffed with meat, fried vegetables, and cheese, for under $10 a piece.
Pizza has also become popular in Florence. Pies are smaller than what you will see in the US — expect to serve one or two. They are typically available with set toppings and can be purchased for around $10 a piece.
The fine dining restaurants are one of the top reasons to visit Tuscany. Florence in particular is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. There, you’ll experience local meat and produce prepared by highly skilled chefs.
Prices can vary greatly, but there are deals to be had. L’Imbuto, for instance, is located inside Lucca’s Contemporary Art Museum. The restaurant offers three tasting menu levels priced at 40, 60, and 90 Euros per person.
These allow you to enjoy a fine dining experience at your personal price point. Farm to table restaurants like Il Canto del Maggio give you a chance to combine food and entertainment.
The restaurant serves ingredients grown on the premises. The chef and owner takes time to explain the foods he serves and his cooking process.
If you make arrangements in advance, you may be able to get a tour of the chef’s garden. One way to save money while enjoying an authentic Tuscan experience is to hit up the market and cook a meal in your VRBO or Airbnb kitchen.
The open air market at Montepeluciano is especially famous. You’ll find fruits, vegetables, fish, bread, cheese and other Italian specialties.
Expect to pay around $20 a pound for fish, but often under a dollar a pound for high quality fruits and vegetables. Not so confident in the kitchen? Start with a cooking class from an experienced Tuscany home chef.
These classes typically have anywhere from two to ten students and run two to three hours. You’ll get instruction and a meal at the end. Prices run from $100 to $150 per person.
There are also classes that add in winery tours for a little bit more. Have a fashionista in your life? Consider spending a day hitting the designer outlet stores around Florence.
Gucci, Ferragamo, Prada and other Italian designers have factory outlets near the city. Bus or train rides will cost between $5 and $20. There are also a number of free activities to enjoy in Tuscany.
The cities and countryside are beautiful, so just walking and taking it in can consume most of a day. If you are in Florence, take some time to climb the stairs to the Piazzale Michelangelo.
From here, you get a panoramic view of the city. Tuscany has a number of natural hot springs tucked into the countryside, and most are free to use. The hot springs at Bagni San Filippo are particularly popular.
Many online commenter prains the thermal bats at the Cascate di Mulino waterfalls.
Tuscany is filled with museums showing all kinds of famous art and historic relics. Most of the state-run museums have free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
Transportation Costs
How you’ll get around Tuscany depends on your comfort level and where you want to go. There is a network of train lines in the northern part of Tuscany that connects cities that include Pisa, Lucca, Pistoia, Livorno, Florence, and Arezzo.
Trains are clean and run regularly, making them a great way to sit back and enjoy the countryside. A trip from Florence to Pisa by train will cost about $25 per person.
Most of the small and charming towns you’d want to visit on a Tuscany vacation have little or no public transportation. You’ll probably have to rent a car or hire a driver to get around these locations. Car rentals start at around $300 a week for basic economy cars.
There are also buses available in the various metro areas. Most have tickets that start around $2 per passenger. You can get exact fares using the At Bus app.
Picture yourself zipping through the Tuscany countryside on a Vespa or a bike? There are a number of companies that rent both. Rentals run from around $25 a day for a regular cycle, $40 for an ebike, or $100 for a Vespa-style scooter.
Things to Consider
Florence, Tuscany, Italy. About 2022. Florence tramway. Trams in Florence. Modern tram cars traveling in front of the Santa Maria Novella railway station./MyVideoimage.com/Shutterstock
Here are some things to consider before booking a trip to Tuscany:
- Don’t go overboard. Most Redditors suggest spending a few days in Florence, then picking one or two smaller destinations for the rest of your trip. Day trips to different towns are easy. There’s also some charm in being in a small town after the day trippers have departed.
- Not sure what bus or train you need? Stop into a tabacchi (tobacco shop) or the train station and ask. Many Italians in cities in the Tuscany area speak English because of the high levels of tourism.
- Need something from a pharmacy? Check the hours. Most close for two to three hours in the middle of the day.
- Make sure you have cash. You’ll need it for most outdoor market stands, bus tickets, and taxis.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are some frequently asked questions to help you budget your trip to Tuscany:
Is Tuscany an expensive place to visit?
Tuscany is among the most popular regions of Italy for tourists. You would not be surprised to learn it is also among the most expensive. Food, accommodations, activities, transportation, and other aspects can add up quick. However, there are still deals to be had if you do your research.
What is the best month to visit Tuscany?
Late spring and early fall are the sweet spots for a visit to Tuscany. The temperatures are at their most pleasant and the countryside is at its most vibrant. Be aware, though, that you might spend more for accommodations during this time.
How many days is enough for Tuscany?
If you are going to Tuscany, give yourself a bare minimum of three days for your trip. This gives you a chance to take in a couple of small towns and at least one day in Florence.
Do you need a car in Tuscany?
Posters online agree that you will likely need a car if you want to visit places like Montalcino, Volterra, and Pienza. These areas are not well-serviced by public transportation. If your trip will just include larger cities like Lucca, Florence, Siena, and Pisa, however, you can probably get around by train.
So, What is the Average Trip Cost for Tuscany?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $100 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $800 per person |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $150 per person, per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $50 total |
| 💲 Total Cost | $4,750 |
While there is no one set budget, expect your trip to Tuscany to be a bit of an investment. A week in the Tuscany costs between $4,500 and $5,000 for two people.
While that can seem like a lot, this is one of the top destinations in Italy and attractions there generally have a price to match.
By carefully researching every element of your trip and choosing to splurge on the parts of the journey most important to you, you can have a beautiful experience under the Tuscan sun. Happy travels!