Christmas in Tuscany 2025-2026: Complete Guide to Markets, Traditions & Hidden Gems

Introduction: Rediscovering the Magic of the Season​

The allure of Christmas in Tuscany is a tale of two distinct worlds, each offering a different experience of the holidays. On one hand, there is the undeniable, Renaissance grandeur of the north, Florence and Siena, where centuries of artistic heritage are illuminated by sophisticated light displays, and international markets occupy piazzas. These are the usual places in Tuscany, Italy that fill the pages of travel magazines. During Christmas in Tuscany in 2025, thousands will flock to witness the architectural marvels of the Duomo and the Palazzo Pubblico dressed in their festive finery. However, our passion lies in revealing a different narrative this winter, and show you a hidden gem that we proudly call “The New Tuscany.”

Located in the southern area of Tuscany, Maremma offers a Christmas in Tuscany experience defined not by commercial spectacle, but by authenticity and tradition. While the north dazzles with electric lights, the south glows with the ethereal warmth of ancient fire festivals. While the cities offer German-style markets, the villages of the Maremma open their cellar doors (cantine)  to display handcrafted nativity scenes that involve the entire community. These cantine are also used for an alternative style Christmas market, where artisans sell their handcrafted products that usually include local produce or traditional decorations nestled in a medieval setting. This guide is designed to be your definitive resource for Christmas in Tuscany 2025-2026, bridging the gap between the celebrated classics and the hidden gems. We want to give you a detailed guide to the region, ensuring you can navigate the logistics of travelling in an Italian winter while discovering our local traditions.

Arezzo - Ph by @fiera_antiquaria_arezzo
Montepulciano - Ph by @nataleamontepulciano

This  season promises a full return to the communal vibrancy that defines Italian life. From the historic Weihnachtsmarkt in Florence’s Piazza Santa Croce to the spectacular living nativity overlooking the sea in Porto Ercole, the region is preparing for a season of celebration. Yet, the savvy traveler must navigate crowded calendars, variable weather patterns, and the distinct cultural rhythm of Italian holidays. We invite you to explore every corner of our region, from the snow covered peaks of Monte Amiata to the thermal mists of Saturnia, and discover why Christmas in Tuscany is an experience you’ll want to repeat year after year.

In this article

When to Visit: Christmas Season in Tuscany

The structure of the holiday season in Italy differs significantly from the Anglo-Saxon model. Rather than ending abruptly on December 26th, the Tuscan Christmas lasts for a month, beginning in early December and stretching through to the Epiphany on January 6th. Understanding this rhythm is crucial for planning a trip that maximizes cultural immersion while minimizing any logistical issues.

Key Dates & Events Calendar (2025-2026)​

To navigate the season with ease, it helps to know which holidays bring our towns to life with extra celebration and a different pace of business. Let’s take a look at the December events in Italy.

December 8, 2025 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception):

This national holiday serves as the official commencement of the Christmas season in Tuscany. In 2025, falling on a Monday, it creates a “Ponte” (bridge weekend), meaning this year Italy will be filled with visitors to celebrate the season from around December 5th. Traditionally, this is the day Italian families decorate their Christmas trees and councils switch on their Christmas lights across the region. Usually Christmas markets across Italy will open on this date too. Many markets in Maremma will open this weekend for three days (sat,sun,mon). Larger Christmas Markets will stay open until the 6th January when the festivities come to an end.

Shops and businesses typically close early on this day. The evening is defined by the Cenone (the big dinner) followed by Midnight Mass. In Abbiadia San Salvatore (a village of Monte Amiata), this is the night of the Fiaccùle, where massive wooden pyres are ignited.

The pinnacle of the religious and family calendar. The focus is entirely on Christmas Lunch, a multi-course feast that can last for hours! It’s the perfect combination of conversation and delicious delicacies, find a local family and join in the festivities! Most public places are closed today and public transport operates on a reduced schedule.

A public holiday dedicated to visiting extended family and friends. Museums and historical sites usually reopen, and this date marks the commencement of many Presepe Vivente (Living Nativity) performances, such as the famous one in Porto Ercole.

New Year’s Eve is celebrated with Cenoni (big dinners) in restaurants, elaborate set-menu dinners, often followed by public concerts in main squares like Piazza del Campo in Siena or Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence.

 A quiet day of recovery. Most businesses remain closed in the morning, gradually opening in the afternoon depending on the area.

The arrival of the Befana (the Christmas witch) marks the definitive end of the season. It is a major holiday for children, who receive stockings filled with sweets or “coal” (sugar). This is often the final day for Christmas markets.

Florence - Ph by @adoroflorencia

Best Time to Experience Tuscan Christmas​

The “best” time to visit depends entirely on the type of experience you want from your trip. We can organise the month into four distinct parts, each with its own pros and cons to help make the most of your Christmas in Tuscany.

Early December (Dec 1–12)

This period captures the anticipation of the season. Markets in Florence and the special Mercato nel Campo in Siena (open from 6th Dec- 8th Dec) are fully operational.

  • Pros: The atmosphere is festive but the peak international crowds of Christmas week have not yet arrived. You can experience the “local” feel of the Immaculate Conception weekend.
  • Cons: Weather can be unpredictable and damp. Some living nativities do not start until after Christmas.

Often considered the “sweet spot” for travelers.

  • Pros: Cities are fully decorated, shops are stocked, and the energy is high. Accommodation prices are generally lower than the holiday week itself.
  • Cons: Daylight hours are at their shortest (sunset around 16:40), requiring strategic itinerary planning to view your destination in the hours of light.

The height of the season, offering the most intense atmosphere.

  • Pros: Witnessing the deep traditions of the Vigil and Christmas Day. The spiritual atmosphere in the churches is profound.
  • Cons: The most expensive period for flights and accommodation. Dining reservations for the 25th must be made months in advance. Museums close on the 25th.

A shift in focus from commercialism to folklore. This is the oldest celebration in Italy and in the past was more important than Christmas itself.

  • Pros: This is the prime time for “The New Tuscany.” Events like the living nativities in the Maremma and the torchlight processions in Santa Fiora occur during this window.
  • Cons: Some Christmas markets in the north may begin to wind down or sell off stock.

How Long Should You Stay?

To truly grasp the duality of the region, the Renaissance north and the authentic south, we recommend a stay of 7 to 10 days but there are plenty of options for short stays.

  • 3 Days: Sufficient for a “city break” in Florence or Siena, soaking up the markets and museums.
  • 5 Days: Allows for a two-city combination (Florence + Siena) with a day trip to a walled town like San Gimignano nearby.
  • 7-10 Days: The ideal duration to embrace the “New Tuscany” philosophy. This allows for 3-4 days in the art cities followed by a journey south to the Maremma to experience the thermal springs, the coast, and the living traditions of the villages.

Weather & What to Pack for Christmas in Tuscany

One of the most common misconceptions about a Tuscan Christmas is the weather. While images of snow-dusted vineyards are romantic, the reality is a little damper! Understanding the weather in Tuscany at Christmas is essential for packing effectively and enjoying the trip.

December Weather Overview

The temperature in Tuscany in December is generally cold plus it can be damp, but it changes drastically depending on where you are. Here is a small table to give you an idea of how different the climate is across Tuscany and to help you plan accordingly!

Location Average High Average Low Rain Atmosphere

Florence

11°C (52°F)
3°C (37°F)
High
Humid cold, often overcast, rare snow

Siena

9°C (48°F)
2°C (36°F)
Moderate
Windy, crisp, hill-top chill

Maremma (Coast)

13°C (55°F)
5°C (41°F)
Moderate
Milder, maritime influence, pleasant afternoons

Monte Amiata

4°C (39°F)
-2°C (28°F)
High (Snow likely)
Mountain winter, potential for snow sports

The weather in Tuscany over Christmas is historically one of the wettest months in the region. Florence, situated in a valley, can trap humidity, making the area feel significantly colder. Conversely, the Maremma coast enjoys a milder microclimate; sunny days in the souther Tuscan coast can feel surprisingly warm, reaching 15°C.

Snow is a rare anomaly in the cities but is a standard feature of the landscape on Monte Amiata, Tuscany’s highest extinct volcano. If you want to experience the Tuscan landscape covered in beautiful soft white snow, we highly recommend visiting Monte Amiata. High in the mountains we’ve had first hand experience of the vintage style log cabin hotels where everyone piles in for a filling Tuscan lunch and to warm up after a day of fun in the snow. Here you can rent sledges or ski equipment for the day. Pack your warmest, thickest clothes. It’s cold out there! 

Monte Amiata - ph by @amiata_impianti_senese

Another place famed for its winter landscape is found high in the Pistoia Mountains, Abetone is one of the region’s premier destinations for snow lovers. The air is crisp and the landscape is blanketed in pristine white, offering a serene escape for holiday celebrations. Whether you’re an avid skier or someone who prefers the quiet charm of a mountainside chalet with a thick cup of Italian hot chocolate, Abetone proves that Tuscany’s magic doesn’t end when the temperature drops. It is the perfect place to experience a different side of Italian tradition, where medieval charm meets the snowy beauty of the Apennine peaks.

Daylight hours at this time of year are around 8.30-4.45/5pm so make sure to add this into your planning. Taking the train or a bus ride are much more fun when you can see the landscape. If you’re visiting any of the local hilltop villages too, such as Massa Marittima or Vetulonia you’ll want to ensure you’re there for daylight hours to soak up the bella vista (the beautiful view).

Essential Packing Checklist

Let’s look at what to pack for Tuscany at Christmas. The strategy for a Tuscan winter is  “elegant utility.” To help you enjoy every moment of the season, remember that wet cobblestones can be tricky! Historic stays are incredibly beautiful, but since heating varies, packing a few extra layers will keep you perfectly comfortable while you explore. It’s important to consider this when planning what to wear in Tuscany this winter. Check out our complete seasonal packing guide and find out what to bring on your Tuscan Winter Holiday.

Footwear is Critical: Leave the heels and canvas trainers at home. You need waterproof leather boots with a solid grip. The stone streets of Siena and Florence become slippy with winter rain.

  1. The Art of layering: Italians master the art of the sciarpa (scarf). Bring a heavy wool coat or a high-quality warm jacket, but layer underneath with warm jumpers and thermal base layers. You will be transitioning frequently between cold streets and heated shops.
  2. Maremma Essentials: If you plan to visit the thermal springs (Saturnia), pack a bathrobe, flip-flops, and a plastic bag for wet gear. These are often not provided at the free sites like Cascate del Mulino.
  3. Evening Wear: Even in winter, dinner in Italy is an occasion. A smart outfit is recommended for evening meals, although the dress code is generally relaxed-elegant.
  4. Accessories: A sturdy umbrella is non-negotiable. A warm hat and gloves are essential, especially for evening markets or the open piazzas of hill towns. A vin brule  (mulled wine) is also a good accessory to keep those hands cosy!

Top Christmas Destinations in Tuscany

The region can be divided into two zones: the classic “Art Cities” of the north and the emerging, authentic “New Tuscany” of the south. Both offer spectacular but distinct holiday experiences.

Florence: Grand Christmas in the Renaissance City

Florence Weihnachtsmarkt - Ph by @ariadifirenze
Florence - Ph by @luciafranza

Christmas in Florence is a mix of monumental art and festive celebration. The city does not hide its tourism; it embraces it with grandeur.

The Atmosphere: The historic center is illuminated by the F-Light Festival, which projects artistic lighting onto the Ponte Vecchio and historic facades. The streets smell of roasting chestnuts and leather from the surrounding artisanal markets.

Key Experiences:

  • Piazza Santa Croce Market: Known as the Weihnachtsmarkt, this is the largest market in the region, running from November 15 to December 21, 2025. It brings a distinctly German flavor to the city, with wooden chalets selling pretzels, bratwurst, and international crafts alongside Tuscan goods. Don’t miss the Duomo with Christmas lights and the incredible Christmas tree. There is usually a large event around the 7th/8th December to light up the city and begin the festivities. 
  • The Museums: The Uffizi and Accademia remain the cultural anchors. While closed on December 25 and January 1, they often have special openings on bridge days like December 8.


Our Take: Christmas in Florence, Italy is magical but intense. It is best for first-time visitors who want to check off iconic bucket-list items while enjoying the holiday buzz. Expect crowds and higher prices.

Siena: Medieval Christmas Magic

Siena - Ph by @mariagraziamonea
Siena - Ph by @mariagraziamonea

Christmas in Siena offers a more cohesive, medieval aesthetic. If Florence is a Renaissance palace, Siena is a Gothic fortress. Don’t miss the imposing Gothic Cathedral and beautiful museums dotted around Siena.

The Atmosphere: The city feels more contained and intimate. The holiday decorations complement the warm brick of the palazzi rather than overpowering them.

Key Experiences:

  • Mercato nel Campo: For just one weekend (December 6-8, 2025), the Piazza del Campo is transformed into a reenactment of the medieval “Grand Market.” The Siena Christmas market has over 150 stalls selling the finest pecorino, cured meats, and artisan crafts. It is widely considered the most authentic historic market experience in Tuscany.
  • The Food: Siena is the capital of Tuscan Christmas sweets (Panforte, Ricciarelli). Walking the streets with a bag of freshly baked cookies is a quintessential experience.

 

Our Take: Siena is perfect for history lovers and foodies. It is less chaotic than Florence but still offers a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

San Gimignano: The Manhattan of the Middle Ages

San Gimignano is world-famous for its skyline of medieval towers, earning it the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages.”

  • Historical Context: In the 13th century, 72 towers stood here, built by feuding noble families to demonstrate their wealth and power. Today, 14 remain, creating a silhouette that is unique in Europe.

 

  • Winter Experience: In December, the summer crowds dissipate. The towers are often shrouded in mist, creating a moody, atmospheric setting. The town hosts a small market and illuminates the towers from the 8th December, making it a spectacular location for photography, though best visited as a day trip.

 

Southern Tuscany & Maremma: The New Tuscany

While the north celebrates with polish and grandeur, the Maremma celebrates with fire, earth, and community. This is “The New Tuscany”, a region of reclaimed wildlands, tufa towns, and thermal waters.

Massa Marittima - Ph by @jessicagrassi25

Why Maremma is the Best-Kept Secret: The Maremma remains Tuscany’s final frontier. Historically a swampy, malaria-ridden land, it was reclaimed and is now a region of pristine nature and rugged beauty. The tourism here is not oversaturated, it is slow, sustainable, and deeply rooted in local life.

  • Massa Marittima: A medieval jewel that rivals Siena in beauty but without the crowds. Its Christmas celebrations are centered in the Chiostri di Sant’Agostino, a breathtaking 14th-century cloister that hosts a market of local artisans. The Villaggio di Babbo Natale (Santa’s Village) captures the joy of the local children.
  • Pitigliano: Known as “Little Jerusalem” for its historic Jewish community, this town is carved entirely from volcanic tufa rock. During Christmas, Piazza Garibaldi is illuminated for Christmas with the opening ceremony on the 6th December accompanied by a Christmas Choir. With cliffs that seem to float in the darkness this is one not to miss.
  • Porto Ercole: On the Silver Coast, this fishing village hosts a Living Nativity (Presepe Vivente) that is a theatrical masterpiece. From December 26 to January 6, the alleyways are transformed into Bethlehem, with the sea as a backdrop.
  • Saturnia & Geothermal Parks: Winter is the ideal season for thermal bathing. The Cascate del Mulino are free, natural waterfalls kept at a constant 37.5°C by volcanic activity. Nearby, the Parco delle Biancane offers a surreal trek through geothermal steam vents, a landscape that feels like another planet.

 

Best Christmas Markets in Tuscany

While Northern Europe may claim the title for the most famous markets, Tuscany has developed a unique market culture that blends the German tradition with high-quality Italian craftsmanship and gastronomy. Here’s our shortlist of some of the biggest markets in Tuscany but go exploring, especially in the New Maremma where every hilltop village will host a local market to discover.

Arezzo - Ph by partinsieme.it
Market Location Dates (2025-2026) Best For

Weihnachtsmarkt

Florence, Piazza Santa Croce
Nov 15 – Dec 21
International atmosphere, German Christmas Market theme

Mercato nel Campo

Siena, Piazza del Campo
Dec 6 – Dec 8
Historical authenticity, gourmet food, short duration.

Villaggio Tirolese

Arezzo, Piazza Grande
Nov 15 – Jan 6
Massive light shows, Tyrolean village, great for families.

Massa Marittima

Chiostro di Sant’Agostino
Weekends Dec & Jan
Products from local artisans, medieval setting.

Pitigliano

Piazza Garibaldi and other locations
Dec 6 – Jan 6
Month long programme of festive events

Our Recommendation: For the “wow” factor, visit Florence. For foodies and history buffs, prioritize Siena during the Immaculate Conception weekend. But for a soulful, more personal experience where you can actually talk to the artisans, head to Massa Marittima in the Maremma.

Traditional Tuscan Christmas Celebrations

The true heart of a Tuscan Christmas is found not in what you buy, but in the rituals you witness. Two traditions dominate the landscape: the Presepe (Nativity) and the Fire.

Presepe Vivente (Living Nativity Scenes)

Presepe Vivente - Ph by italotreno.com

The Presepe Vivente is a form of community theater and devotion. Entire villages revert to the 1st century, with residents donning period costumes to reenact the nativity story. These are not tourist shows; they are deeply felt community events.

  • Porto Ercole (Maremma): This production is renowned for its scale and setting. The route winds through the ancient fortress town, utilizing the natural architecture of arches and cellars. Proceeds are often donated to charity. It runs strictly from December 26, 2025, to January 6, 2026.
  • Equi Terme (Lunigiana): A spectacular setting inside natural karst caves (Grotte di Equi). Visitors walk through the caverns to see the nativity scenes, creating a primal and moving atmosphere. Dates are typically December 25-28, 2025.
  • Barga (Garfagnana): One of the longest-running traditions (over 30 years). Hundreds of costumed figures (figuranti) fill the medieval streets, showcasing ancient crafts like weaving, blacksmithing, and cheese making. It usually takes place on the evenings leading up to Christmas.
  • Montorsaio (Maremma): Known as the Paese dei Presepi (Town of Cribs). It’s a small hilltop village (20km from Grosseto) overlooking River Ombrone. They don’t have real actors but hundreds of handcrafted wooden/ceramic presepe displays! From December 8 to January 6. Every corner, every nook has a nativity scene.

 

Fire Traditions: Torchlight Processions & Christmas Bonfires

In the mountainous areas of southern Tuscany, particularly around Monte Amiata, fire is a central part of the Christmas traditions. These rituals likely have pagan roots, symbolizing the light of the winter solstice conquering the darkness.

Fiaccole di Abbadia San Salvatore (Christmas Eve): This is the “City of Torches.” Throughout December, the town builds enormous pyramidal pyres of wood (fiaccole), some reaching 7 meters in height, in every piazza. At dusk on Christmas Eve, they are lit simultaneously. The town becomes a glowing beacon on the mountain. The community gathers around the fires to eat, drink, and sing carols all night long. It is a profound, communal experience that few tourists ever see.

Abbadia San Salvatore - Fiaccule

Natalecci of Gorfigliano (Christmas Eve): In the Garfagnana region, tall woven towers of juniper and branches are placed on the hillsides and set alight. It is a competition between neighborhoods to see whose fire burns the longest and brightest, visible for miles around.

Gorfigliano Natalecci - Ph by @giovax31

Fiaccolata di Santa Fiora (December 30): A procession involving the lighting of fires (carboniere) throughout the medieval center. It marks the transition to the new year and involves the distribution of polenta dolce (chestnut flour polenta), a staple of the peasant diet in these chestnut-rich mountains.

Santa Fiora - Fiaccolata

La Befana & Epiphany Celebrations (January 6)

Pistoia - @visitpistoia
Florence - Ph by cultura.comune.fi.it

The season concludes with the Epiphany. The Befana is an old woman who flies on a broomstick, delivering gifts to good children and coal to the naughty ones. Culturally, she is as significant as Santa Claus.

  • The Legend: She is said to be searching for the Baby Jesus, having missed the Wise Men on their journey. According to local lore, she was an old woman who initially refused to join them, only to later regret it. Now, every year on the eve of the Epiphany, she flies across the Tuscan sky on her broomstick, leaving treats for the children and hoping that one of them might just be the one she’s been searching for all these centuries.

 

  • Celebrations: In Maremma villages, groups of singers known as “Befanate” go from house to house on the eve of January 5th, singing traditional songs and asking for food and wine. In cities like Florence, there is the Cavalcade of the Magi, a grand procession in Renaissance costume.

 

Christmas Food & Wine in Tuscany

Tuscan Christmas gastronomy is a reflection of its agrarian history, dishes designed to provide warmth and energy during the cold winter, utilizing ingredients that could be preserved: nuts, honey, dried fruits, and spices.

Traditional Christmas Dishes

Crostini - Ph by @silviaerosmarino
Tortelli - Ph by @maremma_restaurant

The Pranzo di Natale (Christmas Lunch) is a sacred ritual.

  • Antipasti: The meal begins with Crostini Neri (toasted bread with chicken liver pate), Affettati (cured meats like Cinta Senese salami), and Pecorino cheese with honey.
  • Primi Piatti: The star is often a pasta dish for the first course. From the comfort of warm spinach and ricotta Tortelli to the hearty, delicious layers of our crowd pleasing Lasagne, authentic Tuscan flavor is in every bite.
  • Secondi Piatti: Roasted meats dominate. Arrosto misto (mixed roast) featuring guinea fowl, rabbit, or capon is traditional. In some areas, roast lamb is preferred.
  • Contorni: Simple roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables like kale (cavolo nero).

 

Must-Try Christmas Sweets (Dolci Senesi)

Ricciarelli - Ph by @recipesfromitaly
Cavallucci

Siena is the undisputed capital of Tuscan Christmas confectioneries!

  • Panforte: A dense, chewy cake made of honey, nuts, candied fruit (melon, orange), and spices. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it was originally Panpepato (peppered bread). The “Margherita” version, created in 1879 for the Queen, is milder and dusted with vanilla sugar.
  • Ricciarelli: Soft, diamond-shaped almond cookies made with egg whites and sugar. They have a crackled surface and a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Historically, they were a luxury due to the cost of sugar and almonds.
  • Cavallucci: Rugged, irregular biscuits made with anise, coriander, walnuts, and candied fruit. The name translates to “little horses,” likely because they were served to travelers changing horses at postal stations, or because they were stamped with a horse symbol. They are hard and are best eaten dipped in Vin Santo. Now you know the history, find out how to make your own traditional Christmas biscuits with our Cavallucci recipe! They make tasty and unique gifts to share with friends and family.

 

Wine Pairings

Christmas is when Tuscans open their best bottles.

  • Reds: A Brunello di Montalcino or a Chianti Classico Riserva is standard for the meat courses. In Maremma we also have the Morellino di Scansano which is perfect for your Christmas dinner.
  • Dessert: Vin Santo (Holy Wine) is essential. It is a sweet wine made from dried grapes, perfect for dipping Cantucci or Cavallucci.

 

The Panforte Game (Gioco del Panforte)

Panforte - Ph by @titta163

In Pienza and throughout southern Tuscany, Panforte is not just a dessert; it is a sport. The Gioco del Panforte involves teams throwing a wrapped Panforte cake across a long wooden table. The goal is to get it as close to the edge as possible without it falling off. It is a game of skill and geometry, played in piazzas and social clubs during the holidays, fostering spirited community rivalry.

Sample Itineraries

To help you plan, we have crafted itineraries that balance the urban and the rural, ensuring you see the highlights while allowing time for the “New Tuscany” experience.

3-Day City Break: The Classics

Uffizi - Ph by @samsnaps
Siena - Ph by @mauriziobartalucci
  • Day 1: Arrival in Florence. Afternoon at the Piazza Santa Croce market. Evening view of the lights on Ponte Vecchio.
  • Day 2: Morning Uffizi Gallery visit (book in advance!). Afternoon train to Siena (1h 15m). Explore the medieval center and taste Panforte.
  • Day 3: Morning in Siena (Cathedral). Afternoon return to Florence for shopping and departure.
 

7-Day Itinerary: The "Dual Tuscany" Experience (Cities + Maremma)

San Galgano - Ph by @michelechiroli
Pitigliano

This itinerary requires a rental car from Day 4 onwards.

  • Days 1-3: Follow the City Break itinerary above (Florence & Siena).
  • Day 4: Rent a car. Drive south into the Maremma. Stop at the Abbey of San Galgano. Base yourself in a borgo near Grosseto or Massa Marittima.
  • Day 5: Massa Marittima & Geothermal Wonders. Morning visit to the Christmas market in the Chiostri di Sant’Agostino. Afternoon hike in the Parco delle Biancane to see the geothermal steam vents.
  • Day 6: Tufa Towns & Hot Springs. Drive to Pitigliano (“Little Jerusalem”) to see the floating village on the first day of their Christmas Festivities. Afternoon soak in the Cascate del Mulino thermal springs at Saturnia.
  • Day 7: The Coast. Drive to Porto Ercole. Enjoy a seafood lunch by the winter sea. If it is Dec 26 or later, stay for the spectacular Living Nativity in the evening. Return car and depart.
Biancane
Saturnia Waterfalls

10-Day Complete Tuscan Christmas

Abbadia San Salvatore
Pienza - Ph by @romina.cicina
  • Days 1-7: Follow the 7-Day itinerary.
  • Day 8: Mountain Traditions. Drive up to Abbadia San Salvatore. Visit the Mining Museum. If it is Dec 24, stay for the Fiaccole bonfires. If not, explore the summit of Monte Amiata.
  • Day 9: Santa Fiora. Visit the famous Peschiera (fish pond) and the Della Robbia ceramics in the church. Evening Fiaccolata (if Dec 30) or simply enjoy the quiet village atmosphere.
  • Day 10: Slow drive back north through the Val d’Orcia. Stop in Pienza to watch or play the Gioco del Panforte. Return to Florence/Pisa for departure.