Before you step into Florence’s grand piazzas or wander the cypress-lined roads of the Val d’Orcia, immerse yourself in these books and films set in Tuscany. From Renaissance intrigue to WWII resilience, and from sweeping historical novels to intimate memoirs, these stories capture the art, culture, and landscapes that make Tuscany timeless. Whether you’re looking for books set in Tuscany that bring the region’s history to life or movies set in Tuscany that transport you to its sunlit hills, this curated collection will inspire and deepen your journey. And as these stories help you envision your trip, make sure you’re perfectly prepared for every scene with our Style & Packing Guide, curated for timeless Tuscan elegance. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Fiction: Must-Read Books Set in Tuscany
Before you wander Florence’s piazzas or the rolling hills of Chianti, immerse yourself in these Tuscany novels. From Renaissance intrigue to WWII resilience and timeless romances, these books set in Tuscany capture the drama, beauty, and spirit of the region. This curated list is your story-driven Tuscany travel inspiration, offering the perfect starting point for a deeper connection to place.
A Room with a View
Author: E.M. Forster
Date Published: 1908 | Ranked among the Modern Library’s 100 Best Novels
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
Lucy Honeychurch, a young Englishwoman visiting Florence, finds her neatly ordered world upended when she meets a passionate and unconventional fellow traveler. The city’s Renaissance splendor and the Tuscan countryside become mirrors for Lucy’s own awakening — lush, sunlit backdrops where love dares to defy Edwardian restraint.
EXPERIENCE THE NOVEL IN TUSCANY
You don’t just have to read about Lucy’s journey—you can walk in her footsteps. Florence still holds the magic Forster described over a century ago.
- Escape to the Hills of Fiesole: Take the city bus (currently number 7) up to the hilltop town of Fiesole, just as the characters did for their country outing. It is here, among fields of violets and with a sweeping panorama of Florence below, that a spontaneous kiss changes the course of Lucy’s life. The breathtaking view becomes a symbol of her own expanding horizons.
- Stay in the Actual “Room with a View”: The novel’s “Pensione Bertolini” is widely believed to be the real-life Hotel degli Orafi, situated directly on the Arno. You can book a room today and request a view of the Ponte Vecchio, literally placing yourself at the very window where Lucy’s life-changing adventure begins.
- Witness the Turning Point in Piazza della Signoria: This famous square, with its stunning replica of Michelangelo’s David and the dramatic Loggia dei Lanzi, is the setting for a sudden, violent event that shocks Lucy out of her complacency. Stand in the center of the piazza and imagine the moment that forced her to see both the beauty and brutality of a world outside her sheltered existence.
The Garden of the Finzi-Continis
Author: Giorgio Bassani
Date Published: 1962 | Winner of the Viareggio Prize
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
Set in the years leading up to WWII, Bassani’s novel captures the bittersweet beauty of youth lived in the shadow of political change. The narrator recalls his friendship with the aristocratic Finzi-Contini family, whose walled garden is a private paradise seemingly untouched by the tensions beyond its gates — until Fascist Italy makes isolation impossible. Lyrical and elegiac, it’s a meditation on memory, privilege, and the fragility of idylls.
EXPERIENCE THE NOVEL IN TUSCANY
The Finzi-Continis’ garden is more than a setting; it is a symbol. While the novel is set in Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna, you can capture its spirit of secluded elegance and dramatic history in these Tuscan locations:
- Palazzo dei Diamanti and Ferrara’s Jewish Quarter: To truly understand the novel’s setting and the tension between aristocratic splendor and Jewish history, consider a side trip to Ferrara. Its quiet streets and grand Palazzo dei Diamanti inspired Bassani, and its historic Jewish Ghetto is the true backdrop for the narrative.
- Villa Gamberaia, Settignano (Florence): For a garden that captures the secluded, architectural elegance of the Finzi-Continis’ world, visit Villa Gamberaia. Its perfectly manicured water parterre and cypress-lined paths create a sense of elegant isolation, just outside of Florence.
- Pisa’s WWII Memorials: To fully grasp the tragic context of the novel, explore the history in Tuscany. The region is rich with WWII Heritage Sites, allowing you to pair the story of a lost past with a physical understanding of the war’s devastating impact on Italy.
The Birth of Venus
Author: Sarah Dunant
Date Published: 2003 | Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
In 15th-century Florence, a young woman named Alessandra Cecchi comes of age in a city torn between Renaissance brilliance and religious zealotry. Through clandestine love affairs, political upheaval, and the creation of art that defies convention, Alessandra’s story is a vivid tapestry of color, passion, and danger. Dunant’s Florence hums with the scent of oil paint, the echo of church bells, and the whispered secrets of its artists.
To understand the backdrop of Alessandra’s story, you can explore the political rivalries and artistic ambitions of 15th-century Florence in our comprehensive Tuscany Travel Guide.
EXPERIENCE THE NOVEL IN TUSCANY
The masterpieces and religious fervor of Florence are characters in this novel. Walk in Alessandra’s footsteps to fully appreciate her world:
- Santa Maria del Carmine: Step into the basilica that houses the famous Brancacci Chapel. This is the heart of the novel’s artistic action, where Alessandra’s fictional involvement with painting the revolutionary frescoes captures the spirit of the early Renaissance masters.
- Uffizi Gallery: The Art of Defiance: Stand before Botticelli’s Primavera and The Birth of Venus. These are the actual works that give the novel its name and atmosphere, representing the humanist spirit and pagan beauty that the religious fanatics tried to destroy. Seeing them in person brings Alessandra’s defiant artistic spirit into sharp focus.
- Piazza della Signoria: This political and historical hub of Florence was the site of Savonarola’s “Bonfire of the Vanities.” Visualize the destruction of books, mirrors, and artworks—including those owned by Alessandra’s circle—that defined the novel’s tension between religious zealotry and artistic freedom.
The Enchanted April
Author: Elizabeth von Arnim
Date Published: 1922 | Adapted into an Academy Award–Nominated Film
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
This charming tale follows four Englishwomen who escape dreary London for a month in an Italian villa. As spring blooms along the Tuscan coast, they shed old grievances and rediscover joy. Von Arnim’s prose brims with wisteria-scented breezes, sun-dappled terraces, and the quiet magic of friendship renewed — making it as restorative as the setting it describes.
If this story of escape inspires you to find your own restorative Italian villa, discover our curated list of Luxury Experiences in Tuscany, from private coastal charters to exclusive countryside estates.
EXPERIENCE THE NOVEL IN TUSCANY
While the novel is set along the Tuscan coast, the true inspiration for the enchanting villa “San Salvatore” is Castello Brown in the breathtaking seaside village of Portofino, Liguria—just north of Tuscany.
- Visit the Real “San Salvatore”: Perched high above Portofino’s glittering harbor, Castello Brown is now a museum and event venue. You can walk its terraced gardens, look out from the same sun-drenched viewpoints described in the book, and feel the magic for yourself.
- Stay in a Seaside Villa: To truly live the story, rent your own villa for a week. While you can’t stay in Castello Brown itself, the Ligurian Riviera (around Portofino and the Cinque Terre) and the nearby Tuscan coast (the Versilia or Argentario regions) are dotted with historic homes and cliffside rentals available for an unforgettable escape.
- Wander the Gardens: For an experience focused purely on the novel’s magnificent gardens, the recommendation of Villa Garzoni in Collodi, Tuscany, remains perfect. Its grand staircases, grottoes, and symmetrical flowerbeds perfectly capture the Renaissance beauty that so bewitched the characters.
The Marriage Portrait
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Date Published: 2022 | Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist, Sunday Times Bestseller
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
O’Farrell breathes life into Lucrezia de’ Medici, a teenage duchess whose marriage to the Duke of Ferrara is both gilded cage and political chess piece. Seen through Lucrezia’s artist’s eye, Florence’s palazzi and the rolling Tuscan hills glow with the richness of oil paint — yet shadows of danger creep at the edges. It’s a story of art, ambition, and survival in a world where beauty and peril are never far apart.
EXPERIENCE THE NOVEL IN TUSCANY
Lucrezia’s life was defined by the magnificent, imposing palaces of her powerful family. You can walk the same halls of her world in Tuscany (Learn more about the Medici dynasty in our Tuscany Destination Guide):
- Uffizi Gallery – The Duke’s Portrait: Though Lucrezia’s own portrait by Bronzino is in other collections, the Uffizi houses numerous other portraits of her family members, including her father Cosimo I. Standing before these real-life figures brings the chilling political stakes of Lucrezia’s story powerfully to life.
- Palazzo Vecchio, Florence: Explore the grand, imposing seat of Medici power where Lucrezia was raised. Walk through the Salone dei Cinquecento and the other lavish rooms that illustrate the immense political reach and wealth of her father, Duke Cosimo I, and imagine the weight of expectation on the young duchess.
- Medici Villa di Poggio a Caiano: Visit this elegant Medici country retreat where Lucrezia would have spent time away from the intense court life of Florence. The beautiful frescoed rooms and immaculate gardens offer a glimpse into the lavish but ultimately controlled world of the Medici children before they were married off for political gain.
Non-Fiction Books Set in Tuscany: Discover the Region’s History and Culture
Beyond the novels, some of the most compelling books set in Tuscany are non-fiction titles that dig deep into its history and art. These selections bring Florence’s artistic treasures, architectural triumphs, and timeless traditions vividly to life.
The Stones of Florence
Author: Mary McCarthy
Date Published: 1959 | Considered a Modern Classic of Travel Writing
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
McCarthy’s work is equal parts love letter and unsparing critique, blending art history, politics, and personal observation into a portrait of Florence that’s as textured as the city itself. She ushers you into dimly lit chapels where frescoes glow in half-light, across piazzas humming with centuries of intrigue, and into museum corners where overlooked treasures wait.
WALK IN THE CITY WITH MCCARTHY’S EYES
To truly appreciate McCarthy’s insights, visit the sites she scrutinizes and celebrates:
- Ponte Vecchio: Cross this storied bridge, which McCarthy describes as an essential artery of Florentine life. Notice how the jewelers’ shops create a continuous, commercial line over the Arno, and reflect on the centuries of history and commerce that have defined it.
- Basilica di Santa Croce: Visit the “Temple of the Italian Glories.” McCarthy would have you look past the sheer artistry and consider the weight of history in this basilica, where the towering tombs of figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli rest, embodying the genius and political ambition of the Renaissance and its aftermath.
- Palazzo Pitti and the Oltrarno District: Explore the vast Pitti Palace, originally built for the rival Pitti family but later taken over by the Medici. McCarthy often highlights the stark architectural power of Florence, and visiting the immense, rusticated stone façade of this palace provides a perfect contrast to the city’s more delicate beauty, reflecting the fierce individualism she analyzes.
Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
Author: Ross King
Date Published: 2000 | American Library Association Notable Book
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
Ross King turns architectural history into a page-turner, chronicling Filippo Brunelleschi’s audacious quest to build the largest dome in the world without scaffolding to support it. Set against the political rivalries and artistic rivalries of 15th-century Florence, the book brims with human drama — the stubborn genius, the jealous competitors, and the city that placed its future in his hands.
EXPLORE BRUNELLESCHI’S MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT
The story of the Dome is best understood by standing beneath it and then ascending it.
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (The Duomo): Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome. This is the ultimate way to appreciate his genius. As you ascend the narrow passages between the inner and outer shells, you’ll physically trace the hidden engineering that made the structure possible. The reward is a breathtaking view that truly crowns his achievement and the city of Florence.
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: Examine the genius up close. This museum houses the original tools, models, and sketches that illustrate Brunelleschi’s inventive solutions, including the groundbreaking hoisting machines and brick patterns he designed to make the impossible possible. You can see the actual physical evidence of his historic struggle and triumph.
- Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni): Brunelleschi was famously defeated by Ghiberti in the competition for the Baptistery’s bronze doors. Seeing these magnificent doors reminds you of the intense artistic rivalries—a major source of drama in the book—that fueled the Renaissance and pushed Brunelleschi to his greatest, most enduring triumph.
The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian
Author: Phil Doran
Date Published: 2005 | Los Angeles Times Bestseller
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
When Phil Doran leaves behind Hollywood for rural Tuscany, he expects rustic inconvenience — and finds it. But he also discovers the rhythm of small-town life: gossip traded over espresso, neighbors who show up with baskets of figs, and the satisfaction of a harvest celebrated. Funny and self-aware, Doran’s memoir reveals how Tuscany changes those willing to slow down.
LIVE THE SLOW TUSCAN LIFE
To truly experience the authentic, everyday world Doran describes, you need to leave the major cities behind and embrace the quiet rhythm of the countryside:
- Stay at an Agriturismo: The best way to feel the pace and priorities Doran comes to love is by staying at a working farmhouse. These rural accommodations offer fresh, regional food and immersion in the rhythms of the harvest and daily farm life, providing that genuine, hands-on Tuscan experience.
- Explore the Southern Hill Towns (Val d’Orcia): Head to medieval villages like Montepulciano, Pienza, or Montalcino. These are the kinds of small, historic towns where daily life genuinely unfolds in the piazza, complete with the crucial social ritual of the evening passeggiata (stroll) and the constant flow of neighborly conversation Doran details.
- Find Your Local Bar/Café: The local bar isn’t just for coffee; it’s the village’s communication hub. Find a small, non-touristy café in a quiet town, order a cappuccino, and observe the unhurried, complex social interactions that define authentic Tuscan life.
Under the Tuscan Sun
Author: Frances Mayes
Date Published: 1996 | New York Times Bestseller, Adapted into a Major Motion Picture
Find it on Amazon
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
Mayes’ memoir is a sensual account of restoring a crumbling villa in Cortona, blending the frustrations of renovation with the pleasures of seasonal cooking, gardening, and forging friendships. Her prose captures the textures of Tuscan life — the warmth of stone at dusk, the peppery bite of new olive oil, the scent of lavender carried on evening breezes.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF CORTONA
Mayes’ memoir is set in a specific, gorgeous location that travelers can easily experience for themselves.
- Tuscan Olive Groves: The book dedicates beautiful passages to the olive harvest. If you visit in late October or November, seek out an olive oil tasting at a local frantoio (olive mill) near Cortona to taste the intensely flavorful, newly pressed oil that is central to Mayes’ experience.
- Cortona: Walk the Hillside Lanes: Follow Mayes’ path through this stunning Etruscan hilltop town. Wander its sunlit piazzas (like Piazza della Repubblica) and steep, cobblestone lanes. Cortona perfectly embodies the blend of grand history and intimate, everyday life that Mayes captures so well. You can find the real Bramasole (though it’s a private residence) by taking a scenic walk outside the town walls.
- Local Markets: A True Tuscan Kitchen: To fully appreciate Mayes’ passion for seasonal cooking, visit the weekly local markets. Shop for the same ingredients she lovingly describes: fresh pecorino cheese, wild mushrooms, seasonal figs, and deep-red chard. Visiting the markets is the best way to feel the rhythm and simple, delicious priorities of authentic Tuscan life.
Iconic Films Set in Tuscany
For visual travelers, these films set in Tuscany capture the light, landscapes, and layered history of the region. From sweeping romances to wartime dramas, each title transports you straight into Tuscan piazzas, vineyards, and hill towns.
Tea with Mussolini
Director: Franco Zeffirelli
Date Released: 1999 | BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Judi Dench)
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Drawing from Zeffirelli’s own childhood, this poignant wartime drama follows a spirited group of expatriate Englishwomen — nicknamed the “Scorpioni” — who become unlikely guardians to a young boy in Florence as WWII looms. Through art, music, and quiet acts of defiance, they cling to beauty and civility even as Fascism tightens its grip. It’s an affectionate, bittersweet portrait of cultural exchange, resilience, and friendship in a city on the brink.
EXPERIENCE THE FILM IN TUSCANY
The film uses Florence and the Tuscan countryside as more than just a backdrop—they are central to the characters’ sense of culture and safety.
- Piazza della Signoria, Florence: Visit this political and artistic heart of the city, which features prominently in the film. It’s the site where the “Scorpioni” once met their Fascist protectors and where the reality of the war eventually invades their daily lives. The famous statues and the imposing Palazzo Vecchio provide the authentic political stage for their drama.
- San Gimignano: The Towers of Safety: The medieval towers of San Gimignano are featured in some of the film’s most memorable countryside scenes, representing the timeless beauty of Tuscany. This walled hill town is the perfect place to experience the ancient, fortified architecture that stood strong while political power shifted around it.
- The British Institute of Florence: The Scorpioni represent the wealthy foreign community in Florence. The British Institute (still active today!) was a major social hub for English speakers and provides a real-life connection to the cultural world the women inhabited. Visiting its library or garden offers a sense of the civilized, intellectual atmosphere they fought to preserve.
Explore More: Pair this film with our Tuscany Destination Guide to understand the region’s role during WWII.
Stealing Beauty
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Date Released: 1996 | Nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes
Watch it on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Part mystery, part coming-of-age romance, Bertolucci’s film follows Lucy (Liv Tyler), a young American who arrives at a Tuscan villa to have her portrait sculpted — and to uncover secrets about her late mother. Surrounded by a bohemian circle of artists, Lucy is drawn into a languid summer of self-discovery. Tuscany’s sun-drenched hills, stone farmhouses, and olive groves become both her sanctuary and her stage for transformation.
EXPERIENCE THE FILM IN TUSCANY
The villa and the landscape are arguably the film’s most magnetic characters.
- Siena’s Social Scene: While the film is mostly set in the countryside, the nearby city of Siena often acts as a setting for the characters’ social excursions. Visit the magnificent Piazza del Campo to get a taste of the grand, centuries-old urban center that provides a counterpoint to the villa’s private, intimate world.
- Find the Bohemian Retreat: The primary filming location was the beautiful Villa di Geggiano near Castelnuovo Berardenga in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. While it is a private estate, it is possible to visit or even stay nearby. You can experience its elegant gardens and the classic stone architecture that embodies the film’s atmosphere.
- Chianti Vineyards and Olive Groves: The film’s dreamy visuals are defined by the iconic Chianti landscape. Stay in an Agriturismo or villa within the triangle of Florence, Siena, and Arezzo. Take long drives, pull over to walk through silvery-green Tuscan olive groves, and sip wine on a terrace overlooking the rolling vineyards to truly immerse yourself in Lucy’s retreat.
A Room with a View (Film Adaptation)
Director: James Ivory
Date Released: 1985 | Academy Awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design
Watch it on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Ivory’s lush adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic is one of the most beloved films set in Tuscany, capturing both the exhilaration and peril of falling in love in a foreign land. Lucy Honeychurch’s Florence is a city of music, art, and sudden revelations — contrasted with the repressive expectations of her English upbringing. The Tuscan countryside scenes, alive with poppies and golden light, make you want to pack your bags immediately.
EXPERIENCE THE FILM IN TUSCANY
The film brilliantly captures the authentic settings of Forster’s novel. You can step directly into the most iconic scenes.
- Fiesole Hills: The Kiss That Changed Everything: Take the scenic route up to Fiesole for the panoramic view of Florence. It is in this serene, sun-dappled countryside, away from the stifling constraints of the city and her chaperone, that Lucy’s iconic, life-altering moment of passion occurs. The view remains as transformative today as it was in the film.
- The Real “Room”: The famed “Pensione Bertolini” was filmed at the Hotel degli Orafi on the Arno. Try to secure a river-view room to gaze upon the Ponte Vecchio just as Lucy did, allowing you to walk across the iconic bridge where her life—and her view of the world—begins to change dramatically.
- Piazza della Signoria: The Shocking Scene: Stand in this bustling public square, the site of the famous scene where Lucy witnesses a sudden act of violence. The film uses the statues and the light of this piazza to convey the raw, uncensored reality that forever alters Lucy’s perception of life and love.
La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful)
Director: Roberto Benigni
Date Released: 1997 | Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor, Best Original Score
Watch it on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
This international masterpiece begins in Arezzo, where the irrepressibly optimistic Guido falls in love with Dora and wins her heart through charm, wit, and persistence. When the family is deported during WWII, Guido uses humor and imagination to shield his young son from the horrors around them. The Tuscan scenes glow with romance and joy, making the later heartbreak even more profound.
EXPERIENCE THE FILM IN TUSCANY
The film’s early, joyous scenes are set in the heart of Arezzo, capturing the city’s romantic charm.
- Arezzo’s Piazza Grande: The Stage for Romance: Stroll through the dramatic, sloping main square, Piazza Grande, where many of Guido and Dora’s most romantic and pivotal scenes unfold. You can walk the very stage where Guido’s wit and persistence won his love, taking in the unique medieval and Renaissance architecture that defines the city’s character.
- The Teatro Petrarca: This beautiful, historic theater in Arezzo is one of the film’s key locations, representing the cultural and community heart of the city where Guido often made his dramatic, romantic entrances.
- Val di Chiana: Drive through the expansive countryside south of Arezzo. These peaceful, rolling hills frame the film’s idyllic early scenes, providing a beautiful visual contrast that makes the later heartbreak all the more profound. This is the Tuscany of simple, beautiful life that Guido fights so desperately to preserve for his son.
EXPLORE MORE: See our Tuscany Destination Guide to explore the region’s wartime history and preservation.
Documentaries: Unmissable Films Set in Tuscany
If you want to go beyond fiction, these documentaries explore the art, food, and stories that define Tuscany’s past and present — a perfect complement to your Tuscany reading list.
Medici: Masters of Florence (Docudrama Series)
Director: Sergio Mimica-Gezzan
Date Released: 2016 | International Emmy Nominee for Best Drama Series
Watch on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
This richly produced historical series blurs the line between documentary and drama, chronicling the rise of the Medici family and their transformation of Florence into the heart of the Renaissance. Through political intrigue, patronage of the arts, and family rivalries, it reveals how the Medicis shaped Tuscany’s destiny.
EXPERIENCE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
To truly grasp the scale of the Medici’s power and legacy, visit the places they built and ruled.
- Palazzo Vecchio: The Seat of Power: Walk the grand, imposing halls of this palace, which served as the political and government headquarters of Florence. Standing in the Salone dei Cinquecento, you can feel the ambition and ruthless power the Medici wielded as they shaped treaties, patronized artists, and neutralized their enemies.
- San Lorenzo Basilica & Medici Chapels: This complex is the family’s spiritual and final resting place. Designed and embellished by the greatest artists of the era (including Michelangelo’s breathtaking sculptures in the New Sacristy), it serves as the ultimate physical testament to the Medici’s piety, wealth, and lasting legacy in Florence.
- The Uffizi Gallery: Originally built by Cosimo I de’ Medici to house the government offices (uffizi), this structure now holds the world-famous Medici art collection. Visiting the gallery today is the best way to understand the family’s unparalleled patronage of the arts and their commitment to transforming Florence into a global cultural capital.
Explore More: Pair with The Marriage Portrait in our fiction list and visit our Tuscany Destination Guide for more on the Medici legacy.
Dream of Italy: Tuscany
Host: Kathy McCabe
Date Released: 2015 | PBS Travel Documentary Series
Watch it on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
This warm and personal travelogue takes you from vineyard-covered hills to centuries-old artisan workshops. McCabe meets winemakers, cheese producers, and local characters whose work preserves Tuscany’s heritage. This documentary is equal parts inspiration and practical guide, offering insights on slow-travel, food, and culture that will transform your next trip from a vacation into a truly immersive Italian experience.
EXPERIENCE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
This documentary highlights specific, authentic experiences that allow you to connect directly with Tuscan tradition.
- Panzano in Chianti: Meet the Maestro: Visit the butcher shop of Dario Cecchini, perhaps Tuscany’s most famous macellaio (butcher). Cecchini is a passionate character who champions ethical meat practices and traditional Florentine steak (bistecca alla fiorentina). His shop and adjoining restaurant are a pilgrimage site for food lovers and a central stop on the authentic Tuscan food trail.
- Val d’Orcia: The Postcard Landscape: Drive through the Val d’Orcia (Orcia Valley), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its iconic, geometrically perfect landscapes—rolling hills crowned with solitary cypress trees—define Tuscany’s visual identity and are the setting for some of the region’s finest wine and cheese production.
- Artisan Workshops in Florence & Siena: The series highlights the importance of preserving traditional crafts
Tuscany’s Hidden Gems (National Geographic Special)
Director: Various
Date Released: 2018
Watch it on Disney+ and Hulu
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
National Geographic goes beyond Florence and Siena to uncover Etruscan ruins, little-known hill towns, and family-run workshops. With sweeping aerial shots and intimate interviews, it captures the soul of Tuscany that exists beyond the main piazza.
EXPERIENCE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
This documentary champions the region’s incredible history and stunning, less-traveled destinations.
- Pitigliano: The Jerusalem of Tuscany: Visit this incredible town known for its dramatic cliffside setting and rich history. Explore its ancient Jewish heritage, including the restored synagogue and museum, to understand a unique and often overlooked facet of Tuscan culture.
- Volterra: Etruscan Power and Craft: Step back thousands of years in this spectacular walled city. Walk beneath the ancient Etruscan gates, which predate the Romans, and visit the traditional alabaster workshops to see artisans carrying on a centuries-old craft that defines Volterra’s heritage.
- The Maremma Region: The special focuses heavily on the wilder, southern coastal area of Tuscany. Explore the Maremma, known for its rugged landscapes, butteri (cowboys), and vast natural parks, offering a profound contrast to the manicured Renaissance hills of Chianti.
Food Shows Set in Tuscany: Savor the Unique Flavors on Screen
Tuscan cuisine tells a story all its own, and these food shows about Tuscany bring it to life. From rustic markets to family kitchens, each episode serves up Tuscany travel inspiration while complementing the classic books and films set in Tuscany that reveal the region’s culture.
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy — Tuscany Episode
Host: Stanley Tucci
Date Released: 2021 | Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series
Watch it on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Tucci’s Tuscany episode is a masterclass in culinary storytelling. From sizzling bistecca alla fiorentina to delicate pici pasta, he traces each dish to the traditions, landscapes, and people who shaped it. His warmth and curiosity make every stop — from bustling markets to countryside kitchens — feel like a personal invitation.
TASTE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
Follow Tucci’s path to experience the food and personalities that define Tuscan cuisine.
- Florence’s Mercato Centrale: This vibrant indoor market is the perfect place to start your culinary journey. Shop for the same artisanal products Tucci enjoys, from high-quality olive oil and fresh pasta to cured meats and local truffles. It’s an immersion in the ingredients that form the bedrock of Tuscan cooking.
- Panzano in Chianti: The Legend of Dario Cecchini: Make the pilgrimage to meet Dario Cecchini, Tuscany’s most famous butcher and a culinary philosopher. The episode highlights his passion for meat and tradition. Visiting his shop and restaurant offers the chance to taste the unforgettable Florentine steak preparation that Tucci samples.
- Wineries in the Chianti Classico Region: The episode features Tuscany’s incredible winemaking tradition. Seek out a smaller, family-run vineyard in the Chianti Classico area to tour the cellars and taste the Sangiovese-based wines that pair perfectly with the rustic food Tucci celebrates.
Somebody Feed Phil — Florence Episode
Host: Phil Rosenthal
Date Released: 2018 | Netflix Original Series
Watch it on Netflix
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Rosenthal’s enthusiasm is infectious as he samples everything from ribollita soup to inventive gelato flavors. Along the way, he chats with chefs, shop owners, and locals, showing how hospitality is as integral to Tuscan dining as the food itself.
TASTE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
Follow Phil’s footsteps to experience the genuine, unpretentious side of Florentine dining.
- Trattoria Mario: The Real Deal: Visit this legendary, no-frills Florentine institution to enjoy hearty, traditional Tuscan classics. Just like Phil, you can experience the loud, bustling atmosphere and taste dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina and seasonal vegetable sides, served exactly as the locals eat them.
- Gelateria dei Neri: A Sweet Surprise: Stop by this famous gelateria to sample the creative gelato blends that surprised and delighted Phil. Located near the Arno, this is the perfect place to experience Florence’s passion for both tradition (like pistachio) and innovative flavors (like salted caramel or ricotta and fig).
- Central Markets and Oltrarno Eateries: Seek out the small, authentic eateries in the Oltrarno district (the side of the Arno opposite the Duomo), where Phil often finds the most local, unpretentious, and affordable food. Exploring these neighborhoods offers a true taste of everyday Florentine cuisine and culture.
Rick Stein’s Long Weekends — Florence
Host: Rick Stein
Date Released: 2016 | BBC Two Culinary Travel Series
Watch it on Apple TV+
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Stein takes a seasonal approach to Florence, highlighting ingredients at their peak — from artichokes in spring to truffles in autumn. His itineraries blend local markets, humble trattorias, and elegant dining rooms, offering a rounded taste of the city.
TASTE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
Follow Stein’s refined yet authentic itinerary to taste the best of the city’s seasonal offerings.
- Sant’Ambrogio Market: The Flavor Hub: Skip the main tourist spots and wander the bustling stalls of Sant’Ambrogio Market. This is where locals shop, and you can see and sample the fresh, seasonal produce, regional cheeses, and cured meats that form the foundation of Florentine cooking, just as Stein highlighted.
- Truffle Hunting near San Miniato: To fully appreciate the luxury ingredient Stein seeks, travel to the hills around San Miniato, a town famous for its white truffles. Join a local tartufaio (truffle hunter) and their dog for a morning in the woods to experience the exhilarating search for these earthy jewels.
- Historic Wine Bars (Fiaschetterie): Stein often seeks out places where quality wine and simple food traditions intersect. Visit historic wine bars near the Oltrarno or Duomo to try local wines paired with classic crostini or salami, appreciating the simple elegance of Florentine aperitivo.
Extra Virgin
Hosts: Debi Mazar & Gabriele Corcos
Date Released: 2011–2015 | Cooking Channel Series
Watch it on Amazon Prime
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
This charming series follows Mazar and her Tuscan-born husband as they split time between Brooklyn and his family home near Florence. Recipes are woven with family stories, vineyard visits, and seasonal festivals, giving viewers a true slice of Tuscan life.
TASTE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
The show highlights the importance of family, heritage, and community through food.
- Chianti Countryside: Heritage and Wine: Tour the vineyards and olive groves in the Chianti region around Florence, which echoes the show’s emphasis on family heritage and quality ingredients. Visit a small, family-run farm (a fattoria) to experience the kind of intimate, hands-on production that Gabriele celebrates.
- Experience a Village Sagra (Festival): To truly capture the community spirit of the show, time your visit to coincide with a local village sagra (a food-themed festival). These events, which celebrate seasonal dishes like mushrooms, wild boar, or chestnuts, allow you to celebrate alongside locals and experience the authentic, joyful community dining shown on the series.
- Farm-to-Table Cooking Classes: Look for Tuscan cooking classes that focus on using fresh, seasonal, and hyper-local ingredients. This hands-on experience mirrors the hosts’ dedication to simple, delicious food made with love and the best available produce.
Cooking in Tuscany isn’t just about the food—it’s about the hands that teach you, the stories shared over flour-dusted counters, and the joy of tasting something made from the heart.
If Extra Virgin has you dreaming of your own Tuscan kitchen, explore a Private Farmer’s Market Tour and Tuscan Cooking Class with Tuscany Now & More—a truly authentic way to connect with local culture through taste. Then, explore more in our Exclusive Experiences Edit for Tuscany, where every experience is curated to make your journey unforgettable.
Tuscan Foodie Adventures (YouTube Series)
Host: Local Tuscan Guides
Date Released: Ongoing
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH IT
Filmed by local chefs and guides, this series focuses on dishes you won’t always find in guidebooks — hearty farro soups from Garfagnana, fresh seafood from the Tuscan coast, and almond cantucci baked in wood-fired ovens.
TASTE THE STORY IN TUSCANY
This series encourages you to explore the diversity of Tuscan cuisine beyond the main cities.
- Garfagnana: Taste the Mountain Fare: Travel to the rugged, northern region of Garfagnana to try the mountain fare rooted in centuries-old recipes. Look for dishes based on grains like farro and chestnuts, and hearty meat sauces, which offer a completely different, rustic flavor profile than the olive oil and grilled meats of central Tuscany.
- Prato: The Sweet Tradition: Sample the quintessential Tuscan cookie, almond cantucci (biscuits), which must always be dipped into a glass of sweet, amber Vin Santo dessert wine. Visit the city of Prato, known as the birthplace of these famous biscuits, to try the most authentic version baked in traditional wood-fired ovens.
- The Tuscan Coast (Versilia/Maremma): Seek out the coastal towns to experience the region’s delicious, often-overlooked seafood tradition. Look for cacciucco (a rich fish stew) and fresh grilled fish, showcasing the ingredients brought in daily by local fishermen.
Continue exploring our Tuscany Edits
Ready to bring these stories from the best books and films set in Tuscany to life? Create your own Tuscany reading list and dive deeper into the art, food, and history behind these stories.
Continue exploring our Edits for more Tuscany travel inspiration:
Plan your trip with our Tuscany Destination Guide for historic towns, scenic drives, and the best times to visit.
Get outfit inspiration from our Style & Packing Tips, curated for chic yet practical Italian adventures.
Discover Exclusive Experiences like private vineyard tastings and behind-the-scenes art viewings.
Use our Travel Resources to connect with trusted guides, boutique stays, and tools to make your Tuscan journey effortless.
Which book or film set in Tuscany has inspired you the most? Email me your favorite, and it might be featured in my next Jet Set Insider newsletter — inspiring fellow travelers to explore Tuscany through story.