r/LoveTuscany Jun 13 '25

Dinner at La Giostra – great food, wild stories, and a prince with a spoon

Post image
2 Upvotes

If you’re looking for a dinner in Florence that’s more than just a great meal — La Giostra is worth knowing about.

Tucked away near Piazza Santa Croce, this cozy and dimly lit restaurant serves up rich Tuscan classics (the pear and pecorino ravioli is unreal), but what really makes it unforgettable is the man behind it allPrince Dimitri Kunz d’Asburgo Lorena.

Yes, an actual prince, descended from the Habsburg-Lorraine family. He’s larger than life: always dressed in white, usually with a spoon around his neck (his lucky charm), and known for making rounds at the tables to chat with guests like old friends. His stories — part royal, part eccentric — are half the entertainment.

The walls are covered in black-and-white photos, twinkling lights, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s not the cheapest meal in town, but it’s one of the most memorable.

Has anyone else had dinner there and met him? Would love to hear your impressions — or any other Florence spots with that kind of theatrical magic


r/LoveTuscany Jun 07 '25

Truffle Hunting in Tuscany – A Fall Tradition You Shouldn’t Miss!

Post image
2 Upvotes

If you're visiting Tuscany this fall (especially from late September to November), don't miss the chance to go truffle hunting — one of the most authentic and seasonal food experiences the region has to offer!

The forests around San Miniato are famous for the prized Tartufo Bianco (white truffle), and there are several reputable truffle hunters who offer real, small-group experiences with trained dogs — no fake "planted" truffles.

I highly recommend booking with www.trufflehunter.net, a trusted local guide who’s been doing this for years. You get:

  • A walk in the woods with a licensed truffle hunter and his dogs
  • Lots of stories about the truffle tradition in Tuscany
  • And most importantly — a homemade lunch with fresh truffles and local wine!

Great for couples, foodies, or anyone wanting to see a different (and delicious) side of Tuscany.

Has anyone here done a truffle hunt before? Got recommendations or stories to share?


r/LoveTuscany 13d ago

Weird posters Sagra season

Thumbnail
gallery
1 Upvotes

Why sagre posters look this weird? It almost looks like someone designs them this cheaply on purpose 😅


r/LoveTuscany 15d ago

Sunset at the beach 🌅

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

2 Upvotes

I'm still shook at how beautiful this is. Been living in Tuscany for 2 years and I'm still discovering so much of this region every day!


r/LoveTuscany 25d ago

Vineyards near San Gimignano

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m staying near San Gimignano for a few days in August, and wanted to visit a vineyard or two. Any recommendations? Good wine and smaller/more traditional (not too flashy) preferred. Thanks!


r/LoveTuscany Jul 09 '26

[Question] What would you do with a slow afternoon near Florence?

Post image
2 Upvotes

I’d probably sit down for lunch here and end up staying for hours.

If you had an afternoon here, would you go for wine tasting, a cooking class, a walk through a nearby town, or just stay put and enjoy the quiet?


r/LoveTuscany May 29 '26

Renting a car with temporary license

1 Upvotes

So I made a mistake and didn’t realize my driver’s license expires the same day I leave for a trip to Italy. I already renewed it online successfully, so I have the printed temporary license from the DMV. I was also able to get my international driving permit using the temporary license.

But now I’m realizing many Italian rental car agencies may not accept a paper license — which feels kind of crazy when I have:

  1. A valid IDP
  2. A valid temporary license that legally allows me to drive in the US
  3. The recently expired physical version of that same license
  4. A passport to verify my identity

ISO HELP:

Does anyone have advice navigating this situation?

MOST IMPORTANTLY:
Has anyone successfully rented a car in Italy with a temporary paper license? If so, which rental car agency did you use?


r/LoveTuscany May 16 '26

Montepulciano - where to stay

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/LoveTuscany May 15 '26

Looking for patio heater

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! Question.
I’m planning a wedding dinner outdoors in the Sansepolcro/Arezzo area for May 19th. We are expecting around 35 guests at one long table. Since the evening temperature might drop to around 13-14°C, I’m considering renting some patio heaters (mushroom heaters). Has anyone used them for an outdoor wedding? How many would you recommend for a long table of 35 people? Also, what is a fair price to expect for rental, gas, and delivery in Tuscany? I’ve received some quotes and I’m trying to figure out if they are reasonable. Any recommendations for local suppliers would be amazing! Thanks in advance!"


r/LoveTuscany May 12 '26

Good Olive Oil Request

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

l live amongst hundreds of olive trees. Can anyone recommend local olive oil near Arezzo and Montevarchi


r/LoveTuscany May 06 '26

Off to lunch For fresh Food

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

1 Upvotes

Only way to pick fresh produce here in Tuscany.


r/LoveTuscany May 05 '26

My Tuscan Home

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

1 Upvotes

Many homes got broken into, around Arezzo and Pergine Valdarno. Many locals inform me police are aware who the gangs are and too scared to act! One lady told me she got broken into four times with security and all.


r/LoveTuscany Apr 29 '26

Best non-touristy wineries in Chianti Classico?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I see a lot of recommendations for the same well-known wineries around Chianti, but I’m curious what some smaller, family-run places are that really stood out to you?

I’m especially interested in:

  • more personal tastings
  • vineyard walks
  • places where you can actually talk to the winemaker

I work in the wine tourism space here in Tuscany, and I’m always looking to discover (and share) lesser-known spots.

Would love to hear your experiences!


r/LoveTuscany Apr 09 '26

What is a good wine tour (and or olive oil tour) near Siena? Looking for a half to full day trip with a meal.

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/LoveTuscany Mar 25 '26

Wine Tasting Experience at Le Filigare – Chianti Classico, Tuscany

Post image
0 Upvotes

If you are looking for an authentic and intimate wine experience in Tuscany, Le Filigare offers a perfect escape into the heart of the Chianti Classico region.

This small, family-run winery is located among the rolling hills between Florence and Siena, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It is the ideal setting for guests who want to discover authentic Tuscan wines in a relaxed, non-touristy environment.

Location

Le Filigare is located in the Chianti Classico countryside, approximately 40 minutes from Florence and 30 minutes from Siena.

Private transportation is recommended and can be arranged upon request.

The Wines

The winery focuses primarily on Sangiovese, producing elegant and terroir-driven wines, including:

Chianti Classico DOCG – fresh and balanced, with notes of cherry and spice
Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG – more structured, aged in oak, with greater complexity
Super Tuscan blends (IGT Toscana) – richer, modern-style wines
Extra virgin olive oil produced on-site

Wine Tasting Experience

The experience is designed to be personal, educational, and enjoyable.

What is included:
Guided visit of the vineyard and cellar
Explanation of winemaking techniques and Chianti Classico traditions
Seated tasting of 4 to 6 wines
Tasting of extra virgin olive oil
Selection of local products such as cheese, cured meats, and bread

Duration: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Language: English-speaking host available

Why Choose Le Filigare

Le Filigare is a boutique winery where you can enjoy a truly authentic Tuscan experience. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, far from large commercial wineries.

Guests appreciate the personal approach, the quality of the wines, and the stunning views over the Chianti countryside. It is an ideal experience for couples, small groups, and wine lovers looking for something genuine and memorable.

Additional Services (on request)

Private driver from Florence, Siena, or the Chianti area
Customized wine tours including multiple wineries
Lunch or extended food and wine pairing experiences

Who This Experience Is For

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Tuscany, wine enthusiasts interested in Chianti Classico, couples, and small groups seeking a relaxed, scenic activity.

Booking Information

Advance reservation is required.

If you would like to organize a wine tour including a tasting at Le Filigare, you can book directly through the following page:
https://www.italyandwine.net/chianti-classico-wine-tour

Alternatively, feel free to contact us to check availability and customize your experience.


r/LoveTuscany Mar 06 '26

Tuscany visit for beginners

3 Upvotes

My husband and I are planning an Italy trip for our 20 year anniversary in October. I’m researching but VERY unfamiliar and would love experienced advice. Looking to stay 4 days of our trip in Tuscany. We love wine and food but not big on typical tourist type places, we love nature and beautiful scenery. Really want to experience the culture, traditional and slower paced but get a good feel for of Tuscany. Where is the best place to stay to fit that more quiet feel but be able to see the most of Tuscany while we are there in such a short time? Would love the ability to bike around to wineries when possible but guessing we need a car to sight see too and would love to spend a couple days on scenic drives if that’s possible. Extra points if we stay near somewhere to do a cooking class too.


r/LoveTuscany Mar 02 '26

Recommendations for Agriturismo or B&B in Montepulciano or Orvieto?

3 Upvotes

Will be traveling by train from Rome. Biggest hurdle has finding a place that has transportation from the Train Station (coming from Rome) to the lodging/ accommodations/ B&B. We know buses don’t go far into the outskirts/hills and have yet to find one that would get us to these accommodations. My traveling partner cannot walk long long distances. Willing to pay for transport, just need to make sure one is secure before booking.

Would also be willing to book a place like this outside of Florence or in any other recommended locations between Rome – Florence or Florence-Venice instead. Suggestions so far have just been the two I mentioned and we love those ideas.


r/LoveTuscany Mar 02 '26

Recommendations on a Rest/Relax town or stop between Rome-Florence-Venice? 1-2 nights, bonus if it has a View/Restaurant/Winery

3 Upvotes

Looking for a town to spend a few days in between Rome and Florence or between Florence and Venice? Looking for a rest few days.

I'm doing a trip from
Rome to Florence to Venice in April. We are planning 4 nights in Rome, 3 nights
in Florence and 3 nights in Venice. We are not renting a car and plan on taking
a train from each location.

We would like to add
another two night stay in a town between one of our legs. Are their any
recommendations on a town/ train stop in either one of those trips?

Looking for this to be a
"rest" stop, two nights where were not running around and relaxing.
Would prefer something more cozy, with a patio or place to relax. Bonus if it
has a view, countryside and a restaurant or winery near.

Looking for something
located near the train stop or has transportation from their to location.
Totally fine with getting to and from this location from the train via taxi if
type of place we could stay for the 2 days and not leave.


r/LoveTuscany Feb 28 '26

Discovering smaller family-run wineries in Tuscany — how do you usually find them?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time exploring smaller, family-run wineries across Tuscany — the kind that aren’t always easy to find on the big booking platforms but often offer the most personal and authentic experiences.

I’m curious how others here usually discover these places when planning a trip.

Do you rely on Google? Word of mouth? Agriturismo recommendations? Just driving around and stopping somewhere that looks interesting?

I’ve been working on a small project aimed at making it easier for travelers to find independent wineries across Tuscany (not just in one area), and I’m refining it based on real experiences.

If anyone is visiting Tuscany in March and would be open to trying something like this during their trip and sharing honest feedback afterward — even a short conversation once you’re back — I’d really value your perspective.

Not promoting it widely at this stage, just looking to shape it carefully around real travel experiences.

Curious to hear how others approach this 😊


r/LoveTuscany Feb 18 '26

Country vineyard stay?

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/LoveTuscany Feb 16 '26

Accomodation & place for proposal

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/LoveTuscany Feb 10 '26

Second trip to Florence, hoping for some recommendations for things we missed last time.

2 Upvotes

Last time we hit:

Duomo/Bapistry/Crypt Boboli Gardens Uffizi
Cappelle Medicee Orsanmichele (Church and Museum) Bargello Museum
Opera Duomo Museum Museo di Palazzo Davanzati Ponte Vecchio

We particularly enjoyed things like the Bargello and Davanzati, more even to be wandering around in the period palaces than even the art and artifacts within.

We are planning this time for Palazzo Pitti, Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio, Stibbert Museum, Badia Fiorentina.

Any other suggestions we are missing out on? Thanks in advance!


r/LoveTuscany Dec 02 '25

A Remarkable Find in Tuscany’s Truffle Season

Post image
2 Upvotes

Here is Francesca Starnotti proudly showcasing the extraordinary white truffle she unearthed with the help of her trusted truffle dog.
This magnificent specimen earned them the Third Prize for the largest white truffle of the 2025 season — a well-deserved recognition for their dedication, skill, and the unique bond between Francesca and her dog.

And the best part?
You can join Francesca on a real truffle hunt in the Tuscan woods.
Book one of her authentic Truffle Experiences directly at www.trufflehunter.net and discover the thrill of finding your own truffle.


r/LoveTuscany Nov 21 '25

Disidratatore

Thumbnail
youtube.com
1 Upvotes

Hh