September's Tuscany Guide. Photo: Shutterstock The scorching summer will soon give way to a caressing breeze, and the crowds of tourists who crowd the month of August will soon be packing their bags on their way home. At this very moment, the most picturesque region in Italy will put on its most beautiful robe. The upcoming September is considered Tuscany's golden age, a short and magical window of opportunity when the sun will still embrace but no longer burn, the hills will be painted in warm colors, and the sweet scent of ripe grapes will be carried in the air. Anyone who chooses to come here in the season that is coming our way will be rewarded with an unforgettable sensory experience, provided that they know how to plan their steps wisely now. Here is the complete guide to a perfect autumn trip.
September will bring with it the "Vendemmia", the traditional grape harvest season. The green hills of the Chianti region will soon be filled with life, local farmers will be toiling in the vineyards, and the wineries will open their doors for a rich culinary celebration. It is highly recommended to take advantage of the upcoming period to join an active wine tour that will allow you not only to taste the fine produce but also to physically take part in the harvest or experience traditional grape treading as their ancestors did.
Harvest season. Photo: ShutterstockTo soak up the true local culture during your upcoming visit, it’s worth skipping the modern hotels and opting for an agriturismo. These are working farms that offer guest rooms and an authentic rural retreat. The big advantage of September at these farms will be the ability to enjoy the best of both worlds, the water in the private pools will still be warm enough for swimming after the summer months, and the local breakfasts will be served outdoors at an ideal temperature.
The Tuscan weather at this time of year can be particularly tricky for travelers. The days will be bright and sunny, with comfortable temperatures that easily reach the second half of the twenties, but once the sun sets, the air will quickly become cool. The secret to a pleasant vacation is to dress in layers, known in Italian as "dressing in the shade." Short, airy shirts will serve you well in the afternoon, while a light jacket, sweater and compact umbrella in your bag will save you in the evenings or against a surprising autumn rain.
This fall will be a feast for culinary enthusiasts thanks to the "sagra", local food festivals dedicated to seasonal ingredients. Almost every small village will host its own celebration on the weekends of September, where residents will cook traditional dishes at affordable prices. It is recommended to keep your eyes open during your trip and look for colorful signs on the sides of the roads inviting you to festivals dedicated to fresh truffles, roasted chestnuts, handmade pasta and first-harvest olive oil.
Handmade pasta. Photo: ShutterstockThe best way to explore the hanging towns and clay valleys during your trip is by driving yourself. However, the Tuscan infrastructure will present challenges in the form of narrow medieval alleys and sharp curves. When renting a car for your trip, it is worth choosing a small and compact model that allows easy maneuvering, but one equipped with an engine powerful enough to climb to the peaks of towns like San Gimignano or Montepulciano without difficulty.
Many tend to forget that Tuscany also offers a spectacular coastline and magical islands like Elba. In September, locals will return to work and school, and the famous holidays will be empty. This will be the perfect timing to enjoy golden sands, exemplary silence and waters that have still retained the warmth of this summer, all at prices that will be significantly lower than the peak season prices of August.
The coast of the island of Elba, Tuscany. Photo: ShutterstockDespite the expected general decline in tourist numbers, the main cities, led by Florence, will remain a global attraction. Iconic sites such as the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David, and the magnificent Duomo will still be very busy in September. To avoid wasting precious hours of sightseeing in nerve-wracking standing, it is essential to purchase entrance tickets in advance, which include the option to skip the line at least two weeks before your trip.
Tuscany is rich in natural spas that spring from the earth, and some of the most beautiful ones will be open to you completely free of charge. The Molino Falls in Saturnia are a perfect example of such an experience. The cool temperature of September nights will create a perfect contrast with the warm, mineral-rich thermal waters, and dipping into them in the dark, under the light of the stars, will be considered a truly mystical experience.
Terme di Saturnia. Photo: ShutterstockThe Orche Valley is a postcard-perfect landscape, with its symmetrical cypress avenues and rolling hills that have been recognized as a World Heritage Site. The intense heat of August makes it difficult to stay outdoors, but September will provide ideal conditions for active activities. It is recommended to plan in advance to rent an electric bike or go on easy hiking trails through the vineyards, to soak up the sights at the right pace.
The most important tip for keeping your budget on track for your upcoming trip concerns the restricted traffic zones in cities, known by the international ZTL signs or by their full name, restricted traffic zones. The historic centers of cities like Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca will be completely closed to vehicles that do not belong to local residents. The cameras placed at the entrances to these areas will record any foreign vehicle that crosses the border, and the heavy fines will arrive in the mail even months after you return to Israel. The most effective solution is to always park in large, regulated parking lots outside the historic city walls and enter the ancient centers on foot or by local public transportation.
Tuscany. Photo: Shutterstock