Autumn is the perfect time to see the real Tuscany. When the tourists depart at the end of the summer, that’s the time to experience the best of the region’s autumn colour and seasonal foodie delights. Whether you want to take in a world class art exhibition in Florence or hike through stunning autumnal landscapes, here are the very best reasons for owning a caravan in Tuscany and enjoying the autumn splendour in comfort.
Gather the harvest
With some of the finest vineyards in the world bathed in the golden light of surprisingly balmy afternoons, these are the months to enjoy Tuscany’s vendemmia. Autumn’s annual grape harvest sees the noble vintages of Chianti gathered in for another year.
It’s a wonderful time of festivals and wine tastings and there’s always a grape pickers’ lunch to be enjoyed!
Enjoy the show
As the days grow shorter, Tuscany swaps its summer greenery for the flame reds and burnt oranges of spectacular autumn foliage. If you want to enjoy some of the most spectacular autumn foliage in Europe, head into eastern Tuscany and the Foreste Casentinesi National Park and hike through the breathtaking scenery of the ancient forests of the Apennine mountains, surrounded by the stunning foliage of maple, beech and cherry bursting into exuberant colour.
A foodie’s paradise
If you’re interested in owning a caravan in Tuscany, the chances are you love the region as much for its food and wine as for its gorgeous scenery. In autumn, the region is a true food lover’s paradise, with an abundance of fresh game, the famous porcini mushrooms and, of course, the unforgettable white truffles that are so highly prized by chefs around the world.
Go on a truffle hunt and then enjoy pasta, salami, cheese, steak and omelettes all nestled under shavings of this white gold. Other seasonal treats include the new season olive oil, with its intense emerald colour, and the earthy chestnuts of the mountain regions.
Be a culture vulture in Florence
Once the summer crowds have gone, autumn is also the ideal time to explore the rich, artistic treasures of Florence. Home to the world renowned Uffizi Gallery, Florence is a cultural powerhouse. Want to see unmissable masterpieces from the hand of Leonardo Da Vinci? Then don’t miss the Adoration of the Magi in the Uffizi’s new Leonardo room.
Not only will you avoid the long queues at the Uffizi, but you won’t have to wait to see the most famous statue in the world, either. Michelangelo’s sublime David can be seen at the Galleria dell’Accademia. With shows by the great masters and the stars of contemporary art alike, Florence is just the place to recharge your cultural batteries this autumn.
Bask in the atmosphere
The medieval hilltop towns of Tuscany gain an even greater allure in autumn, when the streets are quiet and you can fully absorb the captivating atmosphere. Don’t miss UNESCO world heritage site, San Gimignano, or Volterra, with its steep ravines.
Owning a caravan in Tuscany is the smart way to enjoy this magical region at any time of year, but in autumn it truly shines. The season of mists and mellow fruitfulness brings out the best in Tuscany, so why not enjoy it from the comfort of your own holiday home?
