10 Things to Pack for a Spring Trip to Tuscany with Terra & Tu
Tuscany in spring—or as the locals call it, primavera —is a beautiful time to visit, as the weather is generally mild and the countryside is lush and green and blanketed with vibrant wildflowers.
Though Florence is ‘open’ year-round, many of the shops and restaurants in smaller towns and villages that were closed for winter are in full swing by Easter—including the beach towns! There is a saying here in Italy, “Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi!” – “Spend Christmas with your relatives and Easter with whoever you want!”
This chart gives you an idea of what average temperatures are like in Tuscany in the spring:
When it comes to prepping for your spring trip, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. But with the right items in your suitcase, you'll be able to enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer.
Here's our guide for what to pack for your trip to Tuscany
Light layers of clothing
Spring in Tuscany can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to warm throughout the day. So you'll want to pack light layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove as needed. Consider bringing a mix of short and long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings. One day you’ll be underneath an umbrella splashing through the cobblestone streets, and the next, you’ll be sitting at a café in Montepulciano’s Piazza Grande sipping an Aperol spritz in the sun.
2. Comfortable walking shoes
Tuscany is a region meant to be explored on foot, so it's essential to pack comfortable walking shoes. Bring a pair of sneakers, flats, or sandals that you've already broken in, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets and uneven terrain. Terra & Tu journeys are not strenuous, but we do spend most of our time enjoying Tuscany’s natural beauty. Led by our local guide, we embark on walking tours through medieval hilltop villages, through vineyards and wineries, and explore the hills and limestone paths of the Crete Senesi landscape.
3. Sun protection
While the weather in Tuscany is generally mild in spring, the sun can still be strong. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Mediterranean rays. Consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt or lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders. If you didn’t pack your own, there are plenty of stores and pharmacies that sell sunscreen. When shopping, look for the phrase crema solare (KREH|mah soh|LAH|reh), which translates to sun cream or lotion. Some popular brands to keep an eye out for include:
Euerin: Sun Gel-Creme Oil Control Tocco Secco SPF 50+
La Roche Posay Protezione Solare Viso - Protezione Solare
Garnier Ambre Solaire
4. Camera
Tuscany is a photographer's paradise, with its rolling hills, verdant vineyards, and charming towns. Springtime is especially magical for all the wildflowers that bloom in April and May. The countryside will be painted with red poppies, purple wisteria, and hundreds of shades of roses and sprinkled with white and yellow Marguerite daisies. Keep your eye out for the cypress trees that line the road from San Quirico d’Orcia to Montalcino and the purple orchids, anemones, and crocuses inland of Maremma’s coast. Clusters of tiny pink cyclamens can be found carpeting the forest floor where the light breaks through the trees. They also thrive alongside the footpaths and in openings among the fallen stones of Etruscan tombs.
You'll want to capture every moment! Have your iPhone on hand, or pack a camera and any necessary accessories, like extra batteries, memory cards, and a tripod for those low-light landscape shots. Lenses can make a huge difference when shooting in Tuscany as well. Most landscape photographers are used to working with ultra wide-angle lenses, but a telephoto lens is more versatile in spring, so you can get some nice foreground flower shots. We advise bringing a lens to cover the 70-200mm or 70-300mm focal range and possibly another to cover the standard-tele range (24-70mm). Lastly, don’t forget to experiment with lighting! Springtime in Tuscany is known for its warm, soft light, which casts dreamy shadows and highlights. Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) are the best times to photograph the region's landscapes and architecture.
5. Adapter
Italy uses a different type of electrical outlet than many other countries, so be sure to pack an international travel adapter. This will ensure that you can charge your electronics without any problems. We recommend ordering the following kind from Amazon:
European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 2 USB, Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany
6. Personal toiletries
While you can find most items in Italy, bringing your own personal toiletries is always a good idea. Pack your favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and any skincare products or makeup you use daily. If you don’t want to lug your large-volume items, however, here’s a handy vocabulary list for your pharmacy visit:
Shampoo – shampoo (SHAM|pooh)
Conditioner – balsamo (BAL|sah|moh)
Shower Gel/Body Wash – saponetta (sah|poh|NET|tah)
Toothpaste – dentifricio (den|tee|FREE|chyoh)
Hand Lotion – lozione (loh|ZYOH|neh) or crema (KREH|mah)
7. Medications
If you take any medications, pack enough for your entire trip. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription in case you need a refill or to show it to customs officials. You may also want to bring or buy a trusted allergy medicine if you’re prone to spring allergies, as Tuscany’s pollens and grasses, like the tiglio (linden) tree, can cause some irritation.
8. Bug Spray
Don’t forget bug spray! If it’s a warm spring, you’ll notice the mosquitos, and because Tuscany is full of farms and fields, the flies will also be active. Fortunately, your Terra & Tu host will always have a bottle on hand for your personal use and comfort.
9. Italian phrasebook or translation app
While many people in Tuscany speak English, knowing a few basic phrases in Italian is always helpful. Consider bringing a phrasebook or downloading a translation app to help you communicate with locals and navigate your way around town.
10. A backpack or day bag
Finally, you'll want to bring a backpack or day bag to carry your essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. This will ensure you have everything you need for a day of exploring without getting weighed down.
If you’re planning on traveling to Tuscany, don’t try to go it alone! When you travel to Tuscany with Terra & Tu, you won’t have to worry about the stress of planning an adventure. Our professional guides and experienced staff take care of everything, leaving you to relax, destress, and enjoy the beauty of Tuscany.
