April Tuscany is the greenest Tuscany. 12–20°C, the hills electric-green from winter rain, wisteria covering every pergola, poppies starting in the Val d’Orcia, and the tourist buses not yet circling San Gimignano.
Plan this trip →Driving: the Chiantigiana (SS222) and the Val d’Orcia roads without summer traffic. Wine: cellars open for tastings (Antinori, Badia a Coltibuono) without summer booking pressure. Easter (if in April): Scoppio del Carro in Florence (Easter Sunday: a cart of fireworks is ignited by a mechanical dove in front of the Duomo). Gardens: Giardino di Boboli, Villa La Foce (the famous Val d’Orcia cypress avenue). Iris garden in Florence opens late April.
Shoulder. Agriturismo: €80–140/night. Florence hotel: €100–170. Chianti wine estate: €90–160. Book 3–4 weeks ahead.