You Don’t Need a Car to Experience the Real Tuscany

Let’s face it - Tuscany has a car problem. Not the traffic kind, but the assumption that to see the “real” Tuscany, you have to rent a car and zig-zag between hill towns on winding roads. Cue the stress: expensive rentals, confusing Italian road signs, steep driveways, and parking nightmares in medieval villages.

But here’s the good news: you can absolutely explore the Tuscan countryside without driving, and in many ways, it’s a better experience.

Going car-free in Tuscany forces you to slow down. You’re not rushing between towns or glued to Google Maps. Instead, you settle in. You stay longer. You notice more… like the light in the morning, the smell of woodsmoke in the evening, the sound of the wind through olive trees. You walk more, talk more, rest more. And that’s when the magic of Tuscany really starts to show up.

If you’re someone who likes to travel slowly (who prefers long breakfasts, scenic walks, and reading in the garden to checking off a list of towns) this is your kind of Tuscany. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling solo, want to lower your environmental impact, or just hate the idea of white-knuckling it through unfamiliar roads.

In this guide, you’ll find five authentic farm stays (agriturismi) in the Tuscan hills that are reachable by train or bus - no rental car required. These aren’t big hotels or slick resorts. They’re family-run farms, countryside guesthouses, and cozy retreats where you can stay put for a few days, eat well, sleep deeply, and actually feel where you are.

Each one offers something special: homemade food, sweeping views, cooking classes, farm animals, or just peace and quiet. And we’ve included exactly how to get to each one without a car, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying your trip.

Whether you're traveling from Florence, Rome, or another part of Italy, these stays are proof that you don’t need four wheels to find a beautiful place to rest in Tuscany.

Let’s get into it.

La Pietriccia: Where Tuscany Slows Down

Chianciano Terme

This isn’t one of those “perfect” farm stays with curated linens and infinity pools. It’s something better: a real place, on a real farm, run by people who care more about what’s growing in the garden than what’s trending on Instagram.

La Pietriccia is one of the few agriturismi in Tuscany you can reach without a car. It’s tucked into the hills just above Chianciano Terme, a quiet spa town in southern Tuscany that doesn’t make many “must-see” lists - and that’s exactly what makes it feel like a retreat. Take the train to Chiusi–Chianciano Terme, grab a short taxi ride, and you’re surrounded by olive trees, valley views, and that deep countryside stillness that’s hard to describe until you feel it.

The rooms are simple and lived-in, with tiled floors, wide windows, a soft breeze through the shutters. You won’t find designer furniture or espresso machines, but you will find a slow, peaceful rhythm and the kind of quiet that makes you breathe more deeply.

Dinner is optional, but you’ll want to stay at least once. The owners cook what’s fresh from the garden or nearby farms: true farm-to-table meals in Tuscany, served without fuss, often with homemade wine and views across the Val di Chiana. There's no set menu. Sometimes it’s handmade pasta; other nights, seasonal risotto or roast vegetables, depending on what’s ripe. It feels more like dinner at a friend’s house than a restaurant.

What to do in Chianciano Terme

Chianciano Terme isn’t picture-perfect, but it’s real. Walk 25 minutes into the old town and you’ll find local cafés, family-run restaurants, a few grocery shops, and a weekly market. It’s the kind of town where people say buongiorno and sit with their coffee for hours. The nearby Terme Sensoriali spa is dated but pleasant - a quiet place to soak, steam, and switch off.

If you want to explore further, Montepulciano is about 25 minutes by taxi. It’s one of Tuscany’s classic hill towns, and easy to enjoy without a plan… maybe visit wine cellars, explore cliffside views, artisan shops, and long lunches in the sun. Then come back to La Pietriccia in time for dinner, with no driving to worry about.

There are also short walks from the property itself - through olive groves, farmland, and quiet country lanes. Not official trails, just walkable rural Tuscany, the kind where you don’t need directions to enjoy it.

How to get to Chianciano Terme without a car:

Take a direct regional train from Florence or Rome to Chiusi–Chianciano Terme (on the main Florence–Rome line). From there, it’s a 15–20 minute taxi to the farmhouse. You can ask the hosts to help arrange pickup. There are also buses, but service is limited… taxis are usually simpler.

Organic Farm Stay in Tuscany: Fattoria La Vialla near Arezzo

Self-Catering Agriturismo in Eastern Tuscany

Fattoria La Vialla isn’t your average agriturismo. It’s a family-run, biodynamic farm hidden in the hills outside Castiglion Fibocchi, in eastern Tuscany - and yes, you can get here without renting a car. You just need a train to Arezzo and a short taxi ride.

If you’re looking for a working farm stay in Tuscany without a car, this place offers the full countryside experience: wine, olive oil, cheese, fresh bread, and total immersion in the rhythm of the land. It’s also ideal for slow travelers - people who’d rather stock a kitchen with local ingredients than dine out every night, and who want to wake up to birdsong, not traffic.

Accommodations are simple stone cottages and apartments scattered around the farm estate. Some are close to the main winery and farm shop; others are more tucked away in the woods or beside the vineyards. All of them are self-catering, quiet, and completely offline - no Wi-Fi in the rooms, no TVs, no buzz. Just space, stillness, and the smell of rosemary in the breeze.

What to Expect at Fattoria La Vialla: A Tuscan Agriturismo Experience

La Vialla is more than a place to sleep. It’s also a full-blown organic and biodynamic farm, producing everything from saffron and honey to pasta and pecorino. You can book a farm lunch or tasting tour, visit the wine cellar, browse the shop for olive oil and preserves, and cook in your own kitchen using ingredients made just steps away.

It’s the kind of stay that works best if you’re happy to settle in. Spend your days walking through olive groves, napping under fig trees, or watching the harvest if you’re here in autumn. There are also occasional cooking classes and seasonal food events (especially in September and October) that you can ask about when booking.

While the experience is rustic, it never feels rough. The cottages have everything you need, the beds are good, and the hosts genuinely care. You’ll probably end up shipping a box of wine or olive oil back home, which they’ll happily arrange.

Local Tips: What’s Nearby and Easy to Reach Without a Car

The closest village is Castiglion Fibocchi, about a 25–30 minute walk from some of the cottages. It’s small but functional - you’ll find a grocery shop, bar, post office, and a couple of places to grab coffee or pizza.

If you want a change of scene, Arezzo is a short drive or taxi ride away (around 25 minutes). It’s one of Tuscany’s most underrated cities, with beautiful Renaissance architecture, antique markets, local restaurants, and fewer crowds than places like Siena or Florence. Trains from Arezzo make it easy to continue your trip through Italy car-free, or just pop in for a day of wandering.

La Vialla isn’t designed as a base to “do” Tuscany. It’s a place to be in Tuscany. To slow down, taste the land, and forget about timetables for a little while.

How to Get to Fattoria La Vialla Without a Car

Train: Take a regional train to Arezzo, which is on the Florence–Rome mainline.
Taxi or Transfer: From Arezzo, it’s about 25–30 minutes by taxi. You can also ask La Vialla to help arrange a transfer when you book.
Public transport? Technically, yes, however it’s very limited. Stick with a taxi unless you're feeling adventurous.

Car-Free Agriturismo with a View: Podere Il Casale Near Pienza

Organic Farm Stay in the Val d’Orcia, Reachable Without a Car

Podere Il Casale is what many travelers picture when they dream about Tuscany, with golden hills, cypress-lined roads, and a farmstead overlooking it all. But what most people don’t realize is that this place isn’t just a fantasy photo op - it’s a working organic farm you can actually stay at, and you don’t need a car to get there.

Located between Pienza and Montefollonico in the Val d’Orcia, Podere Il Casale is known for its farm-to-table restaurant, pecorino cheese production, and wide-open views of the Crete Senesi hills. It’s quiet, seasonal, and deeply rooted in the land. And yes, you can reach it by train and taxi from Chiusi, with a bit of advance planning.

Accommodations are simple and rustic, set inside restored stone farm buildings. There are a handful of rooms and apartments, each different, each with their own charm. You’re staying on a real, functioning farm (so expect the occasional goat, dog, or tractor passing by) but the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. You’ll sleep well here.

What Makes Podere Il Casale Special for Slow Travel

This is a place where everything revolves around the land. The owners have been running the farm since the 1990s, and their philosophy is simple: live slowly, eat honestly, and share what they know.

You can take a cheese-making class, learn how they produce their pecorino, or join a farm tour. Their on-site restaurant is fully organic, with most ingredients grown or raised on the property. The menu changes daily depending on what’s in season, and dining on the terrace at sunset might just be the moment you remember most from your trip.

There’s also a small farm shop if you’re staying in one of the self-catering apartments, and you’re welcome to roam the land, visit the animals, or sit under a tree with a book for hours. It’s very low-pressure. You’re encouraged to settle in and stay awhile.

Where You Can Go from Here (If You Feel Like Moving)

The town of Pienza (one of the most beautiful in all of Tuscany) is about 15 minutes away by car or taxi. Known for its Renaissance layout, pecorino cheese, and big skies, it’s easy to explore in a few relaxed hours. If you’re feeling active, it’s even possible to walk or bike part of the way (though the road is hilly and not ideal in summer heat).

Bagno Vignoni, with its historic thermal square, is also nearby and worth a visit if you can arrange transport. But honestly, most people come to Podere Il Casale and barely leave. There’s plenty to enjoy right on the farm.

How to Reach Podere Il Casale Without a Car

Train: Take a regional train to Chiusi–Chianciano Terme (well-connected to Florence and Rome).
Taxi or transfer: From the station, arrange a taxi or private transfer to Podere Il Casale (around 45 minutes). It’s a bit of a stretch, but the hosts are used to helping car-free travelers and can recommend trusted drivers.

There’s no reliable bus service directly to the farm, so don’t count on public transport unless you’re very flexible.

Quiet Farm Stay in Tuscany Near Pisa: Agriturismo Il Leopoldino

Car-Free Agriturismo Between Pisa and Lucca

You don’t usually associate “Tuscany farmhouse” with “public transport-friendly,” but Agriturismo Il Leopoldino is one of the rare exceptions. It’s tucked just outside the medieval village of Vicopisano, a place most travelers skip - which is exactly why it’s perfect for a quieter, slower stay. And best of all, you can reach it by train and local bus from Pisa, no rental car needed.

Run by a friendly local family, this working olive farm offers a simple but truly comfortable stay for those who value peace, fresh air, and a real connection to the land. The accommodations range from private rooms to self-catering apartments with kitchens: perfect for solo travelers, couples, or anyone who wants to cook their own market finds and stay a little longer.

Rooms are rustic and homely, with wood-beamed ceilings, tile floors, and countryside views. There’s a pool in the garden (open during warmer months), and wide green space surrounded by olive trees where you can read, nap, or eat outside in the sun.

A Train-Accessible Farm Stay with Olive Trees, Hills, and Village Life

Staying at Il Leopoldino feels more like staying at a family friend’s countryside home than at a commercial agriturismo. You’re given space to unwind, but if you’re curious, the hosts are always happy to share their world with you - from tips on nearby trails to a quick explanation of how olive oil is made.

In autumn, the olive harvest is in full swing. You might see workers gathering nets, pressing oil, and chatting under the trees. In spring, everything smells of wildflowers. In summer, you’ll want to spend afternoons by the pool, then walk into town for aperitivo under the medieval tower.

It’s not a remote escape… it’s more like a quiet countryside base with just enough life around it to feel connected. You can walk into Vicopisano in about 15 minutes for groceries, gelato, or dinner. The town is small, but well-preserved, with fortress walls, cobbled lanes, and a few fantastic little restaurants where locals outnumber tourists.

What to Expect from a No-Car Agriturismo in Northern Tuscany

This part of Tuscany is often overlooked by guidebooks, but it’s full of slow adventures and easy day trips by train.

Explore Vicopisano:

Walk the medieval walls, climb the old watchtower, visit the Saturday market, or just wander the lanes with a cappuccino in hand. It’s the kind of place where you’ll end up chatting with the baker or noticing how quiet it gets at night.

Visit Calci & the Certosa di Calci:

Just 20 minutes away by bus or taxi, this huge former monastery is now home to two fascinating museums (natural history and agriculture) and is surrounded by quiet walking trails in the Monti Pisani hills.

Train trips from Pontedera:
You can take a bus or taxi to Pontedera (about 10–15 minutes away), then catch regional trains to:

Lucca (30–40 mins) - cycling, intact city walls, and artisan shops
Pisa (20 mins) - visit the tower, but also the botanical gardens and riverfront
Florence (1 hr) - perfect for a day trip if you want urban energy before heading back to the olive trees

Go hiking:

There are multiple walking paths through the nearby hills, including routes toward Monte Pisano. Ask the hosts! They’ll point you to local trails you won’t find on all the maps.

How to Reach Agriturismo Il Leopoldino by Train or Bus

By train: From Florence or Rome, take a train to Pontedera-Casciana Terme or Pisa Centrale. Both are accessible and well-connected.
From there: Take a local bus to Vicopisano, or arrange a taxi (10–20 minutes depending on station). The agriturismo is a short walk from the village center.
Need help? The owners are used to car-free guests and can suggest the best route or help with booking a transfer.

Cozy Tuscan Countryside Stay: Podere Montisi, Near Calenzano

An elegant agriturismo near Florence, perfect for slow, car-free travelers who still want comfort

If you’ve been craving a slower pace but don’t want to give up creature comforts, Podere Montisi might be your sweet spot. Set in the green hills just outside Calenzano, this is a small countryside B&B that blends quiet, rural charm with a more polished, boutique feel. You’re in Tuscany, in the calm of olive groves and cypress-lined paths, but still close enough to reach by train - and that changes everything.

It’s a great option for travelers who are skipping the rental car but still want something beautiful and a little more elevated than a basic room. The nearest train station is Calenzano, just about 4 km away. Depending on your luggage and energy, you could walk or arrange a short transfer with the hosts (who are kind and communicative - email ahead and they’ll help). Once you arrive, there’s no need to move much.

What Makes Podere Montisi a Higher-End Agriturismo

The rooms are thoughtfully furnished with terracotta floors, soft lighting, comfortable beds, and windows that open to quiet garden views. There’s a strong sense of care here: things are clean, well-maintained, and feel intentional. It’s not flashy, but it’s well-done - the kind of place where you feel immediately at ease.

Breakfast is included, often served in the garden when the weather’s nice. Expect locally sourced food: cheeses, honey, fresh bread, and homemade jams. Depending on the season, you might also be able to request dinner or wine tastings - this is Tuscany, after all.

The garden is especially lovely in autumn, with crisp air, turning leaves, and that perfect balance of warm sun and cool breeze. In spring, everything is in bloom. There are chairs set out for reading or wine-sipping, and you can walk along quiet paths in the surrounding countryside.

What to around Calezano

One of the best parts about Podere Montisi is that you’re close enough to Florence to pop in for the day. The train from Calenzano to Florence takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on the line. That means you can explore galleries, markets, and cafés in the city - then return to olive trees, garden stillness, and a quiet night’s sleep.

If you want to stay put, you absolutely can. The property is set up for it: books, local wine, outdoor space, and fresh meals. Nearby towns like Prato or Sesto Fiorentino are reachable by bus or short taxi ride, and there are several walking routes in the area if you want a day outdoors.

How to Get to Podere Montisi Without a Car

Train: Take a regional train to Calenzano station from Florence, Pisa, or any major Tuscan city.
Last mile: The property is about 4 km from the station. You can either walk (if you're traveling light) or arrange a taxi or pre-booked transfer with the hosts.
Email ahead - the owners are helpful and used to guests arriving by train.

Tuscany Without a Car: Why It’s Easier (and Better) Than You Think

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s actually doable (a trip to rural Tuscany without renting a car) the answer is yes. Definitely yes. But it’s not the version you see in travel ads. It’s better.

You won’t be speeding between hill towns or trying to cram ten stops into a day. And that’s a good thing. These stays (these quiet, family-run places in olive groves, small villages, and tucked-away corners) are designed for something slower, simpler, and a little more human. You settle in, you stay longer, and you start to notice the small stuff: how the light changes in the late afternoon, the way dinner tastes after a day spent walking, the quiet of a place where nothing much happens (and that’s the whole point).

It’s not about missing out, it’s about choosing a different pace. And if you’re someone who travels to feel something real, not just to see the highlights, this slower, car-free version of Tuscany will probably stick with you more than any packed road trip.

Of course, it takes a bit more planning. You’ll check bus timetables, maybe email a host to ask about a taxi. But once you get there, it’s easy. These places were chosen for a reason - they’re genuinely reachable without a car, and even better, they’re places worth staying put.

And for the record: staying in one place for three or four nights isn’t “not enough.” It’s plenty. One walk. One glass of wine. One nap in the sun. You don’t need to be everywhere to feel like you’ve seen Tuscany.

If you’ve ever come back from a trip and felt like you needed another holiday to recover, this is the opposite. No rushing, no parking stress, no ticking boxes. Just a few beautiful, grounded days in the hills - without needing to drive a single kilometre.

If you try it, let us know where you stayed. We’re always adding more slow, car-free places to the map.

You might also like these slow travel guides…

If this kind of slow, car-free travel speaks to you, here are a few more cozy, less-obvious places worth exploring next:

🧳 How to Plan a Solo Weekend in Italy by Train — Need a break? This guide covers relaxed, low-stress weekend trips across Italy (no car, no chaos, just good coffee and a change of scenery).
🧼 Quiet Cottage Stays in Drôme Provençale — A peaceful corner of southern France with lavender fields, hilltop towns, and cozy gîtes you can reach without a car.
🍇 Champagne for the Quiet Traveler — A solo-friendly guide to Champagne that skips the big names and leans into vineyard walks, warm hospitality, and real connection.
🌾 Visit Soria, Spain: The Most Peaceful Province You’ve Never Heard Of — Think quiet hikes, family-run inns, and slow meals under oak trees. Spain’s empty north is a dream for mindful travelers.

FAQ: Car-Free Travel and Farm Stays in Tuscany

How to visit Tuscany without renting a car

Yes, it’s entirely possible - especially if you focus on destinations that are reachable by train or local bus. Tuscany’s main cities are well-connected, and several smaller villages have reliable access too. The trick is choosing a farm stay near a station or bus stop, or one with hosts happy to help with a local taxi or pick-up.

Best time of year for car-free travel in Tuscany

Autumn and spring are ideal. You’ll avoid summer heat and crowds, public transport runs regularly, and the landscapes are either golden and harvested or green and blooming. Winter also works well (especially for hot spring regions like Saturnia) just check that your agriturismo is open off-season.

Can you stay at a Tuscan agriturismo without a car?

Yes, but only some are truly accessible without driving. The agriturismi we recommend are either walkable from villages, close to train lines, or reachable with a short bus or taxi ride. We only list places that you can enjoy fully without needing your own car once you're there.

How to get from the train station to a rural farm stay in Tuscany

This depends on the location. Some properties are a walk from the station, while others require a short taxi or bus ride. Many agriturismo hosts are used to guests arriving by train and will happily help arrange a ride if needed. Just message ahead to confirm.

What to pack for a no-car trip to Tuscany

Stick to light, portable luggage - many farm stays have gravel paths or no paved road access. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and if you’re visiting in cooler months, pack layers and a rain jacket. For Saturnia or any hot spring areas, bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes (there are no changing rooms at the free thermal baths).

Best Tuscan villages to stay in without a car

Look for villages with train stations (like Chiusi, Montepulciano Stazione, or San Gimignano), or those on local bus routes from cities like Florence, Pisa, or Siena. Areas near Lucca, Val d’Orcia, and the Maremma offer some of the best car-free agriturismo stays with direct transport access.

Can I explore Tuscany by train and bus only?

Yes, but it works best if you stay longer in each spot. If you want to bounce between five towns in three days, it's tricky. But if you’re planning a slow trip (3–5 nights per location) it works beautifully. From certain bases, like Vicopisano or Chiusi, you can take day trips to Lucca, Florence, or Siena without a car.

Are agriturismos in Tuscany open year-round?

Some are open all year, especially in thermal spring areas or places with mild winters. Others close in January or February. Always check availability directly, especially if traveling off-season. That said, autumn and early winter can be the most peaceful times to go, with fewer crowds, better prices, and cozy meals by the fire.

Explore Tuscany Without a Car: 5 Cozy Farm Stays You Can Reach by Train