There are places that feel like a dream – and then there’s Lake Como.

With its shimmering water, dramatic mountain backdrops, and elegant villas, Lake Como is undeniably iconic. But beyond the Instagram hotspots, there’s a softer, slower side to this region – one that’s perfect for solo female travelers looking for beauty and breathing room.

Let’s explore how to experience Lake Como in a way that feels elevated, peaceful, and entirely your own.

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Como City: Your Gateway to the Lake

Start in Como, a lively yet manageable base on the southern tip of the lake.

What to Do in Como (No Car Needed!)

• Visit the stunning Como Cathedral
• Wander the historic center’s boutiques and cafés
• Take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views
• Enjoy a lakeside aperitivo at sunset

Solo Travel Tip

Como is incredibly walkable and well-connected by ferry and train—making it a stress-free starting point if you’re traveling alone.

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Bellagio & Ferry-Hopping the Lake

You’ve seen it all over Instagram – Bellagio is the lake’s most famous village.

And yes, it’s beautiful. But it’s also busy.

Here’s the Move:

Use Bellagio as a launch point, not your only destination.

Ferry Tips (Essential!)

• Take advantage of the ferry system to explore multiple towns
• Sit outside for the views (worth it!)
• Travel early morning or later afternoon to avoid peak crowds

From Bellagio, you can easily reach quieter, equally stunning places.

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Menaggio: Relaxed Charm with a View

Across the lake sits Menaggio – a more laid-back alternative to Bellagio. My host family in Gallarate (near Milano, which is also close to Como) brought me here last summer, and the sweet little girl I was with brought her roller skates! We had gelato, walked/skated by the roller skates, and took the ferry here to beat the crowds and enjoy the views!

Why You’ll Love It:

• Fewer crowds, more space to breathe
• Beautiful lakefront promenade
• Easy ferry connections

Perfect Solo Moments:

• Morning coffee by the water
• Sunset walks along the promenade
• Journaling with a glass of wine and mountain views

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Argegno: A Hidden Gem Worth the Stop

Small, colorful, and often overlooked, Argegno is one of Lake Como’s best-kept secrets. This winter, it was the closest town to the little remote area of Cerano d’Intelvi where I was working, and it was a fun place to stroll along the lake, enjoy a cappuccino, and experience a less touristic side of Como.

What Makes It Special:

• A peaceful, local feel
• A charming riverside setting
• Access to a cable car up to Pigra for incredible views

This is where you go when you want to slow down and feel the lake, not just see it.

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Cerano d’Intelvi: Mountains, Views & Total Escape

If you’re craving nature and solitude, head up into the hills to Cerano d’Intelvi. There isn’t much here, but I stayed for 5 days and really loved the way it felt like an escape, just 20 minutes from the lake!

Why It’s Worth It:

• Cooler temperatures and fresh mountain air
• Stunning panoramic views of the lake
• Peace, quiet, and space to think

Best For:

• Hiking
• Disconnecting
• A deeper, more reflective solo travel experience

Note: Best accessed by car or taxi, this is your “escape the crowds” moment.

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Getting Around Lake Como (With or Without a Car)

Without a Car (Totally Doable!)

• Base yourself in Como or Varenna
• Use ferries to explore towns
• Take trains to and from Milan

With a Car

• More flexibility to visit hidden gems like Cerano d’Intelvi
• Easier access to mountain villages
• Be prepared for narrow, winding roads

Pro Tip

The ferry system is your best friend. It’s scenic, efficient, and part of the experience.

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Why Lake Como is Perfect for Solo Female Travelers

• Safe and welcoming atmosphere
• Easy transportation options
• A mix of social hotspots and quiet escapes
• Endless opportunities for reflection and relaxation

You can be as social – or as solitary – as you want here.

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Find Your Own Pace

Lake Como isn’t just about luxury villas and photo ops.

It’s about:

• Taking the slower ferry instead of rushing
• Sitting by the water a little longer than planned
• Choosing the quiet village over the crowded one

From the elegance of Como to the charm of Menaggio and the hidden beauty of Argegno and Cerano d’Intelvi, Lake Como invites you to slow down, and travel deeper.

And when you do?

That’s when it becomes unforgettable.

This curated list of female travel influencers in Florence and Tuscany includes a mix of locals, expats, food experts, and solo travelers sharing tips on Instagram and TikTok. Whether you’re planning your itinerary or looking for daily inspiration, these creators will help you experience Tuscany in a deeper, more meaningful way.

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Planning a trip to Florence or exploring the rolling hills of Tuscany? One of the best ways to uncover hidden gems, authentic food spots, and real travel experiences is by following female travel creators who are actually living, exploring, and documenting the region.

Female Travel Creators to Follow in Florence & Tuscany (Instagram + TikTok Guide)

Florence-Based & Tuscany Experts

1. Girl in Florence (Georgette Jupe)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlinflorence

A go-to resource for Florence travel, Georgette shares insider tips, expat life, and local favorites.

Why follow:

• Deep local knowledge
• Food, culture, and lifestyle
• Great for long stays or relocation

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2. Lost in Florence (Nardia Plumridge)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostinflorence

Focuses on boutique experiences and lesser-known spots.

Why follow:

• Hidden gems
• Aesthetic yet practical
• Slow travel inspiration

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3. Nelli Florence (Elena Farinelli)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ioamofirenze

A local perspective on events, food, and everyday Florence life.

Why follow:

• Real-time local updates
• Authentic Italian lens

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4. Daphne Palmitessa

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daphnepalmitessa

Travel and lifestyle creator highlighting Florence and Tuscany.

Why follow:

• Stylish travel content
• Visual inspiration

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5. Sofie’s World (Sofia Medina)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofies.world

Expat life and Tuscany travel content.

Why follow:

• Relatable solo travel
• Lifestyle + travel mix

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6. The Curious Appetite

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecuriousappetite

A Florence-based food expert offering culinary tours and deep dives into Tuscan cuisine.

Why follow:

• Food-focused travel
• Cultural storytelling through cuisine
• Unique dining experiences

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7. Emiko Davies

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emikodavies

A renowned food writer and cookbook author based in Tuscany.

Why follow:

• Authentic Italian recipes
• Seasonal Tuscan living
• Beautiful storytelling

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8. The Dolce Vita Experience

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolcevitaexperience
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thedolcevitaexperience

Incredibly unique and intimate Italian cooking classes in the comfort of her beautiful Italian apartment! Enjoy a market tour followed by cooking a three course lunch, or opt for an evening aperitivo and making handmade pasta.

Why follow:

• Elevated and intimate cooking class experience for 2-6 people
• She is also available as a private chef and for meal prep!

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Broader Travel Creators Featuring Florence & Tuscany

9. Fernanda Scarambone

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fescarambone

Curated itineraries and travel inspiration.

Why follow:

• Structured travel ideas
• Mix of luxury and accessible travel

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10. Rachel Huhny

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.huhny

Lifestyle and travel creator with a strong visual aesthetic.

Why follow:

• Trendy travel content
• Engaging visuals

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11. Twice the Traveler

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twicethetraveler

A travel duo sharing European destinations including Tuscany.

Why follow:

• Couple travel perspective
• Itinerary inspiration
• European travel guides

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12. Sophia Florence (careca_soso)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careca_soso07
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@careca_soso

A Florence-based creator with viral short-form content.

Why follow:

• TikTok travel inspiration
• Trend-based recommendations

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TikTok Creators Sharing Florence Travel Tips

13. Meghan Pruitt

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meghan.pruitt

Known for quick, save-worthy travel guides.

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14. Ceara Kirk

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cearakirk

Shares aesthetic and unique travel finds.

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15. Travel Meets Style

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmeetsstyle

Practical travel tips and recommendations.

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✨ And Of Course… ME!

16. Curves and a Carry-On 😉

• Instagram: (your handle)
• TikTok: (your handle)

Your platform brings something essential to the Florence and Tuscany travel space:

• Solo female travel perspective
• Inclusivity (plus-size, WOC, LGBTQ+, accessible travel)
• Real, lived experiences in Italy

Why I stand out:
Most Tuscany content lacks representation and real-world practicality—I try to be a voice that fills that gap in a powerful way, from a newly-local perspective.

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Do the Research & Curate Your Tuscany Experience

Following the right creators can completely transform how you experience Florence and the greater Tuscany region.

Instead of just seeing the highlights, you’ll:

• Discover hidden gems
• Eat where locals actually eat
• Travel in a way that feels more personal and aligned

And if you’re documenting your own journey? This is your reminder—you belong in this space too.

Because the future of travel content isn’t just about where we go…

It’s about who gets to tell the story.

If your dream Tuscany experience includes rolling vineyards, charming villages, and long, indulgent lunches with a glass (or three) of wine – this Chianti itinerary is exactly what you need.

Nestled between Florence and Siena, the Chianti region is where Tuscany really slows down. Think fewer crowds, more authenticity, and those cinematic countryside views you’ve been saving on Pinterest.

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What This Day Trip Looks Like

• Morning: Scenic drive + Greve in Chianti
• Midday: Winery visit + long Tuscan lunch
• Afternoon: Castellina or Radda + hidden gems
• Golden Hour: Scenic viewpoints + wine bar stop

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Option 1: By Car (Highly Recommended)

Driving through Chianti is part of the experience.

Why it’s worth it:

• Access to boutique wineries 🍇
• Freedom to stop at scenic overlooks
• Easier to explore smaller villages

Route Idea:
Florence → Greve → Panzano → Castellina → Radda → Florence

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Option 2: Guided Wine Tour (Stress-Free Option)

If you don’t want to drive:

• Book a small group or private wine tour from Florence
• Includes transportation + tastings
• Great for solo travelers who want a social experience

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Stop 1: Greve in Chianti — Your Gateway to Wine Country

Start in Greve in Chianti, the unofficial heart of Chianti. I can’t really explain it, but this little (like truly SO little) village is one of my favorite places. Antica Macellaria Falorni is one of my favorite butcher shops with rooms full of artisanal cured meats, and intimate dining space to enjoy an aperitivo, and really passionate and kind people!

What to Do:

• Wander Piazza Matteotti
• Visit local enotecas (wine shops)
• Stop by the famous butcher shop Antica Macelleria Falorni

What to Eat:

• Prosciutto + pecorino boards
• Schiacciata sandwiches
• A glass of Chianti Classico to start your day

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Best Wineries in Chianti (From Boutique to Iconic)

Must-Visit Wineries:

• Castello di Ama
  Art + wine + breathtaking views. A more elevated, curated experience.
• Castello di Brolio
  One of the oldest wineries in Italy with castle views straight out of a movie.
• Montefioralle Winery
  Small, family-run, intimate tastings—perfect for a cozy experience.
• Fattoria La Vialla
  Organic, rustic, and deeply authentic.

💡 Tip: Make reservations in advance – especially in peak season.

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Where to Eat in Chianti (Unforgettable Meals)

Top Restaurant Picks:

• Dario Cecchini’s Solociccia
  A legendary butcher serving meat-focused tasting menus (not for vegetarians!).
• La Cantinetta di Rignana
  One of the most scenic dining spots in Tuscany—vineyard views for days.
• Osteria di Passignano
  Michelin-starred Tuscan cuisine in a historic abbey setting.

What to Try:

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina 🥩
• Pici pasta with truffle or ragù
• Local Chianti Classico wines 🍷

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Stop 3: Castellina & Radda — Storybook Villages

Head to Castellina in Chianti or Radda in Chianti for a slower, more local feel.

Don’t Miss:

• Via delle Volte (covered medieval walkway in Castellina)
• Quiet alleyways + artisan shops
• Small wine bars with terrace views

💡 These towns feel untouched compared to more touristy spots—perfect for soaking in authentic Tuscany.

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Scenic Viewpoints & Hidden Gems

Must-See Scenic Spots:

• Strada Chiantigiana (SR222) – one of the most beautiful drives in Italy
• Random vineyard pull-offs (seriously: stop when it feels right)
• Golden hour anywhere in Chianti = magic ✨

Hidden Gems:

• Badia a Passignano – a peaceful abbey surrounded by vineyards
• Montefioralle – tiny medieval village most tourists skip
• Local olive oil tastings at small farms

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Sample Chianti Day Trip Timeline

9:00 AM – Leave Florence
10:00 AM – Explore Greve in Chianti
11:30 AM – Winery tasting
1:30 PM – Long lunch with wine
3:30 PM – Visit Castellina or Radda
5:30 PM – Scenic drive + photo stops
7:00 PM – Return to Florence

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💡 Tips for the Perfect Chianti Experience

• Book wineries + restaurants in advance
• Don’t rush – Chianti is about lingering
• Bring a cute outfit for photos (trust me 📸)
• Pace your wine tastings (hydration is key!)

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Why Chianti Should Be On Your Tuscany Itinerary

If Florence is art and Siena is history, Chianti is feeling. It’s where you slow down, sip longer, and fall in love with Tuscany in a deeper way.

Dreaming of a Tuscan day filled with medieval streets, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable food? This itinerary packs three of Tuscany’s most magical destinations – Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa – into one unforgettable adventure from Florence.

Whether you’re traveling solo, planning a girls’ getaway, or just want to soak up Tuscany’s charm in one day, this guide gives you everything: transportation options, what to eat, what to see, and how to make it feel magical – not rushed.

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What This Day Trip Looks Like

• Morning: Siena (history + espresso)
• Midday: San Gimignano (wine + gelato + views)
• Afternoon/Evening: Pisa (iconic sights + sunset stroll)

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Option 1: By Car (Best for Flexibility)

Driving is by far the easiest way to hit all three spots in one day.

You can hit up my girl Luciana with Tuscany4Explore to handle all of the planning, driving and tasting reservations for you, too! Her prices are incredibly reasonable, accommodating for groups of all sizes, and she will take you to local producers giving you the real experience of Tuscan specialties without the tourist “fluff.”

If you’re going to do it yourself, consider renting a car. Keep in mind that you have to be very careful of speeding limits and Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) cameras.

Why choose a car?

• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Easier access to hill towns like San Gimignano
• Scenic Tuscan countryside views 🌿

Suggested Route:
Florence → Siena (1 hr 15 min) → San Gimignano (45 min) → Pisa (1 hr 30 min) → Florence (1 hr)

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Option 2: By Train (Budget-Friendly + Relaxed)

You can do this trip by train, but it requires more planning.

• Florence → Siena (direct train ~1.5 hrs)
• Siena → Pisa (train ~2 hrs)
• Pisa → Florence (~1 hr)

⚠️ Note: San Gimignano is not directly accessible by train—you’ll need a bus from Poggibonsi.

If you want less stress, consider:

• Visiting Siena + Pisa by train
• Or booking a small group tour that includes all three

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Stop 1: Siena — Medieval Magic & Slow Mornings

Start your day early in Siena, one of Tuscany’s most enchanting medieval cities.

Must-See Highlights:

• Piazza del Campo – one of Europe’s most beautiful squares
• Duomo di Siena – dramatic black-and-white marble cathedral
• Wandering the winding streets (no map needed—get lost on purpose)

What to Eat:

• Ricciarelli (soft almond cookies unique to Siena)
• Pici pasta with cacio e pepe or wild boar sauce
• A quick Italian breakfast: espresso + cornetto

💡 Solo travel tip: Grab a cappuccino and sit in the piazza—this is peak “main character in Italy” energy.

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Stop 2: San Gimignano — Towers, Wine & Gelato

Next up: San Gimignano, known as the “Medieval Manhattan” for its iconic towers.

What Makes It Special:

• Skyline filled with ancient stone towers
• Stunning countryside views
• Slower, romantic vibe compared to bigger cities

Don’t Miss:

• Climbing a tower for panoramic views
• A wine tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano (crisp white wine – one of the only white wines I actually enjoy, in fact!)
• Gelato from Gelateria Dondoli (world-famous!), especially the saffron & rosewater flavor! It’s so unique!
• There’s a cute little lavender shop here with fun souvenirs and a lavender limoncello!

What to Eat:

• Tagliere boards (cheese + cured meats)
• Wild boar salami
• Local saffron dishes (a regional specialty)

💡 Content creator moment: This is one of the most photogenic towns in Tuscany—golden light + stone buildings = perfection.

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Stop 3: Pisa — Iconic & Surprisingly Underrated

End your day in Pisa—yes, it’s touristy, but it’s still worth it.

Must-See:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa
• Piazza dei Miracoli (cathedral + baptistery)
• Walk along the Arno River at sunset
• Check out the beautiful H & M store! The only one with beautiful and historic frescoes along the walls and ceilings!

What to Eat:

• Cecina (Tuscan chickpea flatbread)
• Seafood pasta (closer to the coast = fresher options)
• Aperitivo with a spritz or local wine

💡 Pro tip: Visit later in the day when crowds thin out—it feels completely different.

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What You’ll Eat Throughout the Day (Tuscany Food Guide)

This trip is basically a food tour in disguise.

Must-Try Tuscan Staples:

• Pecorino cheese
• Wild boar (ragù or salami)
• Fresh pasta (pici!)
• Local wines (Chianti + Vernaccia)
• Gelato (obviously)

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🗺️ Sample Timeline

7:30 AM – Leave Florence
9:00 AM – Explore Siena
12:30 PM – Head to San Gimignano + lunch
3:30 PM – Drive to Pisa
5:00 PM – Explore Pisa + sunset
7:00 PM – Return to Florence

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💡 Tips for the Perfect Day

• Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestones are no joke)
• Bring a scarf or cover-up for churches
• Stay hydrated – Tuscan sun hits differently
• Don’t over-schedule! Leave room for wandering

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Is This Day Trip Worth It?

Yes – but it’s a full day. If you prefer slow travel, consider splitting it into two days. But if you want a highlight reel of Tuscany in one shot? This is it.

Check out my guide to spending one week in Florence, too! It’ll help you lay the perfect foundation for your trip!