Italy has no official national autumn school holiday like the Netherlands does. School holidays in Italy are set per region and rarely coincide with the Dutch autumn half-term in October. For Dutch families, this means that during the autumn holiday of 2026 in Tuscany, they will encounter few Italian schoolchildren on vacation. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the autumn holiday in Italy and what you can expect from a visit to Tuscany in the fall.
Does the autumn holiday in Italy fall at the same time as in the Netherlands?
No, the autumn holiday in Italy does not fall at the same time as in the Netherlands. Italy has no nationally organized autumn half-term. Italian schools do have short breaks around public holidays, such as All Saints’ Day on November 1, but a full holiday week as the Dutch know it does not exist there. Dutch families traveling during their autumn holiday 2026 will therefore find a Tuscany where daily life largely continues as normal.
This is actually an advantage. Tourist attractions, restaurants, and hiking trails are quieter than during the summer peak. The atmosphere in Tuscan villages is more authentic in October and November, as you mainly encounter local residents and hardly any other foreign tourists.
When is the autumn holiday in the Netherlands in 2026?
The Dutch autumn holiday in 2026 falls in week 43, from Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23, 2026. This applies to all regions in the Netherlands: North, Central, and South all use the same week in 2026. Parents with school-age children can therefore count on one week off in the second half of October.
For families who want to visit Tuscany during the school holiday in 2026, this is an excellent time. The weather in Tuscany is still pleasant in October, the summer crowds are completely gone, and nature is in full autumn colors. A stay of five to seven nights fits perfectly within this holiday week.
What is the weather like in Tuscany during the autumn holiday 2026?
In October, the weather in Tuscany is mild and pleasant. Daytime temperatures are typically between 14 and 20 degrees Celsius, depending on altitude and location. In the hills of the Casentino, at a higher elevation than the coastal area, evenings can be cool, with temperatures around 8 to 12 degrees. Rain is possible, but prolonged rainy spells are rare in October.
The light in Tuscany in autumn is particularly beautiful: soft, warm, and photogenic. The forests turn from green to orange, yellow, and red. For hikers and nature lovers, this is one of the most beautiful times of year to be outdoors. A light jacket and sturdy walking shoes are recommended, but heavy winter clothing is not yet needed during the autumn holiday of 2026.
What are the best activities in Tuscany during autumn?
Autumn is the season of nature, gastronomy, and tranquility in Tuscany. The combination of autumn colors, seasonal produce, and cooler temperatures makes active experiences particularly enjoyable. These are the activities that best suit a holiday in Tuscany in autumn:
- Truffle hunting: October and November are the peak of the truffle season in Tuscany. With a guide and trained dogs, you search through the forests for black truffles, one of the most iconic experiences of the Italian autumn.
- Hiking in Casentino National Park: The forests around the Casentino are at their most beautiful in autumn. Well-marked trails lead past chestnut trees, wild mushrooms, and viewpoints over the valley.
- Visit to La Verna: The Franciscan monastery La Verna sits on a rocky mountain and is accessible via a hiking route. The combination of nature, history, and spirituality makes this an impressive excursion.
- Pasta and wine tasting: Autumn is the time of the wine harvest in Tuscany. Local producers open their doors for tastings and workshops. Culinary experiences such as pasta making complement this perfectly.
- Chestnut festivals: In many Tuscan villages, sagre are organized in October and November — local festivals celebrating the chestnut harvest. Authentic, convivial, and free.
Is Tuscany busy with tourists in autumn?
No, Tuscany is considerably quieter in autumn than in summer. The high season in Tuscany runs from June through August, when popular cities such as Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano are flooded with visitors. In October and November, the crowds are largely gone and you can experience Tuscany in a much more relaxed way.
In the countryside, in the hills of the Casentino or the Chianti, you will barely notice any tourist crowds. Restaurants have space again, queues at attractions are short or nonexistent, and the local population is more visibly present. Those who want to experience Tuscany as it truly is, do so best outside the summer season.
For families with children, the autumn holiday is also ideal because temperatures are more pleasant than the hot summer days of July and August, when it can easily reach 35 degrees or warmer in the Tuscan interior.
How far in advance should you book for the autumn holiday in Tuscany?
For a stay in Tuscany during the Dutch autumn holiday 2026, it is wise to book at least four to six months in advance. The autumn holiday is a fixed peak period for Dutch families and demand for accommodations in popular areas increases every year. Those who wait until September risk limited availability and higher prices.
Follow this step-by-step plan:
- Determine your travel dates: The autumn holiday 2026 runs from October 19 to 23. Plan extra days before or after for a longer trip.
- Choose your type of accommodation: Do you want a hotel room, a holiday home, or a cottage? Larger accommodations for families fill up first.
- Book early and flexibly: Ask about cancellation conditions when booking. Booking early with flexible options gives peace of mind.
- Plan activities in advance: Truffle hunts and culinary workshops have limited spots. Reserve these at the same time as your accommodation.
- Arrange transportation: A rental car is essential in Tuscany, especially if you are staying in the hills. Book this early too, as availability is limited during the autumn holiday.
How Novanta helps create an unforgettable autumn holiday in Tuscany
Novanta is an experience hotel nestled in the Casentino hills of Tuscany, set on approximately 300 hectares of unspoiled nature bordering the Casentino National Park. It is exactly the place that matches what autumn in Tuscany has to offer: tranquility, nature, seasonal gastronomy, and genuine authenticity without the crowds of the summer season.
What Novanta concretely offers during the autumn holiday:
- Truffle hunting in the valley with a local guide and trained dogs, right in the middle of truffle season
- Hikes through the forests of the Casentino, with autumn colors and views over the valley
- Culinary workshops such as pasta making and wine tasting, rooted in local Tuscan tradition
- Accommodations ranging from atmospheric hotel rooms to spacious cottages, designed with rustic charm and modern comfort
- A wooden hot tub, perfect after a cool autumn day in the fresh air
- A car-free village where children can roam freely and families can truly unwind
Novanta is not a classic luxury hotel, but a place for people who want to feel Tuscany: barefoot, with mud on their boots and a glass of local wine in hand. Browse the available experiences and book your autumn holiday 2026 before the spots are gone.
