Tuscany Itinerary 7 days (+ tips to extend your trip with Rome)
Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy, with plenty of amazing sights to see. From Renaissance art museums and cathedrals to wine tasting in a villa, there’s something for everyone in this region. In this post, we are sharing our tips for Tuscany itinerary 7 days, with options to extend your visit or combine it with Rome!
With its rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, Tuscany is a picturesque region that you’ll never forget. So if you want to experience all that central Italy has to offer, be sure to save this one week Tuscany itinerary guide!
Tuscany Itinerary 7 days (+ tips to extend your trip with Rome)
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Imagine yourself wandering through the streets of Florence, taking in the incredible architecture and stunning scenery. Or sipping wine while enjoying the views from a villa in Tuscany – it’s an experience you will never forget.
Here is a snapshot of the Tuscany itinerary that we will cover below:
Classic One week in Tuscany Itinerary: How to spend 7 days in Tuscany
- Day 1: Arrive in Rome or Milan, take the train to Florence
- Day 2 and 3: Explore Florence
- Day 4: Pisa day trip
- Day 5: Explore Siena for a day (stay overnight or day trip from Florence)
- Day 6: San Gimignano day trip from Siena or Florence
- Day 7: Chianti wine tour (return to Rome or Milan on the same or next day)
Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Alternate Option, perfect for road trippers
- Day 1: Florence (stay for 3-4 days)
- Day 2: Florence
- Day 3: Pisa and Lucca day trip
- Day 4: Siena day trip
- Day 5: San Gimignano and Volterra (overnight stay)
- Day 6: Chianti or Val D’Orcia
- Day 7: Azerro
Rome & Tuscany Itinerary 10 days
- Day 1: Rome (arrive and stay here for the next 3 days)
- Day 2: Rome & Vatican City
- Day 3: Rome
- Day 4: Florence (arrive and stay for the trip duration)
- Day 5: Florence
- Day 6: Pisa day trip
- Day 7: San Gimignano (day trip or stay there)
- Day 8: Lucca day trip
- Day 9: Explore Siena for a day
- Day 10: Chianti wine tour
Getting to Tuscany:
Many visitors to Tuscany start their itinerary with Florence, and this is for a good reason. Florence is easily connected via high-speed trains from Rome or Milan. It takes 1.50 hours from either city to get to Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station.
We have traveled to Florence from both Milan and Rome via high-speed trains, and it has worked well.
If you are planning to fly to Tuscany directly, then Florence along with Pisa are good options to consider. Both have international airports, and they serve the region.
- Florence Airport, Peretola
- Pisa International Airport (busiest in Tuscany)
Traveling in Tuscany:
You can explore Tuscany in a variety of ways. You don’t need a car or drive to get around. But you can if you wish, and stop in smaller towns along the way.
The Tuscany itineraries below will share sightseeing spots that are accessible with regional trains, with a mix of tours as well as road trip options! So you have it all!
READ: Amazing 7 day itinerary for Italy
7 days in Tuscany Itinerary: Explore Florence and Central Tuscany in 7 days with or without a car
Our list of things to see in Tuscany in 7 days is packed with amazing attractions, historical landmarks, and beautiful scenery. You won’t want to miss a single one of them on your trip.
You can even go shopping for some of the best Italian brands! It’s no wonder that people fall in love with it and want to come back time after time.
Kickstart your Tuscany itinerary with Florence, and then take day trips (by train, car, or guided tours) to explore more of the region.
Where to stay in Florence: For this Tuscany itinerary, you can set your base in Florence and then take day trips to explore more of the region.
Another option is to split the stay between two places, ideally in Florence and Siena. Let’s start with Florence,
- La Terrazza sul Duomo B&B: This is one of our favorite properties in Florence. It is conveniently located near the Duomo and offers uninterrupted views of the city centre from their rooftop terrace. Rooms are beautiful, and of course, you get breakfast included! Book your stay at the Terrazza Sul Duomo B&B
- Grand Hotel Cavour Florence: This is another epic property with views of Florence Duomo. Rooms are gorgeous, and they have a restaurant on-site too. Parking is available if you need it. The Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio are both less than 600 metres away from the Grand Hotel Cavour. Book your stay at the Grand Hotel Cavour Florence
- Hotel Vasari: This is a 3-star affordable accommodation in Florence. It is located pretty close to the train station, as well as within walking distance to Florence’s prime attractions. Rooms look vintage with their furnishing and art on the wall. Click to check out photos of Hotel Vasari here
Day 1 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Head to Florence and explore
On day one of your one-week Tuscany itinerary, plan to arrive in Florence in the morning. As mentioned, high-speed trains take 1.50 hours to get there from Rome or Milan. The train station for Florence is Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Alternatively, you can pick up a car rental, and head to Florence.
- Rome to Florence driving time is 3.50 hours
- Milan to Florence driving time is less than 3 hours
Once you arrive in Florence, check in to your centrally located hotel. You will be spending 3 days in Florence, and here is what you can explore on your first day in the city,
Galleria dell’Accademia
Accademia Gallery is one of the MOST visited museums in Florence, and you must book tickets for this art gallery in advance. The museum is known for the original statue of David by Michelangelo.
The 5.17-meter marble statue of the Biblical hero David is symbolic of Renaissance and Florentine art. It stood for the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Republic of Florence.
The gallery opens at 09:00 am, and we recommend buying a ticket for the morning hours, or as soon as you arrive in Florence. Give yourself 1.50 to 2 hours to explore the complex.
With a timed entry ticket, you can visit the galleria as well as the 2 exhibits showcasing works of art like the Prisoners, St.Matthew, and other religious paintings.
San Lorenzo Market, and Mercato Centrale
In the afternoon, make your way to San Lorenzo Market and Mercato Centrale for lunch.
The Central Market dates back to 1874. At the Mercato Centrale or Central Market, you can try cheeses and cured meats. You must stop by the Food Court for fresh pizzas or wine tastings!
After a meal, stop by the outdoor San Lorenzo market to pick up some leather goods or souvenirs.
Ponte Vecchio
In the late afternoon, head to Ponte Vecchio, a bridge. This medieval arch bridge is located over the Arno River and is considered an important city landmark.
Ponte Vecchio dates back to the 14th century and it has survived any floods – thanks to its arch shape.
Its name means ‘Old Bridge’, and it is notable for the shops that are built on it. You can walk across the bridge and check out the shops!
Piazzale Michelangelo
Finish your sightseeing for the day by soaking in sunset views from Piazzale Michelangelo. You can walk to the Piazzale, take public transportation (bus no. 13 from Ponte Niccolò) or even drive to the viewing platform. There are parking spaces, as well as restaurants at the top.
If you are walking from Ponte Vecchio to Piazzale Michelangelo, it will take you about 16 to 20 minutes, and it is fairly easy to get there.
To get to the viewing platform, you will have to hike/climb a series of steps, but we promise the view is worth all the effort!
You will also find one of Michelangelo’s most famous sculptures here too – a copy of David!
The Piazzale is quite a place to enjoy the sunset. Sit down for an hour or so as your eyes and soul soak in this beautiful view before heading back to your hotel.
Have dinner at: Osteria dell’Enoteca
Day 2 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Explore more of Florence
On day 2 of your Tuscany itinerary, check off Florence’s iconic Duomo! The Florence Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in the world. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone who visits Florence, Italy.
During your time, you will cross this amazing piazza where the cathedral stands. So this is where you will start your sightseeing (after breakfast at your B&B).
Piazza del Duomo
Head to the Piazza del Duomo, which is home to the Florence Cathedral, the Cupola del Brunelleschi, the Giotto’s Campanile, the Florence Baptistery, and the Arcivescovile and Canonici’s palace.
Visit Florence Duomo, Baptistery and climb up Brunelleschi’s dome
Florence Duomo is also known as the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, and it is known for its dominant size and architecture. It was considered an architectural masterpiece, way ahead of its time.
Visiting the interiors and Duomo rooftop is a must!
This cathedral was built over several centuries and has some of the most beautiful artwork you will ever see.
There are so many things to explore inside this building that it would take at least 2-3 hours just to see them all.
You can buy an entry ticket to the Duomo, which also includes access to the bell tower.
Take the time to enjoy the facade and 16th-century frescoes. Do climb up the 463 steps of Brunelleschi’s dome for breathtaking views.
Keep in mind, there are no lifts or elevators to get up there, and stairs are the only way!
Prefer an expert to lead you with stories of the piazza attractions? Then book a 2 hour guided tour of the Duomo complex with an expert local guide. This tour also includes Florentine ice cream and a souvenir of the Dome.
Piazza Della Signoria
Piazza Della Signoria is a large public square in Florence. It is home to iconic Florentian landmarks such as the Palazzo Vecchio, a copy of Michelangelo’s David statue, fountains, and more.
Also located here is the Loggia dei Lanzi with its structures.
The Palazzo Vecchio is the main structure at the piazza that will grab your attention. It is a historic building in Florence, which was the seat of government of the Florentine Republic from the 14th century.
The palace itself dates back to the 13th century, and under the Medici family, it was expanded to become grand like it is now. Do get a ticket to visit the Palazzo Vecchio interiors – admire its architecture, sculptures, and paintings, and also learn about its history.
You can also head over to Arnolfo’s Tower to soak in the views from the tower’s summit. Get your tickets here to the Palazzo Vecchio.
You will also find the Loggia Dei Lanzi, aka Loggia Della Signoria nearby. It showcases masterworks of sculpture like Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus with the Head of Medusa.
Located at the piazza is also a copy of Michelangelo’s David statue.
Another stop at the piazza is the Gucci Garden. This is a permanent museum dedicated to Gucci who has Florentian roots. You can explore the exhibits, and also buy items here.
Piazza Della Signoria is always bustling with activities and is crowded. You will also find a lot of cafes at the piazza.
Dinner: Nerone Firenze
Day 3 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Relax and enjoy Florence
On day three of the Tuscany itinerary, check off another Renaissance museum – the Uffizi Gallery! And after that explore Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, followed by the beautiful Santa Maria Novella church.
Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery is a Renaissance art museum in Florence. It is a popular attraction, and yes tickets are usually sold out for days, so book them ahead of time.
Just like the Accademia Gallery, you can choose a timed entry or join a guided tour of the complex. Uffizi Gallery is home to more than 1000,000 paintings and sculptures from Botticelli to Michelangelo.
Set aside 1-2 hours to completely explore the gallery. We also recommend purchasing a morning ticket as soon as the gates open so that you can visit without being rushed.
Tickets: Book a timed entry ticket, or go on a 2+ hour guided tour
Palazzo Pitti & Gallery of Modern Art
Pitti Palace was home to the Pitti family in the 15th century and today, it is one of the most important museums in Florence.
The collection of art at the Palazzo Pitti consists of works of Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Pietro da Cortona, and Rubens. These paintings were amassed by the Medicis during their rule.
The first floor of the Palace has the Palatine Gallery, showcasing 16th and 17th-century paintings. The second floor of the Pitti Palace has the Gallery of Modern Art, displaying Italian paintings and sculptures, mostly from the late 18th century to World War I.
Buy tickets for the Pitti Palace here. Or book a guided tour
Boboli Gardens
Visit the stunning Boboli Gardens next. These gardens are visible from the Pitti Palace.
Boboli Gardens were made for the Medici family and are one of the finest examples of Italian gardens in the country.
You will need an entry ticket to explore. With an entry ticket, you can spend time checking out Renaissance statues and large fountains.
Don’t miss Grotta del Buontalenti when you are there. This is an artificial cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. It looks stunning with statues of shepherds, sheep, and Roman goddesses around it.
Keep in mind these structures are showcased in an open-air museum format, so wear comfortable walking shoes. We enjoyed a nice stroll in the gardens, checking out all of the landmarks.
Book: Entry ticket to the Boboli Gardens here
Santa Maria Novella Church
We will share 2 churches in this Florence itinerary, but feel free to choose one. Both are great options to see works of art, particularly frescoes.
Let’s start with the Santa Maria Novella church. This church pulls millions of visitors in a year for its artwork inside and outside. You will find artworks by Duccio, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Masaccio, Filippino Lippi, Giorgio Vasari, Domenico Ghilrlandaio, and Michelangelo.
The facade of the Santa Maria Novella is made of marble and is absolutely gorgeous – it oozes Florentine Renaissance charm!
Santa Maria Novella Church is located near the central train station in Florence (of the same name). The museum has an entry fee.
Santa Croce Area
The Basilica of Santa Croce is another place of worship worthy of visiting in Florence.
Located at the Piazza di Santa Croce, this Basilica dates back to the 14th century and has artworks of Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Vasari, and more. The frescoes inside showcase stories of Christ, of St. Francis, and of other saints.
But the unique feature of this basilica is that it was the first funerary monument. Inside there are the resting places and monumental tombs of the famous such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante, Foscolo, and many others.
The current facade of the basilica was designed in 1863.
You will need an entry ticket to visit the basilica interiors. With a ticket, you also get access to the Pazzi Chapel, the Last Supper, the Medici Chapel, and the Sala del Pozzo.
Dinner: Caffe Scudieri Firenze | Ristorante Brandolino
Day 4 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Take a day trip to Pisa from Florence
You might want to stay back in Florence, but on day 4, it is time to explore more of Tuscany. Plan to visit Pisa on a day trip from Florence.
Known for the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa is a popular city in Tuscany Italy. When traveling from Florence, you can either opt for a train ride or book a half-day tour.
For trains, you can connect from Santa Maria Novella Train station to Pisa Centrale in 1.50 hours. Once you arrive at the station, you can walk (20+ minutes) or take a cab ride to the Piazza dei Miracoli. Driving takes the same time as well.
Piazza dei Miracoli is the main attraction in Pisa. It is home to the 3 landmark structures, namely, the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Leaning Tower of Pisa. Piazza dei Miracoli or the Square of Miracles was a term coined by Italian writer and poet Gabriele d’Annunzio in 1910.
These monuments at the Piazza date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and they showcase a prime example of Italian craftsmanship from that era. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the third oldest monument in the complex after the cathedral and the Baptistery.
In 1987, the tower was declared part of the Piazza del Duomo UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the neighboring cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery.
The Tower has been leaning since its construction days, and today it is tilted at 5.5 degrees. You can visit the various floors of the tower with an entry ticket.
Here is a reserved entry ticket to climb the tower as well as visit the interiors of Pisa Cathedral. This is a timed entry ticket to visit each landmark without a guide. You can choose a time that works for you. We recommend choosing an early morning slot as the complex is pretty empty when the gates open!
Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour of the Cathedral and the tower.
At the Piazza dei Miracoli, there are a lot of souvenir stalls inside and outside the gates. You will also find restaurants nearby.
Note: You can easily explore Pisa on a half-day tour from Florence. If you are driving and wish to fill up your day trip itinerary you can also explore Lucca, another Tuscan town (more on that in the alternate itinerary below).
Day 5 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Explore Siena (stay overnight or day trip)
Exploring Siena is next for your 7 day Tuscany itinerary.
Located in central Tuscany, Siena is well-known for its medieval structures that are preserved in the city’s historic center. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also popular for its Palio horse race, which is held twice a year.
The city of Siena was home to notable Renaissance painters like Duccio or Ambrogio Lorenzetti who lived and worked here.
You can visit Siena from Florence on a day trip or stay there overnight for the remainder of the Tuscany itinerary. Florence to Siena is 1.25 hours by (direct) regional trains.
Where to stay in Siena: Here are some hotel recommendations for Siena
- Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione: The location of this 5-star property is perfect for sightseeing. It is conveniently located minutes away from Piazza del Campo, and Siena Cathedral. Free breakfast is included. Check prices and availability here
- Relais degli Angeli: Relais degli Angeli is a 3 star hotel, offering views of the Duomo from the property. Rooms are elegantly decorated and come with all modern amenities. Free breakfast is also included. Book your stay here
- Fonte Gaia Experience: Fonte Gaia Experience is located at the historic center. It is a bed and breakfast, and you can also book a room with views! Check out this B&B here
There is a lot to cover in Siena. But if you only have one day in Siena, we recommend the following attractions.
Duomo di Siena or the Siena Cathedral is the must-visit landmark in the city. Siena Cathedral is a medieval church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
The Duomo has a long history, but it dates back to the 13th century when its construction began under the direction of Giovanni di Agostino. The interiors of the cathedral are rich in artwork, and frescoes.
There is an entry fee to get to the cathedral. Inside the cathedral, you can admire the works of the finest Italian artists who completed the cathedral, from Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Pinturicchio, Lorenzo Ghiberti, to Bernini.
When you visit the piazza and look at the cathedral’s exterior, you can see how it resembles the Duomo in Florence.
The Duomo complex consists of six structures, namely the cathedral itself, the Piccolomini Library, the Baptistry, the cathedral museum (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo), the Crypt, and the Facciatone terrace offering panoramic views of the city.
To enter the cathedral, you can book a Cathedral guided tour that covers Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Museum, Panorama and “Duomo Nuovo”, Crypt, Baptistry, Beneath the Cathedral, and Gate of Heaven (access to see the very top of the cathedral’s inside and outside view). Details here.
Other ticket options include
- Skip the line: Skip the Line tickets for the Cathedral complex, except for the ‘Gate of Heaven’ access. Book your ticket here
- Combined tickets to Cathedral and Piccolomini Library
The visit to the Duomo complex will take you at least 2-3 hours. After exploring the complex, we recommend that you visit the central piazza – Piazza del Campo.
This piazza is recognized as one of the grandest squares in Italy and is well-known for its beauty and architectural integrity, and no wonder this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In and around the square, you will find cafes and restaurants where you can sit down for a nice meal before continuing to other attractions in Siena.
Palazzo Pubblico (palace) and Torre del Mangia (tower)
Located at the piazza is the Palazzo Pubblico (palace) and its Torre del Mangia (tower).
Palazzo Pubblico dates back to the 13th century, and it is a palace, which served as the seat of the Republic of Siena’s government.
The palace was unique at that time, in the sense that nearly every room is full of frescoes with secular designs (unlike religious ones). And this work was commissioned by administrators of Siena.
Palazzo Pubblico is still in use today, and there are municipal offices located inside the building. On the first floor of the city hall is the Museo Civico – the city museum of Siena.
Also located here is the Torre del Mangia (tower), which you can climb for epic views of the city and of the piazza.
Tickets: Palazzo Pubblico, and the city museum
After visiting these two primary landmarks in Siena, there are two more sites that we recommend exploring if you have the time.
Basilica of San Domenico
The first one is the Basilica of San Domenico. The Basilica dates back to the early 12th century and is a massive and beautiful structure. It houses the relics of St. Catherine.
St Catherine of Siena was a mystic, activist, and author who had a great influence on the Catholic Church. She spent a considerable time at the basilica, and her family home is also located nearby (which you will explore next).
You can visit the basilica for free, and admire all the frescoes. The severed head and thumb of St Catherine are also kept here. Note that no photography is allowed inside.
Santuario di Santa Caterina
Santuario di Santa Caterina is built on the original site of the home of Saint Catherine. The complex consists of four main buildings which date back to the 15th century.
Located here are – a small Church of the Crucifix (from the 17th century) which holds the Crucifix from which Saint Caterina received the stigmata, Oratorio della Cucina (oratory), Oratory of Chamber (with paintings of the Saint from her childhood), and the loggia and portico, which are the newest addition to the complex (built in the 1940s) to honor Saint Caterina.
You can visit this complex for free.
Dinner: Il Bandierino | Bar II Palio
Day 6 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Day trip to San Gimignano from Siena or Florence
While Siena is a popular stop in any Tuscany road trip itinerary, many swing by San Gimignano without much thought. We recommend spending at least one day in San Gimignano – the tower-ful town of Tuscany.
Getting to San Gimignano is easy from both Florence and Siena. Florence to San Gimignano is 1.50 hours by train. You can also get to San Gimignano by driving, and it will take you a little over an hour.
Siena to San Gimignano is about 45 minutes by car, and trains take you there in an hour. So you can easily visit on a day trip. Once in San Gimignano, you don’t need public transport, as this Tuscan town is small and is completely walkable.
Here is what you can explore in San Gimignano on a day trip.
Historic Centre of San Gimignano
San Gimignano is known for medieval towers that are well-preserved and standing to this day. There were 72 towers in the 14th century, but only 13 of them remain.
The Historic Centre of San Gimignano is a must-visit to soak in the views of the towers and is a cultural site itself. The heart of this old center is little Piazza della Cisterna, which is the town’s triangular main square.
From this square, you will find a cluster of structures: the stump from Casa Razzi and another on Palazzo Tortoli, Torre del Diávolo (Devil’s tower) as well as two Towers Ardinghelli.
Piazza della Cisterna is connected to the town’s largest square, Piazza del Duomo through an open passage, and is surrounded by houses and towers from the medieval era.
Cathedral San Gimignano – Piazza del Duomo
The collegiate church of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Cathedral of San Gimignano is a magnificent building located at the center. It was completed around 1056 and later expanded in 1460 by architect Giuliano da Maiano.
There are beautiful frescoes inside the Cathedral of San Gimignano, depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments. Entry fees start at 8 euros.
Tuscan Cooking Class
If you are keen on joining a Tuscan cooking class, then San Gimignano has one of the best options. Workshops are for 3 hours and are taught by local Italian chefs.
You will spend time in the company of others learning how to cook authentic Tuscan dishes while bonding over food and wine.
Plus you also get to enjoy a 3-course meal – lunch or dinner with wine tasting as part of the workshop. This is a fun activity to do, whilst taking a break from sightseeing and museum hopping!
Day 7 of Tuscany Itinerary 7 days: Chianti region wine tour (from Siena or Florence)
On the final day, take a wine tasting tour in Tuscany by visiting classic Chianti wineries. You will find a multitude of day tours leaving from Florence and Siena, which will allow you to visit at least 2 vineyards with lunch and round trip transportation.
If you are pressed for time and need to return to Rome or Milan on day 7, you can also book a half-day tour.
Here are 3 tour options that we recommend,
- Tour from Florence: Here is a 5 hour Chianti wineries tour – a GetYourGuide original and one of the best sellers. Check out this tour here
- Tour from Siena: You can also book a small group tour that covers 2 Chianti wineries. This tour departs from Siena, and 6 is hours long. More information here
- Tour from Siena: Tour the Chianti region with wine tasting on a full-day trip from Siena. This experience is special as you will enjoy the adventure on a Vespa zooming by old castles, villages, farms, and parish churches. Book this tour here
One week in Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary
We are including an itinerary for Tuscany for one week which is perfect for road-tripping through the region.
For this itinerary, you can split your stay between Florence and San Gimignano or Volterra and then take day trips. We won’t repeat all the sightseeing options for the destinations covered above, but we will list them so that it is easy to follow if you are picking this Tuscany itinerary.
Day 1-2: Arrive and explore Florence. We recommend staying here for 3-4 days and then moving your base to San Gimignano or Volterra for the remainder of the itinerary.
Where to stay in Florence: La Terrazza sul Duomo B&B | Grand Hotel Cavour Florence |Hotel Vasari
On days one and two of the Tuscany itinerary, explore the highlights of Florence.
- Plan to visit Uffizi Gallery on one day, and the Accademia on the other
- Climb to the top of the Florence Duomo, admire its interiors, and visit the baptistery
- Ponte Vecchio
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
Day 3: Visit Pisa and Lucca on a day trip from Florence. Sleep in Florence. Here is what you can cover in a day.
- Explore the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Leaning Tower in the first half of the day
- Then head over to Lucca. Pisa to Lucca is a 30-minute drive or train ride away. Lucca is known for its medieval city walls that engulf the old town. This city was founded by the Etruscans, and it became a Roman colony around 180 BC. During your trip, walk the old city walls and check out the Guinigi Tower. St Martin Cathedral along with the bell tower is worth stopping by as well.
Day 4: Visit Siena on a day trip from Florence
Day 5: On day 5 of the Tuscany trip itinerary, consider staying in San Gimignano
Explore San Gimignano and Volterra for the day.
Where to stay in San Gimignano: La Cisterna Hotel | Hotel Relais La Cappuccina | Antica Dimora
- Head to San Gimignano from Florence. Explore the historic center and its medieval towers
- In the second half of the day, drive to Volterra. It takes about 40 minutes to get there. Volterra is a small town, where you will find everything that is quintessentially Toscana from a central Palazzo dei Priori with medieval frescoes to towers. It is also home to the remains of an Etruscan Acropolis, and Roman baths.
Note: If you are not driving, opt to stay in Siena instead of San Gimignano. Doing so, you can book a day tour from Siena to cover both San Gimignano and Volterra. Here is the tour
Day 6: Chianti or Val D’Orcia for wine tasting
Dedicate a day of your Tuscany itinerary for visiting wineries. Chianti is one of the popular options – you can visit Chianti from Florence, Siena, or San Gimignano.
Also, without a car, Chianti is a better option than Val D’Orcia, as train travel will take 3+ hours. Driving to Val D’Orcia takes 1.50 hours from San Gimignano.
Day 7: Visit Arezzo from San Gimignano
This city in eastern Tuscany is best explored by car. Driving time is 1.50+ hours, one way. Trains take over 3 hours to get there.
Arezzo is home to an impressive cathedral with frescoed ceilings and 15th-century paintings. This hilltop location offers scenic views of Tuscany. The historic center also houses several churches decorated by Piero Della Francesca including one at Basilica di San Domenico where you can find more examples on display.
Arezzo is also known for shopping. Empty your wallet by taking back Italian-made goodies – clothes, home-wear, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Top Tour: Chiana wine tasting experience
Note: If you are not driving, consider exploring the quaint town of Certaldo, located about 25 minutes by public transport.
10 day Tuscany Itinerary with Rome
This Tuscany itinerary includes the capital city of Rome and extends your trip to 10 days.
This Rome and Tuscany itinerary will melt your heart. Explore Rome in 3 days, and then enjoy slow travel wandering through lovely small towns that fill up your hearts and bellies.
Plan to arrive in Rome on day one, and keep this city as your base for the next 3 nights.
Getting to Rome city center from the airport,
- From Roma Fiumicino Airport, get to the city center via direct train service – Leonardo Express (30 minutes), or shuttle buses (40+ minutes)
- If arriving at the Ciampino Airport, then you can book this shuttle bus ride
Where to stay in Rome: Leonardo Boutique Hotel Rome Termini | Condotti Boutique Hotel | Prassede Palace Hotel
Here is what this 10 day Italy itinerary will look like,
- Day 1 in Rome: Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour, and then pick a neighborhood in the afternoon/evening to explore (like Monti or Trastevere).
- Day 2 in Rome: On day 2, visit the Vatican City checking off St Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums including the Sistine Chapel. Then explore Castel Sant’Angelo for an hour. In the evening, make your way to check out the Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps.
- Day 3 in Rome: Explore the Pantheon in the morning, followed by the Piazza Navona. In the afternoon visit Villa Borghese, and finish at Piazza Venezia (paid to go inside) or Piazza del Popolo (free) for sunset views.
- Day 4 and 5 in Florence: Depart for Florence in the morning, via high-speed train. Trains take 1.50 hours to get there. On days 4 and 5, spend time exploring Renaissance art and structures in Florence. Visit both the Uffizi and the Accademia galleries, Firenze Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio & Loggia dei Lanzi, Gucci Garden, Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazza Michelangelo, Piazza della Repubblica, and the Central Market.
- Day 6 in Pisa: Go on a day trip to Pisa from Florence, to see the Leaning Tower, Baptistery and the Cathedral.
- Day 7 in San Gimignano from Florence
- Day 8 in Siena from Florence
- Day 9: Day tour to Val d’Orcia Highlights with wine tasting
- Day 10: Pienza and Montepulciano Full-Day Wine Tour
Best places to see in Tuscany: Sightseeing Map
Tuscany Travel Tips
Here are some quick Tuscany and Italy travel tips.
- Arrival airport: When flying from the United States or Canada, opt to fly to Rome or Milan, and then take the trains to Tuscany
- Tuscan road trip: A road trip through Tuscany is a popular way to visit various towns and stop in the countryside. You can pick up the rental car from Rome, Milan, or Florence to kickstart your itinerary
We recommend 7 days in Tuscany to combine 2-3 cities, along with small towns and wine tasting tours. This will allow you to see the beautiful Tuscan countryside, along with primary attractions like Renaissance museums, medieval cathedrals, and towers!
With 10 days in Tuscany, you can spend a day in each of the following towns – San Gimignano, Pienza, Lucca, Pisa, plus 2+ days of wine tasting experience, a day in Siena, and a full 3 days in Florence!
If you only have 3 days in Tuscany, consider keeping Florence as the base. Choose only one art museum and spend time at the Duomo complex (one day in Florence). Then take a day trip to Pisa and Lucca. On the third day, enjoy a Chianti wine tour.
There are day tours from Florence that check off Pisa, Siena, the medieval town of San Gimignano with a wine tour on the same trip.
English is understood everywhere in Tuscany. In smaller towns and trattorias in Florence, you might find that many service providers spoke broken English. Learning a few Italian phrases will go a long way.
Food was not super expensive in Tuscany. On average you can expect to spend 10-12 euros in a nice sit-down restaurant. Dinner is usually pricier with a bottle of wine. The price of meals in fast food joints or street stalls is cheaper.
Tuscany is best explored in the late September and October months – fall is the perfect time to visit. Try to skip summers as it is usually hot and crowded. Instead, opt for late fall, or April and May to visit Tuscany. During these months, temperatures are pleasant, with fewer crowds at the major sights.
We hope you found this itinerary and travel guide to Tuscany useful!
With rolling hills, captivating villages, and awe-inspiring scenery, the Tuscan countryside is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. It’s the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.
Traveling beyond Tuscany? Read our ultimate Italy guides below
- Italian Riviera: Best towns in Cinque Terre
- Amalfi Coast: Best towns on the Amalfi Coast
- Italy: Most beautiful cities in Italy | The ultimate guide to Italy in November
Pin: Rome and Tuscany Itinerary 7 days and ideas for a 10-day trip
