The Ultimate Tuscany Itinerary – 7 Days

Tuscany is the part of Italy I’ve visited the most owing to my parent’s love of the area.

Over the years we’ve visited and re-visited the places on this best Tuscany itinerary.

A Tuscany vacation should be on your Italian bucket list for sure.

My siblings and I would roll our eyes every time one of our parents said “wow! Look at the view!” as they gazed at the rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves.

But now we’re older we too can appreciate the view.

Tuscany is a region in Central Italy and has coast land, hills, beautiful towns, awe-inspiring artworks, and incredible food. It’s where you’ll find popular Italian destinations such as Pisa, Florence and Siena.

The scenery has been the backdrop to many films over the years including Under the Tuscan Sun, A Room with a View, Gladiator and Twilight.

If you’re planning a Tuscany trip and looking for awesome Tuscany itineraries, you’ll find it below.

How many days do you need in Tuscany?

If this is your first time visiting Tuscany I highly recommend giving yourself at least 5 days in Tuscany. This is enough to see some of the major cities in Tuscany and enjoy them without feeling too rushed.

This is a 7 day Tuscany itinerary which takes you through some of the main sites in Tuscany, and some hidden gems and allows you some time to relax too.

If you have longer you could easily spend 2 weeks in Tuscany.

This is what we did on our most recent trip.

It allowed us time to go further afield, e.g. to Rome, and to spend days lounging by the pool at the villa which we’ve stayed at about 5 times.

A sample itinerary for Tuscany in 7 days could look something like this, depending on where you’re flying in and out of.

• Day 1: Arrive in Florence
• Day 2: Explore Florence
• Day 3: Drive to Siena via San Gimignano, explore Siena
• Day 4: Drive Val d’Orcia (Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza,) overnight in Montepulciano
• Day 5: Hot Springs at Saturnia, overnight at Volterra
• Day 6: Drive to Pisa, explore Pisa
• Day 7: Drive back to Florence (visit Lucca if time)

Best way to get around Tuscany

If you’re just keen to visit the cities in Tuscany you can definitely get around using trains and buses. The main cities are well connected to places like Rome, Florence or Pisa and train travel is fairly cheap and easy to navigate.

This Tuscany 7 day itinerary is written with car access in mind. It allows you time to explore some of the back roads and stop in small towns that aren’t as well connected.

However, you could still visit most of the places on this list by arranging day tours from some of the larger cities. Where possible, tours are recommended further in this post.

Flights to Tuscany, Italy

The best airports in Tuscany Italy are Florence airport and another airport in Tuscany is Pisa airport. Both of these are served by budget airlines in Europe.

You can also fly to Rome and then get a bus or train to Siena, Florence or Pisa.

On my latest visit to Tuscany, I flew to Rome as that’s where the cheapest flights were to.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Tuscany road trip

The best way to experience this 7 day Tuscany itinerary is to rent a car, or if you’re coming from the UK or elsewhere in Europe you can drive into Italy with your own car.

If you’re driving from another country, be sure to check the rules. For British drivers, you don’t currently need an International Drivers Permit (IDP), but you do need to have your full insurance papers, license and additional safety equipment.

If you’re renting a car with a Canadian or American license (+ perhaps others, please check!), then you need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) as well as your full license in order to rent a car.

If you do not have an IDP, you will not be able to rent a car. Sure, you may find somewhere that’ll do it anyway, but any insurance you have will be void by not having an IDP.

Cars can be rented from Pisa or Florence airports on arrival if you’ve flown into Italy.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

Top tips for driving in Italy

These two top tips for driving will help your 7-day Tuscany itinerary go a bit smoother!

Avoid ZTL zones wherever possible

ZTL zones are areas of cities that are restricted access. They are typically in the city centre and if you drive through them you risk getting a big fine or charge.

If you’re renting a car the charge will be even bigger since rental companies will add some sort of admin fee on top of the original fine.

You can avoid these by looking up a place to park that’s outside of the city centre ahead of time. I like to use parkopedia to find places or just google ‘parcheggio‘ in Google Maps.

Expect toll roads

There are toll roads throughout Tuscany. They’re usually not too expensive, and most take card, but it’s always handy to have a few coins in your car just in case.

Tuscany by train

Getting around Tuscany by train is definitely doable. Trenitalia operates regional trains and they stop at the main cities such as Florence, Pisa and Siena as well as smaller towns too.

You can book trains online in advance by using TheTrainline.com which makes it super easy to plan your journey ahead of time!

Best places to visit in Tuscany

Below is more information about each of the stops on this 7 days in Tuscany road trip itinerary. You’ll find links to recommended tours and more information within each section.

• Day 1: Arrive in Florence
• Day 2: Explore Florence
• Day 3: Drive to Siena via San Gimignano, explore Siena
• Day 4: Drive Val d’Orcia (Montalcino, Montepulciano, Pienza,) overnight in Montepulciano
• Day 5: Hot Springs at Saturnia, overnight at Volterra
• Day 6: Drive to Pisa, explore Pisa
• Day 7: Drive back to Florence (visit Lucca if time)

Days 1 + 2: Explore Florence

Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region in Italy.

It’s a beautiful city with centuries of history and is home to masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. This includes the famous Florence Duomo, the Galleria dell’Accademia which houses Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture and the Uffizi Gallery.

The city of Florence sits on the river Arno and there is plenty to explore which is why this Tuscany itinerary spends two days in Florence.

I highly recommend booking your entrance tickets to galleries before you arrive as that way you can skip the lines (which are super long in high season!).

Top of the list of things to do for your two days in Florence and Tuscany itinerary are:

• The Duomo, Santa Maria del Fiore
• The Piazza Della Signoria
• The Uffizi Gallery (if you’ve reserved priority tickets)
• Mercato Centrale – leather goods and food!
• Stroll the Ponte Vecchio

Doing this Tuscany itinerary without a car? Check out these guided tours

If you’re travelling in Tuscany without a car, these guided tours could be perfect for you. They pick you up from Florence and drop you back too.

• Tour from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano and Monteriggioni day tour (one of the best Tuscany wine tours)
• Tuscany day trip with lunch and wine
• From Florence, Pienza and Montepulciano guided wine tour

Day 3: Drive to Siena via San Gimignano

From Florence, it’s time to head out into the super picturesque parts of Tuscany!

San Gimignano

Often cited as one of the best Tuscany towns, San Gimignano is a super cute Medieval hilltop town complete with cobbled streets that’s well worth being on your one week Tuscany itinerary.

This pretty place to add to your Italy Tuscany itinerary is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are 15 towers throughout the charming little town and it’s super popular with people looking to experience Tuscan history and culture.

Spend some time wandering around the streets in the city, visiting the piazzas, like the beautiful piazza della cisterna, the medieval fountains, and, of course, the Duomo in San Gimignano.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful city that’s sometimes overlooked in favor of other Tuscany cities and towns.

However, it’s well worth being on this Florence Tuscany itinerary.

You only really need one day in Siena to tick off the main sights.

Siena is known for the Palio horse race that takes place twice every summer in the center of the city, as well as its beautiful marble-striped Duomo, Piazza del Campo, old town streets, and stores to explore.

Be sure to climb up to the top of some of the towers, such as palazzo vecchio, for views over the historic city center.

If you don’t have a car

If you don’t have a car, this tour is recommended for the following day. It’s a food and wine-tasting tour where you’ll be picked up and dropped off at Siena.

You’ll visit Pienza, and taste world-famous wines produced in Montalcino and Montepulciano as well as some snacks to eat.

Where to stay in Siena

$ – B&B San Francesco: In a 15th Century building, this B&B in Tuscany Italy is just a short walk from Piazza del Campo. The rooms have city views, free wifi and include breakfast.

$$ – Il Vezzosino: Have your own apartment while staying in Siena. This 1-bed apartment has a terrace and garden view

$$$ – Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais: This beautiful building has incredible views of Torre del Mangia and the Siena Duomo. Rooms include breakfast and you’re just steps away from the best things to do in Siena Italy.

Day 4: Take a Val d’Orcia road trip

From Siena, it’s time to explore Val D’Orcia which is a region of Tuscany, central Italy. Val d’Orcia extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata.

Today you’ll drive through Val d’Orcia and stop off at Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano where you’ll spend the night.

Along the way, you may want to go wine tasting for the Brunello wine found near Montalcino, or just stop off and soak up the views of rolling vineyards and Tuscany’s beautiful hilltop towns.

This is one of the areas in Tuscany that’s most beautiful – and that’s saying something!

There are so many vineyards around Montalcino. Most charge a small fee per wine tasting and have several you can try.

Some notable places to stop on a Val d’Orcia road trip include:

• The Cappella di Vitaleta – a super cute church that’s a popular photo spot
• Bosco di Cipressi – a group of cypress trees that is also popular with photographers
• Bagno Vignoni – cute town with thermal hot springs

Where to stay in Montepulciano

Montepulciano is one of the best towns in Tuscany to stay in. It gets busy during the day but most people will leave once evening comes so you’ll get to explore it without the crowds!

• Camere Bellavista: This accommodation in Montepulciano is right in the centre of the town and every room has views of the Tuscan countryside.
• Palazzo Carletti: This luxurious accommodation in Montepulciano has panoramic views and is in a beautiful Medieval building.
• Agriturismo Cognanello: Stay on a real Tuscan farm just 2km from Montepulciano. Every guest gets a welcome package with local oil, wine and fruit too!

Day 5: Visit the Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany and explore Volterra

The Saturnia hot springs are some ice-blue hot springs in southern Tuscany. Only they don’t feel icy, they’re hot!

The hot springs themselves are called “Cascate di Mulino” and are just under 6 km outside of the town of Saturnia.

As with most hot springs in Tuscany and elsewhere, the waters are rich in mineral deposits, especially sulphur which gives it an “eggy” smell.

The pools get very busy so it’s best to go super early in the morning to beat the worst of the crowds.

Once you’re done at Saturnia, head up north again towards Volterra.

Another beautiful Tuscan hilltop town, Volterra has a long Etruscan history and, more recently, played a part in the Twilight series.

The town has basilicas, cobblestone streets, crumbling gateways, and red-tiled roofs.

It’s a great place to wander around in the afternoon and grab dinner here before retiring to your accommodation in Volterra.

Below are some places to stay for this part of your Tuscany countryside itinerary.

Places to stay in Volterra

• Residenza Storica Palazzo Ricciarelli: This beautiful 1-bed accommodation in Volterra has everything you need for the night.
• Casa Mosaico: This guest house in Volterra has city views which you’ll love!
• Hotel La Locanda: This Volterra hotel is decorated with Etruscan carvings and offers a buffet breakfast to guests.

Day 6: Explore Pisa

If you know anything about Pisa, the chances are that you know about the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This small city in the Tuscany region of Italy is famed for the tower which is slightly off-tilt.

While many visitors come to view the Leaning Tower of Pisa and then leave, there’s actually so much more to this city and plenty to keep you entertained for one day in Pisa!

Check out my ultimate guide to the best things to do in Pisa Italy!

Besides the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the complex around it, there’s also the River Arno and the Palazzo Della Carovana which you should explore.

Day 7: Visit Lucca

Your final stop on this Tuscany itinerary is the city of Lucca. However, if you have an early flight you can head off to Florence straight away.

Lucca is known as the city of a hundred churches and is well-known for the beautiful Medieval city walls that can still be seen around the old town.

The best things to do in Lucca include the Lucca Cathedral, Piazza dell Anfiteatro, and San Michele in Foro.

Where to stay in Lucca

• La Chiusa delle Monache: This B&B includes a great breakfast and has its own courtyard for relaxing after exploring Lucca.
• The Old Laundry: This two-bedroom apartment is beautiful with a private courtyard and is super close to the town centre.
• Al Carmine Apartments: With incredible views, these apartments are just 100 m from Guinigi Tower and 200 m from Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Other places to add to your Tuscany Itinerary

If your Tuscany itinerary is 10 days or longer, you could check out some of the destinations and things to do in Tuscany listed below.

Visit the beaches in Tuscany Italy

It may come as a surprise but the region of Tuscany actually has a coastline, a pretty one at that!

Most visitors to Tuscany are more focused on the hilltops and vineyards and forget about the coast, but if you have more time then head out to visit the beaches in Tuscany, Italy.

Some of the best beaches in Tuscany are:

• Castiglioncello: A famous seaside destination that has beautiful sand beaches, pine forests, coves and pebble creeks.
• Cala Violina: A wonderful cove in Maremma with white fine sand. To get there you walk a trail with incredible views of the coastline.
• Giannella beach: Characterised by sand dunes and beautiful waters.

Rome

If you have the time, 3 days in Rome is perfect for exploring the city. It allows you plenty of time to explore the top attractions in Rome while enjoying it at a more leisurely pace.

Obviously, you should visit the Colosseum and forum, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain and head for food and drink in Trastevere is a must too.

You could also spend a day alone exploring the Vatican and its museums.

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Cinque Terre

Just north of Tuscany in the Liguria region is Cinque Terre. A Tuscany and Cinque Terre itinerary makes a great vacation to Italy.

The Cinque Terre is famous for its beauty and today visitors explore the five towns by walking the rugged, steep trails between them.

As you hike you’ll get breathtaking views of the harbors, medieval fortresses, and vibrant colors; it’s beautiful!

Lake Como

Lake Como is one of the best lakes in Italy and also one of the most popular lakes in the Italian Lake region.

I recommend spending about 4 days in Lake Como. If you’re looking for an Italy itinerary 7 days long, I’d combine Como with some time in Milan too.

If your flights are going in and out of Milan then stopping in Lake Como is a must as it’s just 40 km or so to Lake Como from Milan.

Assisi

Assisi is associated with St. Francis of Assisi who was a popular pilgrim related to animals.

If you’re visiting Assisi you can tour the beautiful Basilica of St. Francis while learning about the saint’s life and history.

This is an interesting stop if you have more than one week in Tuscany.

Tuscany Itinerary 5 days

Not everyone has a full week to spend in Tuscany, especially if the start and end of your holiday to Tuscany is taken up with travel time.

In that case, here’s a 5 day itinerary for Tuscany that’ll give you a taste of the best that Tuscany has to offer.

Day 1: Florence

• Morning: Uffizi Gallery: One of the world’s top art museums with works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Wander around Piazza della Signoria.
• Afternoon: Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo): Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Ponte Vecchio: Iconic bridge with shops built along it.
• Evening: Tuscan dinner in the historic district. Try a traditional “Bistecca alla Fiorentina”.

Day 2: Siena

• Morning: Visit the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and then wander the medieval streets.
• Afternoon: Visit Piazza del Campo which is known for the Palio horse race and then explore Torre del Mangia for views of the city.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in one of the local trattorias and try pici pasta.

Day 3: Chianti Wine Region

• Morning and Afternoon: Go wine tasting and visit a few vineyards. Notable ones to check out include Castello di Verrazzano and Castello di Brolio. Then, explore towns like Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti.
• Evening: Stay in a local agriturismo (a farm stay) and enjoy a meal made with local produce.

Day 4: San Gimignano and Volterra

• Morning: Explore San Gimignano which is a medieval town known for its towers
• Afternoon: Drive to Volterra a hilltop town known for its Etruscan history and alabaster products.
• Evening: Dine in Volterra or return to San Gimignano for a lovely dinner with views.

Day 5: Lucca and Pisa

• Morning: Explore Lucca and wander inside its well-preserved Renaissance walls. Don’t miss Lucca Cathedral and Guinigi Tower.
• Afternoon: Head to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the nearby Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery.
• Evening: Enjoy a final Tuscan dinner in Pisa, trying dishes like Tortelli Lucchesi.

Tuscany itinerary 10 days

If you have more than 1 week to spend in Tuscany, check out this 10 day Tuscany Italy itinerary for some more ideas.

• Days 1-3: Florence: Visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s top art museums with works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Wander around Piazza della Signoria, climb to the top of the Florence Cathedral (Il Duomo), and visit the Ponte Vecchio.
• Day 2: Explore the Boboli Gardens, visit the Palazzo Pitti, and spend your evening in the bohemian Oltrarno area.
• Day 3: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David, explore Santa Croce Church, and do some shopping at the San Lorenzo Market.
• Day 4: Fiesole: Just a short bus ride from Florence, explore the Roman Amphitheatre, and enjoy panoramic views of Florence.
• Days 5-6: Siena and Monteriggioni: Visit the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and then wander the medieval streets as well as Piazza del Campo which is known for the Palio horse race and then explore Torre del Mangia for views of the city.
• Day 6: Visit the walled town of Monteriggioni. Spend half a day wandering its walls and the small, historic center.
• Day 7: Chianti Wine Region: Go wine tasting and visit a few vineyards. Notable ones to check out include Castello di Verrazzano and Castello di Brolio. Then, explore towns like Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti.
• Days 8-9: San Gimignano and Volterra: Explore San Gimignano which is a medieval town known for its towers and Volterra a hilltop town known for its Etruscan history.
• Day 10: Lucca: Explore Lucca and wander inside its well-preserved Renaissance walls. Don’t miss Lucca Cathedral and Guinigi Tower.

Tuscany itinerary 14 days

Below you’ll find an outline of a 2 week Tuscany itinerary that you could use for a longer stay.

• Days 1-4: Florence: Find things to do in Florence listed in the above itineraries and extend your Florence stay by one day to truly absorb the city’s art and culture.
• Day 5: Fiesole
• Days 6-7: Siena and Monteriggioni. Visit the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and then wander the medieval streets as well as Piazza del Campo which is known for the Palio horse race and then explore Torre del Mangia for views of the city.
• Day 8: Chianti Wine Region: Go wine tasting and visit a few vineyards. Then, explore towns like Greve in Chianti and Radda in Chianti.
• Days 9-10: San Gimignano and Volterra: Explore San Gimignano which is a medieval town known for its towers and Volterra a hilltop town known for its Etruscan history.
• Day 11: Lucca: Explore Lucca and wander inside its well-preserved Renaissance walls. Don’t miss Lucca Cathedral and Guinigi Tower.
• Day 12: Pisa: Dedicate a day to Pisa, visiting the Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and wandering the city.
• Day 13: Arezzo: Visit the beautiful town of Arezzo, known for its churches, antique market, and the fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca in the Basilica of San Francesco.
• Day 14: Cortona: Explore the hilltop town of Cortona, made famous by the book and film “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Wander its medieval streets, visit its museums, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

When is the best time to visit Tuscany?

No matter the time of year you’ll have to experience the beauty of Tuscany.

Summer is often cited as the best time to visit Tuscany as it’s when the weather is best. However, it’s also when the crowds are at their biggest meaning long lines for the best things to do in Tuscany such as museums and galleries.

I’ve also visited Tuscany in spring and in late September and October and while it is a little bit colder and more likely to rain, there are usually fewer people around and prices are lower.

FAQs about this best itinerary Tuscany Italy

Final thoughts on this Tuscany Itinerary 7 days

This Tuscany road trip 7 days itinerary has hopefully given you some ideas on how to plan your Tuscany travel itinerary.

From exploring big cities and towns like Florence and Siena to smaller countryside and hilltop towns, this Tuscany trip itinerary gives you a complete whistlestop tour of Tuscany.

If you want to add more stops to your Tuscany Italy itinerary I’ve included some places like Lake Como and Rome which are well worth checking out.

And, of course, you could go further south and explore places like Sicily, or go north and explore the Dolomites in Italy.

For more European travel guides to places like Norway, Switzerland, and the UK, check out my Europe travel guides.

Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Hannah