The Tuscany region in central Italy is renowned for its natural beauty, historic towns and delicious cuisine. A road trip in Tuscany is an excellent way to explore this magnificent region. In this article, we suggest a 10-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in Tuscany.
Day 1: Arrival in Florence
Start your trip to Tuscany at Florence airport. After collecting your rental car, head to your accommodation and take time to settle in. Then spend your first evening exploring the city and sampling the local cuisine.
Day 2: Visit Florence
Spend your second day exploring the capital of Tuscany, Florence. Don't miss such must-sees as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Ponte Vecchio and the Galleria degli Uffizi. Take time to stroll the picturesque streets and sample some of the local specialties.
Museums and historic sites
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- The Ponte Vecchio
- Galleria degli Uffizi
- Palazzo Vecchio
- The Basilica of Santa Croce
Day 3: Pisa and Lucca
On the third day, set course for Pisa to visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa for less. Take the opportunity to explore the city and its historic monuments. Then continue on to LuccaLucca is a charming medieval town surrounded by well-preserved city walls. Stroll through the narrow streets and discover the many churches and palaces for which Lucca is famous.
Pisa
- The Tower of Pisa
- Campo dei Miracoli
- The Baptist
- Pisa Cathedral
Lucca
- Lucca's ramparts
- San Martino Cathedral
- Palazzo Pfanner
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Day 4: Siena
Then head for Sienaone of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. Stroll the cobbled streets and discover the architectural treasures this medieval city has to offer. Don't miss the magnificent Piazza del Campo, home of the annual Palio di Siena horse race.
Siena
- Piazza del Campo
- Siena Cathedral
- The Palazzo Pubblico
- The Basilica of San Domenico
Day 5: The Chianti region
On day five, set off to discover the famous Chianti wine region. Follow the winding roads and stop off in picturesque villages to taste some of Italy's finest wines (but don't overdo it :-)). You can also take advantage of the day to relax and enjoy the green countryside.
Villages and wineries
- Greve in Chianti
- Radda in Chianti
- Gaiole in Chianti
- Castellina in Chianti
Day 6: Montepulciano and Pienza
Continue your tour of Tuscany with a visit to Montepulciano, a charming hilltop town offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Be sure to taste the famous Nobile di Montepulciano wine before continuing on to Pienza, a small village known for its Renaissance architecture and pecorino cheeses.
Montepulciano
- La Piazza Grande
- Montepulciano Cathedral
- The wine cellars of Nobile di Montepulciano
Pienza
- Palazzo Piccolomini
- Piazza Pio II
- The Duomo di Pienza
Day 7: San Gimignano and Volterra
On the seventh day, discover San Gimignano, a medieval hilltop town famous for its towers. Stroll through the narrow streets and climb to the top of the ramparts for a panoramic view of the region. Then continue on to Volterra, another historic town with a rich Etruscan heritage.
San Gimignano
- The towers of San Gimignano
- Piazza della Cisterna
- The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
Volterra
- The Roman theater
- Palazzo dei Priori
- The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum
Day 8: The Tuscan coast
After exploring the interior, head to the Tuscan coast for a few days of seaside relaxation. Stop off in Livorno, a lively port city, then continue on to Viareggio, a seaside resort renowned for its sandy beaches and nightlife.
Tuscan coast
- Livorno
- Viareggio
- Forte dei Marmi
Day 9: Elba Island
On your penultimate day in Tuscany, board a ferry for the island of Elba, just off the coast. Take advantage of this day to explore the island's heavenly beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters and sample fresh fish in the local restaurants.
The island of Elba
- Portoferraio
- Capoliveri
- Cavoli beach
- Mount Capanne
Day 10: Return to Florence
On your last day in Tuscany, return to Florence and make the most of the last few moments to visit places you may have missed or shop for souvenirs. Finally, make your way to the airport to catch your flight home, your heart full of unforgettable memories of your stay in Tuscany. road trip in Tuscany. Next time, why not try the discovery of Tuscany by motorcycle or the Tuscany by bike?