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 propose a 10-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in Tuscany. Of course, we'll leave you to make your own selection; there are over 100 places to visit in Tuscany. guides to Tuscany and Italy are available for sale online.
Day 1: Arrival in Florence 📍
Start your journey in Tuscany at Florence airport. This will be our departure point. Head to your accommodation and take time to settle in.
GOOD PLACE: take advantage of the best comparator for find a HOME in Florence
Note that it is possible to visit car-free Tuscany and at lower cost with public transportbut this Road Trip But then this Road Trip is not suitable. We've arranged for a rental car, but you won't need it until the 3rd day (there's no point paying for nothing, you won't need it in Florence).
Take advantage of your first evening to explore the city and sample the local cuisine, an opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian gastronomy with a change of scenery!
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. You're still sleeping in Florence.
Museums and historic sites
- Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
- The world-famous Ponte Vecchio
- Galleria degli Uffizi
- Palazzo Vecchio
- The Basilica of Santa Croce
Day 3: Lucca and Pisa📍🚗
On the third day, before leaving, pick up your rental car in Florence.
GOOD PLACE: take advantage of the best CAR RENTAL comparator for Florence
Set course for 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. Then, in the early afternoon, continue your journey to Pisa for visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa for less. Take the opportunity to explore the town and its historic monuments. If you don't want to visit Lucca, we suggest you take the SS67 between Florence and Pisa and stop at Pontedera. at the Piaggio Museum. (Pontedera is not exceptional and will be difficult to access with a large camper van).
Lucca
- Lucca's ramparts
- San Martino Cathedral
- Palazzo Pfanner
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Pisa
- The Tower of Pisa
- Campo dei Miracoli
- The Baptist
- The Pisa Cathedral
Day 4: The Tuscan coast📍🐬
Once you've explored the interior, head for the Tuscan coast to enjoy a few relaxing days by the sea. Stop off in Livorno, a lively port city, then continue on to Viareggio, a seaside resort renowned for its sandy beaches and its nightlife. An experience to be had... but personally, we don't like crowds...
Tuscan coast
- Livorno
- Viareggio
- Forte dei Marmi
Day 5: Volterra📍
On day 5, leave the coast and set off in the afternoon for a 1h30 drive to Volterra, another historic town with a rich Etruscan heritage. We recommend an aperitif with a magnificent sunset from the town perched on a hill!
Volterra
- The Roman theater (full of history)
- Palazzo dei Priori
- The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum
- Sunset!
Day 6: Elba Island📍🚢
On your sixth day in Tuscany, you'll need to set off early to board a ferry for the island of Elba, just off the coast. Boarding takes place in the port of Piombino (head towards Piazzale Premuda, you won't want to miss it). There are many companies to choose from (Moby Lines, Toremar, Blu Navy and Corsica Sardina Ferries...) but don't forget to book your tickets in advance. The crossing time depends on where you're staying: allow 70 minutes for Portoferraio and a good 40 minutes for Rio Marina or Cavo. Take advantage of the day to explore the island's heavenly beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy fresh fish in the local restaurants.
The island of Elba
- Portoferraio
- Capoliveri
- Cavoli beach
- Mount Capanne
Day 7: Pienza and Montepulciano📍
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.
Pienza
- Palazzo Piccolomini
- Piazza Pio II
- The Duomo di Pienza
Montepulciano
- La Piazza Grande
- Montepulciano Cathedral
- The wine cellars of Nobile di Montepulciano
Day 8: Siena and the Chianti📍🍷 region
Then head for Sienaone of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the city center and discover the architectural treasures and rich history 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's main square, curved like an amphitheatre)
- Siena Cathedral
- The Palazzo Pubblico
- The Basilica of San Domenico
Then escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the famous wine region and the Chianti hills. These are the postcard-perfect views of Tuscany, with their rolling hills and cypress trees. 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 9: San Gimignano 📍
On the ninth day, discover San GimignanoThis medieval hilltop town is famous for its towers. Stroll through the narrow streets and climb to the top of the ramparts for a panoramic view of the region and the sunset.
- The towers of San Gimignano
- Piazza della Cisterna (Cistern Square)
- The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
Day 10: Return to Florence, relax and swim in the magnificent Montegufoni Castle (an affordable option)!📍🏰
On the way back to Florence, we recommend spending one (or more) nights at Montegufoni and leave your car behind. These apartments in a historic castle offer magnificent views and unbeatable value for money. It's possible to stay for just a few nights (which is rare in Tuscany with so much charm!). You'll enjoy a swimming pool, magnificent views... everything you could wish for! rest at the end of your stayday in a deckchair with a magnificent view. Click here to book online.
Finally, from back to FlorenceTake advantage of the last few moments to visit places you might have missed or shop for souvenirs. Finally, head back to the airport or the national airlines to France, with your heart full of unforgettable memories of your trip. road trip in Tuscany.
☀️ Summary of what to expect ☀️
Housing (from hundreds of homes at all prices here) :
- Florence (2 nights)
- Pisa (1 night)
- Forte dei Marmi (1 night) (or nearby on the coast)
- Volterra or surrounding area (1 night)
- Elba (1 night)
- Montepulciano (1 night)
- Chianti region (1 night)
- San Gimignano (1 night)
- Montegufoni (1 night... or more)
Car rental for 8 days
We recommend that you rent your vehicle with a CAR RENTAL comparator from Florence, to take advantage of the best offers and a vast choice.
And if our Tuscany Road Trip didn't convince you, here's a great alternative that also inspired us.
Next time, why not try the discovery of Tuscany by motorcycle or the Tuscany by bike?
Discover our vacation rentals in Tuscany at the best prices, direct from the owner:
