Road Trip in Tuscany: 7-day itinerary in Italy

Tuscany is without a doubt one of the most beautiful regions in Italy! It is perfect for a road trip on the winding roads of the region, and why not accompanied by your significant other as this part of the country is very romantic! A mix of small towns, larger cities such as the famous Florence and countryside, for a duration of 7 days. Discover this itinerary with me!

Day 1: Florence

We begin this itinerary with the beautiful city of Florence before making a loop starting from it to discover the beauty of Tuscany! A full day is the minimum that one must dedicate to the cultural capital of Italy to discover its main tourist attractions. Notable must-sees are the cathedral and its famous Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Vecchio.

You can climb the Duomo, an essential visit (remember to book!) to admire the panorama of the city. As for the Uffizi Gallery, it houses works by the greatest artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, and of course Leonardo da Vinci. Built in the 14th century, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence.

For a superb view of the city, do not miss the Piazzale Michelangelo.

Day 2: Florence to Siena

It's time to hit the road towards Siena, the 2nd largest city in Tuscany! Take the SR222 road named Via Chiantigiana, which is much more picturesque than the highway. Upon arrival in Siena, we leave our car to discover the city on foot! Do not miss the Piazza del Campo, which is the heart of the old town. Every summer, the most famous horse race named Il Palio is an event not to be missed if you don't mind the crowd of course! Each neighborhood of the city competes in this breathtaking race.

The Duomo as well as the picturesque narrow streets with numerous buildings dating from the Renaissance period are must-sees during a visit to Siena!

Day 3: Tuscan countryside

This is perhaps the image you had in mind before your departure to Tuscany: this pretty rolling countryside, the one we see in all the Instagram photos! From Siena, take the SR2 road to San Quirico d'Orcia and then the SR146 towards Montepulciano! This is the most picturesque road in Tuscany! Breathtaking landscapes!

The charming small towns in the region are worth a visit, such as Pienza, Monticchiello, Montalcino, San Quirico d'Orcia and Montepulciano.

Day 4: San Gimignano and Voltera

These two small towns are close enough to be combined into a day trip. Famous for its medieval towers, San Gimignano has a tiny but absolutely charming historic center! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there was a time when it was a major relay point for pilgrims heading to Rome. The rich families had built 72 tower houses symbolizing their power, of which only 14 remain today. One of the main places to visit is Piazza della Cisterna, not to mention climbing Torre Grossa to admire the view from above! Dating back to the 13th century and measuring 54 meters high, it is the tallest building in the city.

As for Volterra, it's especially worth a visit in the evening. This charming medieval town is very pleasant for strolling in its small shops and ending the evening with a good typical Tuscan dinner. Before that, take a look at the cathedral, Palazzolo dei Priori, Pinacoteca and Museo Civico.

Day 5: Pisa

On the Piazza dei Miracoli, the famous leaning tower of Pisa is a very famous monument not to be missed. But the pretty town still has many surprises in store! On the same square, the cathedral, the baptistery, and the cemetery are also worth a visit.

The very picturesque city center is also worth a stroll. For a bucolic walk along the water, the one along the Arno, along the river of the same name, is pleasant.

Day 6: Lucca

Lucca is undoubtedly one of the most charming small towns in Tuscany! The city was miraculously spared from wars and has one of the most prestigious artistic and medieval heritages in Tuscany. Small alleys with pink and ochre buildings, elegant shops, pretty churches, and small bright squares are all gems to discover!

The city is surrounded by no less than 4 kilometers of walls which are very pleasant to walk or bike along, a good way to observe the city from a different point of view. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is also a must with its numerous restaurants where you can enjoy the sweetness of life in Tuscany.

Don't miss climbing one of the city's towers: Torre Guinigi with its trees perched at the top or Torre delle Ore, which is the medieval clock tower.

Day 7: Villages on the outskirts of Florence

Between Lucca and Florence, some villages are worth a visit, such as Collodi, Pistoia, and Prato. Then, head to Florence airport to return the car and take your return flight.