Road trip in Tuscany

Ah, Tuscany! This Italian region certainly has a lot to talk about Between its sprawling vineyards and olive groves, its beautiful cities with remarkable architectural heritage, its quaint backcountry where life is good, and its beaches that invite relaxation, it's hard not to fall under its charm! A vacation in the area also means indulging in delicious food, discovering local wines like Chianti, and meeting welcoming people... In short, to fully explore and appreciate the dolce vita, a road trip in Tuscany is definitely one of the best options! To plan your stay and make sure you don't miss anything, check out my 10-day itinerary for Tuscany

Ideally, you will need 2 weeks to explore Tuscany. However, the region will always have surprises in store for you during a one-week or 10-day road trip. During 10 days of a road trip in Tuscany, you can visit major cities such as Pisa, Siena, and of course Florence. Then head to the Italian countryside to discover the region's typical landscape, characterized by rows of vineyards stretching for miles and its charming little houses .

To help you see clearly and not miss the major highlights, here is a suggested itinerary that you can follow during your Tuscan adventure .

Day 1 and 2: Head to Pisa. Whether you arrive by car or by plane in Italy, Pisa is a great starting point. To fully appreciate this city, allocate 2 days for sightseeing.

Day 3: Visit Lucca! This small town is located just a few kilometers north of Pisa. A day is enough to visit it, but I highly recommend not skipping it.

Day 4 and 5: The regional capital, Florence, deserves at least 2 days of visit to uncover all the riches it has to offer.

Day 6: Head to the Chianti Valley, emblematic of Tuscany. You will find postcard landscapes here. More than a day is necessary to soak in the surroundings and taste the best local wines!

Day 7: Visit San Gimignano and Volterra. These two small towns invite you to experience a change of scenery. Reserve half a day each to discover their charm.

Day 8: Head to Siena, the last major city on your road trip. While it deserves several days of exploration, you can already spend a day discovering some of its treasures...

Day 9: Explore the Val d'Orcia, another iconic valley in Tuscany, where you will find the villages of Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano.

Day 10: End your stay with a visit to Pitigliano. This town, located at the southernmost tip of Tuscany, is your final destination. After visiting, return to Pisa!

Personally, I recommend taking the coastal route (A12 highway) for the return. This way, you'll discover another side of the region while along the sea. It will take you about 3 hours

All the cities listed in this road trip itinerary in Tuscany are located on the A1 highway. Your adventure will mainly take place in the major cities and in the Tuscan countryside. If you're considering seeing the sea and beach, I recommend planning for 1 or 2 additional days

While Pisa is world-renowned for its leaning tower, two other grand monuments are located alongside it: the cathedral and the baptistery. These three structures stand triumphantly on the Piazza dei Miracoli or the Square of Miracles. They were built with white marble and feature stunning architecture not to be missed during your road trip!

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the centerpiece of the square. It is the monument that most tourists come to see. It sparkles with curiosity with its twisted appearance! According to history, the tower began to lean due to ground subsidence. Today, it stands as an architectural marvel for not having collapsed since its completion in 1372. On the Square of Miracles, you will see visitors making humorous gestures to capture unique photos with the tower.

Moreover, how about climbing to the top? Beware, you will need to climb no less than 294 steps via a spiral staircase and be sure to book your skip-the-line tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa in advance! Expect to pay €30 per person.

While the leaning tower is the star of the Square of Miracles, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - or Duomo di Pisa - is its heart. This monument represents a grand masterpiece: 50 years of construction, 100 m in height, a blend of architectural styles (Moorish, Gothic, Byzantine, Islamic), a beautiful façade, and detailed ornamentation... This colossal structure impresses both from the outside and the inside Entrance to the cathedral is included in the ticket mentioned above if you're interested.

The third iconic monument of the Square of Miracles is the Battistero di San Giovanni, the largest baptistery in the world. This site was notably where Galileo was baptized in the mid-1500s. Like the Duomo, the baptistery showcases various styles, including Romanesque and Gothic. If you enter this monument, its acoustics will astonish you!

These three monuments are truly must-sees when you visit Pisa, but the Italian city also has other interesting attractions. During your road trip in Tuscany, take a tour of the Composanto, the National Museum of the Opera del Duomo, or wander along the colorful banks of the Arno river ✨

Chances are you will spend your first night in Pisa during your stay in Italy. The city offers hundreds of accommodations, but if you don't yet know where to stay in Pisa, here is my little selection of good addresses

In the very center, just a hundred meters from the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Francesco Hotel offers double rooms starting at €133 per night. The staff is very attentive and helpful, the bedding is comfortable, the rooms are air-conditioned, and the property is located on a quiet street, despite being in the city center. You can even enjoy a lovely sunny terrace ☀️

If you don't want to spend too much money on accommodations during your road trip, Pisa Train Stop is a guesthouse offering nights starting at €66. The accommodation has all the necessary amenities for daily life (Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchen, etc.) and the welcome is warm.

If you're planning your road trip and don't know what to do in Tuscany, you are in the right place! From vineyard visits and wine tastings to exploring major landmarks like Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, Siena's Piazza del Campo, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will have plenty to discover. In any case, to make the most of your stay and ensure you don't miss anything, I recommend checking out the list of activities to do in Tuscany right now

Lucca is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Pisa. While it is much less well known than its neighbor, it is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Italy. You can reach Lucca in 30 minutes by car from Pisa

In principle, Lucca has little in common with Pisa, its neighbor. It reflects a unique charm with its village-like atmosphere behind its well-preserved medieval walls. Moreover, it offers a certain calm, far from the mass tourism. Yet, the area is not short on attractions! I recommend participating in a guided walking tour of the city to ensure you don't miss anything. For a 2-hour visit, expect to pay €15 per person.

Lucca has many religious buildings, starting with the San Martino Cathedral, made of white marble. Less impressive than its counterpart in Pisa, it is nonetheless quite striking. This monument features a lovely marble floor housing a tomb. The Basilica of San Frediano is one of the oldest structures in the city. It also has a white marble façade topped with a colorful pediment adorned with beautiful mosaics. The churches of Santi Giovanni e Reparata and San Michele in Foro are other notable edifices.

To visit Lucca during your road trip in Tuscany, here are some other must-do attractions in this town!

Dive into the daily life of the locals at Piazza San Michele. An old marketplace, this place has preserved its former vibrancy. It's the ideal spot to immerse yourself in the city's ambiance while sitting at one of the restaurants located there.

Stroll along the walls to admire the surroundings. These fortifications stand about twelve meters high and stretch over 4200 meters long. You can even rent a bike starting at €15 per day to explore the walls if you wish .

The Torre Guinigi offers an even better viewpoint than the walls. At the top of this tower, you will be perched 45 meters high, sheltered in the shade of holm oaks. To access this sentinel of the city, you will have to climb a staircase of 230 steps.

If you chose Tuscany for your road trip, there's one activity you can't miss: visiting the region's vineyards! Because yes, Tuscany is world-renowned for some of its wines, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano To explore this aspect of Tuscany, I invite you to join the guided tour of the Tenuta Adamo vineyard with wine tasting, starting at €20 per person! You'll learn more about the production and preservation processes of the wine, before tasting local wines as well as olive oil produced on-site.

Continue your road trip in Tuscany by heading towards Florence, the capital of the region. It is located just over an hour from Lucca via the A11. The city is rich in tourist attractions, so to fully appreciate its beauty, you will need about 2 days to immerse yourself in the atmosphere

Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. You can imagine that it hosts multiple architectural gems. Among them is the famous Uffizi Gallery, where you will find the richest collection of Renaissance masterpieces: paintings, sculptures, illuminations, tapestries... This is enough to transport you several centuries back! In the Accademia Gallery, admire numerous masterpieces by Michelangelo, such as the David and the Prisoners.

The most prestigious monument, which makes the city famous, remains the Duomo or the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. It took about two centuries (1296 to 1436) to build this structure. The Duomo of Florence is a gigantic cathedral in Gothic style that can accommodate more than twenty thousand people. Unlike the Duomo of Pisa, Florence's cathedral features a façade of pink, green, and white marble. You can go to the top of Brunelleschi's dome, which crowns the cathedral, if you are ready to climb a staircase of 463 steps ‍ An effort that is worth it considering the panorama from above!

As an iconic site in Florence, the Duomo is highly sought after by tourists. Starting at €120 per person, you can take a guided tour of the Duomo complex with skip-the-line entry, to discover this fascinating construction. This ticket allows you to visit the Giotto's Campanile as well.

During your visit to Florence, you can also cross the Ponte Vecchio, the old bridge spanning the Arno. Sometimes a bridge, sometimes a city, this site remains authentic. To visit it, go through the Vasari Corridor. Don't forget to explore the small charming shops on the bridge which actually sell beautiful gold and silver jewelry!

Florence is a true museum city. By the way, did you know that the Tuscan capital holds about 25% of Italy's artistic heritage? It definitely has something to delight art and history enthusiasts! To visit as much as possible while saving some money, make sure to inquire about the Florence passes

For your night in Florence during your road trip in Tuscany, you will have several options, ranging from hotels to B&Bs, or guest houses. I've dedicated an entire article to the best addresses where to stay in Florence if you're interested. But if you don't want to read everything, here is a selection of 2 very good establishments in the city:

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Florence's historic center and enjoy more peace, Dany House may suit you. This establishment located 20 minutes on foot from the center offers comfortable and air-conditioned rooms starting at €82 per night. For more independence, you can also choose accommodations with a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, oven, and stove.

The Home Milù Florence is located in the city center, close to all tourist sites. Visitors appreciate this accommodation for its convenient geographic location! For a double room, plan a minimum of €125.

The Chianti can be considered the heart of Tuscany, simply because the vineyards and olive groves that fill the fields and hills make the region famous! To reach the Chianti Valley, head south from Florence, approximately 28 km away. Along the way, a glimpse of what awaits you unfolds as you travel kilometer by kilometer. The landscapes consist of several square kilometers of vineyards in a myriad of green shades and alleys of cypress trees that scent the air

The highlight activity in the valley remains wine tourism. Walk through the vineyards to discover the main grape varieties of the region. Visit the wineries to better understand the wine's journey from the vines to the bottle. And of course, enjoy authentic wine tastings, including Chianti .

To discover the winemaking tradition in the Chianti Valley, meet a local who will take you to their property. The program includes exploring organic farming, an introduction to wine tasting, and sampling local cured meats and cheeses. All this for €40 per person!

Also let yourself be charmed by the small paths of the valley that will lead you to picturesque villages such as Greve in Chianti and Castellina in Chianti. The valley will particularly appeal to lovers of outdoor activities. During this part of your road trip in Tuscany, swap your vehicle for a bike or even a horse to explore the area differently Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy wandering along the small country trails. In short, the Chianti Valley invites you to slow down and fully enjoy your stay in Italy...

San Gimignano and Volterra can be visited in one day, or half a day for each village. They are located south of the Chianti Valley.

San Gimignano is known for its numerous towers scattered throughout the village. While there were previously over 70 towers, the village has preserved only 14. But what were the towers for? According to history, families who ruled San Gimignano displayed their power and nobility through the number of towers they owned. The taller the towers, the more power the owning family asserted. Some of these towers are now open to the public and offer a panoramic view of the countryside. During your road trip in Tuscany, it is easy to recognize this village on your route from Chianti, as the towers are visible from afar

To explore San Gimignano, stroll through its picturesque streets and visit the market where you will find all the local specialties. During your wanderings, you cannot miss the cathedral which you can visit with a guide starting at €19 per person. This price also includes a climb up the Torre Grossa, along with visiting the museums and churches.

After San Gimignano, head to Volterra, about thirty minutes by car. Volterra exudes a picturesque atmosphere similar to San Gimignano, but with fewer towers. Discover here a medieval village surrounded by a wall, much like Lucca. Volterra is home to an Etruscan acropolis and an archaeological park. These are some new types of sites that stand out from the cathedrals seen previously in the towns of your Tuscan road trip

With Pisa and Florence, Siena is one of the principal cities in Tuscany. It is less famous than the first two, yet it boasts many treasures! Its historic center, for example, deserves praise. The place has entirely preserved its medieval charm, as if time has stopped there, and you will find fountains scattered throughout each neighborhood of the old town. This earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

Visiting Siena is primarily about going to its main square, the Piazza del Campo. Unlike traditional squares that resemble esplanades, this square is curved and reminiscent of Roman amphitheaters. It's also where the Palio, a traditional horse race, takes place annually. If you take your road trip in Tuscany in July or August, you may get the chance to witness one of these equestrian events. The Palazzo Pubblico, with its massive tower, remains one of the symbolic constructions of this square.

As in other major Tuscan cities, Siena also has its Duomo. The Siena structure boasts beautiful Gothic architecture. You will notice that black and green stripes adorn the façade: these are the colors of the city. In addition to the cathedral, the Basilica of San Domenico is another must-see religious monument in Siena. It is perched on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the city To discover Siena and its beauty, consider booking your activities well in advance to save time

Before continuing your road trip in Tuscany, take a well-deserved break in Siena. To make your life easier, here's a selection of two very good addresses where to sleep in Siena

In the city center, you can stay at the B&B Il Barbero, a perfectly located establishment just meters from Piazza del Campo and the National Etruscan Archaeological Museum. Although it is in the center, the accommodation is situated in a quiet place and has a cozy and friendly atmosphere. You will find modern double rooms available from €117 per night.

300 m from the city center, you will find the Albergo Bernini. This accommodation offers nights starting at €75 in comfortable and warm rooms. It stands out for its pretty panoramic terrace and its proximity to amenities and tourist attractions

The Val d'Orcia is located about an hour's drive southeast of Siena. It is another iconic valley in Tuscany after the Chianti Valley. As with the latter, you will find stunning postcard-like scenery of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees The region also features charming little villages worth a detour:

Pienza: this is the birthplace of Pope Pius II. He began transforming the village in 1460 with the aim of making it a reflection of Renaissance cities. Unfortunately, four years after his project, the pope passed away, and the work stopped. At least the historic center of Pienza has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Montalcino: this village is known for being the birthplace of Brunello, a purely Tuscan wine whose global reputation needs no introduction! If you organize your road trip in Tuscany in July, you may attend the Jazz & Wine Festival to experience the village with music and a good glass of wine.

Montepulciano: this is another fortified village in Tuscany. Its palaces add to the wealth of this small village. Notably, the Palazzo Comunale stands on the Piazza Grande. Enjoy a wine tasting experience to sample the Vino Nobile, the village's wine, and learn about the winemaking traditions of the region starting at €33.

Pitigliano is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes south of Val d'Orcia. From a distance, it resembles a troglodyte village, with the facades of its houses seeming carved from stone. Indeed, Pitigliano is a hilltop village. This characteristic makes it a unique place compared to the other villages you will have visited throughout your road trip in Tuscany

It housed a significant Jewish community in the 1500s, earning it the nickname "Little Jerusalem." While walking through its streets and alleyways, you will come across sites reflecting the former Jewish ghettos. To better understand their history in Pitigliano, visit the village museum where you will find among other things an old synagogue.

Concretely, this village does not have as many attractions as those mentioned above. However, Pitigliano is worth a visit for its authenticity. Enjoy your last day of your road trip in Tuscany by taking a leisurely stroll through its alleyways or settling down in one of its restaurants. I particularly recommend trying the sheep ravioli and dishes made with lamb, specialties resulting from ancient Jewish influence.

Pitigliano can be explored in a little less than a day. After discovering the sights, you have the choice to return to Pisa, go to Rome, or directly drop your bags in an accommodation to rest. If you don't know where to stay in Tuscany in Pitigliano, here are 2 very good addresses:

In the heart of the village, you will find the Casa dei Carrai, which offers nights starting at €98, breakfast included. This accommodation features a green setting with a lovely garden; the rooms are simple yet very comfortable, and the owners are particularly friendly .

About 2 km from the center, the FicOlivo welcomes you in minimally and modernly decorated rooms starting at €69. This guesthouse has an outdoor pool that will allow you to relax under the Tuscan sun with your feet in the water.

The most adventurous will let themselves be carried away by their desires during their stay in Italy, while the more meticulous will prefer to plan their project down to the smallest detail. In the case of a road trip in Tuscany, it's better to prepare at least a little to avoid unpleasant surprises en route. Here are some tips:

Define a precise budget for your trip. The thread of your stay, the budget will allow you to decide which cities you wish to visit, activities to do, the standard of hotels for accommodation, etc.

Define the itinerary of your road trip. Knowing your route will save you time and avoid unnecessary detours. However, while on the roads and in each destination, remain flexible You can be tempted by a few little surprises that could reserve delightful experiences!

Take into account the time spent on the roads during your journey because even though it is pleasant to discover landscapes from a new angle, it can also be tiring.

Decide if you want to drive your own car to Italy or rent a vehicle on-site. In the first case, expect 550 km from Marseille to Pisa, about 600 km from Lyon, and approximately 1,000 km from Paris.

If you plan to fly to Tuscany and then rent a car, you will land either in Pisa or Florence. To save time and maximize savings, I recommend obviously booking your flights well in advance ✈️ You could check through Ulysse, an online flight comparator that will show you the best options according to your travel dates.

Not sure when to go to Florence? Good news, in Tuscany, the weather is beautiful all year round! In principle, you can stay at any time of the year. The main thing is to know what you wish to do once you're there

For a road trip in Tuscany, I advise against summer, from June to August, as the hot Tuscan season can be overly dry, sometimes stifling, and being inside a car doesn't make it any better... Additionally, this is when tourist traffic is at its most significant, and some major Tuscan cities are bustling with crowds. Add to this the line to visit tourist sites and quickly full accommodations, and the charm of the places can be lost!

Spring, from March to May, is the ideal season for exploring the Tuscan roads. This is a perfect time to admire the iconic vineyards of the region with their beautiful green colors If you love hiking, you'll be well catered for! Spring will allow you to stroll along flowery paths under pleasant temperatures. Finally, during this season, you will be less overwhelmed by the wave of tourists.

Autumn, from September to December, is another great season to embark on a road trip in Tuscany. You'll have the chance to witness the grape harvest During this period, the landscape changes color and offers a completely different panorama than in summer and spring. If you want to enjoy a Tuscan vacation that strays from the usual paths, plan your road trip during this time

Finally, few people travel to Tuscany in winter, as there are few activities to do during this season, but if you want to spend a stay without tourists and don't mind going out in the chill and rain, nothing prevents you from going to Italy in winter!

For a road trip in Tuscany, the car is the ideal choice to get around the region. Comfortable, but above all practical, the vehicle will take you quickly from one site to another, even in the most remote countryside .

If you are not traveling with your own car, consult in advance about car rentals in Italy, particularly 4x4 rentals, as Tuscany has many mountain roads that are easier to navigate with a vehicle that can handle the terrain. To find the ideal vehicle for your trip, I recommend using an online comparator such as DiscoverCars, which will show you all the cars available for your dates and according to your budget. You can click below to try it out

To quickly connect two sites, take the highway and therefore prepare a budget accordingly for tolls. However, if you prefer to let your adventure surprise you, you can take the little secondary roads that cross the hills. They are winding and stony, but are bordered by pretty landscapes and little villages that are worth the detour! In any case, note that these little mountain roads do not allow you to drive faster than 50 or 60 km/h.

Solo travelers with a motorcycle license might appreciate a road trip in Tuscany on a Vespa . Getting on this iconic Italian two-wheeler will provide a wonderful sense of freedom during your adventure among fields and vineyards. The scooter can transport light luggage for one person, and this option allows for an optimal view of the Tuscan landscape

Finally, if you want to use the roads mainly to travel between the major cities in the region, such as Pisa, Siena, or Florence, why not opt for the train? Admittedly, this is not really comparable to a traditional road trip in Tuscany, but the rail network will allow you to enjoy a leisurely journey with a panoramic view from your seat . To see available train journeys to and from Florence, just click below ⬇️.

If you want to discover Tuscany by car, here are some important pieces of information to keep in mind that could optimize your road trip

You can drive in Italy with your French driving license. Tourists from certain countries will need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Always check in advance.

Be sure to equip your vehicle with a GPS. Otherwise, install a navigation app on your smartphone to help you find your way.

Having a paper road map is wise, especially if you plan to drive in rural areas where network coverage can be unstable!

Remember to research parking options at each destination in advance, particularly in the city center where parking spots can be rare. The trick is to park outside the city and take a bus or train to get there .

Be aware that Italians have quite an aggressive driving style. Stay very cautious on the roads, especially in rural areas with narrow turns.

Fill up before each departure to avoid running out of fuel and facing closures of some Tuscan gas stations during lunchtime.

Now that you have all the information to embark on a road trip in Tuscany, I hope this article has been helpful! Regardless, a 10-day road trip guarantees enriching adventures in every destination. So, if you're still unsure about the destination, you can also check out my other articles on the road trip in Sicily or road trip in Northern Italy, for example .