As one of the most alluring destinations in Italy, planning a 7 to 10 days in Tuscany itinerary is a wonderful way to truly get to know this incredible region. While many visitors concentrate solely on the capital of Florence and maybe take a day trip or two, spending a week or more exploring the region is something that a traveller will never regret.
Dotted across Tuscany are numerous cities, towns and wineries, each with its own story, that all vie for your attention. As a region, it is a dream destination for many holidaymakers thanks to its collection of renowned artwork, sumptuous wines, and spine-tingling views.
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How Many Days in Tuscany?
Most people are drawn to Tuscany because of its artistic splendours, but there are many more reasons to extend your trip to look beyond Leonardo da Vinci’s and Michelangelo’s greatest pieces. To dive in a little deeper, you’ll be wondering how long you need to spend in Tuscany.
If you’ve only got one week, 7 days in Tuscany will allow you to scratch the surface. A week gives you plenty of time to explore Florence, visit iconic cities like Pisa and also spend time in some smaller cities and gorgeous hill towns.
However, if you have the time, 10 days will give you a little more time to sample the region’s finest wineries, visit an island and explore some hidden gems.
Getting To & Around Tuscany
There are two international airports in the Tuscany region. Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa and Peretola in Florence offer the easiest arrival options for international travellers.
While there are other airports dotted around the region, these are mainly military airports and aren’t used for domestic flights, so it’s best to start and end your Tuscany trip in either Pisa or Florence.
Once you’ve touched down at your destination, you’ll want to know how easy it is to move through the region. The Italian railway network is extensive, and by and large, it is highly reliable – despite all the rumours. So, if you can’t drive or don’t feel comfortable driving in a foreign country, then you’ll be able to navigate through Tuscany on a train. You can check schedules here.
But if you want to head off the well-trodden path and give yourself a chance to explore life under the Tuscan sun, then we recommend hiring a car for the duration of your trip. The easiest places to hire cars are from airports and the centres of the larger cities like Pisa and Florence. A Tuscany road trip itinerary is truly the ideal way to experience this region on a trip to Italy.
If you do want to hire a car while in Tuscany, we suggest browsing through Rentalcars.com in order to find great deals across a number of major rental companies.
7 to 10-Day Tuscany Itinerary
Now that you know a little bit about how to move through the region, you’ll want to map out the perfect itinerary. If you’re debating about whether to spend one week in Tuscany or 10 days, then read our guide to help make up your mind and see what some of the best places in Tuscany are to visit.
Day 1 – Florence
Florence is the perfect starting point for a Tuscan adventure because of its airport access and the wealth of attractions the city has to offer.
The capital of Tuscany, it is a city packed with history, art and culture. You’ll be hard-pushed to pack all of Florence’s famous sites into two days, so we’ve cherry-picked those must-see bits that Florence has to offer. Whether you’re visiting Florence in winter or summer, you’re sure to fall in love with the Tuscan capital.
Get up early and make a beeline for Santa Maria del Fiore – Florence’s famous cathedral.
Situated in Piazza del Duomo, this cathedral is quite simply, breathtaking. Its striking facade is adorned in pink and green marble, while its roof is covered with delicate brown tiles – you’ll be in awe.
Santa Maria del Fiore is a cathedral made of many interconnecting parts (Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum and Santa Reparata) and to explore all of them, it will take several hours.
If you’re short on time, make sure you climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for panoramic views of the city. If your budget allows, it is also possible to organise a guided tour here.
After you’ve had your fill of the cathedral, head straight to the Uffizi Gallery. Tickets can be purchased here in advance, so it’s not somewhere you want to rush.
As the sun is setting, head over to Florence’s famous bridge the Ponte Vecchio where you can watch the sun fall behind the horizon and mooch around the independent goldsmiths and jewellers that line either side of the bridge.
Where to Stay in Florence
Hotel Bellavista – If you’re looking for a mid-range option in Florence, then this hotel is a great option. Located close to the central train station and within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions, they have a range of different rooms available with the option to include breakfast in your nightly rate.
25hours Hotel – For those looking for a luxury stay in Tuscany, then this lovely hotel is a great choice for you. A perfect romantic spot for couples, they have a number of beautiful rooms to choose from and a great location for exploring Florence. Breakfast is also included in the nightly rate and there is a fitness centre, restaurant and bar on site.
Leonardo House – If you’re travelling on a tight budget, solo or simply want a great social environment, then this hotel is one of the best options in Florence. They have a great, central location, offer both dorm beds and private rooms and have solid common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Florence
Day 2 – Florence
Beat the crowds, and start your second day in Florence nice and early at the Accademia Gallery where you’ll be able to see Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, the David.
Entry tickets can be booked online here where they can be cheaper – unless you want to spend hours wasting time in a queue.
After you’ve enjoyed ogling the statues, walk on over to Palazzo Pitti. This vast palace is one of Florence’s largest architectural structures. Once the home of the city’s ruling families, it now houses several museums. It would take hours to go around all of the museums, so we recommend a long walk around the Boboli Gardens instead.
Often referred to as ‘Florence’s Green Lungs’ the Boboli Gardens is an open-air museum with towering structures and churches. The gardens offer a reprieve from the bustling city, but be warned they can get fairly busy too.
Day 3 – Lucca
The next stop on any 7-day Tuscany itinerary should is the charming town of Lucca. From Florence, Lucca is 90 minutes away by car or around 80 minutes on the train (depending on the type of service you book).
Lucca’s centre is hidden behind imposing Renaissance walls that hide thousands of years of history right from the Etruscans all the way up to Napoleon.
Beyond the walls, Lucca houses a charming Romanesque cathedral as well as a Romanesque church called Chiesa di San Michele. There are plenty of other churches to see too (Lucca is often referred to as the ‘city of a hundred churches’).
Other sites include climbing up Guinigi Tower for panoramic views, visiting Piazza dell’anfiteatro for a colourful snap or two, and shopping along Via Fillungo (a long, cobbled street packed with boutique shops and delicious restaurants).
It is also possible to book a walking tour here if you want a guided tour of the city.
Where to Stay in Lucca
Antica Corte dei Principi – Located in the heart of Lucca, this medieval-designed hotel offers a number of double rooms with breakfast included daily.
Palazzo Dipinto – This luxury hotel in Lucca offers a range of rooms and suites suitable for couples and families. Rooms are equipped with modern facilities and breakfast is included in the nightly rate.
Casa Paolina – These apartments are a great option in the heart of Lucca if you prefer self-catering accommodation. There are a variety of apartments including some that can accommodate larger families.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to check other hotels in Lucca!
Day 4 – Pisa
For day four take the 30-minute train or make the short drive over to Pisa – a city that needs no proper introduction. Once you’ve arrived, make a beeline for the Leaning Tower of Pisa – you can book in advance here to save you time.
The centre of Pisa is minuscule, so make sure to wander around the Square of Miracles, the Battistero di San Giovanni, the Cathedral, Camposanto (a historical monument) and Piazza del Duomo.
Even though Pisa is very compact, there’s a lot to do in this town in Tuscany and deserves at least a day trip from Florence.
Day 5 – San Gimignano and Volterra
For day five of your Tuscan adventure, you’ll ideally need to rent a car to reach the small Italian town of San Gimignano and see some of the Tuscan countryside. It is also possible to book a guided tour from Siena if you prefer not to hire a car.
San Gimignano was originally an Etruscan village. Now, it’s a small, walled, village that lies halfway between Florence and Siena. As a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, San Gimignano lets holidaymakers step back in time and is the perfect place to spend the morning.
Start by climbing the Torre Grossa for incredible views, then head over to La Rocca di Montestaffoli to take in the ruins of a 14th-century fortress. While there aren’t many tourist attractions to tick off your list, San Gimignano is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of Tuscan wine.
From San Gimignano, drive 40 minutes to Volterra. Famous for its peculiar layout, this charming walled town houses many Roman ruins including an acropolis that is home to buildings and the foundations of ancient temples.
While you’re wandering through Volterra, visit Piazza dei Priori – a stunning square that is home to Palazzo Pretoria. You’ll also be able to visit the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Etruscan Museum, and the Etruscan walls and gates.
Both San Gimignano and Volterra make for excellent stops during the day before reaching Siena, which is where you will be spending the next three nights of your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Siena
B&B La Coperta Ricamata – A comfortable bed and breakfast in central Siena, they offer a couple of different rooms with air conditioning and breakfast served at a nearby bar.
Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano – A converted monastery located a bit outside the historic centre, this luxury hotel offers a range of rooms and suites with breakfast included and guests having access to a swimming pool and tennis court.
Porta Pispini Residence – A modern aparthotel that offers a range of studios and apartments for people looking for self-catering accommodation during their stay in Siena.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to check other hotels in Siena!
Day 6 – Siena
The first stop on any holidaymaker’s list should be Il Campo, Siena’s beating heart. Here, you can climb the Torre del Mangia, a tower standing 87m tall that gives stunning views of the entirety of the city.
From there, head over to Piazza del Duomo which houses Siena’s cathedral. While you’re here, make sure you explore Piccolomini Library where you’ll be able to view gorgeous alfresco paintings. You can pre-book tickets to the cathedral here or organise a walking tour with cathedral tickets included.
Finally, end your day back at the Piazza del Campo where you’ll be able to stop for a large glass of wine and watch the world go by from one of the many bars.
Day 7 – Chianti
If you only have 7 days for your Tuscany trip, you’ll want to spend your last day in the Chianti region of Tuscany. While its borders aren’t clearly defined, the area extends over the provinces of Florence and Siena.
Spend your last day at a Chianti wine tasting, there are plenty on offer in the region and some of our favourites include Vitticcio and Castello di Brolio.
You can actually book guided tours here to Catello di Brolio from Siena, so you don’t have to worry about a drive to and from the winery either. If these don’t take your fancy, we know there is a winery out there for everyone in Tuscany – you just need to find it! And if you want some atmospheric towns along with wine tasting, make sure to head to places like Montalcino or Montepulciano.
Day 8 – Elba
For a 10-day itinerary, you’ll want to head off the mainland and visit the Tuscan Archipelago. Head to Elba, the largest island in the Archipelago.
From Siena, you’ll need to drive to the port town of Piombino where you’ll be able to catch a ferry to Portoferraio, Elba. The ferry journey will take one hour and ferries operate every two hours.
Capoliveri, a small village, is the perfect place to set up a base camp while you explore the island, but wherever you choose to set yourself up, you’ll never be too far from crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
After a long drive, head to Fetovaia – one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you can either spend the afternoon relaxing on the sand or taking part in one of the many water sports the beach has on offer.
Where to Stay on Elba
Hotel Sardi – Located two minutes walk from the beach in Pomonte, this mid-range hotel offers comfortable rooms with breakfast included and a restaurant on-site that specialises in cuisine from the island.
Hotel Plaza – A superb hotel located on the beach in Porto Azzurro, this hotel offers some luxury rooms with spa access as well as some economy rooms. Breakfast is included and you can arrange spa treatments.
Chez Nous – Situated in the town of Capoliveri, this aparthotel has several studios and apartments on offer that can suit all group sizes. It is also pet friendly, there are sea views and free parking is available.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to check other hotels on Elba!
Day 9 – Elba
Start your second day on Elba by visiting Villa San Martino. The villa was formerly Napoleon’s summer residence, and members of the public can visit the villa. Here you’ll be able to tour rooms and galleries, but it’s the outside that is the most striking and worth the visit.
If you’re tired of visiting museums, palaces, villas or churches, then Elba is the perfect place for a stroll along the beach or a challenging hike along Mount Capanne.
Day 10 – Grosseto
The drive from Elba to Grosseto will take three hours (inclusive of the ferry to the mainland), so be sure to head off early. Grosseto is a town overlooked by many tourists, so it’s the perfect way to spend the final day of your 10-day stay.
In Grosseto, head to Dante Alighieri Square which is the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, which you’ll be able to wander around. Other sites to visit in Grosseto include the church of San Francesco and the city walls.
Because Grosseto is off the beaten path, it is the perfect place to sit back and relax with an aperitivo before driving two hours back to the airport for a departure flight home.
Have More Time?
Tuscany has so much to offer for holidaymakers and even 10 days in Tuscany doesn’t begin to scratch the surface.
If you’re spending more time in the region, then you may want to go to Montepulciano, Arezzo, and Montecatini. You could even look further afield and jump on a ferry from Livorno to France’s island of Corsica – after all the world is your oyster.
You might’ve spent your week in Tuscany storming from city to city and gliding from one town to the next, but you’ll have spent your holiday right.
Tuscany has paintings and sculptures for art lovers, shops of anyone after bespoke gifts, and ancient structures for historical enthusiasts, so there will be something for everyone. Whichever towns and cities you visit, you’ll enjoy your time when you visit Tuscany.
Are you planning a trip to Tuscany? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
