Itinerary tips for 3, 5 and 7 days in Tuscany

” Find out what to do and see on your next trip to Tuscany in Italy with expedia.co.uk/explore. Check out our itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days!

Wine, delicious food, extraordinary historic buildings… and did we mention the wine? No matter how long you stay in Tuscany, a trip to “Chiantishire” is certain to leave you with a lifetime of wonderful memories-and maybe a few extra kilograms after you eat and drink your way through the region, but who is counting anyway?

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3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Florence

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If you’re looking for things to do in Tuscany, there’s no better place to start than Florence. The onetime stronghold of the famed Medici family and centre of the Renaissance economy is now a glorious hub of historic buildings-some of which date back to the Roman era-and beautiful art.

Visit the statue of David at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Michelangelo’s most famous sculpture is over 5 metres high and was completed in 1504. He’s still looking quite dapper for his age.

Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, which has straddled the Arno River in one version or another since 966. It’s stacked with all sorts of shops full of souvenirs, and is a good area to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in Florence.

Eat up at the Golden View Open Bar-it’s got a lovely view of the Ponte Vecchio stretching across the Arno. Travelling with friends? Organise a tasting session in its stunning wine cellar.

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Day 2: Lucca

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Lucca lies about 75 km to the west of Florence. Rent a car or take in the rolling green fields of the Tuscan countryside on a relaxing train ride. Perched on the Serchio River, Lucca is a fantasy come to life for lovers of Renaissance architecture. Wander down cobblestone streets with an espresso in hand, or take in the view from the ancient walls that surround the city.

Grab lunch at Da Giulio. For a real taste of Tuscany, try the antipasta, which includes prosciutto, sopressata, salame, assorted crostini, fried polenta, olives, and more. Of course, you’ll wash all this down with good Tuscan wine.

If the view from the city walls inspired you, take it one step better by climbing Guinigi Tower. Built as a symbol of the wealth and power of the Guinigi family in the 1300s, this fortress-like structure sports a garden at the very top. It takes about 30 minutes to climb up through the tower, but once you’re at the top, pick a spot to relax and watch the world slow down beneath you.

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Day 3: Pisa

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Just 20 km southwest of Lucca is Pisa-yes, the one that leans. But the famous landmark is not the only reason to keep Pisa on your travel list; there are a number of other historical buildings for you to visit, as well as some beautiful sights along the Arno River.

Stop at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. There is something beautiful to see in every corner of this 11th-century building, from extraordinary carved ceilings to a triumphal arch and paintings by famous artists.

Enjoy a meal at La Grotta. The stone walls and low ceiling create a warm, intimate environment, and you won’t want to skip the controfiletto paired with one of the wines from the cellar.

Cap off your day in town with a trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s a marvel even without its unique tilt; it possesses eight floors encircled by 207 columns of shining white marble.

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5-Day Itinerary

Day 4: Volterra

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On your fifth day, head even further back in time by taking a train or driving 50 km southeast to Volterra. Once a stronghold for the legendary Etruscans-the society that gave Tuscany its name-Volterra has also been ruled by Romans and the famous Medicis, among others.

Take in the true ancient nature of Volterra with a visit to Enrico Fiumi Archaeological Park. Imagine taking in a show by Aristophanes or Livius Andronicus at the Roman Theatre, or explore the ruins of an Etruscan temple complex.

Bask in the beauty of the countryside at Villa Pignano Restaurant. With a menu featuring carefully selected local specialties (some grown on the farm on which the restaurant sits) and more of the famous Tuscan views, you may pop by for tea and end up staying through supper.

Craft your own theory about the mysterious figures adorning the Porta all’Arco, a portion of the Etruscan-era walls that once encircled the city. Are they guardian animals? Are they Roman gods? Snap a picture of yourself within its towering confines and ask your friends what they think.

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Day 5: San Gimignano

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Northeast of Volterra is San Gimignano. Once called the Castle of the Forest due to the woodland it’s nestled in, San Gimignano is still surrounded by classic Tuscan greenery.

Visit the numerous medieval houses and churches that are scattered throughout the city.

Marvel at the Two Towers, also known as the Torri dei Salvucci. These dual towers are over 700 years old, and were built to show off the power of the Salvucci family.

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7-Day Itinerary

Day 6: Siena

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Just 40 km southeast of San Gimignano is Siena, home of the famed Palio horse race and a distinctive local cuisine that blends traditional dishes with modern developments.

Wander through the Siena Cathedral, a stunning building completed in the 14th century. Medieval artwork and sculptures are only the beginning of a proper tour; you can also visit the crypt, the baptistry, and the Piccolomini Library.

Fill up on seafood and Mediterranean cuisine at Tre Cristi Enoteca Ristorante. A good meal here will restore you after exploring historic structures and climbing in and out of bell towers.

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Day 7: Chianti Region

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We know why you really came to Tuscany-the wine!-and what better place to visit than the region with an entire type of wine named after it? If you’d like to hit several wineries, book a Tuscany travel package that focuses on varietals.

Delight your taste buds with a wine tour at Fattoria Vignavecchia, one of the region’s most esteemed producers of Chianti Classico.

Head to Viticcio Winery to sample their Maremma amidst views of gorgeous Tuscan vineyards.

Embark on a guided tour and-yes-another wine tasting at Castello di Verrazzano.

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Whether your Tuscany itinerary only covers a day or you’ve got the whole week, this lovely region is sure to leave you with wonderful memories. Drink up, toast the gold gods, and enjoy your trip.”