This is a region that has been endowed with a combination of natural beauty and an unparalleled artistic legacy. It is perhaps no surprise that there is a steady stream of visitors who go to enjoy the gently rolling countryside, picturesque hilltop towns and cities that harbour a large portion of the world’s Renaissance art. Our suggested itinerary includes places you would not want to miss plus some lesser known places that will reveal the real Tuscany.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Pisa Airport
- 8 day's car hire
- Return train tickets to Pisa (Day 2)
- Return train tickets to Florence (Day 3)
- 3 Nights at Ilaria Hotel and Residenza dell'Alba, Lucca (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2 Nights at the Athena Hotel, Siena (Bed and Breakfast)
- 2 Nights at Villasanpaolo Spa Resort Hotel, San Gimignano (Bed and Breakfast)
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Arrive at Pisa airport, collect your hire car and drive to Ilaria & Residenza dell’ Alba Hotel in Lucca.
Often ignored by visitors to Tuscany, Lucca is a charming town, completely surrounded by 16th century walls, that draws a more discerning tourist. Take a stroll through the narrow cobbled alleyways, do some window-shopping in one of the elegant boutiques selling Italian fashion or the salumeria where food is a work of art. Places of interest include the 11th century Romanesque Duomo, the San Frediano church and Piazza Anfiteatro (Piazza of the Amphitheatre), built on the site of an original Roman Amphitheatre.
Overnight at the Ilaria Hotel and Residenza dell'Alba, Lucca.
Lucca
Day 2 - Train to Pisa
Take the train to Pisa. No visit to Tuscany is complete without a visit to the famous Leaning Tower. Next to the tower are the Baptistery and Duomo, which combine to help make this one of the most attractive squares in Italy.
Overnight at the Ilaria Hotel and Residenza dell'Alba, Lucca.
Leaning tower of Pisa
Day 3 - Florence
Take the train to Florence. Described as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence is certainly one of the most popular cities in Italy and attracts millions of visitors every year. Despite the number of tourists that flock to the city, it is a must see for those who wish to immerse themselves in the richest art and culture that Tuscany has to offer. Under the Patronage of the Medici family (12th to 18th century), sculptors, painters, poets and architects all thrived here. Their legacy has remained largely intact today, giving visitors a chance to experience one of the greatest artistic treasure houses of the world. Highlights, to name but a few, include the Duomo (designed by Filippo Brunelleschi), located next to the Campanile and Baptistery, the Piazza della Signoria (the historical centre of Florence), the Uffizi Gallery (with its unrivalled collection of Renaissance art) and the 14th century Ponte Vecchio which spans the River Arno.
Overnight at the Ilaria Hotel and Residenza dell'Alba, Lucca.
Duomo, Florence
Day 4 - Tuscan countryside
Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside en-route to the ancient hilltop town of Siena.
This medieval town was built on three hills and at its heart is the huge square, Piazza del Campo. Twice a year the colourful horse race known as the Palio takes place in this central square as competitors from each district within the town race around its cobbled streets.
Highlights include the Palazzo Pubblico (Siena’s town hall), Torre del Mangia (with stunning views from it’s rooftop) and the Duomo, which was originally completed in 1215.
Overnight at the Athena Hotel, Siena.
Siena, Tuscany
Day 5 - Vineyards
Spend the day exploring the Chianti region. Chianti offers a unique landscape, with green, gentle hills covered with wide fields of vineyards, olive groves, small stone villages, characteristic parishes and countryside homes constructed in stone. After a day touring this picturesque part of Tuscany, you may even find time to do a little wine tasting in one of the many vineyards scattered throughout this fertile region.
Overnight at the Athena Hotel, Siena.
Vineyards of Chianti
Day 6 - San Gimignano
Drive north to the picturesque medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. This Etruscan town is characterised by its beautifully preserved towers. Inside its walls is a charming medieval town criss-crossed with narrow cobbled streets and lanes. In the centre stands the Piazzo del Duomo and the Collegiata (the town’s largest church). The Torre Grossa (the tallest tower at 54m) provides stunning views over the surrounding Tuscan countryside
Overnight at the Villasanpaolo Spa Resort Hotel, San Gimignano.
Villasanpaolo Spa Resort Hotel, San Gimignano
Day 7 - Discover Volterra
Enjoy a scenic drive to Volterra. Stretching out along a high ridge, this ancient settlement has its roots in over three thousand years of history. In fact, it is possible to find traces from every historical period which gives the town a unique place in Tuscan history. Etruscan artefacts have been found in abundance in this area and the Museo Guarnacci houses a large collection of objects including some funerary urns, some of which date back to the 9th century BC.
Overnight at the Villasanpaolo Spa Resort Hotel, San Gimignano.
Volterra
Day 8 - Day of departure
Drive back to Pisa for your return flight to UK.