Florence can easily overwhelm with its wealth of incredible art. It’s impossible to see everything in just two days, so choose your personal favorites in advance. For popular attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and climbing the dome of the Cathedral, be sure to plan and reserve time slots.

For more details, read our Florence city guide. There you’ll find the best activities in detail and travel tips, as well as recommendations for the regional cuisine.

Our personal highlights are listed below. We didn't see them all in a single visit and have returned to Florence multiple times. The Palazzo Vecchio is particularly impressive! If your time is limited, you can skip the Academy with David – there’s a great replica in front of the Palazzo Vecchio.

How long should I stay?

Two full days are enough for a first impression. After that, we need a break from the art and enjoy heading to the quieter parts of Tuscany :) But you can easily spend three days here.

Day 3: In the morning, pick up your (rental) car and head towards Siena to your next accommodation. This day is all about relaxation! Check in, enjoy a delicious lunch at a trattoria, and buy some antipasti and wine from the supermarket for a relaxing evening in the garden under the olive trees.

Where to stay?

The best places to stay in Tuscany are agriturismos. There are plenty to choose from, and your location will depend on the day trips you want to take. Staying near Siena is especially convenient, as you can easily visit Montalcino, Volterra, and Pisa.

Activities & Day Trips

Day 4: Drive through the picturesque Val d’Orcia to Montalcino. Climb the fortress walls for breathtaking panoramic views and enjoy lunch with some of the region’s excellent wines. Don’t miss out on a wine tasting – you’re in the heart of Italy’s wine region!

Day 5: After two days of relaxation, immerse yourself in the fantastic art and architecture of Siena. In our opinion, the cathedral here is even more beautiful than the one in Florence, and that’s saying something! We highly recommend the combo ticket for the entire museum complex. Enjoy the quieter atmosphere compared to Florence and visit an enoteca in the evening for a glass or two of wine.

Day 6: Volterra is a remarkable town worth visiting. Its winding streets, many small shops with alabaster art, and the impressive Medici fortress make it truly special.

Day 7: Taking a rest day is a great idea. One of the best things in Tuscany is simply enjoying life. Relax by the pool at your agriturismo or drive to the beach at Marina di Grosseto.

If you’d rather see another town, add Pienza to your list. With its beautiful Renaissance architecture, the town is rightly on the UNESCO World Heritage list. While you’re there, make sure to take home some of the famous Pecorino cheese as a souvenir.

Day 8: Today is your departure day, but first, you'll visit San Gimignano, the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages," in the morning. The town is small but very popular, so try to arrive as early as possible. Explore the impressive frescoes in the churches, visit the small museum, and climb one of the towers to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Tuscany.

Afternoon: If you don’t mind leaving your luggage in the car a bit longer, you can drive to Pisa in the afternoon. The city is manageable and can be explored well in 3-4 hours. If your flight is in the evening, you can visit Pisa on your last day instead.

Alternative Accommodation:

Whether you depart today and stay overnight in Lucca or continue staying at your agriturismo depends on what’s more important to you:

Agriturismo Advantage: No need to change accommodations and no worries about luggage in the car during your visit to San Gimignano. You can also skip Lucca and Pisa entirely and enjoy more relaxing days in Tuscany.

Lucca Advantage: You save travel time and have more time for sightseeing. The drive from Siena to Lucca and back takes about 4 hours.

Day 9: Surrounded by impressive medieval walls, Lucca offers a bit of everything. Whether you want to sightsee, shop, or simply enjoy delicious food, you'll find it in this vibrant city. Start your day with a visit to the Romanesque Cathedral of San Martino, renowned for its elaborate decor. Next, climb the Guinigi Tower, which offers a unique panorama with its trees on top. As you wander through the charming streets, you'll easily discover many excellent restaurants serving regional specialties, as well as cozy bars. Additionally, you can browse the numerous shops for souvenirs.

Day 10: Today it's time to head home!

If your flight is around midday, drive straight to the airport and return your rental car there. This way, you can avoid the heavy city traffic.

If your flight is in the evening, take the opportunity for a short visit to Pisa. Conveniently, all the main attractions in Pisa are close to each other, so you can see everything within three to four hours.

We wish you a safe journey home!