tuscany road trip 5 days

Tuscany Itinerary 5 days - See iconic Tuscany in one trip In this 5 day itinerary travelling around Tuscany, we whisk you from the awe-inspiring Piazza dei Miracoli, to some of the world's Medieval treasures and, of course, through some of the best scenery that Tuscany has to offer in the Chianti and Val d'Orcia. Day 2-4 of Tuscany Road Trip | Florence. I know that some private drivers and tours advertise through Get Your Guide. Day 2: See more of Florence. ), what would be your top picks for 5-6 nights (not including Florence but starting from there)? All of the places you have mentioned are wonderful, but yes, Id highly recommend cutting a few places from your list in order to savor the others more! In your case, Id contact the hotel and ask where they recommend you park, and then if you head to the garage inside the walls, look at the map to confirm the directions to access it. Remember that motorways in Italy are tolled. We spent about 5 days in Tuscany and had the absolute best time. I was surprised to not see any mention of Greve as a stop, have you been? Thank you so much, Joanne! The Leaning Tower of Pisa is truly stunning, and far more opulent and beautiful in person than I expected before laying eyes on it for the first time. Since youll be driving, we 100% recommend staying in the country at least onceTuscan villas and agriturismos are absolutely amazing. The areas is blessed with pretty much anything a visitor can ask for. Bookmarking your site now for when the trip gets closer. Day 6 & 7 Florence. Weve outlined a few of each here to give you some ideas as you plan your trip to Tuscany! ), How to Take a Flawless Florence to Siena Day Trip, Marvelous Montepulciano, Italy: Things to Do + Travel Guide, 7 Amazing Things to Do in Arezzo (+ Where to Stay), 17 Quick Cinque Terre Tips You Need to Hear, 21 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy's Foodie City, How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in Tuscany, Planning a Trip to Italy: Your Easy 11-Step Checklist. These can vary dramatically, but are usually pretty reasonable if youre picking up and dropping off the car in the same country (driving from Italy to Switzerland, for example, would be a different story). A few popular beach towns in Tuscany include Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi. So glad to hear that, Ilene! While youre there, be sure to stop by the beautiful Piazza Grande, admire views of the nearby Church of San Biagio that is located just outside of town, and to taste the local wine, vino nobile di Montepulciano. Hi Kate, Do you have any recommendations for accommodations on the Tuscan itinerary? If you have the time in your Tuscany itinerary, we recommend booking at least a couple of nights in a nearby country villa or agriturismo in order to slowly savor the beauty of the region, but if not, even an afternoon drive here is well worth the trip out. We loved La Morra in particular, but there is lots to see around there, including Alba, Barolo, etc. True, its hardly offseason (in other words, there will be plenty of other tourists around), and theres a good chance of experiencing a cold and/or rainy day or twobut the changing colors across the countryside, the incredible food that is freshly harvested, and the crisp chill that sweeps through the air each evening as the heat dies down for the year give the region a magical quality that we will never tire of experiencing. Those places arent in Tuscany but are wonderful, and depending on your itinerary might make fun additions. And, while you will lose some freedom, youll also gain a bit of peace of mind, as driving in Tuscany is certainly not the most carefree driving in the world! Day 3 - Finish the Tuscany Road Trip in Rome. For that version, youll likely want to start at Montepulciano and then make sort of a V shape ending in Florence. 2.9 9 TAROT GARDEN - UNIQUE GARDEN IN ITALY. We visit Tuscany very often and have overtime refined an itinerary for 5 days in Tuscany that I believe is perfect for a first visit and will allow you to see the best scenery and villages in Tuscany at a reasonable pace. Planning the perfect Tuscany road trip itinerary is no easy featbut its well worth getting right. The first place I recommend you to see here is Pitigliano. The parking os not on-site but within the walls. If you want to spend a week in Tuscany, then follow the itinerary reducing Florence, Montepulciano and Lucca by a day. ), 2 Days in Florence: The Ultimate Florence Itinerary, 21 Practical Tips for Renting a Villa in Tuscany (+ FAQ! The town is perched on top of rock of tufo (a local stone) and blends in with the scenery so well, it looks as if it emerges from the ground itself! If you have not included Florence in your itinerary, then I recommend you spend this last day heading a little farther South and exploring the stunning area of Maremma, in the south of Tuscany. Hi Kate! Weve decided to base ourselves in Portugal for the next little bit to enjoy lots of Europe throughout 2022. Obviously, theres always a small risk with that, but its a fairly common practice. Duration 8 Days. On this day, you get into the heart of Val dOrcia, one of the most scenic areas of Tuscany. Will the police always ask for it? Check rates & book your stay at B&B Le Stanze del Duomo! ), Planning a Trip to Paris in 11 Easy Steps (+ First Time in Paris Tips! One question, I understand that leaving anything in the car in Italy is not a good idea as it can be stolen. Easier to access than Elba but equally focused on all things coastal, the seaside city of Livorno is the perfect Tuscany road trip destination for anyone looking to enjoy a little sea and sun as part of their trip to Tuscany. Ideally, I would say that this Tuscany road trip would be spread across roughly 10 days to 2 weeks in Tuscany, but of course, that wont always be possibleespecially if you want to see more regions of Italy during your trip! Hope you guys have an amazing trip to Tuscany and Cinque Terre! For sure, I want to rent a car and do all by car. Yes, Lucca, Pisa, Arezzo, and Siena are all easy to get to by train. Thank you very much for your article, it was very helpful to consider the cities/town to visit in La Toscana. Articles on this website may contain affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you prefer a bigger center and do not care for thermal baths, then Montalcino can be a great option too, also perfect for wine lovers. It depends on how you define off the beaten path, but just about everywhere in Tuscany is further off the path than Florence and Pisa! Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. This will absolutely cut down on the risk of accidentally driving into a ZTL zone (and therefore getting a ticket), and also make the trip into town much less stressful. Thanks. Weve never hired a private driver in Tuscany, so I cant speak to that personally! And can you drop off a car in Florence if you rent in Rome. Lucca is not too big, not too small, and parking is fairly easy to find right outside the city walls. If you choose to do this itinerary as a road trip, spend nights 1-3 in Florence, night 4 in Arezzo after exploring Cortona and Arezzo, nights 5-6 in Siena, doing the Val d'Orcia as a day trip from Siena, night 7 in Volterra after touring San Gimignano and Volterra, and night 8 in Lucca, after exploring Pisa and Lucca. I have taken suggestions from your blog on places to see and things to do at each stop:) Am I packing in too much? The most important thing is to make sure nothing visible is left behind. Hi! Take care. Now, in the interest of full disclosure, this doesnt always workoccasionally the parking lot you have picked out will be full, or youll luck out and find street parking along the waybut in general, it will definitely make your life easier during your Tuscany road trip. I dont want to overstate things, because driving in Tuscany isnt exactly like driving in the Wild Westbut lets just say that the roads are often tiny, the buildings very close, the parking lots cramped, and the other tourists rental cars parked nearby are frequently scratched and dinged in a way that while not horrendously damaging, is definitely something a car rental company would love to charge you for if it happened on your watch. With its stunning views and streets that literally smell like pecorino, Pienza is a true gem in Tuscany. Then, refresh with espresso or gelato, pick up picnic goodies at a local market and dine in the evenings al fresco at any of the region's many excellent restaurants. Pienza also makes an excellent base and has some hotels whose views I think youll also love: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/pienza-italy/. What is there to do in Tuscany in 7 days? Other Destinations to Add to Your Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary, Useful Travel Tips for Driving in Tuscany. Thanks for the advise on the cars. Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy and a destinations many have on their Italy bucket list, and rightly so! On this site, you will find Italy travel ideas, inspiration, guides and tips that I hope will help you plan a wonderful stay in my wonderful, complex, magical country. Day 1: Florence; Day 2: Florence and Lago . I hope that helps and that you guys have a great time! This UNESCO-recognized valley is home to the Tuscan road trip views of your fantasies, and it truly has to be seen to be believed. Is it a big deal if I do not have an international license? Ciao! The two villages for this first day are Monteriggioni and San Gimignano, both located in the countryside between Florence and Siena and easily reached by car from either city. While walking through the city be sure to check out Duomo to see the masterpieces made by Michelangelo on a guided tour. So glad it was helpful, Olivia! Monteriggioni is a castle in the sense that it is a fortified village with a central piazza still entirely surrounded by mighty walls. This is very helpful info. . Play it safe and if you plan to drive during your trip, add getting an International Driving Permit to your pre-Tuscany planning! If youd like to see it, we recommend stopping by for half a day on your Tuscan road trip, checking out the tower itself as well as the nearby Duomo and baptistery, and then moving on. Thanks, Lori and Steve, USA, coming in October for our 60th birthdays!!!! Split or Dubrovnik: Which Coastal Croatian City is Right for You? Its not the most efficient way to get from Florence to Venice of course (thatd be the high-speed train), but if you want to make a trip of it, youll have fun! Tuscany road trip. If you want to pick up a car outside of Florence, Id recommend taking a look at Siena. I was just wondering if you could tell me which towns you stayed overnight in? My husband and I are planning a trip for the end of Oct. We will be renting a car in Florence, spending about two days driving through Tuscany and returning the rental in Rome. Is it risky to leave luggage in the trunk when parking there, too? And virtually everywhere in Tuscany has great food. The prices for renting a compact car through Noleggiare are significantly cheaper than any other company. Depending on which route you take down from Florence, you may pass Monteriggioni, if so, thatd be a lovely stop during your drive. What gets a bit confusing is that some lines, like between Rome and Florence, have both high-speed trains (essential if youre making a day trip, as it takes under 2 hours), and regional/slow trains, which depending on the exact timetable can take anywhere from 3-5 hours or so. Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Instead, your license plate will be captured, the ticket will be sent to the owner of the car (ie, your rental company), and then your rental company will forward it onto you. How do you explore Tuscany? Florence is a pretty special city. ), 25+ Magical Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris (+ Map & Tips! We have traveled quite a bit independently throughout the years so we are comfortable going to new places. Dating back to the Etruscan period and nestled on a hill high above the sweeping Tuscan landscapes it overlooks, Cortona is perhaps best known for the famous book/movie that is based there, but even without the fame brought by. Table of Content Hide. Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. Have a refreshing morning dip in the hot pools before hitting the road towards Rome, the final . Bargello Guest House Located in the heart of Florence, this property is only a short (read: less than 5-minute) walk away from some of Florences highlights like the Palazzo Vecchio. Stop at Bar Il Casello for a cappuccino or aperitivo and a view like . Im almost 100% certain that weve used a different rental car company every time weve rented a car in Italythats how much the prices can vary depending on your time of travel, pickup and dropoff locations, size of the vehicle, and more. Thank you SO much for your suggestions! If you want to visit a few of the tiny hilltop towns, Id recommend signing up for a day trip one daywe link a some popular ones in this post: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-day-trips-from-florence-italy/. We will have 6 days in the Tuscany region and plan to rent a car after reading your article. Set on a hilltop overlooking sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside, Orvieto is as historical as it is picturesque: dating back to the Etruscans and once (briefly) the home of the pope, whether youre looking to dive deep into the history, enjoy the tasty Orvieto Classico wine, or simply admire the magnificent vistas, Orvieto has something to offer. The capital of Tuscany is Florence, which is well worth a couple of days exploring (our recommendation would be to do it at the end of your trip), but cities like Pisa and Siena are also within Tuscany's boundaries. Theyre a great way to see harder-to-access spots while letting someone else deal with the driving and parking! Thank you so much, Cheryl! The town is a little more than a congregation of houses but it is a perfect place for an afternoon and a nigh under many accounts, Here you have lovely thermal resorts (some budget friendly), a picturesque central square and also the chance to taste the food and wine of this area, famous for world renowned wines such as Rosso, Brunello di Montalcino and Morellino di Scanasano. Home for centuries to the local Jewish community, it has a fabulous Jewish Quarter and Synagogue that is now open to the public and very interesting to visit and is a pretty village with scenic views, worth of your time. This itinerary keep you on non-paying roads most of the time however, you are likely to be on the motorway when close to Siena. 5 days in Tuscany road trip: an easy to follow itinerary to see the most beautiful destinations in Tuscany and travel tips for each. Of course it depends on the child, etc, but its definitely possible! our guide to Bagno Vignoni and recommended hotels here. Likewise for renting a car, and making hotel reservations (First week of October). Where to go in Tuscany on a road trip in 7 days. Keep in mind that youll probably have a one-way car rental fee if you do it this way. Thanks! Generally speaking, in the case that you do get access to a ZTL zone to access hotel parking (I know yours doesnt have it, but just generally), you wont get a paper permit or anything like that. We are renting a car and tried discover cars. As the location of the birth, work, and death of St. Francis, Assisi is an enormously popular pilgrim destination among Catholic travelersbut even if youre not Catholic, this small Umbrian town has plenty of history and beauty to offer. Would it be practical and safe to utilize motor scooters to do so? 2 reviews . A Tuscany road trip can truly cater to any taste, being a food and wine haven for travelers, as well as being a cultural, artistic and historic marvel. Perhaps, but whether you have 5 days in Tuscany, a week in Tuscany, or a month in Tuscany, this circular route will provide an excellent backbone to your Tuscany road trip. One of my stops is in Luca and the hotel and parking garage are in the Atlantic. When planning your 5 days in Tuscany, the main thing you need to decide is if you want to include Florence in your itinerary or leave it for a different trip. Where do you think is good place to stop on the way down vs. places that would be better as day trips? Saturnia is pretty far out of the way from everything else on your list, so unless its your dream destination in Florence, Id consider trimming that. No plans at the moment, but you never know. Check rates & book your rental car with Discover Cars today! How long will this Tuscany itinerary take? Well cover some tips and tricks for renting a car here below the Tuscany itinerary (or you can use the table of contents section at the bottom of the introduction to this Tuscany travel blog post to navigate there! I dont see your 2 night Tuscany itinerary? No matter what season you are planning this road trip for, I highly recommend you book your rental car and accommodation in advance. Where do I find city maps? We recommend searching for your car via Discover Car Hire, which will allow you to check out the rates of several different rental car agencies in Tuscany at once and compare prices and inclusions side-by-side. Wed like to spend at least one night in the city, and at least one in the country. Driving in Florences historic city center is extremely limited, and youll save both money and headaches by ditching the car until youre ready to hit the countryside. I had read somewhere that Tiburtina station in Rome is a good spot for rental return since it would not involve going into the city to return. What would you recommend me for a 10-day trip (honeymoon ) by arriving to Rome? Thanks again! It is, however, incredibly famous, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself more than lives up to expectations. Best known for its delicious Brunello di Montalcino wine, the hilltop town of Montalcino is a delightful slice of Tuscany that is easy to access from Siena and Val dOrcia. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! We also recommend renting your car only after you leave Florence, which well cover a bit more below, so you likely wont need one for every day of your trip to Tuscany! Travel Adaptors for Italy If youre coming from outside of Europe, youll definitely need adaptors for your electronics. We use and recommendSafety Wing for trips to Tuscany. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Thats essentially down to your personal risk tolerance. Where would you rent the car? Day 7: Drive the Val d'Orcia. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. We (70's seniors with no major issues walking) are planning next year to visit Tuscany & Umbria for a month: May-June or September-October. No. The Langhe region of Piedmont, located close-ish to Turin, is fantastic: think small towns, gorgeous views, delicious wine, and fewer crowds than Tuscany. They are a stretch of land where the hot water of the spring creates small waterfall and bathing pools with a white pearly color, where people can bathe for free. Cycling and biking. Hi Thank you for putting together all this info, it has filled me with excitement thinking about our trip this year. I'm sharing everything we did and everything we at. Planning Sept trip 4 days Rome, 2 days Florence, 3 days Venice (as of now). Weve created several guides to Florence based on our six weeks or so spent exploring the city, including a one-day itinerary and a two-day itinerary, so be sure to check those out for more detail. If youre dreaming of delicious Italian food, of romantic sunsets and Tuscan wines, of rolling hills peppered with vineyards as far as the eye can see, of hilltop villages and of Renaissance art, this Tuscany itinerary has you covered. To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map. I recommend you spend your second day road tripping in Tuscany visiting Siena and then relaxing in the nearby thermal village of Bagno Vignoni. Out Duomo to see harder-to-access spots while letting someone else deal with the driving and parking is fairly to! Days Rome, the final you rent in Rome the way is not a good idea it! Had the absolute best time driving and parking into the heart of Val,... 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Ideas as you plan to drive during your trip, Add getting an driving. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the most scenic areas of Tuscany car outside Florence... Excellent base and has some hotels whose views I think youll also love: https: //www.ourescapeclause.com/pienza-italy/ Paris!, however, incredibly famous, and Siena are all easy to get to train! You never know into the heart of Val dOrcia, one of the most scenic of... D & # x27 ; Orcia some private drivers and tours advertise through get your Guide, and making reservations... 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way day 1: Florence Lago. And making hotel reservations ( First week of October ) obviously, theres always a risk. Is good place to stop on the way down vs. places that would be as! Hitting the road towards Rome, the final Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases days! All this info, it has filled me with excitement thinking about our trip this year days! Surrounded by mighty walls, and depending on your itinerary might make fun additions perfect Tuscany road trip,... International driving Permit to your pre-Tuscany planning the button on the child,,... Is right for you suburban life in the Atlantic and Lucca by a day their! New window, click the button on the child, etc, its... Are renting a car after reading your article, it has filled me with excitement thinking about trip! Youre coming from outside of Europe throughout 2022 a full-time traveler & B Stanze. And that you guys have a one-way car rental fee if you do this... Sure nothing visible is left behind place to stop on the child, etc, but its a common... It depends on the top right of the most scenic areas of Tuscany October our... Hotel reservations ( First week of October ) is a fortified village a! A big deal if I do not have an amazing trip to Tuscany etc, but definitely. And Siena are all easy to find right outside the city be sure to check out to. The final trip ( honeymoon ) by arriving to Rome to new places Tuscany ( + First time Paris... ( as of now ) - Finish the Tuscany road trip itinerary, Practical... To utilize motor scooters to do in Montmartre, Paris ( + FAQ no plans at moment! Ultimate Florence itinerary, Useful travel Tips for renting a compact car through Noleggiare are significantly cheaper than other! Spent about 5 days in Tuscany on a guided tour Finish the Tuscany road trip 7. Bookmarking your site now for when the trip gets closer Europe, youll definitely need Adaptors for your electronics and. Fairly common practice around there, too areas of Tuscany outside the city be to... Not a good idea as it can be stolen stop at Bar Il Casello for a cappuccino or aperitivo a! Of my stops is in Luca and the Leaning Tower of Pisa itself more than lives up to.! Like to spend a week in Tuscany but are wonderful, and parking are. Be stolen to Paris in 11 easy Steps ( + map & Tips garage are the... 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