Let’s venture on a road trip through Italy together! Here is a complete guide to Tuscany, including how to get around, when to visit and a perfect 3-day itinerary (ideal if you are short on time) that ensures you see the best attractions and sights this magical region offers.
As one of the most scenic routes in Italy, going on a road trip through Tuscany has been a dream of mine for a long time.
I dreamed of driving on these winding roads lined with cypresses, meadows and vineyards and crossing medieval towns arising like islands. And, of course, drinking wine and eating cheese.
And I was not disappointed 🙂 It was everything as I imagined, even better. Tuscany has an incredible atmosphere that will transport you back in time. It felt so good I did not want to go home.
From historic villages to Renaissance art and breathtaking natural landscapes, this travel guide is perfect for first-timers, allowing you to experience this region of Italy and its culture on a deeper level and at your own pace. Enjoy!
My Tuscany experience: Duration 5 Days Dates visited March 20 - March 24 Season Spring
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Overview: 3 days in Tuscany
- Day 1: Pisa to Florence
- Day 2: Florence to Siena (with a wander through the countryside)
- Day 3: Siena to San Gimignano to Pisa
Notes – we started our road trip in Pisa as flights from Manchester were cheap (£30), same for the car rental (£25 for 3 days, without insurance, but we added it once there). If you prefer, you can start from Florence, but prices might be higher.
Tuscany road trip – Map
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of stops and locations.
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Detailed itinerary: Tuscany 3-day road trip
Please note that this self-drive road trip itinerary in Italy is only a guide with recommendations. You are more than welcome to spend more days in one area or add other stops on your journey. You can also continue your road trip to the South and Rome, or the North with Venice and the Dolomites.
Need inspiration for your next Italian city break? Check out this article:
5 Perfect Days in Rome, Italy: Complete Itinerary
Day 1 – Pisa to Florence
🚙 Pisa – Florence: 1h30 / 93km
We picked up our car at 9:00 and drove to our first destination, Florence – one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany. I was delighted to discover this city after hearing so many good things about it from my friends.
We decided to head straight to the city through the motorway, but you can skip it and drive through the countryside if you prefer (that is what we did for the rest of the road trip).
If you have time, you can also stop by the charming town of Lucca, known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls surrounding its historic city centre and cobbled streets.
Notes – the motorway was free, but we could not work out how fast we could go and were a bit confused by the road signs. I stayed at 90km/h to be on the safe side.
Once in Florence, we struggled to find free parking, which turned out to be an impossible task. After looking online, we found a cheap car park where we could reach the city centre by tram (Arcipressi stop), which took us about 30 minutes.
Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region and home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, had an incredible atmosphere. It was like visiting an open-air museum!
We did not plan much in advance and decided to just wander around. I wished I had booked the Duomo tour in advance, which was fully booked on the day – something I recommend you try 🙂
READ MORE: Florence Travel Guide: Epic 3-Day Itinerary
Things to do & see in Florence
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Florence:
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
- Climb the Campanile di Giotto
- Stroll through Piazza della Signoria
- Admire the Palazzo Vecchio
- Walk across Ponte Vecchio
- Tour the Uffizi Gallery
- Wander through Piazza della Repubblica
- Get lost in the narrow streets
- Marvel at the Basilica of Santa Croce
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.
Top experiences from Florence
For the night, we planned to stay in Florence but changed our minds at the last minute as we wanted to enjoy the calm of the countryside. We stayed in this lovely B&B outside of the city, which was very quiet at this time of year, but offered a pleasant room with a beautiful view of the vines and breakfast in the morning.
If you prefer the buzz of the city, prioritise staying in the Florence centre, although prices can climb up quickly.
Day 2 – Florence to Siena
🚙 Florence – Siena: 1h10 / 78km
We continued our road trip through Tuscany with Siena. On our way there, we skipped the motorway and drove on narrow roads through small villages, which were lovely and offered much better scenery.
We arrived in Siena in the morning. Once again, parking was not easy. We found free parking lots around the town, but all were full. We gave up and decided to park in an indoor garage (Parcheggio Il Duomo), which was 10€ for the day.
Notes – the centre of Siena is restricted, meaning you need authorisation to drive through it, or you will be fined.
We started exploring the medieval town, and I immediately fell in love with this place. The architecture was gorgeous, and wandering through its narrow streets was my favourite thing to do! We also enjoyed a slice of pizza for lunch on the Piazza del Campo under the Italian sun, which was so nice and recharging ☀️
Things to do & see in Siena
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Siena:
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
- Enjoy lunch at the Piazza del Campo
- Climb the Torre del Mangia
- Tour the Palazzo Pubblico
- Stop by Piazza Salimbeni
- Admire the Porta Camollia
- Marvel at the Basilica San Domenico
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.
At the end of the day, we decided to head out into the countryside to enjoy some whiny roads lined with cypresses, meadows and vineyards / typical Tuscan landscapes – and we were not disappointed!
Notes – driving in Italy is easy, so do not worry too much. You can encounter narrow roads, but most are wide enough and in good condition. On the other hand, Italians do drive fast. So if you feel pressured, just slow down and put your indicator, and they will take over.
We drove in the southeast, passing through the town of Asciano, to reach the famous Punto Panoramico Crete Senesi Agriturismo Baccoleno. On our way there, we stopped several times as the scenery was gorgeous. You will find plenty of places to stop along the road, so take advantage of them! But always respect the land and do not venture onto private paths.
And please, note that the Agriturismo Baccoleno is also private property. Respect the place, and do not use drones.
On our way back to Siena, we had the chance to enjoy the countryside with a lovely sunset. The soft colours and lights were absolutely gorgeous!
To help you navigate through the Tuscan countryside, here is a map with some lovely viewpoints not to miss. Of course, it is only a recommendation, there are so many other spots to discover, especially in the Val D’Orcia region. Let me know in the comment which is your favourite viewpoint.
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.
That night, we stayed at this pleasant hotel in the centre of Siena. We loved the location and had a beautiful view from our window, but it was a bit noisy at night. We still managed to sleep and had breakfast there in the morning.
Notes – when coming back to Siena after our wander through the countryside, we managed to park in the free carpark next to the stadium, Il Campino, located a short walk from the centre. However, spaces are scarce, so try it early in the morning or late at night.
Day 3 – Siena to Pisa
🚙 Siena – San Gimignano: 45min / 43km
🚙 San Gimignano – Pisa: 1h15 / 77km
For our last day on the Tuscan roads, we headed back to Pisa stopping at San Gimignano on the way, an incredible hilltop town surrounded by 13th-century walls.
If you have time, before reaching San Gimignano, you can also visit Monteriggioni, a walled town known for its medieval fortifications and watchtowers.
Parking around San Gimignano was easy, although you will not find many free spaces. We parked in the Parcheggio Giubileo P1, which was only a 10-minute walk to the centre.
San Gimignano is an outstanding town to discover and soak up the Tuscan atmosphere. In addition, you will find one of the best gelatos in the world, Gelateria Dondoli 🍦 They propose unique local flavours – and it was absolutely delicious!
Things to do & see in San Gimignano
Here are some of the best things to do and see in San Gimignano:
- Climb the Torre Grossa
- Stroll the medieval streets
- Explore La Rocca di Montestaffoli
- Try a gelato at Gelateria Dondoli
- Visit the Cathedral of San Gimignano
- Go wine tasting at an Agriturismo
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.
After a lovely time in San Gimignano, we took the road to Pisa, our last stop. We returned the car at the airport at the end of the day and walked to our charming B&B, conveniently located only 10 minutes from the airport, as we had an early flight the next day.
Once there, take the time to visit Pisa and its world-renowned Leaning Tower!
We did not spend much time in this city as we had a short window and wanted to make the most of the countryside (plus, I had a terrible migraine on our last day), but it is still a nice place to explore.
Things to do & see in Pisa
Here are some of the best things to do and see in Pisa:
- Take a photo of the Leaning Tower
- Admire the Pisa Baptistery
- Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
- Wander through the Campo Santo
- Marvel at the Santa Maria della Spina
- Stop by the Palazzo dei Cavalieri
- Stroll along the River Arno
Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations.
Top experiences in Pisa
That was where our memorable 3-day road trip through Tuscany ended. It was everything I had dreamed of, and I did not want to go home!
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Things to do if you have more time
The region of Tuscany has so much to offer. As we were limited with time, we only had 3 days to enjoy the main highlights and attractions, but if you have the chance, here are some other things you can add to your road trip itinerary:
- Wine tasting: impossible not to think about wine when driving through the lush green hills and their vineyards. The wine tasting was an activity I wanted to do, but as I was driving the car each day, it was a bit difficult. It is something I recommend you try. You will also be able to learn more about the local culture and sample traditional cuisine.
- Saturnia Hot Springs: I discovered the hot springs through a blog post whilst doing my research on Tuscany, and I was blown away by the photos of these magical pools. The Saturnia Hot Springs are a set of thermal springs located next to the town of Manciano. However, the area can get busy in summer, so plan accordingly.
- Other villages: you will find on your road trip across Tuscany many hidden or perched villages, and all have something to offer. Here are a few to add to your list: Arezzo, Cortona, Orvieto, Assisi, Volterra, Montalcino and Montepulciano – let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions!
- Val d’Orcia: a stunning valley in the south of Siena, offering gorgeous panoramas between medieval castles, isolated farmhouses and golden fields – a dream for photographers. We had the chance to explore a little part of it, but I would recommend spending a full day there.
- Elba: this island is the largest of the Tuscan Archipelago and a must-do if you have time. You will find many activities to do there, such as swimming, diving, sailing or biking and exploring the island. A perfect place to discover for families with children.
Want more city break inspiration? Check out this article:
3 Perfect Days in Venice, Italy: Complete Itinerary
5-day itinerary idea
- Day 1: Florence to Siena
- Day 2: Siena to the Val D’Orcia
- Day 3: The Val D’Orcia to San Gimignano
- Day 4: San Gimignano to Pisa
- Day 5: Pisa to Florence
Fancy a sunny vacation on a Greek island? Check out this article:
15 Best Things to Do in Santorini, Greece
How to get to Tuscany
The best way to get to Tuscany is by plane, landing in Pisa or Florence. We chose Pisa as the direct flights from Manchester were cheap and frequent. But Florence is also a great city to start a road trip in Tuscany.
If you live in Europe, the other option would be to reach the Italian region by train or coach (which will also be more eco-friendly).
How to get around Tuscany
The best way to get around Tuscany is by car. It will allow you to move freely and reach remote parts of the beautiful countryside. You can easily rent one at the aiport, and I recommend using Rentalcars.com to search and compare which car is best for you. From affordable to luxury, they make it easy to choose and have a great selection of rental agents.
Another option would be to use public transport. It is an excellent way to travel around if you are on a budget, but on the other hand, getting to remote places might be challenging.
Finally, if you feel adventurous, you can discover Tuscany by bike! It is an ideal way to explore the Italian region from a different perspective and travel slowly – it is also good for the environment.
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Best time to visit Tuscany
The best time to visit Tuscany is in spring and autumn when the weather is sunny and warm, but the places are not crowded.
We visited the region at the end of March, which was lovely! The weather was sunny each day, with temperatures around 20 degrees. The roads were mostly empty, and the tourist spots were not too busy. It was not easy to park, but that was because it is not possible to access most town centres as they all have restricted areas.
I would try to avoid visiting Tuscany in the summer. I can not imagine how hot it gets on there. Plus, the streets are quite narrow, which will be harder to navigate if they become too busy and congested.
Winter is another option if you would like to avoid the crowds but be prepared for the cold weather and some snow on the roads. Also, many places might be closed, and there will not be a lot of accommodations open, so check and book ahead of time.
Notes – Even for us in March, many places were still closed.
How to reduce your eco-impact on the road
Sustainable travel means exploring the world whilst being aware of your surroundings and having a positive social, environmental and economic impact on the places you visit. And this applies to road trips too!
Road trips are a fantastic way of travelling as they allow us to move easily and discover many incredible places at our own pace. However, they can also have negative impacts. That is why considering our carbon footprint and adopting eco-responsible habits is essential.
Here are some simple tips for creating an unforgettable adventure in Tuscany with less impact:
- Prepare your route in advance
- Plan your meals
- Make your trip plastic-free
- Bring a reusable filtered water bottle and lunch boxes
- Check your car and drive smoothly
- Avoid idling your engine
- Leave a place better than you found it
- Treat locals and their surroundings with respect
- Adopt a responsible attitude towards wildlife
- Stay on marked trails when hiking
More inspiration for your green vacation:
- Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- 15 Travel Books to Inspire Your Next Eco-Adventure
- Best Ecotourism Activities Around the World
Eco-friendly gear you might love:
- 10 Best Sustainable Backpacks for Travel & Hiking
- 10 Best Reusable & Eco-Friendly Travel Mugs
- 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking
Check out this page for more inspiration on eco-friendly products & gear.
Italy travel planning guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance to travel to Italy?
Yes, buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Enjoy your trip to Italy stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Nomad Insurance.
💧 Can you drink the water in Italy?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink all over Italy, a country which also provides a lot of free water fountains. However, I also recommend using the UltraPress Purifier Bottle, a lightweight filtered water bottle perfect for reducing plastic and staying hydrated.
🚗 Is it easy to rent a car in Italy?
Yes, renting a car in Italy is easy and is a great way to explore the country freely. I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
🏨 How to book accommodation in Italy?
The best way to book your accommodation in Italy is with Booking.com – my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable to luxury.
✈️ What is the best site to buy a flight to Italy?
I recommend booking your plane with Skyscanner. It has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights whilst lowering my carbon emissions.
Road trip through Tuscany – FAQ
I recommend spending at least 3 days on a road trip through Tuscany (5 days would be ideal), so you have plenty of time to experience all the highlights and top attractions the Italian region offers without rushing.
No, driving in Tuscany is not hard. You might encounter narrow and winding roads, but the overall conditions are good. Drive slowly and plan your route in advance; it will help you navigate around.
The best months to visit Tuscany are April-May and September-October when the weather is pleasant, without too many crowds.
Have you ever experienced a road trip in Tuscany or would you like to try one day?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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