This 15-day Tuscany itinerary takes in some of the region's finest highlights. It includes not only the historic towns and villages for which Tuscany is famous, but also natural landscapes and even vineyards. The itinerary forms a loop that begins and ends in Florence, as the city is home to the region's main airport.
Renting a car is highly recommended for this tour. Tuscany is a rural region, and many of the stops mentioned below are not served by public transport. What's more, driving in Tuscany presents no difficulties whatsoever, apart from the ZTLs (limited traffic zones). These are areas where it is forbidden to enter by car, except for residents. ZTLs are always indicated by a sign, but there are never any barriers, so it's easy to enter them by mistake, in which case the fine is systematic. So keep an eye out for ZTL signs and park outside. These zones almost always concern the historic centers.
Days 1 to 3: Florence
Start this 15-day Tuscany itinerary in Florence, capital of the region and also capital of Italian art. The city marvels at its churches, fountains and sculptures by the greatest masters, not to mention its museums, which are among the best in Italy, if not the world, making it one of our picks of cities to visit at least once in a lifetime. Spend 3 nights here. For a detailed program, see our three-day Florence tour.
Admire the Duomo
Florence's cathedral, known as the Duomo, is considered one of Italy's most beautiful buildings. In fact, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the fourth largest cathedral in the world. Beyond its gigantism, it's also a veritable jewel, with a façade covered in various shades of marble, crowned by a spectacular dome. The building, constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enter free of charge, but the queue can sometimes be unreasonably long. The best way to visit the Duomo is to book this guided tour of the Duomo to discover Florence's past, from its beginnings to its rise in the Renaissance, thanks in particular to the Medici family.
Visit the Accademia Gallery
The Galleria dell'Accademia is home to what is surely the world's most famous sculpture : Michelangelo's David. Carved from a single block of marble and standing over 5 meters tall, the statue dates from 1504 and is sure to impress. Although it is the jewel of the Accademia gallery, the museum also houses many other works by the Tuscan school, including other sculptures by Michelangelo.
Tip from Petit Futé: In view of its popularity, book your timed admission ticket for Michelangelo's David here.
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is considered one of the world's finest museums. It houses one of the world's most important collections of Renaissance art. It too boasts a well-known masterpiece: Botticelli's famous Venus. But the very rich museum is far from limited to this, and also holds works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Leonardo da Vinci. As with the Galleria dell'Accademia, we recommend that you book your ticket in advance of your visit here, to avoid waiting at the entrance.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio, built in the 14th century over the Arno river, has become a symbol of Florence, as it is topped by buildings. It forms a continuity of the street, and a veritable shopping arcade, home to luxury jewelry stores. Take the time to walk and photograph it.
Where to stay in Florence? The Hostel Santa Monaca is a youth hostel housed in a former 15th-century convent. Given the low prices and the location, in the San Frediano district (a short distance from the Santa Maria Novella central station), it's highly advisable to book well in advance right here.
Days 4 and 5: Lucca and Pisa
Continue your 15-day Tuscany itinerary by taking the road to Lucca, about 1 h 15 from Florence. Lucca, or Lucca in Italian, is a very old town, probably founded in antiquity by the Etruscans, and has a very rich history, having long been independent. Its fortified historic center boasts numerous historic monuments. Spend two nights in Lucca and take the second day for an excursion to Pisa.
Walk along Lucca's ramparts
Once defensive, Lucca's walls are now a great place to walk or cycle. The more than 4 kilometer-long route is well worth exploring in its entirety, especially as it allows you to admire several historic monuments along the way.
Enjoy a guided walking tour and discover the wonders of Lucca's old town by booking right here.
Climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower
The Guinigi Tower, now the symbol of Lucca, is its tallest building. Its originality lies in the fact that it is topped by a few trees, forming a hanging garden 45 meters high! Reaching the top is well worth the 230 steps, but the panoramic view of the city is well worth the detour.
Visit the Pfanner Palace
The Palazzo Pfanner is a sublime 17th-century building that bears witness to Lucca's wealth. It is particularly famous for its sublime Italian garden, inspired by the Boboli garden in Florence.
Take a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
In Lucca, you're just a 30-minute drive from one of Europe's most famous monuments, and one of Tuscany's must-see sights: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Construction of the tower began in 1173, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to its architecture, it is famous for its inclination, which increases by one millimetre per year due to its installation on soft ground. For the more courageous, it is possible to climb to the top. Allow half a day for the visit, but you can also stay longer. In that case, take a look at ouritinerary ideas forPisa.
To reserve: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is very popular with tourists. Avoid long queues by booking your Tower of Pisa and Cathedral tickets in advance right here. You'll be met directly at the time you booked.
Where to stay in Pisa? Inexpensive, yet ideally located in the city center, Hotel Casa Carducci offers a full range of services, with large, comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast! Click here to book your stay.
Day 6: San Gimignano
Continue your 15-day Tuscany itinerary by heading for San Gimignano. It takes around 1 h 30 to get there. With its historic heart dominated by towers, this is one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. Stay overnight.
Explore the historic center
It's not for nothing that we've included San Gimignano in our selection of the world's most beautiful villages: its historic center, surrounded by olive groves and studded with high medieval towers, is absolutely sublime. To explore it, there's nothing like getting lost in its narrow streets, discovering a new piazza, fountain, tower or church around every corner.
Taste the local wine
Beyond its architecture, the village is also famous for its wine: the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. It's one of the few white wines produced in Tuscany, a land of red wine. It is even the oldest white wine produced in Italy, as it is mentioned in 13th-century documents. Produced from a local grape variety, it is characterized by a certain bitterness.
Where to stay in San Gimignano? With its 14th-century ambience and views of the Valdelsa from some rooms, Le Bel Soggiorno is one of the town's must-visit accommodation addresses. The panoramic view over the valley is exceptional. As there are only around 20 rooms, we strongly advise you to book well in advance, right here.
Days 7 and 8: Siena
Drive on to Siena, 45 minutes away, where you'll spend two nights. Siena is often considered the second most beautiful city in Tuscany after Florence. It has to be said that, perched on its three hills lined with Sienna-colored buildings, the city has a lot to offer.
Admire the piazza del Campo
The piazza del Campo, one of Italy's most beautiful squares, is well worth a visit to Siena. Distinguishable by its semicircular shape, it looks like an amphitheater, with the audience admiring not a performance, but the sublime Palazzo Pubblico. This 13th-century palace is dominated by the Torre del Mangia, 102 m high. It's possible to climb to the top for a breathtaking view, provided you climb over 500 steps, which have the added drawback of being high and slippery! Tempted? Go here to book your ticket for the Palazzo Pubblico.
Enter Siena Cathedral
Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral is one of Italy's oldest Gothic churches and well worth a visit. The interior is as richly decorated as the façade, illustrating the wealth of Siena in the Middle Ages. The building features black and white marble stripes to great effect. Click here to to book your ticket for Siena Cathedral, including access to the Piccolomini Library.
Where to stay in Siena Casa Vacanze Il Campo is a small family-run apartment building just a few steps from Piazza del Campo, offering exceptional value for money. Click here to to book your stay.
Days 9 and 10: Montepulciano
Your 2-week itinerary in Tuscany this time takes in Montepulciano. From Siena, allow an hour's drive. This small Renaissance town besieged by vineyards and fields charms all visitors. Stay for two nights to enjoy its mild climate. You can also use it as a base for exploring the Val d'Orcia.
Explore the ancient town
Montepulciano is a very old town, dating back to antiquity and greatly enriched in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, so its historic heart is full of treasures. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of its historic center to make the most of it. Stop to admire the Piazza Grandethe town's main square, surrounded by emblematic buildings such as the town hall and cathedral.
Taste the local wine
It's well known that Tuscany is a gourmet destination, and Montepulciano is no exception. The town has its own speciality: the vino nobile. This is a dry, delicate, fruity red wine. Quite famous, it has a protected designation of origin.
Click here to to book your wine tasting and cellar tour in Montepulciano.
Where to stay in Montepulciano? The Borgo Tre Rose makes it possible to explore the region while staying in one place, bookable here and set in a wine-growing estate among the vineyards and rolling hills of Tuscany.
Days 11 and 12: Cortona and Arezzo
Drive north to Cortona and Arezzo. It's a 40-minute drive from Montepulciano. Cortona is one of Italy's most beautiful villages, while Arezzo is a larger town that seems to have frozen in the Middle Ages, to the extent that it continues to uphold medieval traditions. Every year, on the penultimate Saturday in June, it organizes the Giostra del Saracino, a medieval re-enactment featuring knights' jousts. Spend two nights in Cortona or Arezzo.
Where to stay in Arezzo? We recommend the Antiche Mura, located in Arezzo's historic center, a stone's throw from the cathedral. This family-run B&B book here has a lot going for it, starting with its ideal location and low prices.
Climb the winding streets of Cortona
There's no better way to discover all Cortona's secrets than to lose yourself in its narrow, winding streets. You can admire the piazza della Repubblicathe piazza Luca Signorelli or the via Jannelicortona's oldest street. Don't forget to visit the superb Way of the Cross. The entire length is decorated with magnificent mosaics by Gino Severeni depicting the life of Christ. It starts at the tiny Church of San Marco, but is well worth a visit for its spectacular ceiling.
Visit the Etruscan Academy Museum
Cortona is a village of Etruscan origin, a pre-Roman civilization that occupied much of present-day Tuscany. In Cortona and the surrounding area, numerous archaeological remains have been found, allowing us to imagine the life of this people. The Etruscan Academy Museum houses exceptional collections, including numerous painted vases. The centerpiece is an Etruscan chandelier dating from the 5th century BC.
Climb up to the Basilica of Santa Margherita
Cortona lies on the side of a hill. At the top of the village is the superb basilica of Santa Margherita. Founded in 1304, its facade is impressive, but it's above all the interior that will leave you breathless. It's richly decorated, with a starry ceiling, vaulted ceilings and the relics of Saint Margaret.
Read the article: Did you know? Tuscany is one of the best places to go with a baby.
Admire Arezzo's Piazza Grande
Explore Arezzo's historic center, starting with its Piazza Grande, the main square of the old quarter. This spectacular square has retained its medieval character. Every year, the Giostra del Saracino is held here.
Visit the church of Santa Maria della Pieve
Santa Maria della Pieve is the largest church in Arezzo. It is dominated by a campanile, nicknamed the door of a hundred holes because of its windows, of which there are in fact forty. This is a superb example of Romanesque architecture from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Days 13 to 15: Chianti estates and return to Florence
Chianti, one of the world's most renowned terroirs, is the perfect place to conclude your 15-day Tuscany itinerary. Enjoy its sun-drenched hills, wine tastings and centuries-old wineries. Radda in Chianti makes an excellent base. In particular, you can stay in an agriturismo, a farmhouse or estate that welcomes tourists. Spend one or two nights there, depending on your means of return. If your return flight leaves Florence early on the morning of the fifteenth day, it's best to sleep in Florence.
Follow the wine route
The Chianti wine route crosses this region between Florence and Siena, renowned worldwide for the quality of its wines, especially its reds. From your car window, you'll see vineyards as far as the eye can see, and hills topped by villages or historic wine villas adorned with cypress trees. Make several stops, including Gaiole or Castellina.
Tasting at wineries
Experiencing Chianti to the full is not just for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. So stop off at some of the most famous family-run estates to indulge in some wine tasting, and why not leave with a few bottles, or even cases, in the car. The majority of estates are housed in centuries-old stone buildings, so they're well worth a visit, even for those who aren't big fans of wine tourism. In particular, you'll be able to taste Chianti classico, which has a protected designation of origin.
