HomeJourneys › Tuscany Loop

Tuscany Loop: the Day-by-Day Itinerary

A cypress-lined lane through the rolling hills of the Val d'Orcia
Photo: Iaia quark · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Tuscany is Renaissance cities surrounded by hills that look painted. Florence's Duomo, Siena's shell-shaped piazza and San Gimignano's towers fill the mornings; long lunches at wine estates fill the afternoons. The Brunello is often made a hundred metres from your table.

Tuscany Loop is a 380 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 4–7 days; the plan below is the 5-day version for October, built from 339 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

Customize this plan → 4-day plan · 5-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go

5
days
420 km
distance
7.0 h
driving
37
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Florence → Lucca

1h09 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 0.6–27.2°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
Palazzo Vecchiomuseums & heritagehistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Impressive Renaissance art and a giant David replica greet you in the civic heart.
50 min · Florence · "Museum" or "Tower and Battlements": €12
09:50
Piazza della Signoriamuseums & heritagehistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Savor vibrant energy surrounded by grand statues and Renaissance art.
50 min · Florence
10:40
Museo dell'Opera del Duomomuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Contemplate master sculptures and lost designs in a serene museum.
50 min · Florence · By ticket
open: F-W 09:00-19:00, Th 09:00-17:00
12:39
Duomo di San Martinomuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Gaze upon the Volto Santo and Ilaria del Carretto's Sarcophagus.
50 min · Lucca · €3
13:29
Lucca summer festivalmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Dance to live concerts by international rock stars in the old town.
90 min · Lucca
14:59
Tourist Centremuseums & heritage
Conveniently store luggage and rent bikes for city exploration.
50 min · Lucca
open: Daily 09:30-19:00
15:49
Vecchia Trattoria Buralliwine & vineyards
Discover ever-changing local dishes in a hidden gem.
60 min · Lucca
18:30
Buca di San Antoniolocal & traditional
Relish traditional Lucchesi dishes in a renowned setting.
75 min · Lucca
Overnight: Lucca
e.g. Albergo alla Corte degli Angeli · B&B Camera con Vista

Day 2 Around Lucca

no transit — linger day · wraps up ~16:20
🌡 0.6–27.2°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:00
Piazza dell'Anfiteatrohistory & sagas
See medieval houses built on the site of a former Roman amphitheatre.
50 min · Lucca
09:50
Torre delle Orehistory & sagas
Hear the ancient clock chime and enjoy a stunning city panorama.
50 min · Lucca · As of July 2019 the normal entrance pric (price listed 2019)
10:40
Puccini Museummuseums & heritage
Explore the composer's birthplace turned museum, rich in musical history.
50 min · Lucca
11:30
Piazza Napoleonehistory & sagas
Feel the energy in Lucca's largest square, framed by grand architecture.
50 min · Lucca
12:20
City Wallshistory & sagas
Stroll or cycle along ancient walls for a panoramic city overview.
90 min · Lucca
13:50
Lucca Comics and Gamesmuseums & heritage
Cosplayers fill the streets in vibrant costumes.
90 min · Lucca · €15-20 per day
15:20
Trattoria da Leo
Savor Tuscan flavors with a pinch of Lucca's pine nuts.
60 min · Lucca
Overnight: Lucca
e.g. Albergo alla Corte degli Angeli · B&B Camera con Vista

Day 3 Pisa

0h33 transit · wraps up ~19:45
🌡 4.8–29.6°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 10.8h light
09:33
Camposanto Monumentalemuseums & heritagehistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Explore ancient sarcophagi and haunting medieval frescoes in this solemn space.
50 min · Pisa · Single ticket €5. A combined ticket with
open: Daily, 9:00-19:00
10:23
Duomo di Pisamuseums & heritagehistory & sagaschurches & landmarks
Admire intricate Romanesque design and vibrant mosaics in this grand cathedral.
50 min · Pisa · Free (but entry passes, up to 2 per pers
open: Daily, 10:00-19:00
11:13
Museum of Computing Instrumentsmuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Discover the evolution of computing through historic mechanical calculators and early computers.
50 min · Pisa · €2.50
open: M-F 09:00-17:00
12:03
Palazzo della Carovanamuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Behold the elaborate Renaissance façade of this prestigious academic institution.
50 min · Pisa
12:53
Museo Nazionale di San Matteomuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Immerse yourself in a rich collection of Tuscan Renaissance art in a monastic setting.
50 min · Pisa
13:43
Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza XX Settembremuseums & heritagehistory & sagas
Experience the vibrant heart of the city where two lively squares meet.
50 min · Pisa
14:33
Gramignalocal & traditional
Pair home-made burgers with local craft beers at great prices.
60 min · Pisa · Around €10 for a burger and a beer (price listed 2018)
open: W-M 19:00-01:00
18:30
Babettemuseums & heritagewine & vineyards
Savour a glass of wine while browsing art-filled shelves.
75 min · Pisa
Overnight: Pisa
e.g. Airone Pisa Park Hotel · Bed and Breakfast ARISTON

See the remaining 2 days of the 5-day plan →

Route map

Similar journeys

Build your own version →