Car Itinerary in Tuscany

Today we’re going on an unforgettable adventure through Tuscany! I’m bringing you a post that is frequently requested: Ana Patrícia, write a post about how to explore Tuscany by car! Well, today we’re going to find out what to explore on a road trip through Tuscany. Stay with us and make the most of the boot country!  Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy Section – Tips for your Vacation!

Our Introduction

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Italy and exploring this incredible region by car is a real treat! It’s extraordinary to drive through incredible cities and explore their rich history, captivating landscapes and culinary heritage that make them unique. This meticulously crafted driving itinerary will provide you with a complete experience, combining the elegance of Renaissance cities with the authenticity of medieval villages.

My Tips and Advice

• To have an incredible experience in Tuscany, I recommend you stay in an Agritourism or a Castle in the Chianti Zone or at a Winery. Click here and discover 10 Agritourisms in Tuscany! and/or Click here to discover 5 Castles to Stay in Chianti! and/or Click here to Stay at a Winery.
• For those who don’t like changing hotels often, it is possible to do a round trip from Florence, that is, your base will be Florence and you can reserve days to visit two or more cities.
• Another thing I recommend for those who have little time and like to make the most of the day is to do this itinerary with a private driver and a guide who speaks English. With a private driver, you have the advantage of not having to worry about anything and you can drink as much wine as you want, it will be a VIP and very pleasant experience. To find out more, just click on the link below and request a no-obligation quote.
• Read this post until the end, as I will give you useful information to help you travel safely by car.

1) Itinerary car in Tuscany: FLORENCE, THE CRADLE OF THE RENAISSANCE

DAY 01 – Begin your journey in Florence, immersed in its artistic and architectural grandeur. Visit the Santa Maria Novella Church, the imposing Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the San Giovanni Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio. In front of the Palazzo Vecchio, you will find several statues, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David. Take the opportunity to take photos outside. The original statue is in the Galleria dell’Accademia Museum.

Continuing our tour, we will go to the Ponte Vecchio, the Santa Croce Basilica  and Piazzale Michelangelo. Let yourself be carried away by the charming streets and taste Tuscan cuisine in one of the traditional local restaurants.

Find out here:

• One-day itinerary in Florence

• Where to sleep in Florence

• Where to eat in Florence

• Where to shop in Florence

Good to know:

• One day is enough to visit just the basics of Florence; ideally, two to three days would be enough. Read our posts: What to do in Florence, two days and three days.

2) Itinerary car in Tuscany:SAN GIMIGNANO AND VOLTERRA

DAY 02: Today we will visit two medieval villages, we will divide the day between visiting San Gimignano and Volterra.

San Gimignano

First we will go to San Gimignano, a jewel of Tuscany with its medieval towers and cobblestone streets. Once there, visit Piazza della Cisterna, the Duomo, Palazzo del Popolo, the Fortress of Montestaffoli and the Wine Museum. And don’t forget to visit one of the local wineries to taste Vernaccia wines, while enjoying the panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.

Find out here:

• One-day itinerary in San Gimignano

• Where to sleep in San Gimignano

Volterra

Volterra is surrounded by the region’s picturesque hills and is known for its beautiful medieval architecture. Volterra is also famous for its rich history and culture. Be sure to explore Piazza dei Priori, the most important square in Volterra, surrounded by several medieval buildings. It’s the perfect place to admire the city’s architecture and enjoy a panino con vino. Then visit the Duomo, the Etruscan Museum of Guarnacci, the Walls of Volterra, the Etruscan Acropolis, the Medici Fortress, the Porta Selci, the Pinacoteca and the Alabaster Ecomuseum.

Find out here:

• What to do in Volterra

3) Itinerary car in Tuscany: SIENA, A RETURN TO THE MIDDLE AGES

DAY 03: Head to Siena, where Piazza del Campo is the stage for the intense rivalry between local neighborhoods in the famous horse race, the Palio.

Then explore the city’s other attractions: the Civic Museum, the Torre Magia, the grand Siena Cathedral and Baptistery, the Basilica of San Giovanni Domenico and the Basilica of San Francesco. Then, wander through the medieval alleys, soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere.

Find out here:

• One-day itinerary in Siena

• Where to eat in Siena

 

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Day Trip from Florence to San Gimignano, Volterra and Siena

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4) Itinerary car in Tuscany: WINERIES, LANDSCAPES AND HISTORY

DAY 04: Chianti is a wine region located in Tuscany, Italy, known for its red wine. The region is full of vineyards where the famous Chianti Classico is produced, as well as other grape varieties such as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition to the wineries, the region offers breathtaking scenery, with lush green hills, medieval towns and plenty of history.

Top Attractions in Chianti

The Chianti region is a great place for those who enjoy good food and wine. In addition to the wineries, the region has many restaurants that serve typical local dishes, such as Ribollita (a soup made with bread and vegetables) and Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a delicious Florence-style steak).

In addition, the region is full of small medieval towns and villages full of history and charm. In Greve in Chianti, you can stroll through the central square and visit the Greve Market, which takes place every Saturday morning and is a great place to buy local cheeses, olive oil, bread and other regional delicacies. In Castellina in Chianti, you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Chianti Senese, which tells the history of the region since Etruscan times.

Find out here:

• What are the 5 Best Wineries in Chianti

• The Wine Road in Chianti

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Day trip from Florence to the main villages of Chianti

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5) Itinerary car in Tuscany: LUCCA AND PISA

DAY 05: Today we will visit two cities, we will divide the day between visiting Lucca and Pisa. Allow more time to explore Lucca, as Pisa has few attractions.

Lucca – A Walled Refuge

Now head to Lucca, a city surrounded by medieval walls. Cycle along the walls, taking in the enchanting views from the Giunigi Towers and the Tower of Hours. Explore the historic center, including the San Martino Cathedral, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Piazza Napoleon, known by locals as “Piazza Grande” and be sure to visit the Mansi Palace.

Find out here:

• One-day itinerary in Lucca

• Where to sleep in Lucca

Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower

Explore Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower, and discover other architectural treasures in Piazza dei Miracoli, such as the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta), the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Camposanto and the Lungarni. Then take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Find out here:

• One-day itinerary in Pisa

• Where to stay in Pisa

• Sleeping at Palazzo Feroci in Pisa

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Day Trip from Florence to Lucca and Pisa

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6) Itinerary car in Tuscany: VAL d´ORCIA, A WINE POSTCARD

DAY 06: Explore the stunning Val d’Orcia region, full of gentle hills, cypress trees and picturesque villages such as Montalcino (famous for Brunello wine), San Quirico d’Orcia, Pienza and Montepulciano (famous for Nobile wine). Capture the beauty of poppy fields, sunflowers and enjoy the local cuisine in traditional restaurants and wineries.

Find out here:

• Let’s visit Montalcino

• Let’s visit San Quirico d´Ordica

• Let’s visit Pienza

• What to do in Montepulciano

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Day trip from Florence to the main villages of Val d´Orcia

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How about an alternative itinerary?

Have you already visited the main cities in Tuscany? How about an alternative itinerary? Let’s go!

Day 01: Cortona – Art and History in Quiet Hills

• Start your journey in Cortona, a charming town that combines art and history. Explore its cobblestone streets, visit Fortezza del Girifalco for panoramic views and immerse yourself in the authentic Tuscan atmosphere. Learn more about Cortona here!

Day 02: Arezzo – Art and Ancient Markets

• Drive to Arezzo, known for its Piazza Grande and the famous fresco by Piero della Francesca in the Basilica of San Francesco. Explore the local markets, where the vibrant atmosphere reveals the authenticity of Tuscan life. Learn more about Arezzo here!

Day 03: Maremma – Untouched Nature and Hidden Vineyards

• Explore the Maremma region, known for its unspoiled landscapes and vineyards. Visit the Diaccia Botrona Nature Reserve, enjoy a wine tasting at a boutique winery and relax in the natural thermal baths of Saturnia. 

Day 04: Pitigliano – The Town on the Rocks

• Discover the unique town of Pitigliano, built on tuff rocks. Explore its medieval streets, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and marvel at the panoramic views from the cliffs. Learn more about Pitigliano here!

Day 05: Volterra – Etruscan Art and Ancient Ruins

• Travel to Volterra, a city rich in Etruscan history. Visit the Roman Theatre, the City Gate and the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Browse the alabaster shops, a local tradition. Learn more about Volterra here!

Day 06: Chianti – Wines and Enchanting Landscapes

• Explore the Chianti region, known for its wines and stunning landscapes. Visit small, family-run wineries like Castello di Ama and sample the local olive oil. Learn more about Chianti here!

Day 07: Vinci – Leonardo da Vinci’s Home

• End your journey in Vinci, the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Visit the Museo Leonardiano, explore the surrounding vineyards and end the day with a wine tasting at a local winery. Learn more about Vinci here! Read also: Mona Lisa’s house in Vignamaggio, Tuscany.

Some considerations for traveling by car in Italy…

Traveling by car in Italy offers a unique experience, allowing you to explore the cultural diversity, stunning landscapes and authenticity of the regions. Here are some essential considerations to make your road trip through Italy more enjoyable and stress-free.

Required Documentation

Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your International Driving Permit (IDP), car insurance and vehicle registration documents.

Reminder: as I said at the beginning of the itinerary, if you prefer to take a more relaxed tour so you can taste the region’s wines at your leisure, send us an email with no obligation and request a quote for a Portuguese-speaking driver.

Itinerary Planning

Plan your itinerary in advance, highlighting points of interest, cities to visit and possible stops along the way. Use maps or navigation apps for guidance. It is important to note that this is not even half of what you need to plan. If you have little time to organize, be sure to contact us.

My travel consultancy for Italy offers some services that really make a difference when it comes to your planning. To do this, everything is thought out based on your tastes and the type of trip you want to take.

With this information, it is much easier to help you find means of transportation both within and between cities in Italy. In addition, the itinerary is completely designed within your arrival and departure dates, taking into account the best cost-benefit ratio for what you want. Click here to learn more about my Travel Consultancy for Italy!

Traffic and Restricted Zones

Be aware of Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) in some historic cities, where only authorized vehicles can enter. Respect the rules to avoid fines. Find out all about fines in Italy by clicking here!

Parking

Research parking options in advance, especially in urban areas. Many cities have underground or outdoor parking lots to make it easier to get to tourist attractions. Find out here: Where to park in major medieval cities!

Fuel

Fill up your car before heading out to rural areas, as gas stations may be less frequent in some regions. Keep in mind that the price of fuel can vary in different parts of the country. 

Roads and Tolls

Italian motorways (autostrade) are well maintained, but some require tolls. Have cash or a credit card to pay the tolls. Find out here: How Tolls Work in Italy!

Signs and Speed ​​Limits

Be aware of signs and speed limits. On motorways, speed limits can vary, and in urban areas, speeds are often reduced. Learn about traffic signs in Italy here!

Historic Cities and Narrow Streets

When driving in historic cities, be prepared for narrow streets and heavy traffic. Consider leaving your car parked and exploring on foot.

Alternative Public Transport

In some cities, such as Florence, Rome and Milan, it may be more practical to use public transport to get around the historic centre, avoiding parking concerns. Find out all about Public Transport in the Main Italian Cities!

Vehicle Safety

Keep your belongings in the car out of sight and make sure the vehicle is locked when leaving. Avoid leaving valuables in the car for extended periods. By considering these points, you will be better prepared to make the most of your road trip in Italy, exploring its wonders with flexibility and freedom.

Don’t you know where to rent a car?

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Advantages of traveling with a rental car

• If you are traveling with 2 to 5 people, it is the most economical option! You just need to choose the places to visit calmly and leave without any worries! Always have a map with you, or opt for a car with GPS; not all cars have this option! Oh, and your cell phone can be a problem if you pass through a place without an internet signal. 

Disadvantages of traveling with a rental car

• Unforeseen expenses with parking and fuel, which unfortunately cannot be calculated, but this is normal. In my opinion, the biggest disadvantage is the lack of knowledge of the territory, which can sometimes result in wasting time finding the main cities, and turning an otherwise pleasant trip into a nightmare!
• Generally, those who drive are unable to enjoy the beautiful views around them.

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Watch this video and find out: Tolls In Italy: How Do They Work? Payment Methods, Tickets And More

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Conclusion

 Car Itinerary in Tuscany – This Tuscany itinerary offers a journey through the region’s rich culture, natural beauty and authentic flavors. From Florence to the countryside of Val d’Orcia, each stop is an opportunity to fall in love with the unique essence of Tuscany, creating memories that will last a lifetime. At every turn of the road, you will be transported to an unforgettable chapter of Italian history and beauty.

Do you feel insecure traveling?

If you need help organizing your trip, do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to help you make your dream trip to Italy.

Did my post help you, or do you still have questions? Leave your comment below, and I’ll get back to you!

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