A Taste of Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Florence in 10 Days

  • Day 1: Florence
    Arrive in Florence in the morning.

    Start your Florence adventure by visiting the iconic Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous museums in the world, and immerse yourself in Renaissance art. Next, visit the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore for a breathtaking view of Florence. Finish your day with a sunset stroll around the picturesque streets of the Ponte Vecchio, a charming 14th-century bridge that has become a symbol of Florence.

  • Day 2: Tuscany
    45 minutes (37 miles) from Florence.

    Take a day trip to the heart of Tuscany and explore the vineyards and the countryside on a wine tour through Chianti. Next, visit the medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its 14 towers that dominate the skyline, and indulge in the town's famous ice cream. End your day in Siena, a historic city full of art treasures and imposing palaces, and enjoy dinner in one of its delicious traditional restaurants.

  • Day 3: Florence
    1 hour (35 miles) from Siena, back to Florence.

    In your second day in Florence, visit the remarkable Palazzo Pitti, a former palace that now houses several museums and a beautiful garden. Next, head to the romantic Piazza della Signoria and visit the Palazzo Vecchio, a fortress-like palace that has been the seat of the government of Florence over the centuries. End your day in Oltrarno, Florence's bohemian district, and indulge in a traditional dinner.

  • Day 4: Lucca and Pisa
    1 hour and 15 minutes (47 miles) from Florence.

    Visit the charming town of Lucca, surrounded by a well-preserved Renaissance wall, and take a leisurely stroll on top of it. Next, visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy's most iconic sights. End your day on the coast in Viareggio, a lively beach town known for its Art Nouveau architecture.

  • Day 5: Cinque Terre
    1 hour and 20 minutes (50 miles) from Viareggio.

    Embark on a scenic train ride to the charming Cinque Terre, a group of five picturesque fishing villages perched on the rocky cliffs over the sea. Take a boat tour to explore the coastline, and hike the famous Path of Love that connects the villages. End your day with a dinner of fresh seafood in one of the many traditional restaurants.

  • Day 6: Cinque Terre
    Continue exploring Cinque Terre.

    Spend your second day in Cinque Terre visiting the remaining villages and soak up the charming atmosphere of this unique and beautiful region. Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some of the local dishes and enjoy a delicious lunch.

  • Day 7: Lucca and Florence
    2 hours and 20 minutes (104 miles) from Cinque Terre, back to Florence

    Head back to Florence to visit the magnificent Medici Chapels, a stunning mausoleum that houses the tombs of the Medici family. Next, visit the beautiful Boboli Gardens, an exquisite example of Italian-style gardens that are still used for public recreation today. End your day with a sunset aperitif on the beautiful Piazzale Michelangelo, for an iconic view of Florence.

  • Day 8: Arezzo and Cortona
    1 hour and 20 minutes (49 miles) from Florence.

    Take a day trip to the charming cities of Arezzo and Cortona to explore the beautiful medieval sights, churches and palaces. See masterpieces of Renaissance art in their museums and admire the beautiful views of Tuscan hills.

  • Day 9: Montepulciano and Montalcino
    2 hours and 20 minutes (87 miles) from Florence.

    Take a tour of two of Tuscany's most famous wine regions Montepulciano and Montalcino, known for their delicious Brunello and Nobile wines. Visit the vineyards and taste the wines in local cellars. End your day with a delicious dinner in one of the many traditional restaurants in the area.

  • Day 10: Florence
    2 hours and 20 minutes (87 miles) from Montepulciano/Montalcino, back to Florence.

    End your trip with a visit to the iconic David statue by Michelangelo, located in the Accademia Gallery of Florence. Next, visit the beautiful Santa Croce Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that contains the tombs of famous figures from Italian history, including Michelangelo, Galileo, and Dante. End your trip with a romantic walk over the Ponte Santa Trinita, one of the most beautiful bridges in Florence.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Uffizi Gallery (2-3 hours, €20)
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (1-2 hours, free)
  • Ponte Vecchio (30 mins - 1 hour, free)
  • Wine tour through Chianti (6-7 hours, €150)
  • San Gimignano (2-3 hours, free)
  • Siena (3-4 hours, €30)
  • Palazzo Pitti (2-3 hours, €16)
  • Piazza della Signoria (1-2 hours, free)
  • Palazzo Vecchio (1-2 hours, €10)
  • Oltrarno (2-3 hours, cost varies)
  • Lucca (3-4 hours, €9)
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa (1-2 hours, €18)
  • Viareggio (2-3 hours, free)
  • Cinque Terre boat tour (4-5 hours, €40)
  • Path of Love hike (3-4 hours, free)
  • Cooking class (2-3 hours, €60)
  • Medici Chapels (1-2 hours, €15)
  • Boboli Gardens (2-3 hours, €10)
  • Piazzale Michelangelo (1-2 hours, free)
  • Arezzo (3-4 hours, free)
  • Cortona (3-4 hours, free)
  • Montepulciano and Montalcino wine tour (6-7 hours, €200)
  • Accademia Gallery (1-2 hours, €20)
  • Santa Croce Basilica (1-2 hours, €8)
  • Ponte Santa Trinita (30 mins - 1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €806

Transportation

To get around the main destinations of Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Florence, the best ways to get around are by train, bus, or car depending on the traveler's preference. Accessible transportation is inexpensive, and train travel is a popular way to travel between cities. Travel cost can go up to €150 if visitors plan a wine tour in Chianti, and €200 for a Montepulciano and Montalcino tour. Car rentals rates start at €25.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider a visit to the charming towns of Pienza or Montecatini Terme for a relaxing spa day. Add extra time in Florence to visit the beautiful Boboli Gardens and explore its surrounding areas. Subtract some destinations if visitors prefer to have a slower pace or have less time available. It's important to remember that booking sites examples such as "GetYourGuide" or "Viator" offer various activities that could save visitors time with bookings.

Airports

Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) is the main airport for traveling to Tuscany, Cinque Terre, and Florence. It is located only 4 km from the city center, making it a convenient option. It offers plenty of flights to other European destinations and nearby airports. Pisa International Airport (PSA) also serves as a gateway to Tuscany and is located only 1 hour and 30 minutes from Florence by car.

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