10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary: Florence, Bologna, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Pisa & Calci Adventure

Day 1: Explore Florence

Florence, Italy on July 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Menagere

Start your day with delicious coffee and pastries in this trendy café that blends a florist, restaurant, and wine bar experience in the heart of Florence.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery

Discover iconic Renaissance artworks including Botticelli’s 'The Birth of Venus'. Open 8:15am-6:50pm; advance tickets recommended.
EUR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine with homemade pasta and local meats in this lively trattoria popular with locals.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Piazza del Duomo & Cathedral Visit

Explore Florence’s iconic Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and climb the Dome for panoramic city views. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR18, 2h

6:00pm

Evening Stroll and Aperitivo at La Terrazza Lounge Bar

Relax with an aperitivo while enjoying views overlooking the city’s skyline during sunset.
EUR15, 1.5h
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Day 2: Bologna Highlights

Bologna, Italy on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Train Florence to Bologna

Take an early morning train from Florence to Bologna, approximately 35 minutes by high-speed train.
EUR20, 0h35m

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Terzi

Sample some of Bologna’s finest coffee and pastry at this renowned specialty café.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Piazza Maggiore & Basilica di San Petronio

Explore the medieval heart of Bologna at Piazza Maggiore including the massive Basilica di San Petronio, open 9am-12:30pm and 3pm-6pm.
Free (donations welcome), 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Anna Maria

Enjoy traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù in this authentic spot favored by locals.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Climb Asinelli Tower

Climb the tallest medieval tower in Bologna for splendid views of the city and surrounding countryside. Open 9:30am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Explore the Quadrilatero Market Area

Wander through vibrant market streets filled with food stalls and shops selling local specialties.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante da Cesari

Savour handmade pasta and classic Emilian recipes in this family-run restaurant with charming ambience.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Travel to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Train Bologna to La Spezia

Take morning train from Bologna to La Spezia, a gateway to Cinque Terre, approximately 3h30m journey.
EUR30, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in La Spezia at Osteria Della Corte

Relish fresh seafood dishes and Ligurian specialities near the railway station, perfect for a break before heading to the villages.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Train from La Spezia to Monterosso al Mare

Short 15-minute train trip to Monterosso, a popular Cinque Terre village.
EUR5, 0h15m

3:00pm

Explore Monterosso al Mare

Relax on the beach or wander the old town lanes visiting the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Open all day for roaming.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky

Enjoy refined Ligurian cuisine featuring fresh fish and regional wines overlooking the ocean.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cinque Terre Hike

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Hike the Sentiero Azzurro Trail

Trek from Monterosso to Vernazza, Corniglia and Manarola, enjoying stunning coastal views along the famous blue trail. Trail is open daily, bring water and hiking shoes.
EUR7 Cinque Terre Card for trail access, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch in Vernazza at Belforte Restaurant

Dine cliffside with sea views and traditional Ligurian seafood specialties, a perfect mid-hike rest.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Continue Hiking and Explore Manarola

Complete the hike and enjoy Manarola’s harbour at sunset, famed for its postcard-perfect scenery.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria dal Billy, Manarola

Delight in fresh seafood pasta with local wines in this warm, family-owned eatery.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 5: From Cinque Terre to Lucca

Lucca, Italy on July 15, 2025

8:30am

Train Manarola to Lucca

Take train from Manarola via La Spezia to Lucca taking around 3h, with scenic stops along the way.
EUR20, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria da Pasquale

Enjoy homemade Tuscan dishes with welcoming atmosphere close to Lucca station.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Lucca's City Walls

Stroll or cycle along Lucca's well-preserved Renaissance city walls offering views of historic towers and lush gardens. Open daily.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Visit the oval piazza built on ancient Roman amphitheatre ruins, a vibrant spot with cafés and shops.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Giglio

Taste refined Lucchese cuisine blending local ingredients and contemporary techniques in a historic setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 6: Lucca Delights

Lucca, Italy on July 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Taddeucci

Try pastries and coffee in this classic spot loved by locals for its freshly baked focaccia.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Torre Guinigi

Climb this iconic tower with a rooftop garden of oak trees for panoramic views of Lucca. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h

11:00am

San Michele in Foro Church

Marvel at the intricate marble facade and peaceful interior of this Romanesque church in Lucca’s main square.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Da Leo

Savour traditional hearty Tuscan dishes in a rustic, family-run setting.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Relax in the Botanical Gardens of Lucca

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walking in the beautiful botanical gardens featuring diverse plant species. Open 9am-6pm.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Buca di Sant’Antonio

Dine in one of Lucca’s oldest restaurants with refined regional cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 7: Lucca to Calci

Calci, Italy on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Lucca at Caffè di Simo

Enjoy a cappuccino and light breakfast in this cosy café before travelling.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Train Lucca to Pisa Centrale

Travel from Lucca to Pisa Centrale, roughly 30-minute train ride.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:45am

Bus Pisa to Calci

Take local bus from Pisa to Calci, approximately 20 minutes.
EUR3, 0h20m

10:30am

Check-in at Social Garden, Calci

Settle in for your two-night stay at this social project accommodation surrounded by nature and community spirit.
N/A, N/A

11:30am

Visit Pisa Charterhouse (Certosa di Pisa)

Just a short walk from Social Garden, discover this stunning historic monastery and museum; open 9am-1pm and 3pm-6pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at local Trattoria in Calci

Sample authentic Tuscan dishes in this quaint village setting near your accommodation.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Calci Village and Surroundings

Walk the village streets, visit small shops and enjoy the peaceful alpine setting beneath the Apuan Alps.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Il Social Garden

Enjoy organic and seasonal dishes with ingredients from Social Garden’s own garden, focusing on community and sustainability.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Relaxing Calci

Calci, Italy on July 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Social Garden Café

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries in the welcoming social café environment.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Hiking in the Apuan Alps near Calci

Enjoy an invigorating walk in scenic natural surroundings with trails suitable for moderate hikers.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic or at Local Osteria

Choose a local eatery or prepare a picnic from Social Garden's fresh produce to enjoy outdoors.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Museum of Natural History of Calci

Explore this fascinating museum housed in the Charterhouse complex, featuring geological and paleontological collections. Open 3pm-6pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Tana del Boia, Calci

Rustic dining with traditional Tuscan dishes and local wines in an intimate village setting.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 9: Calci to Florence

Florence, Italy on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Social Garden

Enjoy your final breakfast amid the peaceful atmosphere before departure to Florence.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Bus Calci to Pisa Centrale

Catch a morning bus back to Pisa train station (20 minutes).
EUR3, 0h20m

10:00am

Train Pisa to Florence

Fast train takes approximately 1 hour from Pisa Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station.
EUR15, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Mercato Centrale Florence

Experience a variety of local food vendors and sample Tuscan specialties in this lively market food hall.
EUR20, 1h

1:00pm

Accademia Gallery

View Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the statue of David, and other Renaissance art. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR20, 2h

3:30pm

Leisurely walk along Arno River and Ponte Vecchio

Stroll and enjoy the shops and views on Florence’s iconic medieval bridge.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Taste classic Tuscan dishes including wild boar and truffles in a rustic environment.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 10: Departure Day

Florence, Italy on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy excellent coffee and fresh pastries in a modern café before heading to the airport.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Florence Airport

Take taxi or tram to Florence Airport for flight back to Vienna; airport is approximately 20 minutes from city centre.
EUR25, 0h30m
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