Relaxing and Scenic 12-Day Tuscany and Cinque Terre Itinerary by Public Transport

Day 1: Arrival and Florence

Florence, Italy on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Ménagère

Start your day with an aesthetically pleasing and delightful breakfast in this trendy Florence café, known for great coffee and fresh pastries.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Explore Duomo and historic centre

Visit Florence’s iconic cathedral and wander the UNESCO-listed historic centre, perfect for gentle walking and discovering Renaissance art and architecture.
EUR20 for Duomo entry, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy traditional Tuscan dishes in a lively trattoria loved by locals and tourists alike, ideal for your first taste of authentic regional cuisine.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Boboli Gardens exploration

Take a relaxing stroll through these beautiful Renaissance gardens with panoramic city views, perfect for nature and art lovers.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Buchetta Food & Wine

Savour a refined Tuscan dinner paired with excellent wines, with an opportunity to meet friendly locals and fellow travellers in a charming setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Florence Art & Nature

Florence, Italy on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy speciality coffee and artisan breakfast pastries in a relaxed atmosphere, ideal to fuel your day of exploration.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

Discover masterpieces of Renaissance art from Botticelli to Leonardo da Vinci in one of the world’s most famous art museums (pre-book tickets for quick entry).
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale (upper floor food court)

Choose from a variety of local specialties, including fresh pasta and seafood, in a vibrant market setting where you can meet other travellers.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo

Hike or take a bus to this famous balcony with panoramic views of Florence, perfect for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature and photo opportunities.
EUR1.50 for bus, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Santo Spirito

Dine in a lively square popular with locals, offering excellent Tuscan dishes in a convivial atmosphere ideal for socialising.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Florence to Siena

Florence to Siena, Italy on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Grab a light breakfast before heading out; most cafes open around 7am.
EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Travel by bus or train Florence to Siena

Take a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour public bus or combination of train+bus to Siena in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
EUR10, 2h

11:00am

Check-in and rest

Settle into your accommodation in Siena and prepare for afternoon exploration.
–, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Antica Trattoria Papei

Taste traditional Sienese cuisine in a cozy, authentic setting popular with locals.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral

Wander the famous shell-shaped piazza and visit the stunning Gothic Cathedral with its unique striped marble façade.
EUR15, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Orto de’ Pecci park

Enjoy a peaceful walk or rest in this scenic city park with olive trees and views over Siena.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Compagnia Dei Vinattieri

Dine on delicious Tuscan traditional meals paired with local wines in a friendly and intimate atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Siena to Val d'Orcia

Siena to Val d'Orcia, Italy on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Pasticceria Nannini

Have a sweet and coffee breakfast at this famous Siena pasticceria before the day trip.
EUR12, 1h

8:30am

Bus to Pienza in Val d'Orcia

Travel to the beautiful Val d'Orcia region by bus, arriving in the quaint town of Pienza known for its Renaissance architecture and cheeses.
EUR7, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Pienza and nearby hiking trail

Walk the streets of Pienza and hike the scenic trails to enjoy outstanding views of the rolling Tuscan hills and vineyards.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Baccus

Enjoy local Val d'Orcia cuisine, especially Pecorino cheese dishes, in this charming small-town restaurant.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Bagno Vignoni hot springs

Walk to this unique village known for its ancient thermal springs and relax in the historic thermal basin.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Bus to Montepulciano

Take a short bus ride to Montepulciano for evening arrival and overnight stay.
EUR4, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Grotta

Dine on refined Tuscan dishes like pici pasta in a cozy cellar restaurant perfect for welcoming the evening.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Montepulciano & Wine

Montepulciano, Italy on July 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at bar in town centre

Grab a quick cappuccino and pastry to start the day comfortably before wine tour.
EUR8, 30m

9:30am

Wine tasting tour and vineyard biking

Join a guided bike tour through vineyards of the renowned Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with included tastings, combining hiking, biking and relaxation.
EUR70, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Il Covo

Savour creativity in Tuscan dishes with local ingredients after a morning of biking and tasting.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Montepulciano old town

Relax with an afternoon walk exploring the narrow streets, artisan shops, and lovely piazzas.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Acquacheta

Join locals at this well-known spot for authentic Florentine steak and rustic Tuscan fare.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Montepulciano to Cinque Terre

Montepulciano to Cinque Terre, Italy on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Have a quick breakfast before catching travel connections to the Ligurian coast.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Train and bus to Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore or Monterosso)

Travel via public transport (train) approximately 5 hours with change in Florence, enjoy scenic views en route to Cinque Terre.
EUR40, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria dal Billy, Manarola

Enjoy fresh seafood pasta with impressive view overlooking the sea in one of the Cinque Terre villages.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Hiking the Cinque Terre trails

Spend afternoon hiking the Blue Trail connecting the five villages, full of breathtaking coastline and opportunities to meet other hikers.
EUR7 for park ticket, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Enjoy a casual dinner with stunning sunset views and a chance to socialise with fellow travellers in a lively spot.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relax Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Terza Terra

Start your day with an espresso and light treats while enjoying views of Monterosso beach.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Bike rental and coastal ride

Rent a bike and cycle the scenic roads around Levanto and Monterosso where allowed, enjoying sea breeze and nature.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Miky, Monterosso

Eat refined seafood dishes in this Michelin-recognised restaurant popular among foodies.
EUR45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Beach time or boat tour

Relax on the beach or take a boat ride to admire the Cinque Terre cliffs and villages from the sea.
EUR25 for boat tour, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Belforte Restaurant

Dine atop a cliff in Vernazza with panoramic views and fresh Ligurian cuisine, a perfect end to your Cinque Terre visit.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cinque Terre to Lucca

Cinque Terre to Lucca, Italy on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Quick breakfast and prepare for your journey to Lucca.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Train to Lucca

Travel by train approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via La Spezia and Pisa to reach Lucca comfortably by early afternoon.
EUR25, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Baralla

Sample Tuscan comfort food and salads close to Lucca’s walls in a friendly atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Lucca old town and city walls

Walk or bike the fully intact Renaissance walls and quaint cobbled streets, a perfect afternoon to relax and meet other visitors.
Bike rental EUR10, 3h

6:30pm

Visit Torre Guinigi

Climb this famous tower with rooftop oak trees for sunset views over Lucca.
EUR5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Leo

Known for amazing Tuscan pasta and warm hospitality, perfect to end your day in Lucca meeting locals.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Lucca Relax & Nature

Lucca, Italy on July 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Lazzarini

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee at this popular bakery to start your relaxing day.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Day bike ride to Garfagnana countryside

Rent a bike and explore the scenic Garfagnana region’s gentle hills and forests around Lucca, perfect for hiking and nature lovers.
Bike rental EUR15, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic or trattoria in countryside

Enjoy a picnic with local produce or a simple lunch at a countryside trattoria recommended by locals.
EUR20, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Villa Reale di Marlia gardens

Relax in beautifully manicured Baroque gardens just outside Lucca with serene walking paths.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Giglio

End your day with fine dining in Lucca’s historical centre, featuring seasonal Tuscan dishes.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 10: Lucca to Florence or Bologna

Lucca to Florence or Bologna, Italy on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Grab a light Italian breakfast before travel.
EUR7, 30m

9:00am

Travel by train to Florence or Bologna

Take a direct train to Florence (~1h15m) or Bologna (~2h15m) for your departure city, depending on your flight.
EUR20-35, 1h15m to 2h15m

11:00am

Last stroll and market visit

Spend the late morning exploring markets such as Mercato Centrale in Florence or Quadrilatero in Bologna for last-minute gifts and food tasting.
Free to browse, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale (Florence) or Trattoria Anna Maria (Bologna)

Enjoy one final hearty Italian lunch, sampling local favourites in a vibrant market or traditional restaurant.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at park or piazza

Rest in a local park or piazza, reflecting on your wonderful Tuscan and Ligurian adventure.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Have a light dinner near your accommodation to stay refreshed before your departure day.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 11: Departure Day

Florence or Bologna, Italy on July 20, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast

Eat a quick breakfast in hotel or nearby café before heading to the airport.
EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Airport

Use shuttle or train to reach Florence or Bologna airport for your flight home.
EUR10, 1h
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