Relaxing 11-Day Tuscany and Liguria Itinerary: Florence, Bologna, Lucca, Cinque Terre, Siena & Val d’Orcia by Public Transport

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Florence, Italy on July 11, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival at Florence

Arrive in Florence and check into your hotel. Take the afternoon to rest and ease into the beautiful Tuscan atmosphere with a gentle walk around Piazza della Signoria.
€0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Trattoria ZaZa renowned for classic Tuscan dishes served in a lively but comfortable atmosphere.
€30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Florence City Highlights

Florence, Italy on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast of coffee and pastries at historic Caffè Gilli in central Florence.
€10, 1h

9:30am

Uffizi Gallery Visit

Visit the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to admire Renaissance masterpieces. Make sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
€20, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Lunch at Florence’s vibrant central market, where you can sample Tuscan specialities from a variety of vendors.
€15, 1h

1:30pm

Duomo and Baptistery Tour

Explore Florence Cathedral, climb the dome if you like for panoramic city views, and visit the Baptistery.
€18, 2h

4:00pm

Leisurely Walk along Arno River

Unwind with a gentle stroll along the Arno River, enjoying views of the Ponte Vecchio.
€0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Dine in an intimate restaurant famed for its romantic setting and delectable Tuscan cuisine.
€40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Siena

Florence, Italy on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Café

Fuel up early with a light breakfast before your day trip.
€8, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Siena by Bus

Take the direct SITA bus from Florence’s bus station to Siena; the journey takes about 1h 20m offering scenic views.
€8, 1h20m

10:00am

Siena Cathedral

Explore the stunning Gothic cathedral with its intricate marble floors and frescoes.
€8, 1h

11:15am

Piazza del Campo

Relax in the famous shell-shaped square and climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views.
€10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria La Chiacchera

Enjoy typical Sienese fare in this cosy osteria close to the Piazza.
€25, 1h

2:30pm

Leisurely Walk & Shopping

Spend your afternoon wandering Siena’s quaint streets appreciating artisan shops and peaceful spots.
€0, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Florence by Bus

Travel back to Florence, relaxed and ready for a restful evening.
€8, 1h20m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Ménagère

Experience a modern ambiance with traditional Tuscan dishes to finish your day nicely.
€35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Val d’Orcia & Montepulciano Day Trip

Florence, Italy on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a filling breakfast before your long but relaxing day exploring Tuscany’s countryside.
€10, 30m

7:45am

Bus to Montepulciano

Take the bus from Florence to Montepulciano via Siena; travel times vary but expect around 3 hours total, plan accordingly.
€20, 3h

11:00am

Explore Montepulciano

Walk through this charming hilltop town famous for its wine, Renaissance architecture and panoramic views.
€0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Acquacheta

Taste authentic Tuscan steak and local wines in this popular, traditional eatery.
€30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Val d’Orcia sights

Use local buses or arranged transfers to explore Val d’Orcia’s stunning scenery including Pienza and countryside views.
€10, 2h30m

5:00pm

Return to Florence by Bus

Head back to Florence in the early evening, perfect for unwinding at your hotel.
€20, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or nearby Trattoria

Enjoy a light dinner near your accommodation to end the day comfortably.
€25, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Lucca

Florence to Lucca, Italy on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start with a good breakfast before you depart Florence.
€10, 1h

9:30am

Train to Lucca

Take a direct train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Lucca, approx. 1h 20m journey.
€10, 1h20m

11:00am

Check into accommodation in Lucca

Settle into your hotel or B&B in the charming walled town.
€0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Giglio

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in Lucca’s historic centre at this well-recommended restaurant.
€30, 1h

1:30pm

Cycle or Walk Lucca Walls

Relax on the famous Lucca Renaissance walls; rent a bike for a gentle 4km circuit offering lovely views.
€8, 2h

4:00pm

Visit San Michele in Foro

Discover this striking Romanesque church situated in Lucca’s lively main square.
€0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Leo

Spend a relaxed evening dinner sampling Luccan specialties in a homely and welcoming setting.
€30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lucca Leisure Day

Lucca, Italy on July 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Taddeucci

Enjoy a traditional Italian pastry and espresso to start the day.
€8, 1h

9:30am

Torre Guinigi Visit

Climb this iconic tower topped with trees for breathtaking views across Lucca and surrounding countryside.
€5, 1h

11:00am

Botanical Gardens

Spend a peaceful hour wandering Lucca’s small but charming botanical gardens.
€5, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at All’Anfiteatro

Dine inside the elliptical piazza shaped from an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
€25, 1h

2:00pm

Free afternoon for shopping or relaxing at cafes

Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring artisan shops or resting in a café soaking in Lucca’s ambience.
€0, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Baralla

Enjoy an authentic rustic Tuscan meal perfect for your final night in Lucca.
€30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Cinque Terre

Lucca to Cinque Terre, Italy on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your transfer to Cinque Terre.
€10, 30m

8:30am

Train to Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)

Travel by train from Lucca to Monterosso via Pisa and La Spezia, approximately 3h 15m total journey.
€25, 3h15m

12:00pm

Check into Monterosso accommodation

Settle into your accommodation in the largest and easiest Cinque Terre village to base yourself.
€0, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Miky

Treat yourself to fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties overlooking the sea.
€35, 1h

3:00pm

Relax on Monterosso Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on Monterosso’s sandy beach enjoying the Mediterranean sun and sea.
€0, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Belvedere

Dine with panoramic views in this cozy spot famous for regional dishes and wines.
€35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast to start your day exploring the five villages.
€10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Vernazza and Corniglia

Take the scenic train or coastal hiking trail to Vernazza and Corniglia, known for charming harbours and hilltop views.
€16, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Belforte in Vernazza

Experience excellent seafood dining perched above the harbour with spectacular views.
€30, 1h

2:30pm

Relaxation and Coffee in Corniglia

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon coffee and gelato in this quieter village.
€8, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Monterosso

Travel back to your base village for a relaxed evening.
€8, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at L’Ancora della Tortuga

Enjoy Ligurian specialities in a welcoming atmosphere just off the beach.
€35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cinque Terre Leisure Day

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Take your time with a leisurely breakfast by the sea.
€10, 1h

10:00am

Boat Trip Along the Coast

Enjoy a relaxing boat tour along the Cinque Terre coast for unique views of the colourful villages.
€25, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Il Porticciolo

Enjoy local seafood and fresh pasta with sea views in Monterosso.
€30, 1h

2:00pm

Free Afternoon to Swim or Explore

Spend your afternoon at your own pace, either swimming or casually exploring smaller paths or shops.
€0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Ely

Finish with a quiet dinner offering authentic Ligurian cuisine and excellent local wine.
€30, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Bologna

Cinque Terre to Bologna, Italy on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before starting your journey back to Bologna.
€10, 1h

9:00am

Train to Bologna

Travel by train from Monterosso to Bologna (around 3h 30m with one change in Pisa or Florence).
€30, 3h30m

12:30pm

Check-in at Bologna Accommodation

Settle into your hotel in Bologna and relax.
€0, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Meloncello

Enjoy traditional Bolognese cuisine focusing on fresh pasta specialties.
€30, 1h

2:30pm

Leisurely Walk in Bologna Historic Centre

Explore highlights like Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica of San Petronio at a comfortable pace.
€0, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria dell’Orsa

Relax with hearty, authentic regional dishes beloved by locals.
€30, 1h30m
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Day 11: Departure

Bologna, Italy on July 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have one last Italian breakfast before you leave.
€10, 1h

10:00am

Departure

Make your way to Bologna airport or train station for your onward journey.
€0, N/A
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