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12-Day Italian Journey: Florence to Bologna via Tuscany and Cinque Terre

Viewed by 188 travelers

Day 1: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day at Caffè Gilli with traditional Italian coffee and pastries in a historic setting.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Visit the iconic Duomo with its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi. Climb up for panoramic city views. Open 10am-5pm.
EUR18, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Enjoy Tuscan specialties with fresh produce and street food at the vibrant central market.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Uffizi Gallery

Explore Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Open 8:15am-6:50pm.
EUR20, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Mario

Traditional Tuscan dining at an authentic local trattoria near the Mercato Centrale.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Siena Day Trip

Siena, Italy on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Train to Siena

Take a train from Florence to Siena, about 1.5 hours by train and bus combination. Depart early to maximise your day.
EUR12, 1h30m

9:45am

Piazza del Campo

Visit the historic shell-shaped square and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Siena's heart.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Siena Cathedral

Admire the gothic architecture and intricate floor mosaics in this famous cathedral. Open 10am-7pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Logge

Savour traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist in a stylish setting near the cathedral.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

walk through medieval streets

Stroll Siena’s medieval streets, enjoying local shops and picturesque views before train back to Florence.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Return to Florence

Travel back to Florence by bus and train, arriving in the evening.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Casual dinner at a local pizzeria or enoteca near your accommodation in Florence.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Pienza Exploration

Pienza, Italy on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Pienza

Take a morning bus from Florence to Pienza via Siena for a scenic Tuscan experience. Duration around 2.5 hours.
EUR15, 2h30m

10:30am

Explore Pienza town centre

Discover Pienza’s Renaissance architecture, Palazzo Piccolomini, and the charming streets with stunning views of Val d’Orcia.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Buca di Enea

Enjoy delicious local dishes made from fresh Tuscan ingredients in a cosy atmosphere.
EUR28, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk in Val d’Orcia

Take a guided or self-guided walk around the scenic hills and cypress-lined roads around Pienza.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Florence

Head back to Florence by bus, arriving early evening.
EUR15, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Experience romantic dining with refined Tuscan dishes and fine wines in the heart of Florence.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Florence to Lucca

Lucca, Italy on July 13, 2025

8:30am

Train to Lucca

Take a direct train from Florence to Lucca, about 1.5 hours journey.
EUR12, 1h30m

10:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Bar**

Enjoy pastries and coffee at a popular local cafe near the Lucca station.
EUR8, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk Lucca’s city walls

Stroll or cycle the Renaissance-era walls encircling the city for beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Leo

Taste traditional Lucchese dishes with friendly service and a cosy ambiance.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Lucca’s historic centre

Visit Torre Guinigi, San Michele Church, and wander narrow cobbled streets full of history.
EUR5, 3h0m

6:00pm

Relax in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Enjoy an aperitivo in the iconic oval square built on a Roman amphitheatre foundation.
EUR12, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Buca di Sant’Antonio

Dine in one of Lucca’s oldest restaurants serving classic Tuscan fare with a fine wine list.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lucca Stay & Leisure

Lucca, Italy on July 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby cafe

Light Italian breakfast with coffee and pastries to start the day.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Day trip to Pisa

Take a short 30-minute train ride to Pisa, visit the Leaning Tower and nearby monuments. Open 9am-8pm.
EUR12, 5h0m

2:30pm

Return to Lucca for lunch

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Ristorante Giglio near Piazza San Michele.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:30pm

Boat ride on Serchio River

Experience a short, scenic boat trip on the Serchio River for beautiful natural views.
EUR15, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening stroll and aperitivo

Enjoy a leisurely walk and a refreshing aperitivo in Lucca’s historic centre.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Imbuto

Enjoy innovative Tuscan cuisine in this modern Michelin-starred restaurant in Lucca.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lucca to Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 18, 2025

7:30am

Train from Lucca to Cinque Terre

Take morning trains with a transfer in La Spezia to reach Cinque Terre (Monterosso). Total approx. 2.5 hrs.
EUR25, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at a beachfront cafe in Monterosso

Enjoy fresh coffee and focaccia overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Hiking the Blue Trail (Monterosso to Vernazza)

Explore one of Italy's iconic coastal trails with spectacular sea views; trail open daily, bring water and sun protection.
EUR7 (Park ticket), 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch in Vernazza at Belforte Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood on the terraced cliffside overlooking Vernazza's harbour.
EUR35, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax on the beach or explore Manarola village

Take the train short distance to Manarola to stroll through colourful streets or relax by the waterfront.
EUR5 (train ticket), 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Enjoy light dinner and spectacular sunset views with local focaccia and wine.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cinque Terre Exploration

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar La Ghigliera, Manarola

Start your day with Italian coffee and pastries with sea views.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Riomaggiore and Corniglia

Explore the two charming villages by train and foot; Corniglia is unique for its canyon setting.
EUR7 (Park trail ticket and train fare), 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at A Cantina de Mananan, Corniglia

Savour rustic Ligurian dishes and local wines in this charming trattoria.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat ride along Cinque Terre coast

Enjoy a boat tour to see villages from the sea, an excellent perspective for photos.
EUR25, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax in Monterosso

Return to Monterosso to relax on the beach or explore local shops.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Miky Restaurant, Monterosso

Celebrate your day with exquisite seafood in a refined setting.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Cinque Terre to Bologna

Bologna, Italy on July 20, 2025

7:00am

Train to Bologna

Depart early from Monterosso to Bologna; approximately 3.5-4 hours via La Spezia and Florence.
EUR35, 4h0m

11:30am

Arrival and lunch at Osteria dell’Orsa

Enjoy classic Bolognese pasta dishes like tagliatelle al ragù close to Piazza Maggiore.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Piazza Maggiore and Fountain of Neptune

Explore Bologna’s central square and admire the spectacular Fountain of Neptune, a symbol of the city.
Free, 1h0m

2:00pm

Asinelli Tower climb

Climb the tallest leaning tower in Italy for amazing views of Bologna and surrounding hills. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

3:30pm

Basilica di San Petronio

Visit one of the largest churches in the world with impressive interiors and historic significance.
Free, small fee for entrance to some chapels, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Parco della Montagnola

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in one of Bologna's historic parks.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria di Via Serra

Feast on authentic Bolognese cuisine including tortellini and mortadella in a family-run atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 9: Bologna Cultural Day

Bologna, Italy on July 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Rubik

Start with excellent Italian coffee and fresh pastries in a modern venue.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Museo Civico Archeologico

Explore ancient artifacts, Etruscan and Egyptian collections that showcase Bologna’s rich history.
EUR6, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tamburini

Sample cured meats, cheeses, and traditional dishes at this renowned deli and eatery.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca

Take bus or taxi up to this beautiful hilltop church with panoramic views of Bologna (open 7am-8pm).
EUR8 round-trip bus, 3h0m

6:00pm

Evening Stroll and Gelato

Walk through Bologna’s lively streets and enjoy gelato at Gelateria Gianni.
EUR8, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Da Cesari

Experience traditional Bolognese cuisine in a family-run restaurant loved by locals.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Bologna to Florence

Florence, Italy on July 22, 2025

9:00am

Train to Florence

Take a morning fast train from Bologna back to Florence (about 40 minutes).
EUR25, 0h40m

10:00am

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast near Santa Maria Novella station.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens

Explore the Renaissance palace museum and stroll through beautiful gardens. Gardens open 8:15am-6:30pm.
EUR16, 3h0m

3:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Santo Spirito

Casual Tuscan dishes in a lively piazza setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Shopping and walking along Ponte Vecchio

Browse jewellery shops and enjoy sunset views over the Arno river.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri

End your trip with a Michelin-starred fine dining experience with exceptional wines.
EUR100, 2h30m
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Day 11: Florence Departure

Florence, Italy on July 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a light Italian breakfast before your journey home.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping

Stroll nearby markets or artisan shops for last-minute gifts and mementos.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Depart to airport by shuttle or bus

Allow plenty of time for transfer to Florence airport for your flight home.
EUR6, 1h0m
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