12-Day Northern to Southern Italy Rail and Bus Journey: Florence, Bologna, Lucca, Siena, Pienza, Val d'Orcia, and Cinque Terre

Day 1: Florence Arrival

Florence, Italy on July 11, 2025

9:00am

Piazza del Duomo

Visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and climb Brunelleschi's Dome for a panoramic view of Florence. It's a must-see for art and architecture lovers.

EUR18, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Florentine cuisine in this popular spot known for its authentic Bistecca alla Fiorentina.

EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Uffizi Gallery

Explore one of the most important art museums in Italy featuring works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Open from 8:15am to 6:50pm.

EUR20, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Savor Tuscan specialties in a cozy romantic setting near the city center.

EUR40, 1h30m

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Day 2: Florence Exploration

Florence, Italy on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your day with an Italian espresso and pastries in this historic café open from 7:30am.

EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Accademia Gallery

Visit the home of Michelangelo’s David and impressive Renaissance sculptures. Open 8:15am to 6:50pm.

EUR16, 1h30m

11:00am

Ponte Vecchio and Oltrarno District

Walk along the historic bridge with jewelry shops and explore artisan shops in Oltrarno.

Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Sostanza

Enjoy Florentine classics such as the butter chicken in this local favorite.

EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Boboli Gardens

Stroll through the expansive gardens behind Pitti Palace with sculptures and great city views. Open 8:15am to 7:30pm.

EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Vini e Vecchi Sapori

Traditional Tuscan dishes with a rustic feel and good wine selection.

EUR35, 1h30m

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Day 3: Florence to Bologna

Florence to Bologna, Italy on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby

Quick Italian breakfast with coffee before departure.

EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Train to Bologna

Take the high-speed train from Florence SMN to Bologna Centrale; travel time approximately 35 minutes.

EUR25, 35m

10:00am

Piazza Maggiore and Basilica of San Petronio

Explore Bologna’s main square and its grand basilica known for its Gothic architecture, open 7am to 7pm.

Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Gianni

Enjoy traditional Bolognese cuisine like Tagliatelle al Ragù in a welcoming atmosphere.

EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda)

Climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic views of the city. Open 9am to 7pm.

EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Walk porticoes and Quadrilatero Market

Explore the medieval arcaded streets and local market for specialty food and crafts.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Drogheria della Rosa

Book ahead for high-quality dishes focusing on fresh ingredients in an intimate setting.

EUR40, 1h30m

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Day 4: Bologna to Lucca

Bologna to Lucca, Italy on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Quick Italian breakfast to start your travel day.

EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Train to Lucca via Florence

Take a train from Bologna to Florence then connect to Lucca; total about 3 hours travel.

EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Giglio

Savor Tuscan dishes near Lucca’s historic center in a charming setting.

EUR28, 1h

2:00pm

Walk Lucca City Walls

Cycle or walk atop the Renaissance walls for lovely city and countryside views. Open all day.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Lucca Cathedral (San Martino)

Explore the Romanesque cathedral and its art treasures, open 10am to 6pm.

EUR5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria Baralla

Try local specialties made with fresh, local produce in this cozy spot inside the city walls.

EUR30, 1h30m

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Day 5: Lucca Day Trip

Lucca, Italy on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Lazzarini

Enjoy a morning coffee and pastry from a beloved local bakery.

EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Torre Guinigi

Climb this historic tower famous for its rooftop oak trees, offering stunning views. Open 10am to 7pm.

EUR5, 1h

11:00am

Explore Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Walk through this unique elliptical piazza built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater.

Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Leo

Delight in classic Tuscan dishes with a family-run atmosphere.

EUR28, 1h

3:00pm

Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi

Tour this museum featuring art and historical furnishings from the Tuscan nobility. Open 9:30am to 7pm.

EUR6, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening stroll and gelato

Relax with a gelato from Gelateria Veneta and stroll the quiet streets around Lucca’s walls.

EUR5, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Buca di Sant’Antonio

Elegant dinner spot famous for rich Tuscan flavors and historic décor.

EUR45, 1h30m

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Day 6: Lucca to Siena

Lucca to Siena, Italy on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Light breakfast to prepare for travel.

EUR7, 30m

8:00am

Train and bus to Siena via Florence

Train from Lucca to Florence, then bus to Siena; total approx 3.5 hours.

EUR30, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Logge

Enjoy refined Tuscan cuisine near Piazza del Campo.

EUR35, 1h

2:00pm

Piazza del Campo and Torre del Mangia

Relax in Siena’s famous shell-shaped square and climb the tower for views. Tower open 10am-7pm.

EUR10, 2h

5:00pm

Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena)

Visit the stunning Gothic cathedral with its black and white façade, open 10am-7pm.

EUR8, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Antica Trattoria Papei

Popular spot for classic Sienese dishes like Pici pasta with rich sauces.

EUR30, 1h30m

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Day 7: Siena to Pienza and Val d'Orcia, then to Lucca

Siena to Pienza/Val d'Orcia then Lucca, Italy on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before exploration day.

EUR8, 30m

8:00am

Bus to Pienza

Take a bus to Pienza for scenic and historic Tuscan hill town exploration, about 1.5 hours travel.

EUR10, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Pienza

Walk the charming Renaissance town including Palazzo Piccolomini and stunning views of Val d'Orcia.

Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Porta

Lovely restaurant just outside Pienza serving local Pecorino cheese and Tuscan dishes.

EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Val d'Orcia scenic tour

Use local bus connections or an arranged tour to explore UNESCO landscapes of Val d'Orcia, iconic cypress-lined roads and wineries.

EUR20, 3h

5:30pm

Travel back to Lucca by train/bus

Return journey is approx 3-4 hours including connection in Siena and Florence.

EUR35, 4h

9:30pm

Light dinner or late snack in Lucca

Enjoy a light meal near your hotel after the long travel day, many places open till 10pm.

EUR15, 1h

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Day 8: Lucca to Cinque Terre

Lucca to Cinque Terre, Italy on July 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Lucca

Start with coffee and pastry at Pasticceria Lazzarini before departure.

EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Train to Cinque Terre (La Spezia station)

Train from Lucca to La Spezia, gateway to Cinque Terre, approx 2.5 hours.

EUR23, 2h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Belforte Restaurant, Vernazza

Enjoy seafood with stunning sea views in Vernazza, one of the five Cinque Terre villages.

EUR35, 1h

1:00pm

Explore Vernazza and Hiking

Walk around Vernazza and then hike part of the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro) towards Monterosso al Mare if open; usually open by summer season.

EUR7 (park entrance), 3h

6:00pm

Check-in to accommodation in Monterosso or nearby

Settle into your lodging for the night in one of Cinque Terre’s villages.

Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Miky, Monterosso

Enjoy high-quality Ligurian cuisine in Monterosso’s main town.

EUR40, 1h30m

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Day 9: Cinque Terre Villages

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation or local café

Start with Italian coffee and fresh pastries in Monterosso or Corniglia.

EUR8, 30m

9:00am

Visit Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore

Use the Cinque Terre train and trails to visit the remaining villages known for picturesque harbor views and colorful houses.

EUR7 for park pass, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Nessun Dorma, Manarola

Popular spot with spectacular views over Manarola, serving simple and delicious sandwiches and salads.

EUR20, 1h

6:00pm

Relax on Monterosso Beach

Enjoy the sandy beach in Monterosso, the largest and best beach in Cinque Terre.

Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at L'Ancora della Tortuga, Monterosso

Seafood specialties in this well-reviewed restaurant near the beach.

EUR40, 1h30m

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Day 10: Cinque Terre Hiking & Relax

Cinque Terre, Italy on July 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Monterosso

Enjoy a good breakfast at your accommodation or local café to energize for hiking.

EUR8, 30m

8:30am

Hike the Blue Trail from Monterosso to Vernazza

This scenic 3-4 hour hike offers breathtaking views along the coastline and is the most famous path in Cinque Terre. Check trail openings; usually open with ticket.

EUR7, 3h30m