A 7-Day Itinerary of Tuscany
History, Small Towns, and the Countryside
If you're trying to plan an amazing trip through Tuscany, but are not sure where to start things off, where to go, or how much money you'll need, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you take in all of the museums, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples along the way. Consider this your go-to guide, giving you all the details to schedule an epic seven-day adventure through the region.
If you follow this guide, you'll find amazing wine, picture-perfect views, gourmet food, and quaint small towns surrounded by rolling hills. All of the specific planning information you need will be covered below, such as the route, expected budget, activities, and where to stay.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Florence (2 days)
- Siena (2 days)
- Pisa (1 day)
- Volterra (2 days)
Siena, Italy
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small Town Charm
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Historic Sites
- Museums
- Nightlife
The beautiful and charming small towns of the region are a must-see. They provide an excellent chance to dive into the local culture, history, food, and more. In particular, make sure you visit Volterra for that quintessential small town charm.
Indulging in delectable cuisine is a major motivator for travel, and a visit to Tuscany is no different. Brace yourself for an abundance of outstanding restaurants and local dishes that are simply a must-try. Dining opportunities in Siena, Pisa, and Florence are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
Tuscany pulls in visitors for its breathtaking scenery, a key highlight of the region. Don't forget your camera - trust me, the real-life experience is even more awe-inspiring. You don't want to miss Pisa, Siena, and Florence for the beautiful scenery.
Tuscany is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.
Along this itinerary, you'll discover a number of fantastic museums waiting to be explored, so be sure to carve out some time to see them. When it comes to Siena, Florence, and Pisa, the museums offer great experiences.
Get ready for a buzzing nightlife scene in Tuscany with plenty of hot spots that are an absolute must-visit. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Pisa.
Florence
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is a great time to visit Tuscany. It's a peak travel season here that draws plenty of visitors for a good reason. Although you might encounter bustling crowds, the upside is that everything will be wide open and within easy reach.
If you can, consider visiting during autumn. This is when the weather takes on a slightly cooler edge, the natural scenery transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, and, as an added bonus, the tourist crowds typically dissipate by this time of year.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's get into the romantic side of Tuscany. This region has a well-deserved reputation as the perfect spot for couples. If you're exploring with your special someone, get ready for a truly delightful experience. Especially visit Siena, Florence, and Volterra for the enchanting atmosphere.
If you're planning a family getaway, the area is an absolute winner for a fantastic, kid-friendly trip. There's a wide variety of activities tailored for the little ones. We'll dig into more details below.
This area offers a myriad of travel choices perfect for those on a budget or backpacking adventure. Whether it's budget-friendly hostels, affordable hotels, free activities, pocket-friendly dining, or the lively social scene, you're in for a fantastic trip even if you're pinching pennies. Spending more time in Pisa and Florence can especially help your budget.
The Cathedral and Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Transportation
Getting from one destination to another in Tuscany is generally easy, with the majority of these places being approximately 2 hours apart.
We selected Florence as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Florence, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Tuscany is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Traveling around with this itinerary is easy if you have a car. If you didn't bring your own wheels, go ahead and reserve a rental car. Having your own set of wheels gives you total freedom and flexibility in Tuscany since you can roll on your own time and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
Buses offer an excellent means of transportation within the area due to their affordability, speed, and convenience. For budget-conscious travelers who prefer not to be at the wheel, exploring the various price options makes considering buses an attractive alternative to other transportation modes.
Is seven days enough time in Tuscany?
Yes, seven days should give you ample time to explore the key destinations in Tuscany. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures you can savor these locales at a leisurely pace, making your trip both relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, if you're eager for more local experiences, feel free to extend your stay or delve deeper into each spot. Day trip options abound, offering flexibility. Conversely, if time is tight, you can customize this suggested itinerary for a shorter yet fulfilling visit. While trimming destinations is an option, we recommend sticking to around seven days to truly appreciate everything.
How much does a seven-day trip to Tuscany cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting seven-day journey across Tuscany. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | $167 | 2 | $333 |
| Siena | $142 | 2 | $285 |
| Pisa | $130 | 1 | $130 |
| Volterra | $110 | 2 | $219 |
| Total per Person | $967 | ||
| for 2 People | $1,934 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this seven-day journey in Tuscany tallies up to $967 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Tuscany based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | $118 | 2 | $236 |
| Siena | $107 | 2 | $214 |
| Pisa | $73 | 1 | $73 |
| Volterra | $125 | 2 | $250 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $773 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're all about smart spending on your adventure, hostels are an enticing option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below show the average expenses for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. Despite sacrificing a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, the lively atmosphere often cultivates a social setting, creating fantastic opportunities to build new connections. It's worth noting that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, along with additional perks like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are computed from available hostel data shared by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | $32 | 2 days | $63 |
| Siena | $17 | 2 days | $34 |
| Pisa | $26 | 1 day | $26 |
| Volterra | $23 | 2 days | $45 |
| Total Hostel Cost | $169 | ||
Tuscany Itinerary
1. Florence
2 Days
Florence is the capital of Italy's famous Tuscany region. It's a city filled with some of the world's most famous and beautiful art and architecture. There are many iconic sights including the famous Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the The Galleria dell'Accademia where you'll find Michelangelo's David. The city is also filled with cafes and shops where you can buy fine Italian items or souvenir knockoffs.
Florence brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. You'll want to make sure to have at least enough time to see the highlights, but even more time to explore all of it.
For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
Florence has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Florence
How to Spend 2 Days in Florence
Day 1:
When visiting Florence, you absolutely can't miss the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore) as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The culinary scene in Florence is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.
Florence is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Most people explore the city on foot.
Day 2:
Florence is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the city's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.
Florence is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city's beautiful architecture and impressive gardens make it among the most beautiful cities in the world.
The public transit in Florence is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There is a comprehensive bus system.
More Activities
Florence offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Florence, see Cheap Uffizi Skip-the-Line Tickets and Tours in Florence, The Best Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours in Florence, The Best Walking Tours in Florence, and The Best Cooking Tours in Florence.
Florence Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Florence hovers around a reasonable $167 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Florence here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $10 | $24 | $47 |
| Food2 | $16 | $39 | $95 |
| Entertainment1 | $12 | $32 | $92 |
| Alcohol2 | $8 | $20 | $43 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Florence have an average price of $118 based on the average from 1623 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Florence here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Florence, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $32. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Florence here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Florence to Siena.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Florence to Siena. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Florence to Siena are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
2. Siena
2 Days
Siena is a beautiful city in the heart of Tuscany. It is filled with medieval brick buildings and at the heart of the city is the famous Piazza del Camp. Many iconic sights are located near the square including the Palazzo Pubblico and the town hall.
Siena brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great destination for couples and backpackers because of everything available.
Siena has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Siena
How to Spend 2 Days in Siena
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.
Siena is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It's considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. There's a central plaza with neighborhoods spreading out from there. The buildings are made of a distinct medieval brick and the atmosphere is enjoyable.
Siena is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The compact town center is best explored on foot.
Day 2:
Don't miss Piazza del Campo during your trip to Siena, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.
Public transit in Siena is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.
More Activities
Siena offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Siena, see Torre del Mangia, Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and Palazzo Pubblico.
Siena Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Siena hovers around a reasonable $142 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Siena here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $21 | $21 | $21 |
| Food2 | $50 | $54 | $62 |
| Entertainment1 | $4 | $4 | $4 |
| Alcohol2 | $2 | $2 | $2 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Siena have an average price of $107 based on the average from 207 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Siena here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Siena, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $17. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Siena here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Siena to Pisa.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Siena to Pisa. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Siena to Pisa are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
3. Pisa
1 Day
Pisa is a world-famous city that's located in the region of Tuscany. While most people will recognize its famous Leaning Tower, the city itself has many beautiful buildings and a wonderful atmosphere. There are lively squares, a beautiful cathedral, and world class restaurants. The city is also home to a world renowned university.
Pisa brings plenty of visitors because it has museums, beaches, and nightlife. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.
What to See in Pisa
How to Spend 1 Day in Pisa
When visiting Pisa, you absolutely can't miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.
Pisa is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city is a great place to explore on foot.
More Activities
Pisa offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Pisa, see The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Pisa, The Best Wine Tours around Pisa, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Camposanto Monumentale.
Pisa Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Pisa hovers around a reasonable $130 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Pisa here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $12 | $12 | $12 |
| Food2 | $20 | $54 | $151 |
| Entertainment1 | $8 | $21 | $55 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Pisa have an average price of $73 based on the average from 229 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Pisa here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Pisa, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $26. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Pisa here.
Transportation
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Pisa to Volterra.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Pisa to Volterra. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Pisa to Volterra are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
4. Volterra
2 Days
Volterra is a charming hilltop town that has a huge number of historic sights packed into a small and quaint area. It's not as popular with tourists as you might expect, so you can enjoy the atmosphere without the typical crowds. The city is walled and has many great buildings and museums.
Volterra brings plenty of visitors because it has museums and delicious food. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.
For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world.
Volterra has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Volterra
How to Spend 2 Days in Volterra
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.
The culinary scene in Volterra is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.
Volterra is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Most people explore the town on foot.
Day 2:
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Volterra, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.
Volterra is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The quaint town setting with wandering streets and beautiful buildings make this a highlight of any trip to Italy.
More Activities
Volterra offers a large selection of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do. Take a look at some of the better options, compare prices, and make your reservations ahead of time to ensure a fantastic adventure.
If you're looking for even more ideas of things to do in Volterra, see The Best Cooking Classes in Volterra, The Roman Theatre, Medici Fortress, and Palazzo Pretorio.
Volterra Costs
Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Volterra hovers around a reasonable $110 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Volterra here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $2 | $5 | $9 |
| Food2 | $17 | $39 | $75 |
| Entertainment1 | $5 | $12 | $24 |
| Alcohol2 | $7 | $17 | $33 |
Accommodation
Hotels
Hotels in Volterra have an average price of $125 based on the average from 74 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Volterra here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Volterra, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $23. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Volterra here.
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Florence.
If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Volterra to Florence.
Taking the train is an economical and relaxing way to get from Volterra to Florence. Prices vary by date, so be sure to research train schedules and prices here.
Buses from Volterra to Florence are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in Tuscany, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
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