A Road Trip around Tuscany
Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy; and for good reason. It has medieval hilltop towns, rolling hills, gorgeous vineyards and even enchanting hot springs. The region is one of the best places to go in Italy, with something for everyone.
Getting Around During Your Tuscany Road Trip
One of the joys of a road trip in Tuscany is the intimacy you get with the countryside, whether it's from behind the wheel or from the seat of a bike. You can do a lot of this on your own, but if you want to explore farther and more thoroughly, you might need a guide. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a Tuscany road trip.
Cars are great for getting around Tuscany and seeing its towns and countryside. For serious scenic drives, two-lane roads wind through vineyards and olive groves along the Tuscan coast, around Monte Amiata, and through Val d'Orcia.
If you're traveling with kids, keep in mind that most Italian drivers don't abide by speed limits on highways and major roads — they drive as fast as they can. In general, traffic is heavy going into large cities in the morning and out of them in the late afternoon. Expect to encounter frequent traffic jams on major roads during those times.
The Ultimate Tuscany Road Trip Itinerary
Start your trip in Florence
The best way to start off a road trip through Tuscany is with a bang in Florence, where you can stop by some of the most famous museums in Italy and soak in the Renaissance architecture. Start at the Duomo di Firenze, an enormous cathedral that towers over the city and is famous for its red dome. Next, head to Signoria Square, where Michelangelo's David stands in all of his glory. Other must-sees include Giotto's bell tower and Uffizi Gallery that has works by Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Lucca
Soak up the scenery: Lucca is surrounded by ancient city walls, which you can walk or cycle along (rental bikes are available). Inside the walls, streets are lined with small shops selling local specialties like olive oil, wine and handmade pasta.
San Gimignano
Take a tour of this ancient city: Built in the 11th century, San Gimignano is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its medieval towers soar above the town, while its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with gourmet food shops and artisanal workshops. Join a guided tour to learn more about the town's history.
Siena
Explore Siena's piazzas: Explore this stunning Tuscan city's historic squares and make sure to visit Piazza del Campo, one of Europe's most famous medieval squares. In summer, it hosts one of Italy's most popular horse races.
Pisa
Visit this medieval city's UNESCO-protected structures, including the world-famous leaning tower. See it from street level or for even better views, climb to the top of the bell tower.
Head to Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a beautiful hilltop town with a history dating back to the Etruscan era. Its wine is renowned, and it's more than happy to let you taste it. The town is full of charming streets that are perfect to be explored on foot.
