Road trip through Tuscany
Culture, history and rolling Tuscan countryside
Get set for an unforgettable road trip through Tuscany with our four-day itinerary. Explore the most beautiful corners of the region as you pass through Florence, Siena, Pienza, and Pisa before arriving at your final destination, Lucca. At each stop, you’ll have the chance to discover hidden treasures from cultural gems to foodie favourites.
Route
Florence ➤ Siena ➤ Pienza ➤ Pisa ➤ Lucca
Distance
Approx. 236 miles/ approx. 7h
Duration of journey
4 days
Highlights
Piazza del Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Val d’Orcia, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Torre Guinigi
Best time to visit
April to June / September to October
Toll
A motorway toll must be paid at toll booths when leaving toll roads.
Day 1 – Florence
The first day of your Tuscan road trip takes you to the Renaissance city of Florence. From architectural wonders like the famous dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore to stunning artworks, such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus there is so much to see. After a day marvelling at the city’s many treasures, treat yourself to traditional Florentine flavours while watching the sunset over this vibrant city.
Must-See Attractions
- Piazza del Duomo: An architectural masterpiece famous throughout the world, no visit to Florence is complete without seeing the Dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: A hill on the south bank of the Arno River, it offers breathtaking views of the whole of Florence and is a great spot for watching the sunset.
- Uffizi Gallery: This renowned museum is famous for its extensive collection of Italian artworks, with paintings from masters including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
- Mercato Centrale: Stock up on fresh, regional and local specialties, including various pastas and cheeses before you hit the road in your camper.
Food & Drink
Local cuisine
- Hortus Firenze
- La Buona Novella
- La Bohème
- Pizza Bike Setti Santi
Popular bars
- B-Roof
- Alla Torre De’ Rossi
- La Terrazza
Day 2 – Siena
On day 2, you’ll continue to the city of Siena. A gem in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is known for its medieval charm. From the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio di Siena horse race takes place twice a year, to narrow ancient alleyways that hide ornate Gothic architecture, the city is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. But it’s not all architecture and artwork, as food lovers can indulge in local specialities like pici pasta and Ricciarelli biscuits.
Sehenswertes
- Duomo of Siena: A Gothic masterpiece, the cathedral enchants visitors with its unique black and white marble columns and ornate façade.
- Piazza del Campo: A real focal point of the city, here you can dine at one of the many restaurants while taking in views of the cathedral. Or if you time your visit right, you can catch Italy’s most popular horse race.
- Basilica Cateriniana di S. Domenico: Considered one of the most important churches in Siena, this spectacular church houses the relics of St Catherine.
- Complesso Museale Santa Maria della Scala: This former hospital is now a fascinating museum packed with archaeological and artistic finds.
Food & Drink
Local cuisine
- La Locanda dei Tintori
- Antica Osteria da Divo
- Il Bocconcino
Popular Bars
- Bar Impero Siena
- San Paolo Pub
- La Taverna di San Giuseppe
Day 3 – Pienza
The penultimate day of your Tuscan road trip takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage town, Pienza. As well as exploring this historic town, you can sample authentic pecorino cheese and even try a game of Cacio al Fuso, a traditional game which involves rolling a pecorino cheese towards a spindle placed in the centre of a piazza. While nature lovers can enjoy exploring the surrounding Val d’Orcia region.
Must-See Attractions
- Corso Rossellino: The 300 metre long main street is packed with quirky boutiques, bars and cafés making it a great place to while away a few hours.
- Palazzo Piccolomini: The magnificent palace, which once served as a summer residence for Pope Pius II, now offers fantastic views of the Tuscan countryside.
- Palazzo Communale: Built in the 17th Century, the old town hall offers insights into the history of the city with the historic rooms open for visitors to explore.
- City walls of Pienza: Enjoy seeing the town from a new perspective as you walk along the city walls and enjoy stunning views across the Orcia Valley.
Food & Drink
Local Cuisine
- La Fonte Agriturismo
- Podere II Casale
- Osteria La Porta
Popular Bars
- Pienza 491
- Idyllium
- Bar II Giardino
Day 4 – Pisa and Lucca
On the last day of your Tuscan road trip, you’ll pass Pisa on your way to your final stop in Lucca. In Pisa, there is only one thing on most people’s minds: snapping that classic picture ‘holding up’ the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But there is so much more to do, from exploring the city’s sights to relaxing in one of the many bars or cafes. It’s then time to move on to Lucca, a lively city that offers the perfect end to your road trip through Tuscany.
Must-See Attractions
Pisa
- Leaning Tower of Pisa: Famous worldwide, this architectural wonder captivates around 14,000 visitors each day. Be sure to take a picture ‘holding’ the tower up.
- Cathedral of Pisa: Next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this cathedral is a typical example of Pisan-Romanesque architectural style and is filled with artistic treasures.
- Palazzo Blu: You can’t miss this museum thanks to its eye-catching blue exterior, but inside is just as fascinating with changing art exhibitions that showcase the diversity of Pisa.
Lucca
- Lucca Cathedral: Dating back to the 12th century, this cathedral has a magnificent façade, as well as offering impressive views from the bell tower for just €3.
- Torre Guinigi: The city’s landmark, this 45-metre-high tower is located in the centre of the city and is one of two remaining family towers in Lucca.
- Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro: Built on the site of an ancient Roman Amphitheatre, this oval square is now home to restaurants and is a great spot to enjoy an evening meal.
- Palazzo Pfanner: Discover this magnificent palace, which enchants guests with its perfectly manicured gardens full of lemon trees, roses and fountains.
Gastronomie
Food & Drink
- L’Obelisco
- Il Corto Maltese 22
- La Sapore
Popular Bars
- Rooftop Sira
- Chupiteria
- Skyline American Bar
Useful tips for your road trip
We recommend spending four to seven days on a Tuscan road trip so you can explore the region fully. Our four-day road trip itinerary offers you the chance to explore some of Tuscany’s most impressive sights. But by extending the trip to seven days, you have more time to relax at campsites and explore the stunning Tuscan countryside.
Before you embark on a road trip in Italy, there are some important traffic rules to be aware of:
Speed limits:
- In urban areas: 50km/h
- Out of towns: 90km/h
- Motorways: 130km/h (110 km/h in case of rain or snow)
The drink/drive limit:
- Drivers under 21 and novice drivers: 0,0 per mille
- For all other drivers: 0,5 per mille
Parking:
- Blue lines: Parking with a meter or parking ticket
- White lines: Free parking, but it is often limited in time
- Yellow lines: Resident parking only
No Driving Zones:
- In many historic cities, there are ‘Zona a Traffico Limitato’ (no-driving zones). Only residents and certain vehicles are allowed to enter these zones, so watch out for signs or do some research before your road trip to discover which cities are off limits to vehicles.
Additional tips:
- Drivers often honk their horns in Italy, often as a warning before overtaking, so don’t be alarmed.
- Italian roads can also be very narrow and winding, especially in old towns and cities, so it’s better to slow down and take care when navigating them.
To ensure your road trip in Tuscany runs smoothly, it’s important to be aware of some key camping rules:
- Wild camping: In most areas, wild camping is considered illegal and is punished with hefty fines. So, we recommend parking at official campsites or in areas designated for camping. Use our roadsurfer spots app to discover pitches and campsites in Tuscany.
- Rest periods: Most campsites have fixed quiet times from 10 pm to 8 am.
- Fire and barbecue bans: Local fire and barbecue restrictions should be adhered to as many areas carry a high risk of fire, especially in summer.