Planning your trip in Tuscany and for anyone who wants to see the delights in a week, this is your itinerary. An essential list of what to see and where to go for the time-starved traveller. Follow our lead for all the must-see highlights and picturesque towns, and you won’t go home disappointed.
Haute Retreats Tuscany in a week itinerary:
As a general rule, we don’t like packed itineraries. If you’re only in Tuscany for a week, it’s probably better to choose fewer sights, take your time and enjoy the atmosphere. But if you want to see the best the region has to offer and you only have 7 days, this itinerary is for you.
Florence in 3 days in Florence
Florence is the natural place to start a Tuscan trip. And in our opinion it takes three days to see it properly. This way you’ll be able to enjoy at least one of the main Museums (the must-see Uffizi Gallery and/or the “David” at the Accademia). And fit in a climb up to the Cathedral’s Dome.
The best way to explore the city is on foot, the historical centre is pretty compact. You can combine it with a visit to the Church of Santa Croce, or S.M. Novella that’s wall-to-wall with frescoes, or see one of the city’s many other attractions. For the best view ever, head to Piazzale Michelangelo. For more detailed itineraries in Florence, see our article “Florence in 3 days“.
Pisa in 1 day – The Leaning Tower
From Florence you can easily reach Pisa in an hour by train or car. The must-see highlight here is the Piazza dei Miracoli with the iconic Leaning Tower. In the evening head back to Florence for another amazing sunset on the Ponte Vecchio.
Related Tuscany Villas: Most Beautiful Interiors
The Chianti Area in 1 Day – A taste of La Dolce Vita
We suggest renting a car to travel around the Chianti region or a private driver with a private shuttle who will take you to visit the best areas. Stretching from Florence to Siena it boasts some of the best views and wine tasting experiences in Tuscany. The famous Chianti wine is produced in this area.
Book wine tasting in advance in one of many splendid settings, from castles to Medieval hamlets, and get a taste of the good life in Tuscany. Check out our Chianti road trip itinerary for the perfect day around the Chianti area.
If you have time you can make a side trip to San Gimignano. It’s half way between Florence and Siena and an hour’s drive from Radda in Chianti. With its 14 Medieval towers and picturesque cobbled squares, San Gimignano is probably the most scenic hill top town in Tuscany. It gets pretty busy in high season, but it’s a sight that’s hard to forget. You might even decide to stay the night.
RELATED Chianti: Best Wineries to Visit
Siena in 1 Day – A Medieval gem
To visit Siena is to travel back in time. A perfectly preserved Medieval town, with Gothic architecture and preserved historical centre that’s been declared a UNESCO heritage site. Marvel at the beauty of Piazza del Campo and pay a visit to the awe-insipiring Cathedral.
If you’re thinking of using Siena as a base from which to travel, have a look at our suggestions of the best towns in Tuscany to stay in.
Val D’Orcia in 1 Day
Going South of Siena you will reach the land with magical views and romantic small towns. This is Tuscan countryside at its best. In fact just driving around its winding country roads could be one the highlights of your trip. Visit one of the atmospheric towns like Pienza, known as the “ideal city”, then head to Montepulciano or Montalcino to try some of the area’s famous wines.
One Week is not enough to visit the entire region of Tuscany, but it is great to start with this itinerary and you will be back exploring other parts in future trips.
For more suggestions for your trip, check out Haute Retreats favorite things to do in Tuscany. Buon viaggio!
