Tuscany in 3 days

Tuscany – a region in central Italy knowns for its rolling green hills, picturesque towns and villages, and stunning vistas along cypress-lined roads. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a cultural adventure, Tuscany offers something for everyone.

Tuscany’s vast 23,000 square kilometres make it a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Rent a car to discover the region’s many delights, or opt for the convenience of train travel between Tuscany’s largest cities like Florence, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Lucca.

On my recent three-day road trip through Tuscany, I visited the charming towns of Pienza, Sienna, and Florence. From trying some delicious food and wine, to exploring world-famous museums and monuments, my Tuscany experience was truly unforgettable.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which mean that if you choose to book through it I earn a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support to keep this site up and running!

Day 1 – Rome to Siena

We started our journey early in the morning, leaving Rome to explore the beautiful Val d’Orcia region. Our plan was to head toward Pienza, but there’s also the option to stop at Saturnia on this route, which has some amazing hot springs. This time, we decided to skip it and keep going.

When we got to Pienza, it felt like stepping straight into a postcard. The town is absolutely gorgeous, with picture-perfect views and charming streets at every turn. For lunch, we stopped at a local spot called Beccofino. They didn’t have an English menu, but we managed to figure things out and ordered some Cacio e Pepe, pasta with tomato sauce, and a cold-cut platter. Everything was so fresh and delicious – we couldn’t have asked for a better meal to kick off our day in Pienza!

Next we set out on a scenic 16-minute drive from Pienza to the charming town of San Quirico d’Orcia, known for its picturesque views and iconic photo spots in Tuscany. Upon arrival, we wanted to try some of the town’s famous gelato, but unfortunately everything was closed. We loved the town’s cozy atmosphere and were already planning our next visit

As the day came to an end, we made our way to our Airbnb in San Gusmè, a charming little walled village about 30 minutes from Siena. We arrived just after the sun had set, so we couldn’t fully take in the beauty of the place that night. But when we woke up the next morning, the views completely blew us away! Staying in such a cosy, peaceful spot added something extra special to our Tuscany trip. It gave us the perfect base to explore hidden gems in the region, far from the usual tourist crowds.

Day 2 

After a morning stroll around San Gusme, we made our way to Siena. Located in the heart of Tuscany, this mediaeval city is known for the stunning Piazza del Campo, which is widely considered as one of the most beautiful squares in the world, shaped like a massive shell. In the busy square, you can enjoy wine, pizza, and find lots of bars and restaurants.

This city is a real gem! It’s one of the best-preserved old towns in Europe, with a warm brown glow that gives it so much character. I loved diving into the history through its museums, churches, and galleries. Wandering the narrow streets was a treat too – perfect for picking up local goodies like wine, cheese, sweets, and more.

The main attractions of the city besides Piazza del Campo are 

• Palazzo Pubblico – Gothic-style town hall, built in the 13th century.
• Torre del Mangia – mediaeval tower that  serves as a watchtower and bell tower for the nearby Palazzo Pubblico. At almost 300 feet tall, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. 
• Siena Duomo – gothic-style cathedral with its iconic green and white striped marble exterior and intricate sculptures. The cathedral is a masterpiece of mediaeval architecture and one of the most important landmarks in Tuscany.
• Siena National Gallery – art museum.  It houses a collection of Renaissance and Medieval art, including works by Sienese artists such as Simone Martini, Ambrogio Lorenzetti and others. 

If you are not driving, you can book a tour or take a train from Florence. This beautiful town is a must-visit and is worth dedicating a few hours to. 

We had a delicious lunch and some scrumptious gelato during our time there before heading to our final destination – Florence

After a short drive from Siena, we arrived in Florence and checked into our hotel. Our first stop was to witness the stunning sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, a scenic overlook that offers breathtaking views of the city. With options to walk, drive, or take a bus, it’s easy to reach this amazing spot. Although it can get crowded, we were lucky enough to secure a table and enjoy a glass of wine as we took in the beauty of the setting sun. If you’re visiting during the cooler months, make sure to pack a warm jacket, as the evening breeze can be chilly.

To round off the day, we headed to the Osteria Cinghiale Bianco restaurant, where we had one of the best pasta in Italy. 

On our last day in Tuscany, we set out to soak up the heart of Florence. Even though we had a car, we found that everything we wanted to see was within easy walking distance, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Florence felt like a living museum, packed with beautiful churches, grand palaces, and famous galleries that tell the story of its incredible Renaissance past.

What to see in Florence: 

• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore – an iconic gothic structure in the heart of Florence. This breathtaking cathedral boasts the largest brick dome in the world, crafted by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio over the course of 140 years. Today, it stands as the third largest church in the world, a testament to the brilliance and skill of its creators.

• Giotto’s Campanile – a bell tower located adjacent to the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. This towering structure, designed by the famous artist Giotto, is a must-visit for all visitors to the city, offering breathtaking views from its 414 steps. 

• Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – a beautiful example of Renaissance art, with an interior filled with impressive artwork and architecture. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Florence.

• Ponte Vecchio – A historic bridge of Florence, once populated by butchers and fishmongers, now sparkles with glittering jewellery stores

• Piazza Della Signoria – historic square, featuring iconic landmarks such as Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia della Signoria, and the Fountain of Neptune. It serves as a hub of cultural and political significance, showcasing works of art and serving as a symbol of Florence’s rich history.

• Palazzo Vecchio – mediaeval palace, that was once the residence of the Florentine Republic and later served as the town hall. It is a symbol of the city’s rich history and is famous for its stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and beautiful sculptures, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David.

• Loggia della Signoria – an outdoor sculpture gallery, showcasing some of the world’s most beautiful sculptures, and is an important landmark in the heart of the city. 

• Uffizi Gallery – art museum, which houses one of the world’s most important collections of Renaissance art. You can find here work of Michelangelo, Raffaello, Caravaggio, Sandro Botticelli and more 

• Basilica of Santa Croce – large, beautiful church designed by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio. It features a grand interior and is the final resting place of several famous individuals, including Michelangelo and Galileo Galilei.

• Accademia Gallery of Florence – it’s an art museum where you can see the original Michelangelo’s David sculpture and collection of paintings of Florentine artist

Where to Stay in Tuscany:

This region is filled with lovely hotels and guesthouses. But, to make your choice easier, here are my favourites:

Castello di Velona –  historic castle turned into a luxury resort

Ville Sull’Arno –  luxurious hotel that offers a blissful retreat by the river 

The Place Firenze – 5* hotel with beautiful views 

Castel Monastero – historic castle in rustic style

From the moment I arrived in Tuscany, I was taken by its beauty and culture. My three days here were packed with amazing views, incredible art, and unforgettable food.

Each day brought something new – from the rolling hills and charming villages to the lively streets of Florence, full of history and museums. The highlight was definitely the food—every dish was full of flavor and showed off Tuscany’s culinary pride.

Planning a road trip? Check out a few of the essentials

1. Car Phone Holder: Keep your navigation in clear view without taking your hands off the wheel as you drive through the Tuscan hills.
2. Travel Cooler: Stock up on local cheeses, wines, and other snacks to enjoy fresh while you explore.
3. Compact First Aid Kit: Always good to have on hand for any minor incidents on the road.
4. Picnic Blanket: Many of Florence’s scenic spots are perfect for a spontaneous picnic, so a foldable blanket can be quite useful.
5. USB Car Charger: Keep your gadgets charged while you’re on the move, ensuring you’re ready to take photos or consult maps at a moment’s notice.

—————————————————————————————————————–