Tuscany in 3 days

Tuscany – a region in central Italy renowned for its rolling green hills, picturesque mediaeval 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 savouring delicious food and wine, to exploring world-famous museums and monuments, my Tuscany experience was truly unforgettable.

Day 1 

Starting on a journey through the picturesque region of Val d’Orcia, we set out early in the morning from Rome and made our way towards Pienza. One spot you could do on this route is Saturnia, with hot springs. We decided to skip that this time.

As soon as we stepped into Pienza, it was like walking into a living postcard. Every corner was a feast for the eyes. We stayed there for lunch at Beccofino. They didn’t have any English menu but we managed to order Pici Cacio e pepe, pasta with tomato sauce and a cold cut tray. Everything was very delicious! 

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 were eager to sample some of the town’s renowned gelato, but were disappointed to find that everything was closed. Nevertheless, we were charmed by the quaint atmosphere of the town and were already planning our next visit

As the day wound down, we headed to our Airbnb in San Gusmè, a delightful and scenic walled village just 30 minutes from Siena. Arriving just after sunset, we didn’t get the chance to fully take in the village’s charm, but the next morning’s views were stunning. Staying in a cosy and peaceful spot like San Gusmè really made our Tuscany trip special, letting us explore the region’s tucked-away treasures far from the busy tourist spots.

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 renowned for the magnificent Piazza del Campo, which is widely considered as one of the most beautiful squares in the world, shaped like a massive shell. Amidst the bustling crowds, sipping on wine and savouring pizza, one can also find numerous bars and restaurants in the square.

The city itself is a true gem, one of the best-preserved old towns in Europe, with a warm brown hue that adds to its character. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history by exploring museums, churches, and galleries. Strolling through the narrow streets, you can also indulge in local shopping, picking up 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 – the magnificent city of Florence

After a short drive from Siena, we arrived in Florence and checked into our airbnb. 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 magnificent 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 indulged in a delicious serving of pasta. With such a fantastic end to our day, we were already excited for the adventures to come in Florence

On our last day in Tuscany, we set out to explore the essence of Florence. Even though we had a car available, we discovered that the city’s key attractions were all within easy walking distance, which was perfect for sightseeing on foot. Florence is a wealth of art and history, home to an impressive collection of beautiful churches, grand palaces, and famous galleries that all highlight the city’s storied past as a center of Renaissance art and sculpture.

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

• Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – is a stunning example of Renaissance beauty, its interior adorned with magnificent artwork and architectural elements that leave a lasting impression on all who visit. A true masterpiece of religious architecture, this church is not to be missed on any trip to 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 stepped into Tuscany, I was charmed by its stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage. My three days in this magical region were filled with breathtaking views, inspiring works of art, and delicious cuisine that left a lasting impression.

With each passing day, I discovered something new and exciting, from the rolling hills dotted with picturesque villages, to the bustling streets of Florence, filled with historic landmarks and world-class museums. The highlight of my trip was undoubtedly the incredible food, with every dish bursting with flavour and showcasing the region’s proud culinary traditions.

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.

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