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This 7-day Tuscany itinerary will guide you through some of the region’s most iconic landmarks and its most breathtaking corners—from the picture-perfect villages of Cinque Terre to the architectural beauty of Florence and Siena. I followed this exact route on my own trip, and it remains one of the most unforgettable European holidays I’ve ever experienced.
Designed to suit every type of traveller – whether you’re solo, on a budget, or enjoying a romantic honeymoon – this itinerary is flexible and easy to follow. If Italy is on your travel list, I can’t recommend this ultimate 7-day Tuscany itinerary enough. Packed with tips, highlights, and insider advice, this guide will help you create a truly unforgettable Italian adventure.
7-Day Tuscany Itinerary Overview: Your Complete Trip Plan
Florence Travel Guide: Top Sights, Tips & Hidden Gems
Florence is a spectacular must-see city, bursting with incredible culture, stunning architecture, rich religious history, and world-class Renaissance art. Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s highlights, wander its charming streets, and indulge in plenty of gelato, pasta, and pizza – all essential parts of the Italian experience!
Below is a flexible itinerary packed with Florence’s best sights, so you can pick and choose the activities that interest you most.
Day 1: Discover the Heart of Florence
Wander Around the City – Start your trip slowly with a coffee or breakfast, and let yourself get lost in Florence’s charming streets. Take in the atmosphere and get a first taste of the city.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella – Located near the main train station, this Gothic church is one of Tuscany’s most important. Plan 1–1.5 hours to explore.
Basilica di San Lorenzo – One of the largest and oldest churches in Florence, once the parish church of the Medici family. Some Medici members are buried here.
Accademia Gallery – A must-see, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David. Visits take about 1 hour, but the museum can get busy—book tickets in advance, ideally with skip-the-line access.
Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) – One of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals. Beyond admiring the exterior, don’t miss:
- The Dome – Climb for panoramic views of Florence (not recommended if you’re afraid of heights).
- The Bell Tower – 414 steps to breathtaking city views.
- The Baptistery – An octagonal building right in front of the cathedral.
- Opera del Duomo Museum – Discover the artists and history behind Florence’s monumental cathedral complex.
- Santa Reparata – Explore the ruins of one of Florence’s first Christian temples beneath the cathedral.
Tip: Purchase the Brunelleschi Pass for access to all cathedral sites. Visiting everything takes roughly 2–3 hours.
Day 2: Art, Squares, and Iconic Landmarks
The Uffizi Gallery – Home to masterpieces like The Birth of Venus and Primavera, the Uffizi’s art and architecture are breathtaking even for non-art lovers. Expect 3–4 hours to explore, and book an early time slot to avoid the crowds.
Piazza della Signoria – Just a short walk from the Uffizi, this lively square features the Fountain of Neptune and the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery.
Palazzo Vecchio – Florence’s historic town hall, combining Roman ruins, medieval fortress elements, and Renaissance art. Plan 1–2 hours to explore this iconic landmark.
Day 3: Explore Florence’s Hidden Gems & Views
Basilica of Santa Croce – This stunning basilica houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo. Allow 1–2 hours for a visit.
Bargello Museum – Once a barracks and prison, now a gallery showcasing Renaissance sculptures, including works by Michelangelo. Expect 1–2 hours here.
Ponte Vecchio – Stroll across this famous bridge over the Arno River, an iconic symbol of Florence.
Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens – One of Florence’s largest palaces, home to multiple museums and galleries, with the historic Boboli Gardens right behind. Allow 4–5 hours to explore both.
Piazzale Michelangelo – End your Florence adventure with the perfect sunset over the city’s skyline and famous landmarks. An unforgettable experience not to be missed!
Siena Travel Guide: What to See, Eat & Do
Just an hour from Florence, Siena is a must-visit for anyone exploring Tuscany. While the city is smaller and quieter than Florence, that’s exactly its charm—perfect for slowing down, enjoying a drink in the square, and watching life unfold around you.
Day 4: Explore Siena
Wander the Streets of Siena – Take your time strolling through Siena’s winding alleys, soaking in the medieval architecture and discovering hidden corners of the city.
Piazza del Campo – Siena’s main square is one of Italy’s most beautiful. Grab a drink, find a sunny spot, and admire the surrounding buildings. Don’t miss the Fountain of Joy, a central feature of the square.
Palazzo Pubblico – Located right on the Piazza del Campo, this historic town hall is filled with stunning frescoes and impressive architecture. An hour is enough to explore the highlights, and tickets can be purchased on-site.
Torre del Mangia – Adjacent to Palazzo Pubblico, this 87-meter tower was built between 1338 and 1348. Climb the 400+ steps for panoramic views of Siena—allow about an hour for your visit.
Basilica of San Domenico – Built between 1226 and 1265, this important church is worth a quick visit, taking less than an hour to explore.
Siena Cathedral (Duomo) – One of Italy’s most magnificent Romanesque-Gothic churches, the cathedral is just as impressive inside as it is outside. Highlights of the cathedral complex include:
- Gate of Heaven – A rooftop walkway offering incredible views over the city.
- Piccolomini Library – Inside the cathedral, this ornate library features vibrant Pinturicchio frescoes.
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – One of Italy’s oldest private museums, featuring statues and stunning stained glass windows.
- Crypt – Descend into the crypt to see 13th-century frescoes, rediscovered in a major archaeological find.
- Baptistry – Built in the early 14th century, home to remarkable early Renaissance art.
- Facciatone – An observation point on an unfinished church facade, offering panoramic city views.
Tip: Purchase the Opa Si Pass to access all cathedral sites listed above (except the Gate of Heaven). Exploring the entire complex takes roughly 2–3 hours.
Pisa Travel Guide: Beyond the Leaning Tower
Pisa is a small city, making it perfect for a one-day visit. While it’s famous for the Leaning Tower, there’s more to see if you take your time to explore its streets, squares, and riverside views.
Day 5: Explore Pisa
Wander Around Pisa – Stroll through the city and along the River Arno to discover parts of Pisa beyond the main tourist sites.
Pisa Cathedral (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta) – Located in Piazza dei Miracoli, right next to the Leaning Tower, this Romanesque cathedral is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour—but it’s just as impressive, if not more.
Baptistery – The largest baptistery in Italy, known for its incredible acoustics. Twice an hour, an attendant demonstrates this by singing a few notes—a magical experience.
Camposanto – Situated on the north side of the cathedral square, this historic cemetery was founded in 1277 to house the graves previously scattered around the cathedral.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – Showcasing original artwork from the cathedral, baptistery, Camposanto, and Leaning Tower, this museum is a must for art enthusiasts.
Tip: Purchase a combined ticket to access all cathedral sites listed above, plus the Leaning Tower. Visiting everything takes around 2–3 hours.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa – The city’s most famous attraction! Leaning by about 4 degrees due to an unstable foundation, this iconic tower is a must-see. You can climb the 294 steps to the top for breathtaking views of Piazza dei Miracoli.
Palazzo dei Cavalieri – A stunning 16th-century palace located on Knight’s Square. While you can’t enter, the intricate facade and historic square are well worth a visit.
Santa Maria della Spina – A tiny Gothic church along the River Arno. Visiting hours are limited, but it’s worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.
National Museum of San Matteo – Home to Pisa’s largest art collection, this lesser-known gem is perfect for escaping the crowds around the Leaning Tower. Plan 1–2 hours to explore.
Cinque Terre Travel Guide: Villages, Views & Instagram Spots
Cinque Terre is made up of five charming villages along the Italian Riviera: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. Getting between the villages is easy thanks to excellent train connections, making it simple to explore even in just a couple of days.
While it’s unlikely you’ll see all five villages in two days, you can choose two or three that appeal most to you. Travelling back to Pisa or Florence from Cinque Terre is also straightforward, which is handy if you have a flight to catch.
Day 6: Explore Riomaggiore and Manarola
Riomaggiore – The first village from La Spezia, Riomaggiore is full of colourful streets and a picturesque marina.
Top things to do in Riomaggiore:
- Relax on the pebble beach – Access via the stairs near the ferry dock.
- Terra di Bargòn – Enjoy a wine tasting at their cantina (40–60 minutes) or take a 2.5-hour vineyard tour.
- Riomaggiore Castle – Built in 1260, offering great views from the tower.
- Church of San Giovanni Battista – Founded in 1340, with lovely views over the village.
- Sanctuary of Montenero – A 45-minute hike to a remote church and monastery with incredible ocean views.
Manarola – Built on a high rock 70 metres above sea level, Manarola is one of the most romantic villages in Cinque Terre.
Top things to do in Manarola:
- Manarola Outlook Viewpoint – Only 5–10 minutes from the centre, perfect at sunrise or sunset.
- Take a dip in the marina – Sunbathe or swim in the calm waters.
- Church of San Lorenzo – A 14th-century stone church decorated with frescoes, just 10 minutes from the harbour.
- Vineyard Walk – A 20-minute path past vineyards to Punta Bonfiglio cemetery, offering stunning views.
- A Piè de Campu – Wine tastings, vineyard tours, and even pesto-making classes.
Day 7: Explore Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso
Corniglia – The least visited village, perched high above the sea and accessed by 382 steps. Its charm more than makes up for the effort.
Top things to do in Corniglia:
- Largo Taragio Square – The village’s main square with a chapel and monument.
- Corniglia Viewpoint – Amazing views over the village and the surrounding coastline.
- Chiesa di San Pietro – Gothic church dating back to 1334 with a remarkable interior.
- Marina di Corniglia – A perfect spot for a drink or meal overlooking the Riviera.
- Terra Rossa – Enjoy local wines on the terrace at sunset.
Vernazza – Often called the most picturesque village, with a marina surrounded by colourful houses.
Top things to do in Vernazza:
- Sunbathe and swim – Options include the port sandy beach, rocks around the marina, or the hidden Vernazza beach.
- Vernazza Viewpoint – Ideal for sunrise or sunset.
- Doria Castle – Medieval fortress offering sweeping village views.
- Church of St. Margaret of Antioch – A small 14th-century church with an octagonal tower.
- Cantina Cheo – Wine tastings in vineyards perched above the village.
Monterosso – The largest village, with a resort feel, split into the old town and the beachy Fegina area.
Top things to do in Monterosso:
- Beaches – The only sandy beaches in Cinque Terre, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
- Statua di San Francesco d’Assisi – Overlooking the old town and the Ligurian Sea near Torre Aurora.
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista – 14th-century church with iconic white-and-black stripes.
- Convent of the Capuchin Friars – Peaceful monastery with panoramic views.
- Punta Mesco – A scenic one-hour hike with stunning views of the Cinque Terre coastline.
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Kirsty x
