7 Splendid Days In The Stunning Region Of Tuscany

Tuscany, in Italy, is the number one aspirational destination for many people around the world. The food, the art, the culture and the magnificent history all combine to make this a traveller’s absolute dream. Unfortunately, though, most of us don’t have unlimited time to experience all the things to do in Tuscany, so planning an itinerary can often be quite tricky. 

It pays to do a little research first so you’ll get to see and do everything you want, and this rough seven-day itinerary covers everything we think you really shouldn’t miss. When it comes to this beautiful part of the world, the idea is to see as much as you can, but don’t beat yourself up over those things you can’t. After all, you’ll be back…

Seven Days Spent Well

By breaking your itinerary into clear daily sections, you’ll be able to see and do so much. You don’t have to follow this to the letter, but it will give you a very well-rounded visit to this wonderful region.

Day 1-2: Fabulous Florence

You could spend several weeks in Florence and not get to see all the things you wanted, but at the very least you should visit as many of these havens of art and culture as possible.

• Bargello

• Accademia

• Uffizi 

• Piazza della Signoria

• Santa Croce

• Duomo

• Ponte Vecchio

Day 3: Sublime Siena

The hilltop city of Siena is a treasure trove of medieval history, and wandering its charming streets to immerse in the ambience is one of the most wonderful things to do in Tuscany. Two of the many architectural highlights include its magnificent striped marble Cathedral with its famous unfinished duomo, and Torre Del Mangia, which presides over the Piazza del Campo. Siena is also the site of the famous annual Palio horse race, and if you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, this is an exciting and evocative event. 

Day 4: Magical San Gimignano

This charming hilltop town is known for its unique skyline of ‘torre’ (towers) of which from an original 72 there are now just 13 remaining. It is very popular, but don’t let the large number of tourists put you off because there is just so much to love about this magical place. Once you’ve lapped up the history and architecture, make sure you don’t leave without sampling what’s renowned as the best gelato in the world!

Day 5: Wine Tasting in Chianti

Of all the things to do in Tuscany, wine tasting is without a doubt one of the most sought after. If you want the full, authentic experience, you can hire a vintage Vespa and tour the region in truly memorable fashion, stopping off at any of the host of small family run vineyards. With a pretty slow top speed you won’t be going anywhere in a hurry, so it pays to set aside an entire day for this relaxing activity. 

Day 6-7: Lovely Lucca 

Lucca has a charm all its own and, while it’s not large, it certainly packs a hefty punch in terms of art and culture. Even though it’s by no means ‘undiscovered’, it has managed to retain its delightful authenticity. As well as seeking out the architectural and historical highlights, a very memorable thing to do is to walk or cycle around the rampart walls that encircle the town. Don’t miss these:

• Piazza Napoleone

• Museo Puccini

• Guinigi Tower

• Baptistery of San Giovanni

• Roman Amphitheatre

Just because you only have a short time doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time! With so many things to do in Tuscany, even a seven-day itinerary can turn into the most memorable time in your life!

Author Plate

Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursion around Italy including the best things to do in Tuscany. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.