How many days should you spend in Tuscany? View any photo of Tuscany’s beautiful views, rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and cypress tree-lined roads, and it’s easy to see why this question can be a tough one from a planning perspective. There is an endless list of things to do, with food to savor, wine to experience, and sights to see.
Any traveler wants to ensure that their time and money are both well-budgeted on their vacation, and a trip to Tuscany is no different. It can be overwhelming when you are looking to experience adventure and relaxation in one region. Not to mention, you don’t want to arrive in Italy and realize that you should have planned differently.
But, whether you are planning a multi-city vacation to Italy and want to head to Florence for the day, or you want to plan an entire vacation in the region, we have ideas. If you’ve ever wondered about how many days to spend in Tuscany, we’ve got the inside scoop to make it all clear.
How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Tuscany?
Trying to answer the question of how many days to spend in Tuscany depends on the person. However, a good figure to keep in mind is that it requires five to seven days to visit. That’s because it includes extended stops at historic sites and a few days in the countryside, the sea, and more exclusive places. From a geographical perspective, Tuscany has it all.
Visit Tuscany in One Day – Florence
Galleria Degli Uffizi
The Galleria Degli Uffizi is the most visited museum in Florence and for good reason. Its popularity is due to its significance in Italy and internationally, as it includes priceless works from the Italian Renaissance. You can also purchase tickets to the Corridoio Vasariano, the famous “walkway above the city” the Medici family used hundreds of years ago, as well as Palazzo Pitti, a treasure trove of art and culture; and the Boboli Gardens, a sprawling mecca of paths and landscape architecture.
Duomo di Firenze (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Florence’s Duomo, formally known as Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most culturally known churches in the world. Anyone who thinks of the Florence skyline undoubtedly thinks of the Brunelleschi Dome, a wonder of physics and art. Purchase tickets to the Duomo, baptistery, or bell tower (or all three) and admire the breathtaking frescoes, marble details, and views of Florence.
Ponte Vecchio
When you are asking yourself how many days you need in Florence and Tuscany, no trip to Florence would be complete without crossing the world-famous Ponte Vecchio. What was a meat market years ago is now a must-visit for locals and tourists alike, since it connects both sides of the city. Window shop the many jewelry shops…or stop in for a beautiful souvenir.
Insider Tip: Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for what many consider to be the best views of Florence. It is completely free, and your photos will be priceless.
Explore more: Day Trips from Florence — 15 Unforgettable Tours
Visit Tuscany in Three Days – Keep Traveling
Day Two: Siena and San Gimignano
Siena is known for its cuisine, art, breathtaking medieval architecture, and world-famous Palio, or horse race, which takes place twice per year. The city is divided into 17 wards or contrade, that compete in the Piazza del Campo. Siena’s Duomo, the botanical gardens, and Torre del Mangia are all worth a visit, and eating pici, a local specialty, is a must-do.
San Gimignano is another charming medieval town that is worth factoring into your plans for how many days to spend in Tuscany. Walk through the winding streets and climb the Torre Grossa.
Insider Tip: Everyone knows that no trip to Italy would be complete without multiple scoops of gelato. Although it is known for being delicious throughout the country, San Gimignano has a gelateria known for its many awards and championships, Gelateria Dondoli.
Explore more: Day Trips from Siena – Discover Slices of Tuscan Life
Day Three: Pisa and Lucca
When considering how many days to spend in Tuscany, make sure Pisa is on your list. Seeing the Leaning Tower in person is on many people’s bucket list, but the Duomo, baptistery, Palazzo Blu gallery and more also rank high on the list of things to do.
Do not skip Lucca when planning how many days you will be in Tuscany. Visit the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro (an ancient amphitheater), Casa di Puccini (the house of the famous opera composer), climb the clocktower or stroll on the well-preserved city walls.
Insider Tip: In Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, you won’t be able to resist the urge to take the classic photo “holding up” the Leaning Tower. Consider something a little more unique: For five Euros, view the city (and all of its monuments) from a different point of view by purchasing a ticket to walk the city walls.
Explore more: Towns in Tuscany – 15 Jewels of Italy’s Rich Culture
Visit Tuscany in Five Days – Inside the Tuscan Countryside
Day Four: Val D’Orcia and Montepulciano
Many people who dream of Tuscany immediately think of the cypress tree-lined roads in Val D’Orcia. When trying to determine how many days to spend in Tuscany, ensure Val D’Orcia is included in your itinerary. Check out Pienza, Tuscany’s ideal town, as well as Bagno Vignoni for its thermal baths, or Montalcino for its infamous Brunello wine.
In the hilltops town of Montepulciano, you will be surrounded by miles of vineyards because of its vino nobile red wine. Enjoy a glass or two at a local bar or spend some time at its many local wineries. You can also visit local historical sites like the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio and Torre di Pulcinella.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia and Rocca d’Orcia to get some of the best views of the entire Val D’Orcia area. Hint: Climb up the Torre di Tentennano!
Day Five: The Tuscany Coast
For a bit of sand, sea, and sun, head to Tuscany’s coast. Specifically, check out Viareggio, Portoferraio, Forte dei Marmi, or Monte Argentario. They are the traditional getaway spots for those looking for a beach vacation with a mix of other things to do.
Insider Tip: If you are looking to get away from beach crowds, visit Follonica’s water park, Parco Acquatico. No need to fear swallowing salt water!
Visit Tuscany in Seven Days – Like a Local
Day Six: Elba Island
If you are asking yourself how many days you need in Tuscany, you definitely need a couple of days to visit some of Tuscany’s islands. Elba Island, for example, is part of the Tuscan Archipelago and might sound famous because it is where Napoleon was famously exiled in 1814. Visit Villa San Martino to get to know Napoleon’s history better, or hike the Capanne Mount.
Insider Tip: If you are visiting during the warmer months, visit Fetovaia Beach, situated in one of Elba’s natural coves.
Day Seven: Montecristo and Come back
Montecristo is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea and part of Tuscany. For all you literature buffs, the island’s claim to fame derives from Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 book, The Count of Monte Cristo, where the book is set. These days, it is possible to visit the botanical garden, the Royal Villa, and the natural history museum.
After Montecristo, it’s time to head to the airport. Factor in time to return to Florence, the start of your trip, so that you can enjoy convenient travel from its international airport.
Insider Tip: The island belongs to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and visitors need to apply to visit through the Forestry Corps in Follonica.
The Best Transportation to Visit Tuscany
Train
Traveling to Tuscany by train is one of the more convenient options, with many tickets available throughout the day. However, not all towns are reachable by train (especially the smaller ones), so plan accordingly by researching options first. Trenitalia and Italo are reliable websites.
Bus
Buses can be a great way to travel in Tuscany, especially if you are looking to go to a town that is not reachable by train. It is budget-friendly as well, just make sure to research the available times for arrivals and departures to your destinations.
Car Rentals
Renting a car provides you with a great deal of flexibility as you travel through Tuscany. However, in recent years, car rentals have become expensive, and Italian driving requires a bit of know-how before getting behind the wheel. Search for driving tips before committing.
Day Tours
If you are wondering how many days you need in Tuscany but don’t want to do the planning, day tours would be a great option! All you have to do is meet at a designated location and local guides show you around 1, 2, or 3 towns in one day. For the more free-spirited, the planned nature of these trips might be difficult because groups stay together.
FAQs About How Many Days You Should Spend in Tuscany
How Long do you Need to See Tuscany?
You need at least 5-7 days to see a good portion of Tuscany. That amount of time would allow you to visit the high points that we included above or other spots off the beaten path. How much time you should spend in Florence and Tuscany is always up to your individual preferences.
Is Three Days Enough in Tuscany?
That depends on your preferences and the length of your trip. If Tuscany ranks high on your list for your next trip to Italy and you already have sights and small towns in mind, three days might not be enough. But, if you prefer to spend multiple days in other locales like Rome, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast, three days might be sufficient, allowing you to move from one place to the next.
Are Three Days in Florence Too Much?
No! Three days (or more) would be well-spent in Florence. From the museums to local sights and restaurants, there is plenty to do. Or, use Florence as a laid-back city relative to the rest of your itinerary; from its famous wineries to leather and luxury shopping, food tours, and more, enjoy the best of all worlds in Florence.
